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A Comparison of Whey vs Plant Protein
January 20, 2025
Since the dawn of protein powder time, the whey vs plant protein discussion has long been debated. What protein powder is the most effective? Which protein powder is the best for building muscle? And hey, what about whey vs plant protein for gut health? Don’t worry, we’ve heard it all, so get ready for the ‘weigh in’… pun intended, on our comparison of whey vs plant protein powder.
We’ll also dive into the health benefits of our delicious, low sugar plant protein collection featuring Clean Protein and Thriving Family, with benefits to support training, recovering, muscle toning and so much more.
The Key Differences Between Whey and Plant Protein
The difference between whey and plant protein stems from the source it was made from. Whey protein is sourced and made from cheese. Therefore, another major difference is that whey protein is not vegan-friendly, due to the ingredients being sourced from animals. Whereas plant protein is vegan-friendly as it is completely derived from plants, making it a safer option for those with dietary requirements, dairy or lactose allergies.
In terms of the benefits of both proteins, it depends on the blend of the particular brand, for example, whey protein is considered a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine of the essential amino acids, whereas not all plant proteins are considered a complete plant protein unless it’s either soy protein or contains multiple plant proteins. Nutra Organics Clean Protein is a complete plant-based protein with all 9 essential amino acids. For the most part, whey and plant protein contain a similar amount of protein per serving, depending on the brand and the intended purpose of the protein powder, most average between 20 - 30 grams of protein per serving.
How are these Protein Supplements Made?
So we know that the ingredients are different between whey and plant based proteins, but how they’re made can also have an impact on the final product in terms of the quality and efficacy of the product. Whey and plant-based proteins have quite a different process to get to their final stage.
Plant-based protein
Plant protein is made firstly by extraction. Once the protein has been extracted from the plant it’s then purified and dried into a powder form. Plant based protein can be made from many different sources, those sources typically include; pea protein, soy protein, rice protein, hemp protein, sunflower protein, pumpkin seed protein, coconut protein and chia protein. Always make sure to read the label as some proteins may be processed in a facility that contains milk and therefore runs a risk of contact.
Nutra Organics Clean Protein are a 100% complete vegan protein with a blend of organic pea, brown rice, coconut and pumpkin seed protein, which combined make up all 9 essential amino acids. Plus a combination of digestive enzymes (cellulase, lactase, protease, amylase and lipase) to aid digestion and magnesium, iron and phosphorus to support recovery and a healthy metabolism. Clean Protein is also safe for the whole family, as well as those pregnant and breastfeeding. In saying this, we do advise on all our products to seek advice from your health care professional on taking our products if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Whey protein
Whey protein is made as a part of the cheesemaking process. Certain enzymes are added to separate the curd from the liquid whey, which is then pasteurised so that the protein can be concentrated and isolated, then dried into a powder form. There are three main types of protein powders, whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate and whey protein hydrolysate. Given the derivative of whey protein, it isn’t suitable for vegans or those with dairy allergies.
Plant Protein for Muscle Growth
Plant protein is a great support for muscle growth and toning, and with the right blend, performs just as well as whey protein powder. The key is making sure you know how much protein you need in order to get the right amount per serving for your particular goals and needs, which may be different per scoop depending on the brand and the type of protein.
Protein is essential for muscle building as it provides the essential amino acids for tissue repair and building and is the main component found in muscle tissue. Alongside a healthy diet high in protein and an adequate amount of exercise and training; adding a daily serving of Clean Protein (to some protein pancakes, a smoothie or sweet treat) is a great way to support muscle growth, recovery and toning.
While we recommend Clean Protein for those wanting to train, recover and tone, we recommend Thriving Family for supporting kids’ growth and development. Thriving Family is so much more than just a delicious plant-based protein, Thriving Family is also a wholefood multivitamin blend with 17 vitamins and minerals to help every member of the family thrive. Thriving Family is also beneficial and safe in supporting those who are pregnant and breastfeeding. In three delicious flavours, as well as a handy little Thriving Family Bundle , you can feel prepared for any hungry little munchkin (or adult) to have a healthy satisfying snack no matter the flavour craving.
The Health Benefits of Using Plant Protein
There are many health benefits of using both whey and plant protein supplements. Protein is a building block for cells, tissues and organs and is essential for optimal bodily function. A balanced diet with wholefood protein is always the goal, however sometimes life gets busy, this is why protein powder is a great way to support your daily protein intake needed to build and tone muscles and repair tissues. Protein is also essential for growth and development in kids, and for those pregnant and breastfeeding to support a healthy bubba and mumma.
Protein is essential for cartilage health, bone health, supporting hormone health and creating a good source of energy. Not enough protein in the diet can cause a lack of energy as the body burns through carbohydrates much faster than protein, protein can also curb execssive hunger. Always read the label and use protein powder as per the label, and if you’re unsure what your body needs, consult a professional for further advice to make sure you’re getting the right type and amount of protein your body will thrive on.
Choosing the Best Plant Protein Powder
Not every protein powder is going to be right for everyone, it’s worth doing that little bit of extra research to make sure you get the right protein that suits your dietary needs, price range, specific synbiotic ingredients and the amount of protein per serve that you require. If you’re looking to train, recover and tone with a higher amount of protein per serving, Clean Protein is the best option for you, with two flavour options of Creamy Vanilla and Smooth Chocolate. Thriving Family on the other hand is a great family-friendly option for a protein that also contains a wholefood multivitamin blend with 17 vitamins and minerals to support immunity, gut health, growth + development and general wellbeing. Thriving Family comes in 4 different flavours; Smooth Vanilla, Double Chocolate, Strawberries and Cream, and Unflavoured (coming soon).
The Last Word
So when it comes to the whey vs plant protein debate, we hope you can now make a more informed decision for your personal desires and dietary requirements. Here at Nutra Organics, we pride ourselves on creating the cleanest, most efficient, high-quality protein options that everyone can enjoy, no matter your requirements or your budget. Clean Protein options and Thriving Family options are designed to be easy, delicious and versatile, add a scoop into your morning smoothie, into desserts, pancakes or protein bars/balls for an easy dose of a complete plant protein with added synbiotic ingredients that support muscle growth, toning and repair.
FAQs about Plant Protein vs Whey Protein
Can you gain muscle with plant protein?
Yes, you can gain muscle with plant protein, the key is to make sure you are reaching the amount of protein per serving for your needs.
Does plant protein have creatine?
Plant proteins do not contain creatine. For those with dietary requirements that restrict them from eating other animal sources of protein it’s best to add a creatine supplement.
Can I mix plant and whey protein?
Yes, you can mix plant and whey protein powders, however, some flavours and brands of proteins may not have the same texture or consistency and therefore create a different flavour or texture when mixed from the original intention of the protein powders on their own.
Which plant protein is healthiest?
The healthiest protein powder option will vary from person to person depending on specific dietary requirements and needs. To make the healthiest choice for you, always do your research and choose a high-quality protein.
Can you eat plant protein every day?
Yes, you can eat plant protein every day, it is recommended to only have one serving of plant protein powder per day and to get the rest of your daily protein needs from other wholefood sources.