It doesn’t get much creamier than this: our ESN Designer Protein Extra Creamy

With Designer Protein Extra Creamy, we’ve taken our Designer Whey a step further. We no longer rely solely on whey protein, but combine whey with calcium caseinate. In doing so, we bring together the two protein fractions that occur naturally in milk in a single formulation. The result is a shake with a noticeably thicker, fuller-bodied consistency. It provides 24 g of protein per serving and works just as well in a shaker as it does in quark, porridge or in the oven.

Key Facts

Protein source Blend of whey (whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate) and calcium caseinate
Protein per serving 22g–24g per 30g serving
Amino acids Contains all essential amino acids
Texture Particularly creamy and full-bodied thanks to the casein content
With lactase – an enzyme that breaks down lactose
Varieties 7 varieties, including a neutral option
Muscles Protein contributes to an increase in muscle mass. Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.
Uses Shakes, quark, muesli, porridge, custard, Ninja Creami and baking
 

Whey meets casein: two milk proteins in one shake

Cow’s milk contains two main groups of proteins. Around 80 per cent of the milk protein is casein, with the remaining 20 per cent being whey protein, known internationally as ‘whey’. Both fractions are separated from one another during milk processing and can subsequently be processed further for specific purposes. It is precisely these two building blocks that we bring together again in Designer Protein Extra Creamy.

The whey component consists mainly of ultrafiltered whey protein concentrate and is supplemented by a smaller proportion of whey protein isolate. The isolate is obtained via cross-flow microfiltration. In the concentrate, ultrafiltration leaves small amounts of fat and lactose in the powder, which contributes to its full-bodied flavour. The isolate undergoes a more intensive filtration process, during which fat and carbohydrates are almost completely removed, resulting in a particularly high pure protein content.

Calcium caseinate is derived from the casein component of milk. In this process, the casein is first separated from the whey and then combined with calcium to form a powder that is easy to process.

The difference between the two proteins becomes particularly interesting in the stomach. Whey remains dissolved in the acidic environment of the stomach and passes through it relatively quickly, allowing the amino acids it contains to enter the bloodstream rapidly. Casein, on the other hand, coagulates into a gel-like structure at a low pH. This is digested more slowly and releases its amino acids over a longer period of time. With Extra Creamy, you therefore consume both a fast-digesting and a slow-digesting milk protein in a single serving.

Both protein sources contain all the essential amino acids that your body cannot produce itself and must therefore obtain from your diet. The leucine content is around 10 g per 100 g of protein, which corresponds to approximately 2.4 g per serving. When protein quality is assessed using the PDCAAS system, both whey and casein achieve the maximum score of 1.0.

Why Extra Creamy is so creamy

Anyone who has ever mixed a pure whey shake with water will be familiar with the result: it’s light and refreshing, but also rather thin. Casein behaves differently in liquid. It binds more water, thereby increasing the viscosity – in other words, the thickness – of the shake. This is precisely what Extra Creamy is designed for. Even when prepared with water, the mouthfeel is more reminiscent of a milkshake than a classic protein drink. With milk, the whole thing becomes even more full-bodied.

However, this creaminess does have a slight downside, which we don’t want to keep from you. Due to the casein content, the powder dissolves slightly more slowly than pure whey. It’s best to put the liquid into the shaker first, followed by the powder. Then give it a good shake and let the shake settle for a moment before drinking it. If you’re looking for a clearer, lighter and fruitier drink, our ISOCLEAR Whey Isolate is the better choice.

Versatile for everyday use: from shakes to Ninja Creami

Extra Creamy is available in the following flavours: Chocolate Banana, Vanilla Milk, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Strawberry Cream, Milk Chocolate, Vanilla Speculoos and Neutral. The neutral variant is particularly suitable if you want to flavour or sweeten it yourself, or if you’re incorporating the powder into savoury recipes.

The powder really comes into its own wherever consistency matters. Stirred into quark, skyr or yoghurt, it creates a particularly creamy texture, and it’s also a simple way to enhance muesli and porridge. If you use a little less liquid, you’ll end up with a protein pudding thick enough to eat with a spoon. In the Ninja Creami, the casein content makes the ice cream particularly creamy. Extra Creamy is also ideal for baking pancakes, muffins or protein brownies.

