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The Best Whey Protein Powders of 2025, According to a Certified Sports Nutrition Coach

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The Best Whey Protein Powders of 2025, According to a Certified Sports Nutrition Coach Whey protein powder is a popular supplement because it’s a simple and effective way to increase daily protein intake. Whey is a complete protein that contains all nine essential amino acids our bodies need to build muscle. Whey protein also supplies the body with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), like leucine, which help promote muscle growth (1). We consulted Pete Nastasi, a certified nutrition coach (C.N.C.), to help us find the best whey protein powders on the market.  Here, we break down the different types of whey protein powders available (concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysate), which types will work best for you, and what nutrition information to look for. Plus, we’ve tested over 50 protein powders to help us create the list of our top picks. Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. How We Chose the Best Whey Protein Powders We chose products for our list of the best whey protein powders based on a number of factors reflected in our whey protein powder scoring methodology. These include: Protein source: Whey protein is available as a concentrate, isolate, hydrolysate, or blend. We rank whey isolates and hydrolysates higher than concentrates because they are easier to digest and filtered to remove carbs and fat. Macronutrient calories per serving: We prioritize whey protein powders with the most calories from protein—as opposed to fat or carbs. Total protein per serving: While everyone has varying protein needs, 25–30 grams of protein is generally recommended with each snack or meal. This amount is also the best value per serving of protein powder. Price per gram of protein: While price isn’t always indicative of quality or value, we do reward whey protein powders that are more affordable, though we give this category less weight than the others. Sweeteners: We consider research about common sweeteners when assessing which whey protein powder formulas provide the least health risks to users. Bonus credits: Whey protein powders can earn small bumps in their overall score by having third-party testing credentials, no proprietary blends, an organic certification, sustainable packaging, and the addition of digestive enzymes. We also receive input from our panel of expert contributors, which includes registered dietitians and highly credentialed experts in sports nutrition and exercise science.  Our Picks for the Best Whey Protein Powder of 2025: Best Overall Whey Protein Powder: Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate Best Chocolate Whey Protein: Sports Research Whey Protein Best Grass-Fed Whey Protein: Nutricost Grass-Fed Whey Protein Concentrate Best Vanilla Whey Protein: Legion Whey+ Best-Tasting Whey Protein: Gainful Protein Powder Best Overall Whey Protein Powder: Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate 4.9 Price per serving: $2.00 per serving Protein per serving: 28 grams Protein type: Whey protein isolate Number of servings: 30 Calories per serving: 120 to 150 Flavors: Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon French