So you’ve been doing some reading and have heard that you need to eat more protein. Lets face it, we all do! Protein is essential for fat loss, muscle growth and helps to repair body tissue. You may have found yourself doing a little research and suddenly your instagram is full of ‘influencers’ and ads for protein powders. And they’re all saying theirs’ is the best! But we want to know the truth.. Which one’s better – Plant Based Protein vs Whey Protein. Today we are going to solve this mystery that cripples all fitness fanatics and gym junkies and get to the bottom of it! Move on, instagrammers – you ain’t fooling us!
What is the difference between both protein powders?
What are they made from?
Lets start with the basics shall we! Plant Based Protein is generally made from pea and rice protein. Because of this it boasts more fiber compared to Whey Protein, and is completely free from any animal by-products including dairy, meat and eggs. Whey protein on the other hand is made from whey, which is found in the watery portion of milk, yoghurt and can be extracted from cheese production. This makes it unsuitable for vegans as a protein supplement.
Is plant based protein better for sensitive stomachs?
This honestly depends on the person and the makeup of the protein powder. Whey protein contains lactose, so if you are particularly sensitive to lactose – plant based protein may be a better option for you. On the other hand, however, some plant based protein powder can contain soy and gluten which are common irritants for an upset stomach. You are best to try samples of both and see which ones sit well for your gut happiness.
What are the difference in macronutrients and amino acid makeup?
Whey protein powder is generally always made up of all 9 essential amino acids – which are the building blocks of protein. Plant based protein powders typically contain less amino acids compared to whey protein. If having a complete amino acid profile is important to you, plant based protein made with a blend of soy protein powder is your best bet.
For ease of reading, I’ve compared two popular Aussie protein powders’ macronutrients below. They are personal favourites that I’ve used regularly and would recommend.
As you can see, there isn’t a huge difference between them both! Of course, you’re going to find protein powders on both sides that have amazing health benefits that could make you lean more to one side. For me – it came down to two things. What met my health and fitness requirements at the time? And, which one tastes the best?
Plant Based Protein vs Whey Protein: Which Tastes Better?
The amount of amazing flavours available for both plant based protein and whey protein is remarkable. You could spend years trying them all! So we’re not going to talk about flavours. For me, the most noticeable difference between the two was the texture.
This comes down to personal preference but no one can deny that plant based protein powders generally have a gritty texture compared to whey protein. If your instagram influencer says it doesn’t – they’re lying and they just want their affiliate commission! But this doesn’t mean that you can’t find a plant based protein powder that tastes great!
I’ve found that the more expensive the plant based protein is, the better it tastes, in my opinion. I find it worth it for me, as I prefer to have quite plain protein smoothies. However, if you add lots of amazing ingredients – the taste and texture wouldn’t matter as much. Here’s one of my favourite protein smoothie recipes – I add a pinch of cinnamon for ultimate banana smoothie feels!
If you’re stuck for which protein powders to try out, here’s my top 3 recommendations for both plant based protein and whey protein powders:
Best Plant Based Protein Powders
Best Whey Protein Powders
I hope this article has given you some clarity on whether plant based protein or whey protein is for you. I would highly recommend trying some samples first before you buy an entire packet or tub. Every single protein powder is going to “claim” they are the best – but how do you know it will be the one for you? Just remember, you’re not going to get bulky from protein supplement, as long as you’re still eating a healthy diet and are exercising regularly.