Whey protein is a type of protein that is derived from milk. It is a byproduct of the cheese-making process. When milk is coagulated and curdled to make cheese, the liquid portion that remains after the curds are separated is called whey. This whey contains proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
To produce whey protein powder, the liquid whey is typically filtered to remove most of the carbohydrates, fats, and other non-protein components. The remaining liquid is then processed and dried to create a powdered form of whey protein, which is widely used as a dietary supplement and in various food products.
