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Naked Whey Protein Review From A Professional Boxer

In this article, I review Naked Whey Protein Powder. I cover the good, the bad, and the ugly. It’s a high-quality product with some slight drawbacks, but is it worth the money? Find out.

Ed Latimore
Ed Latimore
Writer, retired boxer, self-improvement enthusiast

 Most supplement reviews are written by gym bros chasing pump or influencers who’ve never cut weight in their life. This one’s different—because I’m different.

I’m a former professional heavyweight boxer (13–1–1), and right now, I’m training to drop down to cruiserweight. That means I’m cutting fat, holding onto muscle, and doing enough roadwork to kill the average guy’s knees—while still recovering fast enough to train again tomorrow.

When you’re in that kind of grind, what you put in your body matters. Every scoop, every shake, every calorie. I’ve tested all kinds of supplements over the years—creatine, beta-alanine, TMG, carnitine—but when it comes to protein, I’m looking for just a few things:

  • Clean ingredients
  • High protein-to-calorie ratio
  • Easy on the gut
  • No artificial garbage

That’s what led me to try Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder by Naked Nutrition. It claims to be the cleanest, most minimalist whey protein on the market—just one ingredient, no BS. But does it actually hold up under real-world training conditions?

Let’s find out.

What Is Naked Whey (And why boxers should care about it)

Naked Whey Protein 5lb tub front label - grass-fed unflavored whey protein review

Their flagship product, Naked Whey, is exactly what it sounds like—whey protein with nothing to hide.

It’s made from grass-fed cow’s milk with zero additives, flavors, sweeteners, or colors. That’s not marketing hype—it’s literally one ingredient: whey protein concentrate. No soy. No GMOs. No artificial fillers. Just pure protein.

And that grass-fed sourcing isn’t just for show. Whey from grass-fed cows raised on small U.S. dairy farms tends to be higher quality across the board. The cows spend more time grazing and less time confined, which results in milk that’s richer in omega-3s, CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), and immune-boosting nutrients like lactoferrin and beta-lactoglobulin.

That translates into real benefits if you’re pushing your body in the gym or the ring:

  • More muscle-building power thanks to a complete amino acid profile with high BCAA content.
  • Better recovery and less inflammation, especially when combined with supplements like creatine and TMG.
  • Improved fat metabolism and body composition support from naturally occurring CLA.
  • Easier digestion and better nutrient absorption due to the cold-processing method that keeps the protein non-denatured.
  • And because it’s third-party tested and Informed Choice certified, you know it’s clean and banned-substance free—a must if you compete at any level.

For anyone serious about performance, cutting fat, or simply not wrecking their stomach with garbage ingredients, this is the kind of protein that earns its keep.

 Here’s the quick nutritional value breakdown:

Naked Whey nutrition label showing one ingredient and 25g protein per serving

For most people, this kind of clean-label approach is a bonus. For me—cutting weight, watching every gram, and trying not to wreck my digestion—it’s essential.

That’s the promise of Naked Whey: no distractions, no fake stuff, just fuel for performance. But a clean label only matters if the product actually works.

So the question is—how did it hold up when I put it to the test?

How Naked Whey performed in the gym (and the ring)

Ed Latimore boxing in the ring

I don’t test supplements sitting at a desk or doing light curls in a commercial gym. I test them while doing roadwork before sunrise, sparring guys ten years younger, and cutting weight to get back in fighting shape. So when I say a protein powder holds up, it’s because it survived real pressure.

Here’s how Naked Whey did under those conditions:

The taste of Naked Whey takes some getting used to

Let’s be real—this isn’t the protein you drink because it tastes like a milkshake. It’s unflavored, and it lets you know that right away. Most of you have never had unflavored whey protein, even when your protein says “unflavored.” In most cases there’s been *something* added, and when you try Naked Whey without any additional flavors, it quickly becomes apparent why.

