Is Whey Protein Vegan
Whey protein is not a vegan product and is an animal-based protein source derived from cow’s milk. This form of protein comes directly from milk which contains whey and casein proteins. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, then whey protein is not the right choice for you. Try a vegan source of protein that comes from peas, rice, hemp, soy, or algae instead. Thankfully, both meat-eaters and vegans can find a quality protein source to supplement their diets. Always read the ingredients label carefully before you choose a protein product to ensure that it doesn’t contain any animal products or byproducts if you follow a vegan diet.
Hear Our Expert’s Take
Premier Protein 100% Whey Protein Powder contains 30 grams of protein in each two-scoop serving. They use a blend of whey protein isolate and concentrate, and the amount of protein is on the higher end for comparable whey-based proteins. It also contains 1 gram of sugar.
This protein powder is gluten-free, but it does contain milk. Customers with a milk allergy should avoid this product. Other ingredients include soluble corn fiber, natural and artificial flavors, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, and xanthan gum. These additional ingredients are unnecessary and diminish the quality of the product.
Overall, this supplement is high in protein when compared to other supplements. Although it is inexpensive, the unnecessary ingredients are a dealbreaker for me. As a Registered Dietitian, I would recommend a cleaner protein powder with fewer filler ingredients.
Ghost Whey Protein Benefits And Effectiveness
The lactose and the thickeners may be tough for some folks to digest, which is why the Ghost Enzymes are notable. These should help to digest the protein and minimize gassiness, plus bromelain has been linked to reduced inflammation and soreness after exercise.
The product is soy-free and gluten-free and unlike some protein powders such as Ultimate Nutrition Whey Gold, its designed to not spike your insulin. This, in addition to the fact that its low in fat and carbs and the fact that it contains three kinds of whey, means its a pretty solid anytime mix. You can add it to something carb-heavy if you want to boost your pre-workout nutrition. If youre eating at night or during a period of low activity, you can mix it into something with fewer carbs and more fat or water without worrying about an energy crash.
Its pretty low in allergens theres no soy, gluten, or corn, and the lactase should help folks who are lactose intolerant .
If youre wary of artificial sweeteners, this product does contain sucralose. However, it doesnt contain any other sweeteners like acesulfame potassium, which is present in a large number of protein powders and tends to be vilified more than sucralos.
Ghost Whey contains more than just whey, but the additives make sense. And while the product isnt totally natural, it does a decent job of reducing the number of problematic ingredients you find in many other whey powders.
Also Check: How To Get Protein Vegan
Opportuniteas Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder Isolate
This whey protein isolate is pure. Its unflavored, has no added sugars, no sweeteners, preservatives, or colors. Its also free from GMOs, gluten, and hormones.
It uses a different method in making the isolate, where the whey is cold processed from raw milk. Its subjected to heating very briefly as required for pasteurization.
This modification produces premium-quality amino acids with better taste and texture compared to regular whey.
Opportuniteas produces several superfoods, and their focus is to create simple solutions for a healthy life. They started their business in 2013 when the founders mother got sick, and his sole purpose in life became finding and making the most functional foods.
Nutrition
Each serving offers 27 grams of natural whey protein isolate. It has only two ingredients, with the protein isolate taking up 99% of the mixture, and a tiny amount of lecithin brought in from non-GMO sunflower.
Usage
It has no distinct taste, so its suitable for people who do not like flavored protein powders. Its also very versatile, you can mix it with any beverage, smoothie, sauce, or soup. It can be incorporated into any recipe with ease.
- Few reports of the powder clumping in hot beverages
- Some users find it too bland
Whey Protein Powder: Support Your Fitness Journey
Buying whey protein under the good surveillance of health experts as it has become an essential part of bodybuilding. So the chances of adulteration increase which can lead to health issues and side effects.Whey is the by-product , we obtain during the manufacturing process of cheese. When obtained in powder form, it comprises all nine essential amino acids. Regular consumption of protein supplements increases body strength, stamina, muscle gain process, and post-workout recovery. Whey protein concentrate is easy to digest and can be readily absorbed by the body.