Toast, French Vanilla, Milk Chocolate, Mocha, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Strawberry, Unflavored, Vanilla Peanut Butter Third-party tested: Yes, by independent labs Check Price Pros High protein per serving Reasonable price per serving No artificial ingredients Cons Requires an electric blender for the best texture Facility also processes nuts, so the protein may not be nut-free No sugar, all protein—that’s what Transparent Labs set out to accomplish with its grass-fed whey protein isolate. This whey protein undergoes filtration (2), taking out the excess sugar, fat, carbs, and lactose so you’re giving your body the pure protein it needs to rebuild. Whey isolate has the highest protein concentration of the different types of protein powders, and this protein is a good option if you’re trying to reduce your carb and fat intake. Transparent Labs’ Whey Protein Isolate packs 28 grams of protein into each serving—one of the highest on our list. We also like the flavor variety, including unique flavors like Cinnamon French Toast. Bonus: This protein isn’t too sweet, so you can mix it with fruit juice or add it to a fruit smoothie without feeling like you’re drinking a shake made with Fun Dip. Best Chocolate Whey Protein: Sports Research Whey Protein Sports Research Whey Protein 4.7 Price per serving: $1.36 per serving (25 servings); $1.06/serving (60 servings) Protein per serving: 25 grams Nutrition facts: 140 calories, 25 grams of protein, 2 grams of carbs, 3.5 grams of fat Protein source: Whey protein isolate Sweeteners: Stevia, sucralose Flavors: Dutch Chocolate, Creamy Vanilla Subscription: Monthly, subscribe and save 10 percent Check Price Pros Reviewers love the taste, especially of the Chocolate flavor Mixes easily with no clumping Informed Sport Certified Cons Flavor may be too sweet for some Sports Research Whey Protein is formulated with 6.9 grams of BCAAs, including 1,000 milligrams of L-leucine. Studies show leucine may help reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Depending on flavor, this Informed Sport Certified protein powder is sweetened with stevia or sucralose, so those sensitive to these ingredients may need to steer clear. Rachel Pasche says she has a protein shake for dessert some nights using the Dutch Chocolate flavor. “It might be too sweet for some people, but I honestly love the taste so much,” she says. “It’s my favorite flavor of protein powder I’ve ever tried.” She says the powder mixes well with water alone, with both a handheld mixer and in a shaker cup, noting there is some foam at the top that doesn’t last long and no clumping. Additionally, Pasche says she sometimes feels bloated after whey protein shakes, but after six months of using Sports Research Whey, she has not experienced any bloat. Best Grass-Fed Whey Protein: Nutricost Grass-Fed Whey Protein Concentrate Nutricost Grass-Fed Whey Protein Concentrate 4.2 Price per serving: $1.74 per serving (2-pound container) Protein per serving: 25 grams Nutrition facts: 140 calories, 25 grams of protein, 2 grams of carbs, 1 gram of fat Protein source: Grass-fed whey protein concentrate Sweeteners: Stevia Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Unflavored Subscription: Monthly, subscribe and save 10 percent Check Price Pros Mixes well in milk Comes in both a two-pound and five-pound tub Cons