The taste of Naked Whey will not appeal to most people. That’s ok, because if you’re serious about getting clean protein for performance, this will go one of three ways:

  1. One and done. You won’t make it through your tub of Naked Whey protein and never buy it again. That’s a shame, but that’s what will happen. WIth that said, if you’re read the article this far, you’re aware that what’s best for you isn’t what’s tastiest.

    There are many protein brands out there that use artificial flavors (even in their unflavored blend), so you should probably use that. With that said, there’s always the second path to dealing with Naked Whey’s bland flavor.
  2. Mix the protein with something for flavor. The list of healthy options to mix Naked Whey Protein Powder with are endless. A little honey or agave can go a long way. I personally don’t like the taste of milk, but that’s also another option. I mix mine with a combination of fish oil, Mita Nutrition’s Power, Drive, and Mangreens to take my nutrition and training to the next level. Yes, those supplements are flavored, but that’s how I personally cope with the bland flavor profile. But if that doesn’t work…
  3. Just deal with it. For a lot of you guys, it will become an aquired taste anyway. I’d love to tell you that I’m that guy, but I’m not. But I also recognize the value of Naked Whey’s product and their approach to creating the highest quality protein possible, so I mix mine to get that benefit.

For some people, that purity is a huge plus. For others, the lack of flavor might be a dealbreaker. But if it bothers you, mix it with something that does have flavor. It sorta defeats the minimalist appeal, but the base protein stays clean.

Naked Whey Protein maintains strength and aids recovery

This is where Naked Whey earns its keep.

After hard sparring or long roadwork, I’d hit a scoop within 30 minutes. Recovery felt noticeably better—less soreness, more energy the next day, and no heavy fatigue dragging into the next session. I’m in my late 30s cutting down to cruiserweight, and I’m still trying to keep up with guys who bounce back like rubber bands. Protein makes a difference—but only if it’s the right kind. This is the right kind.

I stack it with creatine, beta-alanine, and TMG, and together they’ve helped me hold onto muscle and stay explosive while dropping fat.

Naked Whey Protein is easily digestable—if you’re fine with lactose

This might be the most underrated benefit: no gut issues.

A lot of mainstream protein powders mess me up—bloating, gas, nausea, or just that heavy, sluggish feeling. Naked Whey didn’t give me any of that. It digested clean and sat light. When you’re cutting weight and every gram matters, you can’t afford to have your stomach fighting your protein.

That said, some people with lactose intolerance might still run into issues with any whey concentrate. Even though Naked Whey is minimally processed and has no added junk, it still contains trace amounts of lactose because it’s a concentrate, not an isolate. If your system doesn’t handle dairy well—even in small amounts—you might feel bloated or gassy.

The good news is, Naked Nutrition makes a whey isolate version of their protein that’s filtered to remove most of the lactose. It has the same no-additive formula and high protein content, but it’s much easier on the stomach for people who are sensitive to dairy.

So if you’ve struggled with whey in the past, but still want clean, fast-absorbing protein, Naked Whey Isolate might be a better fit. I didn’t need it, but it’s a solid option worth knowing about.Maked Whey Isolate Protein

Naked Whey still fills you up

Protein helps curb appetite, and this shake did its job.

One scoop kept me full for a couple hours—enough to push back a meal or kill late-night cravings without crashing my blood sugar. And because it’s clean, I wasn’t second-guessing what I just drank.

Naked Whey isn’t flashy—but it’s solid. No bloating, no BS, and it helped me train, recover, and cut weight without falling apart. That’s a win in my book.