You May Like: High Protein Low Carb Food
Editors Choice Transparent Labs Protein Powder
Transparent Labs is one of the hottest companies out right now and their products definitely live up to the hype. They have a grass-fed whey and isolate, and a vegan option too, although the isolate has slightly fewer calories than the other two at 120 calories per serving.
A serving also gives you a very high dose of protein at 28g at an 88% protein-to-weight ratio , and its a simple ingredient formula containing only grass-fed whey isolate, natural flavor, sodium chloride, and Stevia.
- A little pricier but the quality is reflective of this
Ingredients
- Natural flavor, sodium chloride, stevia
Who makes it
Transparent Labs gets the name because they arent afraid to disclose everything included on the label. They also make very clean products free from the stuff that you dont necessarily want or need.
How Much Protein Do You Need To Build Muscle
Opinions vary when it comes to protein dosages. But for optimal muscle-building results, science recommends 1.8g to 2.0g of protein per kg. of your body weight.
However, this varies and can be less for some individuals. For example, women require less protein to meet their daily macros than men do .
But we all know how hard it is to get a lot of healthy protein into your daily diet. Sometimes, the food you eat simply doesnt meet those macros which can support lean muscle gains in tandem with hard workouts.
Thats why protein powders are so effective for athletes they pack in a lot of protein per serving .
This way, you can take your daily protein powder dose and dont have to overeat, which can lead to weight gain and muscle loss.
Also Check: Protein Pills For Weight Loss
How Can You Tell If A Protein Powder Is Lactose
Its always important to read the label of a particular protein powder before buying it to ensure its lactose-free. Some powders will have a note on the label that indicates it is lactose-free.
If this isnt the case, take a look at the list of ingredients. When looking for a lactose-free whey protein powder, check that its made with whey protein isolate instead of whey protein concentrate.
Whey protein concentrate is less processed than whey protein isolate. It still contains lactose when the processing is finished, as well as higher concentrations of carbohydrates and fat.
% Gold Standard Whey Protein Optimum Nutrition
Optimum Nutritions 100% Gold Standard Whey Protein is probably the most popular protein powder on the planet.
For many people its the first protein powder they ever buy. This is thanks to its incredible distribution, putting it front and center in many grocery stores, Costcos, and pharmacies.
This does not, however, mean it is the cheapest.
On Amazon.com, as of July 18, 2022, a 2 lb tub will cost you about $34.99. At 27 servings per tub, thats nearly $1.30 per serving.
The 5 lb tub is considerably less expensive, but still clocks in around $0.97 per serving.
So while it may not be the absolute cheapest, you can certainly do a lot worse. If you want to go with a classic brand, then the 100% Gold Standard Whey Protein from Optimum Nutrition is hard to beat.
You May Like: Good Sources Of Protein For Vegans
Quest Nutrition Protein Powder
Quest is a well-known brand and while their bars are very popular, they have some good powders too. With only 100 calories per serving and a respectable 24g of protein, Quest protein offers the perfect muscle-building and fat loss combo. Theres no fat, no carbs, and only < 1g carbohydrates too.
Whey isolate and micellar casein protein are a good combination to support your goals.
You can mix it with anything or have a few shakes throughout the day and youll still be well under your daily caloric intake. But even if you wanted to add some extras , itd still be low-calorie. Quest powder is also a great multi-use powder as you can cook and bake with it and they tend to have good flavors for the most part.
Product highlights
- Few complaints about taste
Ingredients
- Whey protein concentrate
Who makes it
Naked Whey products are loaded with essential amino acids and contain no artificial sweeteners or colors, or additives. They make pure products that are top quality.
