What should we consider when purchasing a whey protein powder or plant based protein powder?

Summary

With so many protein powders out there today, it can be hard to know which is truly worth your dollar. Let’s break down the basic differences between types of protein powder to help you make an informed decision that will align with your health and fitness goals.

Whey Protein:

Whey protein powder is often a popular choice of protein powders. It is typically consumed after a workout as it is easily digested and quickly absorbed by the body.

• Whey Protein Isolate has undergone processing to filter out most of the fat and carbohydrates which leaves a more isolated form. This version can be more expensive than concentrate forms.
• Whey Protein Concentrate tends to be a little cheaper but contains a lower protein content and higher carbohydrate and fat content. Due to the carbohydrate content being lower in the isolate form, it is also lower in lactose, which could be more tolerable for someone with lactose intolerance. This form of whey protein powder tends to taste better than isolate.
• Whey hydrolysate/hydrolyzed whey has been partially broken down to ease digestion and speed absorption. So if you’re someone that has a sensitive stomach, this version may be a good option to try.

Plant Based Protein Powders:

Plant based protein powders are often a preferred choice of vegans or those trying to eat more plant based. These protein powders come in either a single-source protein or as a mixture of plant sources. Examples of single-source plant based protein powders include pea, hemp, and soy. Most plant based protein sources are considered an incomplete protein, so it was once thought that you needed to
consume a variety all at the same time to make a complete protein. However, it is now known that if you consume a variety of protein foods throughout the day, you’re likely going to get all of the amino acids that you need. So it’s not necessary to consume the mixed plant based protein sources over the single sourced.As you can see, there are a variety of factors to consider when choosing protein powder, so you can use this knowledge to make the right decision for yourself to help you reach your health/fitness goals, while staying within your budget. The main goal is to choose protein powder that you like and that will work well for you. Try to choose those that have a shorter list of added sugars, flavors, and fillers as well. It’s good to choose protein powders that are third-party tested for quality, accuracy, and purity.

Disclaimer:

No content in this post, should ever be used as a substitute for medical advice from your doctor.

References:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955286303000305
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6358922/
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-i-need-to-worry-about-eating-complete-proteins/