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Whey Protein Isolate vs Concentrate: Which Is Better?

Blog, Nutrition, Nutrition Facts, protein, protein shake, Vitamins & Supplements, whey protein /

Whey Protein Isolate vs Concentrate: Which Is Better? You probably know protein is an important part of the muscle-building process. But this macronutrient matters more than you may think. It also plays an essential role in recovery and even bone health. While the majority of protein should come from whole food sources like beef, chicken, fish, eggs, dairy, and beans, a good protein powder can deliver high-quality protein in a concentrated, more convenient form. And whey protein is considered the gold standard because it has all of the amino acids your body needs to fuel muscle gain and recovery, making it a “complete” protein. Understanding that whey is a great option is pretty simple. But before you grab any old whey powder, the details make all the difference in ensuring you’re giving your body what it needs — and not getting ripped off. Here’s what you need to know about whey protein isolate vs. concentrate — and how each type of whey protein can play a role in an athlete’s diet. What Is Whey Protein? Whey is derived from milk and is a byproduct of the cheese-making process: Enzymes are added to milk to separate the liquid from curds. After the curds are drained, the leftover liquid is whey. This liquid was originally considered a “waste” product. Then supplement makers realized whey could be used as a high-quality, valuable protein. Because whey production is a multi-step process, there are different variations. Whey protein is primarily offered as two different variations: whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate. Knowing the difference (and what to look for on a label) will go a long way to ensuring you get the most out of your protein supplements. Whey Protein Isolate vs Concentrate: What Are the Differences? The main difference between whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate is protein content. Whey protein concentrate is the most common form of whey protein. To understand how whey protein concentrate is processed, imagine whey falling off a conveyor belt into buckets. All you need to do is filter out impurities, dehydrate it, flavor it, and call it “Delicious Chocolate Whey Concentrate.” (Coming soon to a supplement store near you!) Some supplement companies may do more than that to their concentrate products, but it’s not required. That means whey protein concentrate can vary widely in terms of protein content. Whey protein may be labeled as “concentrate” if 25 to 89 percent of its content by weight is protein. So if you scoop out 100 grams of protein powder, it can be called whey protein concentrate if anywhere between 25 and 89 grams of that is protein. Whey protein isolate — found in Beachbody Performance Recover — must be at least 90 percent protein by weight. If you scoop out 100 grams of whey isolate, you will get 90 grams or more of protein — a significant difference compared to concentrate. Are there any other types of whey protein? One more type of whey protein you might hear about is whey protein hydrolysate. This type of whey protein has been partially broken down with acid and high heat, making it easier to digest. (For this reason, it’s commonly used in baby formula.) Hydrolysates are absorbed more quickly than isolates, but there’s no strong evidence to suggest that the faster speed has any added benefit for muscle gain or recovery. What Are the Benefits of Each Type of Whey Protein? Most research on protein powders has found that whey protein is the best way to go for muscle growth. Whey protein contains an ideal mix of essential amino acids, and when taken regularly, whey protein can deliver results. But there are a few unique benefits of each type of whey protein. Concentrates tend to be the cheapest sources of protein supplementation. This doesn’t mean the product is low-quality, but it does mean it’s not the highest purity for a protein powder. Whey isolates tend to have a higher price relative to concentrates for four reasons: Protein quality. Because it’s a purer form of protein, you get a higher protein-to-calorie ratio. Protein purity. Whey protein isolate filters out the rest of the macronutrients, meaning you have less carbohydrates, sugar, and fat. Digestion. Whey protein isolate usually has less than one percent lactose, meaning it’s easier on your stomach if you experience lactose intolerance. Improved mixability. Whey protein isolate has better solubility, which tends to make it a smoother, better-tasting protein smoothie. What’s the Best Whey Protein for You? Both whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate have important benefits, but whey protein isolate is a purer form of whey protein and has a higher percentage of protein — sometimes much higher — than whey concentrate. If you buy a concentrate, it’s possible that you’re getting a protein that’s only 25 percent protein by weight. Whereas if you use whey protein isolate, you’re getting 90 percent protein by weight — so you’ll know you’re getting all the protein and amino acids you need to increase your protein intake and help support your fitness goals. The post Whey Protein Isolate vs Concentrate: Which Is Better? appeared first on BODi. You probably know protein is an important part of the muscle-building process. But this macronutrient matters more than you may think. It also plays an essential role in recovery and even bone health. While the majority of protein should come from whole food sources like beef, chicken, fish, eggs, dairy, and beans, a good protein powder can deliver high-quality protein in […] The post Whey Protein Isolate vs Concentrate: Which Is Better? appeared first on BODi. BODi{authorlink}https://www.beachbodyondemand.com/blog/whey-protein-isolate-vs-concentrateBODi BODi is a Health Esteem platform to help you embrace the person you are today so you can take action to achieve all your health and fitness goals. https://bodiblog.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/plugins/bod-blog/assets/vendor/beachbodydigital/wordpress-core-plugins/beachbody.png

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8 Easy Ways to Eat More Protein Every Day

Blog, Cooking Tips, Nutrition, Other Nutrition, protein, Shakeology, whey protein /