Pure Label Nutrition Immune Health Whey Protein Concentrate
What We Liked: This whey protein concentrate comes in both vanilla and chocolate and offers 23 grams of protein per serving. Its compatible with several different eating plans, including keto and gluten-free. In fact, consumers will love that its easily incorporated as a supplement to support the immune system or as an addition to a meal replacement shake in a weight loss plan.
Recommended Reading: How Much Protein Should You Have
Best Customized Whey Protein
Gainful offers a unique approach to protein powder by offering personalized blends that are formulated specifically to the person ordering it, based on their fitness goals, diet restrictions, and other vital factors.
Pros: The custom is able to serve a wider range of users, doesn’t just rely on whey protein but pea, brown rice, and organic oat, as well, has a team of registered dietitians formulating the blends
Cons: Not the most economical in terms of amount and cost
Editor’s note: Other slides in this guide have nutritional information listed, but considering the fact Gainful is a customized blend, there’s no standard set of data to be profiled here. We recommend visiting the site to take its quiz for yourself to see your unique blend.
One of the more unique protein powder options is Gainful, a brand that formulates personalized blends based on your specific needs. This could include weight and fitness goals, the amount you’re active each week, or if you have any dietary restrictions. It even lets you choose options dedicated to getting better sleep or improving gut health.
It’s an interesting approach that succeeds in making the protein you order seem one-of-one. That is, not only does Gainful say it’s formulating a specific blend of protein for you, but when you get it and see what exactly is in it , it feels exclusive.
Is It Safe To Take Protein Powder Every Day
Yes, it is definitely okay to take protein powder supplements every day. Its safe and even more effective if you do take it on a daily routine.
If you do choose to take it every day, you should make sure to take a maximum of 1-3 scoops per day.
Dont swerve from the recommended daily dosages on the product labels. And if youre worried about a protein powder having negative effects on your health, always consult your doctor first.
But you should also remember that protein powder is at its heart a supplement not something that is meant to replace a balanced diet.
You cant replace meals with protein shakes, and it certainly wont help you to gain lean muscle mass if you arent getting sufficient nutrients from regular food.
Recommended Reading: How Does Protein Help Your Body
Our #1 Protein Powder For Elderly & Seniors
Many study results have shown the direct impact of increased protein intake on lean muscle mass and bone density of the older population.
With reduced strength and mobility being a concern for many seniors, its important to get the right combination of nutrition and physical exercise.
Based on my research and work with my dietitian, I recommend trying out Transparent Labs.
It delivers a high dose of whey protein while reducing calories from carbs practically to zero. Many of my older clients reported it helps with planning meals to avoid messing up a diet, and none of them had any digestive issues.
Our #1 Recommendation
Six Star Whey Protein Ingredients
Six Star Whey Protein features a similar macronutrient profile to Body Fortress Advanced Whey, with the same 30 g of protein and 8 g of carbs per scoop. But because Six Star use a different protein blend, theyve dropped the fat content from 5 g down to just 1 g, which also reduces the calories from 200 to 160 per serving.
The Whey Protein Plus Blend contains whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, hydrolyzed whey protein, and whey protein isolate. Its a unique combination that aims to speed up the digestion time , while reducing the amount of carbs and fat , and keeping the price affordable .
In addition to the high protein content, youre also getting 2.5 g of creatine per scoop. In most cases, youll consume 2 servings per day in the morning or pre-workout, and during the day or post-workout. This brings the creatine intake up to 5 g per day, which is the maximum recommended level for a maintenance phase after loading.
Vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients
In terms of micronutrients , the level of calcium is incredibly high for a protein powder. With 230 mg per scoop , Six Star Whey delivers more calcium than BSN Syntha-6, Dymatize ISO 100, and nearly twice as much as MusclePharm Combat.
Sodium content is relatively high , as is the amount of cholesterol . To put this in perspective, MuscleTech NitroTech has just 25mg of cholesterol, while Six Star Whey Isolate has 0 mg of cholesterol.
Backed by science?
You May Like: Best Protein Sources For Vegetarian
Now Sports Egg White Protein Powder
Is whey protein isolate lactose-free? Yes. Is it dairy-free? No.
