Protein powders are known as the most used sports nutrition supplements among those trying to live a balanced life. They are consumed by both professional athletes and people who desire to get in shape properly.
Nowadays, there are many options on the market when it comes to protein supplements, meaning it is not always easy to choose. Currently one of the biggest choices one has is based on the features of whey protein vs plant protein powders.
Some people opt for a plant-based protein due to personal diet preferences, i.e., they follow a vegan meal plan. However, others have the option to pick between either, as they do not face such restrictions. Before you pick the right sports nutrition supplements, it is essential to learn the differences between the two.
In this blog, you will learn the distinction between whey protein vs plant protein, meaning you will be able to decide what your body needs. Understanding the key differences in both can help you make the best choice for yourself to get the most out of your body and reach your health goals.
Table of contents
Whey Protein vs. Plant Protein: What Is Better for Athletes?
Short answer, it could be either. Different athletes have distinguished goals for their body and sport. If you have started building a career as a professional athlete, you need only products that will bring you the desired results. Namely, you cannot waste time on things that do not make a difference for you. Otherwise, you are just throwing your money and time down the drain. The demand on athletes is high and the difference between you and your competition often comes down to a few decisions, proper supplementation being a vital one.
Many young athletes, especially those in college, find themselves at a crossroads when it is time to pick the right supplement. Since they are training to become professional athletes prepared for different challenges, taking the right protein supplement is essential. That is why it is essential to understand the whey protein vs. plant protein comparison.
What Is Whey Protein?
The biggest and most obvious difference between whey protein vs plant protein is their structure. The top whey protein products, whether they are powders, bars, drinks, or snacks, all come from dairy, specifically milk. They go through a process that removes stuff from the dairy, leaving behind a protein concentrate or isolate that packs a lot of protein into a small amount.
More precisely, whey protein concentrate usually contains around 70 to 80% protein by weight, while whey protein isolate is even more concentrated, packing about 90 to 95% protein. If you take a typical serving of whey protein, you will get around 25 grams of protein. However, you will also combine it with about 120 calories, 1.2 grams of fat, and 1.4 grams of carbohydrates. So, it is a pretty effective option for reaching your protein goals!
What Is Plant Protein?
On the other hand, we have vegan protein for athletes - another type of protein supplement, but with a few key differences. Just like whey protein, plant proteins are often processed to focus on the protein content, removing other nutrients in the process. While whey is derived from cow’s milk, plant proteins can come from a bunch of great vegan sources. You can find them in soy, oats, brown rice, peas, hemp, potatoes, and canola.
Plant protein supplements are a great substitute for whey protein, especially for people who follow a vegan diet or that have lactose restrictions. However, it is crucial to mention that there are some nutritional differences that might make you think twice about whether this is a supplement you need in your athlete's nutrition plan.
That is, plant protein supplements do not usually contain complete protein concentration, except for some types. This means that you will be limited to some kinds, such as soy or some mixes, to ensure that you are getting enough protein throughout the day. While that may not seem like such an issue, if you are about to become a professional athlete, you would not like to waste time finding the perfect supplement for your goals. You will want the sure thing!
A Thorough Look Into The Differences of Whey and Plant Protein
As we mentioned above, the greatest difference between whey protein vs plant protein is its main component, i.e., dairy. Nonetheless, there are some more specific features that can make one type of protein more suitable for your needs.
Below, we have discussed some of the most particular properties.
1. Content of Protein
When it comes to protein powders, both whey and plant-based options usually have a similar protein content, with most offering around 20 to 30 grams per serving. Whey protein for athletes is a standout because it is a complete protein, meaning it has all nine essential amino acids.
These are crucial for muscle growth, especially for athletes who are determined to develop a career in sports. Moreover, whey protein even includes branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) like leucine, valine, and isoleucine, which are particularly beneficial for building muscle.
On the other hand, the protein quality of plant-based powders can vary depending on the source. Generally, they tend to have fewer BCAAs compared to whey, and only soy protein is considered a complete protein among plant options. To tackle this, some brands mix different plant proteins together to make sure they provide all the essential amino acids and BCAAs.
So, if you are looking for a protein powder, check the nutrition label! When you want the right thing, you will have to ensure that the supplement you are about to pick has that good range of protein - 20 to 30 grams per serving. Also, remember to look for the right mix of amino acids.
2. Allergies and Digestibility
Besides the content of the supplement, when you are deciding between whey protein vs plant protein, you need to take into account digestibility and allergies. Whey protein is usually easy for most people to digest and gets absorbed quickly. This is an amazing property for the recovery process after a workout session.
Nonetheless, you have to be careful if you are lactose intolerant or allergic to milk. It might cause some digestive issues or even allergic reactions. This is where vegan protein for athletes thrive because they do not usually cause allergies in people with sensitive metabolic systems.