8 Easy Ways to Eat More Protein Every Day Getting enough protein in your diet isn’t always easy. The average person needs about 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, which amounts to around 58 grams per day for a 160-pound person. And if you’re working out regularly and looking to put on muscle mass, you’ll need even more than that — about 1.2 to 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, depending on your training. Luckily, there are a few simple swaps and tricks you can apply to increase your protein intake without overhauling your entire diet. Here’s how to eat more protein every day — no complicated macro tracking necessary. 1. Include Protein in Your Snacks Think of snacks as an opportunity to fit in more protein. This can actually be quite simple — it just takes a little planning to make sure you have some healthy snacks on hand when you get hungry. Here are a few easy ideas to bump up the protein content of your snacks: Hard-boiled eggs Cottage cheese or Greek yogurt with fruit Hummus and veggies An apple and nut butter Roasted chickpeas 2. Swap Legume-Based Pasta for Regular Pasta “Pasta” is practically synonymous with “carbs,” but legume-based pastas can offer more protein than you’ll find in regular wheat pasta. Banza Chickpea Pasta, for example, provides 14 grams of protein per serving (2 ounces of dry pasta), compared to around 9 grams of protein in the same amount of regular pasta. “Chickpea pasta is also rich in fiber,” says Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD, virtual plant-based performance nutritionist. 3. Drink Your Protein It’s always ideal to get your protein from lean, whole food sources, as they provide other important micronutrients. However, if you consistently struggle to hit your protein goals, protein powder is an easy and efficient way to put a ~20-gram dent into your daily protein requirements. Plus, you can add in other protein-rich ingredients, like peanut butter or cottage cheese. There are tons of options available, from whey protein to plant-based protein sources like pea, soy, pumpkin, chia and flax. Beachbody Performance Recover comes in both whey and plant formulations and delivers more than 20 grams of high-quality protein per scoop while helping to reduce post-workout muscle soreness.* If you’re looking for a nutrition shake that’s high in protein but also provides key nutrients, Shakeology packs up to 17 grams of protein, as well as fiber, probiotics, and vitamins and minerals in each scoop — also available in an added-sugar-free formulation.* 4. Use Higher-Protein Whole Grains Whole grains provide carbohydrates and fiber, of course, but certain grains can also help you reach your protein goals for the day. Here are a few to try: Teff (10 grams per cup, cooked) Spelt (11 grams per cup, cooked) Amaranth (9 grams per cup, cooked) Kamut (10 grams per cup, cooked) Quinoa (8 grams per cup, cooked) By comparison, brown rice and oatmeal have 5 grams of protein per cup. (Both are still healthy options — they just provide less protein per serving.) These whole grain sources of protein can be added to salads, buddha bowls, soups, stews, and chili or used in place of rice in any recipe that calls for it, Sass says. 5. Opt for Soy-Based or Pea-Based Milk Alternatives Dairy-free milk alternatives are a great option if you’re following a plant-based diet, or if you have a lactose allergy or intolerance. But not all milk alternatives provide as much protein as dairy does. A cup of skim milk has 8 grams of protein, but oat milk has 3 grams and almond milk has just one gram. Soy milk, on the other hand, has about 7 grams of protein per cup, and pea milk provides about 8 grams of protein per cup. 6. Think Beyond a Smoothie Adding protein powder to your smoothie is an obvious play, but there are so many other ways to sneak it in. “At breakfast, you can add it to oatmeal, overnight oats, or acai bowls, blend into pancake batter, breakfast cookies and other baked goods, or incorporate into energy balls,” suggests Sass. Unflavored protein powder can also be used in savory dishes like soups, salad dressings, or bread recipes. 7. Eat the Entire Egg Did you know that almost half of the protein found in a whole egg comes from the egg yolk? Yolks sometimes get a bad rap, but in moderation, they can definitely be part of a balanced diet. Bonus: Many of the nutrients in eggs are in the yolk, including choline, lutein, and zeaxanthin. 8. Make Friends With Beans and Pulses “Beans and their pulse counterparts — lentils, peas, and chickpeas — may be the most underrated superfoods on the planet,” Sass says. They’re one of the best lean protein sources out there — lentils, black beans, and chickpeas all provide 16 grams of protein per cup. Pulses are also an excellent source of fiber per cup and provide nutrients like folate, potassium, and iron. The post 8 Easy Ways to Eat More Protein Every Day appeared first on BODi. Getting enough protein in your diet isn’t always easy. The average person needs about 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, which amounts to around 58 grams per day for a 160-pound person. And if you’re working out regularly and looking to put on muscle mass, you’ll need even more than that — about […] The post 8 Easy Ways to Eat More Protein Every Day appeared first on BODi. Kayne Toyosato{authorlink}https://www.beachbodyondemand.com/blog/how-to-eat-more-proteinBODi BODi is a Health Esteem platform to help you embrace the person you are today so you can take action to achieve all your health and fitness goals. https://bodiblog.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/plugins/bod-blog/assets/vendor/beachbodydigital/wordpress-core-plugins/beachbody.png

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Collagen Protein vs. Whey Protein (& Why I Take Both!)

