AN Performance Hybrid Protein: Premium Protein Taken to the Next Level

AN Performance Hybrid Protein delivers real results with dual certifications from Informed Sport and Informed Protein, plus matches real Chiquita banana potassium at 400mg.

The sports nutrition industry has seen its share of protein powders, but AN Performance Hybrid Protein brings something genuinely different to the table. Building on the momentum of their successful Electrolytes Hydration and AN Performance Pre-Workout launches, Applied Nutrition USA continues to innovate with a transparently-dosed protein blend that combines the best attributes of both whey and milk proteins.

A Well-Disclosed Protein Blend… Backed by Chiquita Banana!

What sets this protein apart isn’t just its premium formulation – it’s the brand’s commitment to quality through dual third-party certifications and their groundbreaking partnership with Chiquita. AN Performance didn’t just license Chiquita’s name for their banana flavors – they matched the potassium content of a real banana, delivering 400mg per serving. This kind of attention to detail shows why The Vitamin Shoppe chose AN Performance as their exclusive performance-based protein partner.

Rich and Smooth, Thanks to Added Milk Protein Isolate

The formula itself represents a masterclass in protein powder development. By combining whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and milk protein isolate in specific ratios, AN Performance has created a protein supplement that delivers both rapid and sustained amino acid release while maintaining an incredibly rich taste and texture that you don’t get from pure whey-based products.

Informed Sport, Informed Protein!

Every batch is certified by both Informed Sport and Informed Protein, proving AN Performance’s dedication to quality and transparency. While Informed Sport ensures the product is free of banned substances, Informed Protein takes testing a step further by verifying that 100% of the claimed protein content is present – a level of verification rarely seen in the industry.

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Macronutrients & Key Micronutrients

Exact macros depend on the flavor, but you’re generally at around 110 calories and 23g protein:

• 110 calories

• 23g protein

• 1-1.5g fat

• 3g carbohydrates

  • 1g sugar (0g added sugars)

• 240-270mg sodium

• 400mg potassium (in Chiquita varieties)

• 240mg calcium (20% DV)

AN Performance Hybrid Protein Ingredients

Each serving of AN Performance Hybrid Protein provides:

Protein Blend – 23g

• 50% Whey Protein Isolate

  Whey protein, derived as a byproduct of cheese production, has become the gold standard for protein supplementation thanks to its impressive amino acid profile and rapid absorption properties.^[1] The protein is particularly rich in essential amino acids and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), especially leucine, which plays a crucial role in stimulating muscle protein synthesis.^[2]

  Whey protein isolate (WPI) represents the purest and most refined form of whey protein, typically containing 90% or more protein by weight.^[3] Through advanced filtration processes, WPI has most of the fat and lactose removed, making it an excellent choice for those seeking maximum protein with minimal calories or those with lactose sensitivities.^[4]

• 25% Whey Protein Concentrate

  

  Whey protein concentrate (WPC) contains anywhere from 34-80% protein by weight, with the remaining content including beneficial nutrients like naturally-occurring immunoglobulins and lactoferrin.^[5] While not as purely protein-focused as isolate, WPC often provides a creamier taste and mouthfeel to protein powders, and its additional bioactive compounds may offer immune system support benefits.^[6]

• 25% Milk Protein Isolate

  Milk protein isolate (MPI) is a complete dairy protein that maintains the natural 80:20 ratio of casein to whey proteins found in milk.^[7] This unique composition provides several advantages that complement the whey proteins in this formula.

  Research shows that combining fast-digesting whey with slower-digesting casein (as found in MPI) creates an optimal environment for muscle protein synthesis. While whey protein triggers a rapid but shorter-lived increase in muscle protein synthesis, casein provides a slower, more sustained release of amino acids.^[8]

  The synergistic effect of combining these proteins has been demonstrated in research. One study found that milk protein (with its natural whey and casein ratio) led to greater increases in lean mass compared to whey protein alone when consumed after resistance training.^[9]

  

  Whey is fast, casein is slow, but what brings more muscle protein synthesis overall when looking at the total area under the curve in rats?! It was the milk protein blend.^[10]

  Beyond its functional benefits, MPI plays a crucial role in the superior taste and texture of AN Performance’s Hybrid Protein. Casein proteins have excellent water-binding properties and create a thicker, more satisfying mouthfeel compared to whey-only formulas.^[11] This helps deliver the rich, creamy texture that many users find missing in pure whey isolate products.

  

  The addition of MPI also helps extend the amino acid release profile of the formula. Studies have shown that this prolonged availability of amino acids may be beneficial for:

  • Supporting overnight recovery when taken before bed^[12]
  • Helping reduce muscle protein breakdown during fasting periods^[7]
  • Providing a more sustained feeling of fullness compared to whey alone^[13]

  By including MPI alongside their whey proteins, AN Performance has created a truly comprehensive protein blend that maximizes both nutritional benefits and taste – delivering sustained amino acid release while maintaining an exceptionally smooth, rich texture that sets it apart from standard protein powders.

Additional Ingredients

• Natural flavors – Provides authentic taste without artificial flavoring agents
• Cocoa powder (in chocolate varieties) – Rich, real cocoa for genuine chocolate flavor
• Pink Himalayan Salt – Mineral salt that enhances flavor and adds trace elements
• Cellulose Gum – Plant-based thickener that improves texture and helps prevent protein settling
• Xanthan Gum – Natural stabilizer that maintains consistent texture and prevents separation
• Sucralose – Zero-calorie sweetener that provides clean taste without bitter aftertaste
• Sunflower Lecithin – Plant-based emulsifier that improves mixability and prevents clumping

Each of these ingredients serves a specific purpose in creating an optimal protein powder experience, focusing on taste, texture, and mixability while maintaining clean label standards. The combination of gums ensures proper thickness without grittiness, while sunflower lecithin (rather than soy lecithin) helps the protein blend smoothly with liquids.