For consumers who want to avoid dairy products , whey protein powders of any kind are not a good fit. Luckily, there are other lactose-free protein powders on the market, including egg white protein powder.
Now Sports Egg White Protein Powder is lactose-free and is also a good dairy-free option. It contains 20 grams of egg white protein per serving and is a good source of branched-chain amino acids. It also is fat-free and contains just four grams of carbohydrates with no sugar.
More like this? Click here to see other recommended egg white protein supplements
- Limited flavor options
- Sweetened with Stevia and xylitol, which have an aftertaste some people dont enjoy
- Doesnt thicken when mixed as whey protein powders often do
Where To Buy Whey Protein
When it comes to buying protein, one convenient ordering option is Amazon’s “” program, since it can save you up to 15%. You’re able to cancel your subscription at any time, too. What’s great about this program is that it automates ordering products that you replenish regularly.
For instance, if you take a serving of protein powder every day and there are 30 servings in a container, you can have a new tub delivered every month without lifting a finger.
Personally, I like to buy my protein from Bodybuilding.com. I usually try a different brand of protein each time I order more, so Amazon’s “Subscribe & Save” program doesn’t make sense for me, although it’s a smart option for many people. Bodybuilding.com has reliable customer reviews and it routinely offers deals on popular brands. As a bonus, it offers free shipping on orders over $75.
To figure out the cost per serving on your own, take the product’s price and divide it by the number of servings in the container. Since the amount of protein per serving varies by brand, it’s also useful to look at the cost per gram of protein. This is easy to calculate by dividing the cost per serving by the number of grams of protein per serving. Andrew Gutman
Also Check: Vegan Protein Shakes Ready To Drink
Is Whey Protein Powder Good For Weight Loss
Protein is the most filling macronutrient, and adding protein sources to meals and snacks can help you feel full and more satisfied, which could help you consume fewer calories overall .
Studies have also shown that whey protein may be effective for promoting fat loss. A 2018 review that included 9 randomized control trials found that supplementation with whey protein helped reduce body weight and total fat mass in people with overweight or obesity .
While adding a whey protein supplement along with other high protein foods to your diet could help make you feel full and may help you lose body fat, your total dietary intake and activity level matter most when it comes to reaching and maintaining a healthy body weight.
For example, if youre currently overconsuming calories and leading a sedentary lifestyle, adding a whey protein supplement to your diet is unlikely to impact your body weight.
However, adding a protein supplement while also focusing on improving your overall diet quality, reducing your calorie intake, and being more active is a beneficial way to promote healthy weight loss.
Bulksupplements Clean Whey Protein Powder Isolate
BulkSupplements whey isolate is 90% protein, its rich in branched-chain amino acids , and it can be easily included in any meal.
Its a high octane source of protein, so its great for bodybuilders for boosting muscle strength and in workout recovery. Taken in moderate amounts, its also suitable for maintaining lean body mass.
Nutrition
Each serving provides about 27 grams of protein, less than 1 gram of fat, 210 milligrams of sugar, in addition to 12% of your daily calcium requirements, and other essential minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. It has 75 milligrams of sodium and only 113 calories.
Usage
If youre following a weight loss plan, it can support your efforts, as increasing your daily intake of protein is known to curb your appetite and boost your metabolic rate. Both contributing to effective dieting.
If youre using this protein as a supplement, its recommended to take 15-30 grams each day. For weightlifters, the optimal amount would be around 0.36 per pound of body weight daily. Its best to be mixed with a workout drink and taken right after exercising.
Its a balanced protein shake, containing a broad range of nutrients, and so it can be used as a meal replacement in addition to supplementing your daily intake of proteins.
It contains a healthy amount of fibers and probiotics, so it could have a positive effect on your digestion, and your overall health.
Nutrition
Usage
- A limited selection of flavors
Also Check: 7 Day Protein Diet Plan For Weight Loss