
Sports Research® 100% Whey Protein Isolate Dark Chocolate - U.S. Sourced Protein Powder w/BCAAs - No Artificial Flavors or Gums- Informed Sport Tested · Gluten Free - 2lb Bulk Bag, 25 Servings
$1.50/serving
Price verified Apr 22, 2026
Not evaluated by the FDA · Individual results may vary · Consult a healthcare provider before use
Our verdict
25g whey protein isolate + 6.9g BCAAs + 1,000mg L-Leucine per serving of Whey Protein Isolate + L-Leucine per powder from Sports Research. Best for fitness enthusiasts and drug-tested athletes…
Why we recommend this
The dark chocolate variant sits in the most popular flavor category for protein powders, making it the most likely SR whey variant to accumulate strong reviews quickly. Informed Sport certification combined with the gum-free, stevia-sweetened formula targets the growing segment of athletes who want both competitive compliance and clean ingredients.
Check for interactions
Already taking other supplements or prescription medications? Add them below to check for documented interactions, severity, and clinical guidance.
Our database currently documents 137+ supplement and drug-category interaction pairs. Combinations not flagged here may still interact — always consult your healthcare provider before combining supplements, especially with prescription medications.
What to watch out for
Early-stage product with fewer than 30 Amazon reviews. While the formula is robust and certification is strong, independent validation of the dark chocolate flavor's taste satisfaction is still limited.
Dose & form
- Serving
- 25g whey protein isolate + 6.9g BCAAs + 1,000mg L-Leucine per serving
- Form
- Powder
- Clinical range
- 20-40g per serving, 1.6-2.2g/kg/day total protein for athletes
- Dose adequacy
- Therapeutic
- Supply
- 36 servings · $1.50/serving
- UPC
- 023249094135
Who it's best for
Fitness enthusiasts and drug-tested athletes wanting a rich dark chocolate whey isolate free of artificial sweeteners and gums, with Informed Sport certification
Who should skip it
Shoppers who want a large established review base — this SKU launched in February 2026 and has fewer than 30 reviews
Pros
- 25g protein + 1,000mg L-Leucine — leucine threshold met for maximum MPS response
- Informed Sport certified — every batch cleared against 250+ banned substances
- Dark chocolate flavor without artificial sweeteners or gums — naturally sweetened with stevia
- Non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free — among the cleanest label options in the whey isolate category
Cons
- 18 reviews at launch — limited real-world feedback on taste and texture
- 2lb bag (25 servings) at $53.95 — higher per-serving cost than bulk competitors
- No Subscribe & Save discount currently available
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the clinical dose for Whey Protein Isolate + L-Leucine?
What is the clinical dose for Whey Protein Isolate + L-Leucine?
Clinical trials typically use 20-40g per serving, 1.6-2.2g/kg/day total protein for athletes. Sports Research 100% Whey Protein Isolate Dark Chocolate delivers 25g whey protein isolate + 6.9g BCAAs + 1,000mg L-Leucine per serving, which we classify as Therapeutic relative to that range.
How does Sports Research 100% Whey Protein Isolate Dark Chocolate compare to similar Powder?
How does Sports Research 100% Whey Protein Isolate Dark Chocolate compare to similar Powder?
See the "Also consider" section below for two alternatives. Choose based on form preference (Powder vs alternatives), dose adequacy, and third-party testing.
Is Sports Research 100% Whey Protein Isolate Dark Chocolate third-party tested?
Is Sports Research 100% Whey Protein Isolate Dark Chocolate third-party tested?
Yes — Informed Sport. Third-party testing verifies ingredient identity and label accuracy.
Does this work with Amazon Subscribe & Save?
Does this work with Amazon Subscribe & Save?
Yes — Amazon Subscribe & Save is available for this product. Enrolling locks in a recurring delivery at a reduced per-unit price.
Are there any potential interactions with medications?
Are there any potential interactions with medications?
Whey protein isolate has no significant interactions with most medications. The trace calcium content may slightly reduce absorption of some antibiotics (quinolones, tetracyclines) if taken simultaneously — a 1-2 hour gap resolves this. Individuals with chronic kidney disease or on dialysis should consult their physician before high-protein supplementation.
Are there any side effects from long-term use?
Are there any side effects from long-term use?
Whey protein isolate has an extensive long-term safety record in healthy populations. Clinical research has not identified adverse effects from daily consumption at typical serving sizes (1-2 scoops) for periods extending years. The removal of lactose during isolate processing makes GI tolerance substantially better than concentrate forms over time.
Does it cause any digestive issues or side effects?
Does it cause any digestive issues or side effects?
Whey isolate's near-zero lactose content (less than 1% by weight) means most lactose-sensitive individuals tolerate it well. The lack of xanthan gum reduces the bloating and gas some users experience with gum-stabilized protein powders. The natural cocoa used in dark chocolate flavoring may cause mild sensitivity in those with caffeine intolerance at high doses.
Can it be taken with other supplements or vitamins?
Can it be taken with other supplements or vitamins?
Yes — compatible with creatine, pre-workouts, omega-3s, and standard multivitamins. Count the added Vitamin D per scoop toward total daily D intake, particularly if using a dedicated Vitamin D supplement concurrently. Avoid combining with very high-calcium supplements in the same serving to prevent any mineral absorption competition.
Are there any specific instructions for taking it safely?
Are there any specific instructions for taking it safely?
Consume one scoop mixed in 8-10 oz cold water or milk ideally within 30-60 minutes post-workout. Total daily protein from all sources should be calibrated to body weight (typically 1.6-2.2g per kg for active individuals). Seal the bag and store in a cool, dry place after each use to preserve freshness.
How long until benefits are typically experienced?
How long until benefits are typically experienced?
Post-workout muscle protein synthesis begins within 1-3 hours after consumption. Consistent use over 4-8 weeks of progressive resistance training yields measurable lean mass and strength gains. The additional 1,000mg L-Leucine per serving provides an immediate anabolic signaling boost beyond what standard whey delivers.
Also consider

Sports Research Whey Protein Isolate Powder — Vanilla
Powder · Whey Protein Isolate (US-sourced, 25g per serving) with 1000mg added L-Leucine and Vitamin D · $89.95
$89.95

Sports Research Whey Protein Isolate Vanilla 5lb
Powder · US-Sourced Whey Protein Isolate + L-Leucine (1000mg) + Vitamin D · $89.95
$89.95
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