ESN Designer Whey Review – Quality, Taste & Experience 🧬
ESN Designer Whey Protein is one of the best-selling protein powders in Germany . But is the hype really justified – or is it just clever marketing? In this ESN Designer Whey review, we take a close look at this popular protein powder and evaluate its quality, ingredients, taste, and value for money .
Packaging & Design
ESN Designer Whey comes in a modern, matte bag with the brand's signature purple color .
The design appears high-quality and minimalist, although the choice of color is a matter of taste.
One disadvantage:
The flavor is not visible on the front – rather impractical for retail use.
Other manufacturers, such as More Nutrition or Optimum Nutrition, do a better job of this.
Functionality & Handling
Unfortunately, the closure mechanism of the stand-up pouch is a minor weakness.
After the first opening, the bag cannot be optimally resealed .
A sturdy zipper or Velcro closure – like those used by #sinob or ESN Isoclear – would be much more practical here.
Positive: A measuring spoon is included , which makes dosing easier.
Ingredients & Composition
ESN Designer Whey consists of a mixture of whey protein concentrate and CFM isolate .
The latter is produced particularly gently using cross-flow microfiltration (CFM) , which preserves more bioactive peptides.
According to the manufacturer, the protein contains approximately 30% isolate , which significantly improves the quality – even though this is not stated on the packaging .
Thickener: Carrageenan
According to EFSA, this is classified as safe , but is partly controversial among athletes, as it is not absolutely necessary.
sweetener
The designer whey protein is aspartame-free and uses the following sweeteners:
- Acesulfame-K
- Sodium cyclamate
- Sodium saccharin
- Sucralose
Although cyclamate is banned in the USA, it is permitted in small quantities in the EU.
However, the exact dosage of the individual sweeteners remains unclear .
Solubility & Taste
This is where ESN Designer Whey scores points:
- Excellent solubility – no clumping.
- Creamy consistency , both in milk and in water
- A well-balanced flavor – not too sweet, but aromatic.
The wide selection of flavors (e.g. Vanilla Milkshake, Chocolate, Strawberry Cream, Cinnamon Cereal) provides variety.
Our impression: Vanilla Milkshake is particularly convincing due to its naturalness, while Chocolate Peanut Butter is rather sweet.
Nutritional information at a glance
| Nutritional values | Per 100 g | Per serving (30 g) |
|---|---|---|
| energy | 378 kcal | 113 kcal |
| Fat | 5.6 g | 1.7 g |
| hereof: saturated fatty acids | 2.3 g | 0.7 g |
| carbohydrates | 5 g | 1.5 g |
| of which sugar | 3.1 g | 0.9 g |
| protein | 76 g | 22.8 g |
| Salt | 0.5 g | 0.15 g |
This puts ESN Designer Whey at a premium level :
High protein content, low sugar and fat – ideal for muscle building, regeneration or calorie-conscious nutrition.
Amino acid profile (per 100 g)
- Leucine: 11.2 g
- Isoleucine: 6.1 g
- Valine: 6 g
- Lysine: 9.4 g
- Threonine: 7.8 g
- Glutamic acid: 17 g
This results in over 23g of BCAAs per 100g of powder , an excellent value.
The EAA profile is also impressive – ideal for supporting muscle growth.
Price-performance ratio 💰
ESN Designer Whey is in the mid-price segment and offers high quality “Made in Germany” .
Compared to international brands like Optimum Nutrition or MyProtein, it impresses with fresh flavors, good tolerability and a solid composition .
Conclusion: ESN Designer Whey in review
ESN Designer Whey Protein impresses with:
- High-quality ingredients
- Very good solubility
- Pleasant taste
- Good tolerability
- Solid price-performance ratio
Criticisms include minor packaging defects and the lack of complete transparency regarding the isolate content.
Overall, ESN offers a well-rounded, high-performance whey protein that is suitable for both beginners and experienced athletes.
👉 Our verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5 / 5 points)
A proven whey protein of high quality – and probably more than just marketing.
Buy ESN Designer Whey now
Available directly from ESN, in fitness stores or online at Amazon & Fitmart.
Note: This test report is based on independent analysis and subjective assessment. Results may vary from person to person. Always consult a doctor or nutritionist before making major dietary changes.