Beauty + Style, Blog, Dietary Trends, Food, Healthy Living, Lifestyle, menopause, Nutrition, protein supplements, Skin Care, Supplements, whey protein, Women's Health /

Collagen Protein vs. Whey Protein (& Why I Take Both!) Learn the differences of collagen protein vs whey protein to understand the unique benefits of both, and why you may want to incorporate both into your routine. After decades as a fitness instructor and women’s health coach, I’m going to break down the protein powder combination that works best for me. Both collagen and whey proteins are beneficial to your joint and muscle health (especially if you exercise often). But, women ask me all the time, what exactly is the difference between collagen protein vs. whey protein? The main difference between collagen and whey lies in the amino acid profile. Each contains different profiles of amino acids, meaning you will receive different benefits depending on which one you take. I will mention right away that I use collagen AND whey protein powder every day. I’m going to explain both protein sources, their benefits, and why I take each of them as a post-menopausal woman. Collagen Protein vs. Whey Protein: What’s the Difference? Both collagen protein and whey protein offer substantial benefits. The main difference between the two comes down to their amino acid profiles. Check out the example below (remember that 1,000 milligrams are equivalent to 1 gram): Here, Vital Proteins Collagen contains a high value of glutamic acid (2.2 grams), hydroxyproline (2 grams), and proline (2 grams). These particular amino acids primarily benefit your hair, skin, and nails. On the other hand, Garden of Life Whey Protein contains a high value of isoleucine (1.33 grams), leucine (2.24 grams), and valine (1.14 grams), which are very beneficial for muscle recovery. Additionally, collagen contains eight out of the nine essential amino acids, as opposed to whey which contains all nine.  Overall, collagen and whey proteins both offer great health benefits. Whichever one you choose should be based on your own personal needs. Whey Protein Helps boost muscle growth and help muscle recovery after a workout. Collagen Protein Helps ease joint pain or improve your skin, hair, and nails. The good news? You can take collagen and whey protein simultaneously to maximize their combined muscle and joint benefits. This should boost your overall health and nutrition. What is Collagen? Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, making up around 30 percent of your total body protein and 70 to 80 percent of your skin. It helps your body form the connective tissue found in your skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and cartilage. Collagen helps these body parts stay strong—without it, they lose elasticity and the ability to function properly. The collagen protein, which is naturally produced by the body, is made up of 18 beneficial amino acids—the molecules that combine to form proteins. Three key amino acids found in collagen include glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. They account for 57 percent of its total amino acids. The reason they are so important? Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, which your body needs to maintain functionality and good health.  Along these lines, you may be wondering—what are collagen peptides? Collagen peptides are basically collagen protein in a more broken-down form. They are small pieces of animal collagen that are more easily digestible. Often, the two phrases “collagen peptides” and “collagen proteins” are used interchangeably.  The Natural Decline in Collagen Collagen production starts declining as we age. If you are perimenopausal or postmenopausal, you’ll want to read this! Collagen supplements can help maintain younger-looking skin and healthy joints. Studies show that women’s skin loses about 30% of its collagen during the first five years of menopause. After that, the decline is more gradual. Women lose about 2% of their collagen ever year for the next 20 years. As collagen diminishes, our skin loses it firmness and begins to sag. A decrease in collagen can lead to wrinkled or sagging skin, hollowing of the eyes, weakened muscles, stiffer joints, digestive issues, and problems with blood flow.  Of course, supplements are also a popular option among those looking to boost collagen production. Benefits of Collagen Protein Supplements Collagen peptides are essentially broken down forms of collagen responsible for maintaining the strength and elasticity of your skin, hair, nails, joints, and more. As I mentioned, as we age, our natural collagen production declines. This leads to wrinkles, joint pain, and other signs of aging. Collagen peptides are derived from animal sources such as bovine or marine collagen . They are hydrolyzed, meaning they’re broken down into smaller, more easily digestible molecules. One of the primary benefits of taking collagen peptides is their ability to support skin health. Studies suggest that collagen supplementation can improve skin elasticity, hydration, and overall appearance. It can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and promoting a more youthful complexion. Another benefit of collagen peptides is to support joint health. It does this by promoting the production of cartilage, the connective tissue that cushions joints and prevents friction. This can help reduce joint pain and stiffness, particularly in individuals with conditions like osteoarthritis. Collagen peptides may also benefit hair and nail health, promoting stronger, thicker hair and reducing brittleness and breakage in nails. I add a scoop of collagen powder to my AG1 greens every morning and shake it up. For me it’s the easiest way to stay consistent. However, many women tell me they add it to their coffee or smoothie. Just remember that collagen supplements are not a magic bullet. They work best when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle. What is Whey Protein? Milk is comprised of two proteins: whey and casein. Whey is the liquid left behind during the cheese-making process. It is extracted and concentrated into a powder, which can be found in protein supplements such as shakes, drinks, powders, gels, and energy bars. Whey is a fast-absorbing protein that contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs to maintain good health. It helps with building muscle, repairing tissue, and boosting your immune system. It also offers the highest concentration of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)