3. Lifestyle Factors
One feature that we cannot forget to mention is the lifestyle factor. While protein supplements come with content and nutritional differences, personal preferences and goals also play a role in picking the right supplement.
For instance, whey protein has been a popular option for athletes and bodybuilders because it is packed with protein and is quickly absorbed by the body. You can find it pretty easily, and it comes in all sorts of flavors and formulations.
However, plant-based protein is becoming popular among people who follow vegetarian, vegan, or plant-based diets. It provides a great alternative for those who want to get their protein without straying from their dietary choices. But, you still have to think about the amount of protein a certain type contains. In other words, intensive reading of labels will be required.
How to Pick The Right Protein Supplement?
If you are a professional athlete or about to become one, it is quite important to pick your supplement carefully. Namely, it is a well-known fact that for a sports career, you will need a protein supplement that provides real results and guaranteed effectiveness.
For example, to build muscle effectively, you need to focus on strength training and ensure you are eating enough protein that includes all essential amino acids and BCAAs. Whey protein isolate is often viewed as the best option for muscle growth since it is a complete protein, rich in leucine, and gets absorbed quickly.
In addition, while there is some debate about whether BCAAs directly enhance muscle growth, they are known to aid muscle recovery and help reduce post-exercise soreness. However, you should remember that even though protein powders can be handy, they should not replace whole food sources like chicken, fish, eggs, tofu, or legumes.
How to Incorporate Protein Supplements in Athlete Nutrition?
Many people try to consume protein through healthy meals, but that is not always as easy as it may seem. Consuming protein through food means cooking and preparing special dishes at all times, and you might not have the time for that. That is when supplements can really help!
If you lead an active and fast life, you will want to find the easiest ways to include protein supplements in your athlete nutrition. Some people decide to go with a protein powder, while others like to incorporate it through food that contains an additional dose of protein in their content. We have several options for you, meaning you can find the most suitable way that matches your preferences and needs.
1. Protein Powder
When you are preparing to become a professional athlete, your day probably involves several training sessions. So, if you want something to help your muscle growth and recovery, a whey protein powder might be the best solution. First, it is easy to consume since you can just blend it with water. Second, it is a certain way to take 30g per day, which is the minimum recommended dosage for the best results.
SIXSTAR 100% Whey Protein Plus is one of the best sports nutrition supplements we offer for young people with busy lives. This protein powder is all about helping you perform at your peak, whether it is day or night, right after a workout, or following a game. It is built to enhance your performance!
Moreover, it is amazing for building muscle, absorbs quickly, and mixes effortlessly, making it super convenient to use. So, when you want an easy and effective solution for your fitness goals, this might be exactly what you are looking for!
However, we should not forget that this type of whey protein powder is good for your immune system since it is rich in zinc and vitamin C. That is, besides helping you recover after a workout, it will offer support for your health. Plus, it comes with a tasty flavor, meaning you will enjoy consuming it.
Protein in Combination with Kellogg’s Froot Loops Cereal
We know that young people are not keen on spending time preparing breakfast. So, we have come up with an ideal solution that incorporates a delicious meal with the right dose of protein. How about starting the day with a bowl of delicious Kellogg’s Froot Loops Cereal with added protein?
We have joined forces with the breakfast pros to help you start your day on the right note with the amazing taste of Kellogg’s cereal. It is all about giving your mornings that authentic flavor that gets you ready to tackle the day.
Plus, it is great for supporting your muscle-building goals, as it is a source of four essential vitamins and minerals. And best of all - it is super easy to mix and super convenient, making it a perfect option for busy mornings! This means that you do not have to skip breakfast anymore before you hit the gym. You have your meal ready - you just have to enjoy it!
2. Protein Shake
Some people want to make their protein intake habit even more simple than using a protein powder in smoothies or similar drinks. That is why we have come up with a SIXSTAR Protein Shake that includes enough protein for a snack or meal.
If you are looking for a quick protein boost, this protein shake is perfect for you! It mixes the premium protein from Six Star with the fun, nostalgic flavor of Kellogg's Froot Loops cereal. It is a tasty and easy way to elevate your nutrition, whether you are an athlete, a fitness lover, or just someone who wants to make healthy eating a bit more enjoyable. However, it is definitely an amazing solution for young people with busy schedules!
With a solid 30 grams of protein, along with 24 essential vitamins and minerals, this shake has you covered on the nutritional front. Plus, it only has 1 gram of sugar, so you can indulge your taste buds without any guilt!
Over to You
While some people might not mind the different nutritional qualities of protein types, the distinct features between whey protein vs plant protein powders can make a great difference for athletes. So, if you are serious about your fitness goals and sports career, you should be careful about your protein choice!