And of course, in the Chiquita flavors, we have our potassium:

• Potassium Chloride (in Chiquita Banana flavors)

  The addition of potassium chloride to match a banana’s natural potassium content is more than just clever marketing – it provides meaningful benefits for athletes and active individuals. This essential mineral plays several critical roles in exercise performance and recovery:

  Potassium works alongside sodium to maintain proper fluid balance and support optimal muscle function.^[14] During exercise, potassium is lost through sweat, which can impact hydration status and muscle contractility.^[15]

  The 400mg potassium dose – equivalent to what you’d get from a medium banana – helps support:

  • Muscle function and preventing cramping^[16]
  • Post-workout fluid balance and hydration^[17]
  • Blood pressure regulation, especially important during intense training^[18]

  

  By matching the potassium content of a real banana, AN Performance has created a protein powder that not only tastes authentic but also delivers functional electrolyte benefits that athletes need for optimal performance and recovery. What a great idea this was!

Flavors Available

Here’s an up-to-date list of all flavors of AN Performance Hybrid Protein:

The Chiquita Collaboration: Beyond Just Another Flavor Deal

AN Performance teams up with Chiquita for authentic fruit-powered supplements. Banana protein packs real potassium content, while pineapple brings tropical vibes. Exclusively at The Vitamin Shoppe.

The partnership between AN Performance and Chiquita represents something genuinely innovative in sports nutrition – a collaboration that goes beyond just licensing a flavor. As covered in our AN Performance x Chiquita announcement, this isn’t just another candy collab – it’s a partnership with one of the world’s most trusted fruit brands.

What makes AN Performance’s approach unique is their commitment to authenticity. Instead of simply using Chiquita’s name and banana flavoring, they went the extra mile by matching the potassium content of their Chiquita banana flavors to that of an actual banana – 400mg per serving. This attention to detail provides real functional benefits for athletes, since potassium plays crucial roles in muscle function, hydration, and recovery, as described in the potassium section above.

The Chiquita collaboration brings two new flavors to the Hybrid Protein line:

• Chiquita Banana Chocolate – A rich combination of smooth chocolate and authentic banana flavor
• Chiquita Banana Peanut Butter – The classic banana and PB combo that athletes love

Each of these flavors maintains the premium macro profile of the original formula while adding the bonus electrolyte support. The potassium addition is more than just marketing – it’s a thoughtful enhancement that shows AN Performance’s commitment to creating supplements that deliver real value to athletes and active individuals.

Unlike typical industry partnerships that often focus on candy brands or soft drinks, this collaboration aligns perfectly with AN Performance’s commitment to premium, performance-focused supplementation. It’s a partnership that makes sense not just for flavor, but for function.

Third-Party Testing & Quality

AN Performance’s commitment to quality goes beyond just choosing premium ingredients – they’ve secured both Informed Sport and Informed Protein certifications for their Hybrid Protein powder. While many brands tout “third-party testing,” AN Performance has gone the extra mile by obtaining dual certifications that verify both safety and protein content accuracy.

Why Both Certifications Matter

The Informed Sport certification ensures the product is free of banned substances, making it safe for tested athletes. However, AN Performance didn’t stop there. The addition of Informed Protein certification adds another critical layer of verification – it confirms that 100% of the claimed protein content is present in each serving.

This dual certification process includes:

• Multiple rounds of pre-certification testing on different production batches
• Ongoing monthly blind sample testing
• Regular facility audits to ensure quality processes
• Testing for protein adulterants and amino acid spiking
• Verification of total protein content through nitrogen testing

According to Informed Protein’s own research, about 25% of protein supplements on the market contain less protein than claimed on their labels. By submitting to this rigorous certification process, AN Performance provides consumers with validated assurance that they’re getting exactly what they pay for.

Manufacturing Excellence

The certifications also validate AN Performance’s vertically integrated manufacturing process. Their UK-based production facility must maintain strict quality control standards to maintain these certifications, including:

• Raw material testing protocols
• Batch consistency verification
• Cross-contamination prevention measures
• Regular equipment calibration and maintenance
• Detailed documentation of all manufacturing processes

This comprehensive approach to quality assurance sets AN Performance Hybrid Protein apart in an industry where protein content claims aren’t always verified by independent bodies. When you see both the Informed Sport and Informed Protein logos on the label, you can trust that the protein content has been rigorously tested and verified by one of the supplement industry’s most respected certification programs.

Conclusion: Premium Protein Done Right

AN Performance Hybrid Protein exemplifies everything we’ve come to expect from Applied Nutrition USA since our podcast interview with CEO Aaron Heidebreicht – premium formulation, transparent dosing, and innovative partnerships. The brand’s evolution from their ABE rebrand to AN USA has been marked by consistent quality improvements, and this protein powder stands as perhaps their most impressive achievement yet.

By combining clinically-supported protein ratios with dual third-party certifications, AN Performance has created a protein supplement that meets the needs of both elite athletes and everyday fitness enthusiasts. The addition of the Chiquita collaboration – complete with banana-matched potassium content – shows they’re willing to go beyond standard industry practices to deliver real value.

Looking ahead, we expect AN Performance to continue expanding this line with more innovative flavors and collaborations. Their presence at The Vitamin Shoppe has already demonstrated strong success, suggesting this is just the beginning of what’s to come from the brand.

For those seeking a premium protein powder that delivers on both quality and taste, AN Performance Hybrid Protein stands out as a top choice in an increasingly crowded market. Between its rich texture from the milk protein blend, rigorous testing standards, and innovative Chiquita partnership, it’s clear that AN Performance isn’t just entering the protein category – they’re here to elevate it.