WPI HL is a post-workout protein supplement from Australian company MAX’S.

MAX’s source only the highest quality ingredients and claim that their supplements are “among the highest quality anywhere on the globe”.

WPI HL stands for Whey Protein Isolate High Leucine, and is a reformulated version of a former product. This time it has a higher amount of total protein and the amino acid leucine.

Ingredients

WPI HL contains 27.1 grams of whey protein isolate per 30 gram serving.

That means it’s 90% pure protein by weight.

It’s very low in fat, with just 0.2 grams per serving. The carb count is also very low at 0.3 grams.

Whey protein isolates contain the highest percentage of pure protein of any of the whey protein production methods. The water has been removed during processing and separation, making it more dense. It’s also almost completely lactose and cholesterol free (1).

The branch chain amino acid (BCAA) profile of WPI HL is as follows:

L-Leucine = 6.5 grams per serve
L-Isoleucine = 2.7 grams per serve
L-Valine = 2.8 grams per serve

This provides a 2.4:1:1 ratio, which is a little higher than the industry recommendation. In total there are 12 grams of amino acids in this product.

WPI HL also contains such vitamins and minerals as:

Vitamin C
Beta Carotene
The B Vitamins
Sodium
Calcium
Magnesium
Zinc

Benefits of Having More Leucine

Leucine signals the body to absorb protein. This puts it in an anabolic, or muscle building state.

The leucine used in WPI HL is known as peptide bound leucine. Research shows that amino acids in peptide form are absorbed into the small intestine a lot more effectively than standalone (or free form) amino acids (2, 3).

The amount of leucine per serve required for maximum protein synthesis is 3-5 grams. WPI HL contains 6.5 grams (4).

MAX’s Own WPI

Max’s produce their WPI directly from high quality fresh whole milk rather than the inferior by-product of cheese production used by lower quality brands.

This process ensures that the full range of proteins is present in the whey. Further benefits of Max’s special process:

Higher Leucine content: More leucine=more muscle growth—it’s not rocket science.
Non-heat treated milk: The heating process used in traditional whey powder production can destroy some of the protein’s bioactivity. Max’s uses non-pasteurized milk, which is sterilized through filtration to ensure that you get the maximum action from the WPI.
Faster absorption: Using milk rather than cheese to produce the WPI reduces the casein protein content. Less casein means faster absorption.
Greater anti-oxidant properties: The higher content of amino acids Cystine and Cysteine helps to reduce muscle soreness and recovery time.
Tryptophan / Threonine ration: The ratio of Tryptophan and Threonine present in WPI-HL makes this whey almost identical to human milk. In other words, is it possible to find a better source of whey?

How Does WPI HL Taste?

The product comes in two flavours; chocolate and vanilla.

As with most whey protein isolates, the taste is quite bland. It still provides a pleasant taste, especially if you go for the chocolate version.

How Effective is WPI HL?

WPI HL is a combination of a high protein powder with added branch chain amino acids.

It will provide your body with a pure source of top quality protein, fortified with probably the highest leucine content that you’ll find in any product. That makes it a very effective source of amino acids.

Because of the high leucine content, you can be confident that all of the protein in WPI HL will be fed directly into your muscle cells.

The very low fat and carbohydrate content of WPI HL speeds up the absorption of amino acids by the muscle cells, making the product even more effective.

When Should I Take WPI HL?

WPI HL should be taken immediately after your workout.

This is the time your muscles are in a catabolic (muscle depleting) state and can benefit from a large dose of high quality protein.

Are There Any Side Effects With WPI HL?

No side effects have been reported with this product.

Because it’s a pure protein isolate product, many of the problems that come with lactose, such as bloating, and gas, are avoided.

The shake feels very light to drink.

What Does WPI HL Cost?

WPI HL is available in a 1kg pack, which provides 30 servings. The recommended retail price is $97.28 (NZ $103.59), although it is available online for as low as $74.95 (NZ$79.80).

The product also comes in a 2.2kg pack, which provides 73 servings. The recommended retail price is $179.95 (NZ $191.62), but it can be purchased online for $129.95 (NZ$138.37).

Based on the lowest price, the per serving cost of the 1kg pack is $2.25 (NZ$2.40). For the 2.2 kg pack, the individual serving cost is $1.78 (NZ$1.90).

WPI HL Pros

90% pure protein isolate
6.5 grams of leucine per serve
2.2:1:1 BCAA profile
Very low in sugar and carbs

WPI HL Cons

Expensive
Bland taste
Only comes in two flavours

Summary

MAX’s WPI HL is a pure protein, high leucine supplement.

So it’s really two products in one; a protein powder and a branch chain amino acid supplement. It will drive protein to your muscle cells faster than just about any other protein powder.

WPI HL’s extremely low fat and carb count is also a plus, and allows the protein to be absorbed even faster.

On the downside, flavours are limited, and per gram it’s certainly not the cheapest protein on the market.

Overall MAX’s WPI-HL gives you nothing but the best in terms of quality and nutrition targeted at maximising your workout gains.