Preparation and recommended intake

To make a shake, add 30 g of powder to 200 ml of cold water or low-fat milk and shake well in a shaker. This is equivalent to one measuring spoon, which is included in the pack. We recommend one to three servings per day. You should not exceed the recommended intake.

You have flexibility regarding when to have it. Extra Creamy is just as suitable before or after a workout as it is as a snack throughout the day. Whether you use water or milk is a matter of personal taste. Using 200 ml of low-fat milk (1.5% fat) adds around 95 kcal and just under 7 g of protein, whilst making the shake even richer in flavour.

Protein and your muscles

Protein is a key component of your diet when you’re training. Protein contributes to an increase in muscle mass. Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass. What matters most is your total protein intake throughout the day, spread across several meals and combined with regular training. A protein shake can help you achieve this intake easily if you’re unable to do so through normal meals alone.

Conclusion

ESN Designer Protein Extra Creamy is aimed at anyone who finds a classic whey shake too thin. The combination of whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate and calcium caseinate brings together a fast- and a slow-digesting milk protein in a single serving. It also provides 24 g of protein at 112 kcal and an amino acid profile containing all the essential amino acids. The real difference, however, becomes apparent in the glass: Extra Creamy is significantly creamier and richer than a pure whey and is highly versatile in everyday use, from shakes and puddings to baking. If you value texture and flavour without compromising on a high-quality protein source, Extra Creamy is the perfect protein for you.

FAQ: ESN Designer Protein Extra Creamy

What is the difference between Designer Protein Extra Creamy and Designer Whey?

Designer Whey consists of a combination of whey concentrate and whey isolate. In Extra Creamy, we supplement this whey content with calcium caseinate. This makes the consistency significantly creamier, and you get a combination of fast- and slow-digesting milk protein. Extra Creamy provides 24 g of protein per serving.

Why does Extra Creamy dissolve more slowly than Designer Whey?

Casein binds more water than whey, which is what gives it its creamy consistency, but it takes a little longer to dissolve completely. Put the liquid into the shaker first, followed by the powder, shake vigorously and leave the shake to stand for a moment. This usually prevents any lumps from forming.

Is Designer Protein Extra Creamy vegetarian?

Yes. It contains only milk proteins, namely whey protein and calcium caseinate.

Is Designer Protein Extra Creamy vegan?

No, as it is based on milk protein. If you’re looking for a plant-based alternative, you’ll find it in our ESN Vegan Designer Protein.

Is Extra Creamy lactose-free?

No, the product is not lactose-free. The whey protein concentrate it contains includes small amounts of lactose. Additionally, Extra Creamy contains the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose.

Does Extra Creamy contain sugar or sweeteners?

The flavoured varieties contain sweeteners.

Can I use Extra Creamy for baking or heating it up?

Yes. Although heating changes the spatial structure of the protein – a process known as denaturation – the amino acids remain largely intact. You can therefore use Extra Creamy without any problems for pancakes, muffins, porridge or other hot recipes.

Is Extra Creamy suitable for the Ninja Creami or for making custard?

Yes, it works particularly well. The casein content makes the ice cream in the Ninja Creami beautifully creamy. To make a pudding, simply use less liquid than for a shake and stir the powder into a mixture thick enough to hold its shape when stirred with a spoon.

Should I prepare Extra Creamy with water or milk?

Both work. With water, the shake is lower in calories but still becomes significantly creamier than a classic whey shake. With milk, it becomes even richer, but depending on the fat content, it adds extra calories.

When should I drink the Extra Creamy?

That depends entirely on your daily routine. Extra Creamy is suitable before or after a workout and as a protein-rich snack. The most important thing is that you consume enough protein throughout the day.

How many servings can I have a day?

We recommend one to three 30 g servings per day.

Who is Extra Creamy less suitable for?

If you prefer light, clear and rather watery shakes, Extra Creamy is probably not your favourite. In that case, we recommend our ISOCLEAR Whey Isolate.