The good, the bad, and the ugly of Naked Whey Protein Power

Ed Latimore mixing Naked Whey

Not every supplement needs to be sexy. Sometimes, you just want something that does its job without a bunch of fluff. Naked Whey delivers on that—but like anything, it’s not perfect. Here’s my honest breakdown after weeks of using it in real training conditions:

What I Like

  • One Ingredient, Zero BS
    It’s just whey. No sweeteners, no fillers, no gums, no lecithin. You know exactly what you’re getting.
  • Grass-Fed Sourcing
    Comes from small U.S. dairy farms using grass-fed cows. Cleaner source, better amino profile, and no shady practices.
  • Third-Party Tested
    A lot of brands say they’re clean. Naked actually proves it. They test for heavy metals and contaminants, and you can see the results.
  • Great Protein-to-Calorie Ratio
    You get 25g of protein for just 120 calories. That’s exactly what you want when cutting weight but trying to keep strength.
  • No Gut Problems
    Some proteins wreck your digestion. This one didn’t. That alone makes it worth the price for me.

What Could Be Better

  • The Taste is… Well, It’s Protein
    If you’re used to flavored shakes, this will feel bland. You can mix it with a flavored supplement like Mita Drive or Power, but on its own, it’s plain. That’s the tradeoff for purity.
  • It’s Not Cheap
    You’re paying for quality, and it shows in the price tag. There are cheaper proteins out there, but they’re usually packed with junk. You get what you pay for.
  • No Added Enzymes
    If you struggle to digest dairy, Naked Whey doesn’t come with lactase or digestive enzymes. It wasn’t an issue for me, but some people might need to take enzymes separately.

If you’re looking for flavor, this isn’t for you. But if you’re serious about clean nutrition, cutting fat, and fueling performance without artificial nonsense, Naked Whey is one of the best options out there.

I’ve tried a lot of protein powders over the years—some cheap, some premium, and some that tasted like birthday cake-flavored regret. So let’s stack Naked Whey up against a few of the big names: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey and Kaged Whey Protein Isolate.

Here’s how they compare on the things that matter when you train hard and recover smarter:

Feature Naked Whey Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Kaged Whey Isolate
Protein per serving 25g 24g 25g
Calories per serving 120 120 110
Ingredients 1 (just whey) Whey, lecithin, flavor, sweeteners Whey isolate, enzymes, flavor
Sweeteners None Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium Stevia
Third-party tested Yes Not clearly disclosed Yes
Grass-fed Yes No No
Digestive enzymes No No Yes
Taste Neutral (unflavored) Flavored (multiple) Flavored (multiple)
Price (per serving) Higher Lower Mid-range
  • If you care about clean sourcing, Naked’s grass-fed, one-ingredient formula stands out. It’s also made in a safe sport facility.
  • If taste is your top priority, go with ON or Kaged—they’re made to taste good, not necessarily be clean.
  • If digestion is an issue, Kaged has the edge with added enzymes, but I never had problems with Naked Whey—so it depends on your gut.

Naked Whey is the only protein I’ve used that checks every box I care about—clean label, great macros, no stomach issues, no risk of cross contamination with banned substances, and real-world recovery support. It’s not a treat—it’s a tool. And for serious athletes, that’s exactly what it should be.

Who should (and shouldn’t) use Naked Whey Protein

Not every supplement is for everyone. And that’s fine—because Naked Whey isn’t trying to please everybody. It’s built for a specific kind of athlete: the kind who gives a damn about what they put in their body.

🟢 You Should Use Naked Whey If…

  • You train hard and care about recovery.
    Whether you’re boxing, lifting, running, or doing BJJ—your muscles need clean fuel. Naked Whey delivers 25g of high-quality protein without anything extra that could slow you down or mess up your digestion.
  • You’re cutting weight or watching calories.
    At just 120 calories per serving and no added sugars or fats, it’s a great choice for people trying to lean out while holding onto muscle.
  • You want a supplement without artificial ingredients.
    No sweeteners. No gums. No soy. Just whey. If you’re tired of reading labels with 14 unpronounceable ingredients, you’ll appreciate the simplicity here.
  • You already use flavored supplements.
    If you take stuff like Mita Drive or Mita Power, you can easily mix Naked Whey in without clashing flavors—and still keep your stack clean.
  • You have a sensitive stomach.
    No bloating. No gas. No weird aftertaste. It goes down smooth and stays light, especially important when you’re training on tight macros or in a cut.

