Looking to add more protein in your diet? Supplementing it can be a quick and easy way to boost your protein intake by a large margin, but the various products on offer can be confusing to first-timers. However, you don’t need to untangle these terms alone, trying to decipher whey protein vs protein powder – let us help you out. It’s kind of our area of expertise.
We’ll explain the difference between some of the key products you might hear of in the protein supplement world, including whey protein and protein powder, helping you know which one you should choose for your goals.
What does ‘protein powder’ actually mean?
‘Protein powder’ is a catch-all phrase for any powdered protein supplement; source, irrelevant. There are plenty of different types of protein powder (whey protein being one of them) that suit all sorts of diets, habits, goals, and restrictions, so the question becomes less ‘should I use protein powder?’, and more ‘which protein powder should I use?’.
The main types of protein powder are:
- Whey protein: dairy-derived from milk
- Casein protein: also dairy-derived, but slower digesting
- Plant-based protein: usually derived from pea, soy, hemp, or rice
- Egg white protein: a slightly less common dairy-free alternative
Within these categories come even more variations, but we’ll leave it at that for now. One step at a time.
What makes whey protein different?
Whey protein is one of the most popular powders out there. But what sets it apart from the others? There are a few key defining traits that can help you decide if it’s the supplement for you:
- Whey protein is derived from milk during cheese production
- It is absorbed quickly by the body, fuelling your body faster
- It contains all essential amino acids, making it a complete protein
These traits make whey protein popular for those following a healthy, active lifestyle. It provides the body with everything it needs to support exercise quickly, thanks to its fast digestion.
The case against whey protein would be purely personal. If you are dairy intolerant or vegan, this type would not suit your dietary requirements. If you’re wanting something low-cal or less heavy, there are options that might serve you better (clear protein powder, for example).
Which protein powder should I choose?
There’s no hard recommendation for which protein powder is best: it all depends on your tastes and goals. A political answer, we know, but it’s true.
By just adding a protein supplement into your diet at all, you’ll be getting the benefits your body needs. The vehicle in which it’s delivered is less important. As a general rule for recommendations, though, here’s what we’d say:
- Choose whey protein powder if you want fast absorption, can tolerate dairy, and want a complete amino acid profile
- Best for active individuals and older adults
- Choose a plant-based protein powder if you’re dairy-free or vegan
- Best for those with dietary sensitivities or environmental concerns
- Choose casein protein powder if you want a slow-release protein
- Best for people who prefer to take protein before bed
- Choose egg-white protein if you want a fat- and carb-free option
- Best for weight-conscious or dairy-free individuals
The best way to find your perfect protein powder is often just trial and error, and consistency. Results come after a fair amount of use, so whichever you choose, try and keep it up in the long-run.
Get the benefits of protein, no matter the powder
When it comes to the difference between whey protein and protein powder, it’s simple: whey is a protein powder, but not all protein powder is whey. In fact, there are many types of protein powder to choose from.
But don’t let this choice overwhelm you – the kind of protein powder you use really doesn’t matter much. As long as it suits your diet and your day, it’s a good option for you. What matters most is giving your body the amount of protein it needs to fuel and grow itself every day; it won’t care if it’s coming from plants, milk, or otherwise. We promise.
Find your perfect protein powder today, to support your health better tomorrow.
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