If you live an active lifestyle or your diet lacks protein, you may be considering different protein powder options to help boost your intake of this vital nutrient. Widely popular amongst gym-goers, protein is an essential component of a healthy diet and helps build and repair your muscles after strenuous activity. In general, many individuals receive enough protein through the foods they eat. However, if you're working your muscles out regularly or your diet lacks protein, protein powder may be just what you need to stay on top of your health goals.
Whey protein powder tops the list as one of the most popular protein powders. Its neutral taste and dissolvable nature make it easy to add to almost anything. Shakes, soups, baked goodsyou name it! But, as popular as whey protein powder is, there are still many questions circling this ingredient. What it's made from, how to use it and if it's vegan are just a few of the many questions we receive from our readers weekly. To help you better understand whey protein powder and how you can incorporate it into your diet, we've created this quick guide answering the questions above.
What Is Whey Protein Powder?

In short, whey protein powder is a protein that's derived from dairy milk. Milke contains several different nutrients, including water, carbohydrates, vitamins and two types of protein. During cheese-making, the proteins found in milk, casein and whey are separated. Once the whey is separated from the casein, it is filtered to remove any non-whey ingredients and purified to create a powder.
What makes whey so popular? Whey is one of a few proteins that are a considered a complete protein. This means that it contains all nine essential amino acids, three of which are branched-chain amino acids. The BCAAs found in a whey protein powderleucine, isoleucine and valineare known to help encourage muscle protein synthesis. BCAAs can also help protect the muscles from breakdown for energy, a process known as catabolism.
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Bob's Red Mill Whey Protein Powder is unsweetened and simplea factor that sets it apart from many of the protein powders on the market today. Plus, it dissolves instantly, meaning that you won't experience a chalky aftertaste or chunky texture when adding it to your favorite shakes and smoothies. Aside from blended drinks, our whey protein powder can also be added to yogurt, protein bars, pancakes, muffins, cakes and other baked goods. Check out the back of our whey protein powder packaging to discover more of our favorite whey protein powder recipes.
For a fun trip down memory lane, create this nostalgic
PB & B Smoothie. In this recipe, whey protein powder is combined with the naturally sweet flavors of peanut butter and banana to make a quick pick-me-up that you can enjoy no matter the time of day.
Is Whey Protein Powder Vegan?
Regardless of the type of
whey protein powder you choose (WPC, WPI, or WPH), whey is derived from cow's milk and because dairy products are not vegan, this powder is not suitable for vegans to consume.
Still, there are various protein powders available that are 100% plant-based, and some companies even offer "mock" dairy-free versions of whey protein powder. While we cannot attest to the quality of these mock versions, they're worth looking into if you're someone who is following a vegan diet.
Whey vs. Plant-Based Protein Powders
Wondering how plant-based protein powder stacks up when compared to whey? While plant-based protein powders may be the better option for the animals, determining if they're right for you is dependent on your dietary needs and restrictions. Though whey is the most popular option on shelves, when it comes to nutrition, many plant-based protein supplements provide the same "complete" benefits that whey does when regarding muscle repair and growth. Additionally, some plant-based options contain more nutrients and may be easier to digest. That being said, we recommend speaking with a health professional to determine your unique nutritional needs before adding any supplements to your diet. And, if you're vegan, steer clear of whey protein powder.
Vegan Protein Powder Alternatives
While whey protein powder might not be vegan, that doesn't mean that all hope is lost. As we mentioned, several excellent plant-based protein powders can help you reach your health goals one scoop at a time. Curious to know which plant-based protein powder will best suit your lifestyle? We went ahead and did the research for you. Here are three popular plant-powered protein powders sure to live up to your expectations.
Almond Protein Powder
Though almonds may be tiny, they're known to pack a nutritious punchespecially when it comes to protein. Almonds' high protein content makes them the perfect candidate for a nut-based protein powder.
Not to be confused with almond meal, almond protein powder is made from finely ground almonds pressed to remove the oil, thus creating a de-fatted high protein powder. When in powdered form, it's a much more concentrated source of protein than whole almonds.
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Bob's Red Mill Almond Protein Powder is made with the highest quality blanched almonds. Finely ground, it creates a creamy powder that blends perfectly into smoothies, shakes, baked goods, salad dressings and more. Use it to fuel a busy day or make a post-workout shake. The possibilities are endless.
Hemp Protein Powder
Another protein powder that tops the list of plant-based options is hemp protein powder. Before it's turned into a powder, hemp protein comes from hemp seeds, an incredibly nutritious whole food. One of nature's best plant-based protein sources, hemp protein powder is a complete protein and contains all 20 amino acids. This is quite rare amongst plant-based proteins, as many lack the amino acid lysine.
At Bob's Red Mill, we aim to always provide you with the best quality options, which is why our
hemp protein powder is loaded with benefits. An excellent source of fiber and iron, it dissolves easily and has a mild taste. This makes it easy to add an extra boost of protein to smoothies or shakes that you already love without worrying that the texture/flavor will change. This tasty powder can also be added to yogurt, hot cereal, soups, granola bars, muffins and more. Check the back of our package for incredibly delicious recipes using hemp protein powder.
Soy Protein Powder
Soy protein powder is one of the most readily available plant-based proteins. A protein extracted from the soybean plant, aside from hemp protein powder, it's the only other plant-based option that's considered a complete source of protein. It contains all nine essential amino acids and has the most similar structure to animal proteins. Because of this, it's a popular choice amongst those following a vegan diet.
For those who eat animal-based proteins, mixing whey protein powder and soy protein powder has become a popular health trend. Though both proteins help with muscle building and recovery, they are digested at different rates. The body quickly absorbs whey protein, whereas soy protein is absorbed slower. When combined at the correct ratio, the two proteins can provide a more prolonged, steadier release of amino acids. Soy protein powder also contains isoflavones, something that whey protein lacks. Isoflavones are known for their antioxidant effect, which may help reduce muscle soreness and inflammation.
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Bob's Red Mill Soy Protein Powder is an excellent, nourishing source of complete protein. Dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, unflavored and unsweetened, it's the ideal vegan and vegetarian supplement for those looking to boost their protein intake.
Additionally, because it's easy to digest and has minimal flavor, it can be worked into various recipes ranging from savory to sweet. Blend it into your favorite smoothie, or add it to a healthy dessert for a quick nutritional boost. Ready to begin using soy protein powder today? To help you get started, we've included a delicious drink recipe on the back of our soy protein powder package. Or, you can visit our online recipe bank for all kinds of tasty soy protein recipes.
Whey protein powder is by far the most popular protein powder around. However, that doesn't mean that it's right for you. While whey protein is a high-quality protein that helps with muscle rebuild and growth, it is derived from cow's milk and is not suitable for those following a vegan diet. That being said, as noted above, there are several plant-based protein powders that you can substitute for whey and achieve the same benefits. If you're searching for a plant-based protein powder, review this article and speak to a health professional to determine which is best for you. From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, we hope you have a protein-filled day!
Are you someone who uses plant-based protein powders regularly? We'd love to hear more about your favorite powders and recipes in the comments below.