 

🔴 You Might Want to Skip Naked Whey If…

  • You want your protein to taste like dessert.
    Naked Whey is unflavored. If you’re chasing chocolate lava cake vibes, this isn’t it. You can mix it with other flavored supps, but if taste is king for you, you’ll be happier elsewhere.
  • You’re on a budget.
    It’s not the cheapest protein on the market. You’re paying for clean sourcing and third-party testing. If cost is your top priority, you’ll find more affordable (but dirtier) options.
  • You need digestive enzymes built in.
    It worked fine for me without them, but if you know you struggle with lactose or dairy-based proteins, you might need to take enzymes on the side or opt for a hydrolyzed isolate. Fortunately, Naked Whey also has a Naked Whey Isolate.

 
If you care about performance, recovery, and ingredient transparency more than taste or cost, Naked Whey is for you. It’s not trying to be a treat. It’s trying to be effective—and it is.

Final verdict on Naked Whey from a boxer who trains to win

When you’ve trained for fights, made weight, and pushed your body past its limits, you stop caring about hype and start caring about results. That’s why I use Naked Whey.

It doesn’t taste amazing. It’s not cheap. It’s not loaded with trendy ingredients.

But it works.

It gives me clean, muscle-building protein without wrecking my stomach. It helps me recover after sparring and roadwork. It supports strength while I cut fat. And I don’t have to worry about fillers, sweeteners, or anything else I didn’t ask for.

This is a supplement that respects your discipline. If you’re serious about training—and serious about what you put in your body—Naked Whey is one of the best protein powders out there.

My Recommendation

  • Use it if you’re training consistently and want clean, effective protein without artificial crap.
  • Stack it with creatine, TMG, beta-alanine, or flavored performance supplements like Mita Drive for extra taste and benefit.
  • Avoid it if you want something that tastes like dessert or if you’re trying to save every penny.

If you want to try it for yourself, buy Naked Whey here

FAQ: Naked Whey Protein

Is Naked Whey good for building muscle?
Yes. Each serving has 25g of complete protein from grass-fed cows, including all essential amino acids needed for muscle growth and recovery. I’ve personally used it while cutting weight and holding onto strength—it works.

Is Naked Whey third-party tested?
Absolutely. Naked Nutrition provides third-party lab results for heavy metals, contaminants, and overall ingredient purity. That level of transparency is rare, and it’s a big reason I trust it.

Does Naked Whey contain any sweeteners?
Nope. No stevia, sucralose, monk fruit, or sugar alcohols. Just 100% whey protein concentrate. That’s why it tastes neutral—but that’s also why it’s clean.

Is Naked Whey good for people with sensitive stomachs?
In my experience, yes. It digests clean—no bloating, no gas, no gut issues. It doesn’t include added enzymes, though, so if you’re really sensitive to lactose, you might need to take one separately or opt for a whey isolate.

How does Naked Whey compare to Optimum Nutrition or Kaged?
It’s cleaner and simpler. Naked Whey has just one ingredient. Optimum and Kaged taste better out of the tub, but they come with sweeteners and extra stuff. If you care about flavor, go with them. If you care about purity and performance, go with Naked.

Can you take Naked Whey with other supplements?
Absolutely. I mix it with Mita Power and Mita Drive to add flavor and performance benefits. It also stacks great with creatine, TMG, and beta-alanine—no interaction issues, just added upside.Most supplement reviews are written by gym bros chasing pump or influencers who’ve never cut weight in their life. This one’s different—because I’m different.

 

Ed Latimore
About the author

Ed Latimore

I’m a writer, competitive chess player, Army veteran, physicist, and former professional heavyweight boxer. My work focuses on self-development, realizing your potential, and sobriety—speaking from personal experience, having overcome both poverty and addiction.

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