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Collagen Protein vs. Whey Protein and Why You Need Them

Blog, protein supplements, Trending, whey protein /

Collagen Protein vs. Whey Protein and Why You Need Them If your diet or fitness regimen includes daily vitamins and supplements, you’re likely familiar with the benefits of collagen peptides and whey proteins. While both are beneficial to your joint and muscle health, many people often wonder: what exactly is the difference between collagen protein vs. whey protein? The main difference between collagen and whey lies in the amino acid profile. Each contains different levels of essential amino acids, meaning you will receive different benefits depending on which one you take. Let’s take a look at collagen protein and whey protein, their benefits, and their specific differences. What is Collagen? Photo Credit: Shutterstock Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, making up around 30 percent of your total body protein and 70 to 80 percent of your skin. It helps your body form the connective tissue found in your skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and cartilage. Collagen helps these body parts stay strong—without it, they lose elasticity and the ability to function properly. Collagen protein, which is naturally produced by the body, is made up of 18 beneficial amino acids—the molecules that combine to form proteins. The reason they are so important? Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, which your body needs to maintain functionality and good health.  Types of Collagen While there are around 28 different types of collagen, supplement options are typically comprised of three main types: Type I Collagen: Makes up 90 percent of your body’s collagen and helps maintain healthy skin, hair, nails, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Type II Collagen: A main component of elastic cartilage that helps maintain healthy joints. Type III Collagen: Benefits your muscles, organs, and arteries. Collagen Peptides Along these lines, you may be wondering—what are collagen peptides? Collagen peptides are basically collagen protein in a more broken-down form. They are small pieces of animal collagen that are more easily digestible. Often, the two phrases “collagen peptides” and “collagen proteins” are used interchangeably.  Collagen Loss Collagen production starts declining around the age of 25 and continues to decline as you age. A decrease in collagen can lead to wrinkled or sagging skin, hollowing of the eyes, weakened muscles, stiffer joints, digestive issues, and problems with blood flow.  This is why so many people turn to collagen supplements to help maintain younger-looking skin and healthy joints. Benefits of Collagen Protein Supplements Photo Credit: Shutterstock Research shows collagen supplements may improve skin elasticity and joint mobility, and also decrease joint pain in athletes and those with conditions like osteoarthritis. You will typically see collagen types I and III packaged together in supplements, focusing on your skin health, hair, nails, and bone health. Type I collagen is known for keeping skin supple and firm, while type III may benefit your gut, muscles, blood vessels, and uterus and prevent inflammation. Bovine (or cattle) products are the most common sources of type III collagen. Type II collagen, on the other hand, supports your cartilage and joint health. It may aid in reducing popping knees, while also supporting your jaw and back. Many assume that joint pain, popping knees, and weakened cartilage is an unavoidable part of the aging process—but it’s actually a lack of type II collagen, which can be improved through a healthy diet and the right collagen supplements. Collagen peptides are known for improving aging skin and osteoarthritis and repairing damaged collagen. Research suggests collagen peptides may also help reduce the risk of heart conditions by keeping your arteries healthy, prevent the loss of muscle mass, and help keep your skin hydrated and flexible. What is Whey Protein? Photo Credit: Depositphotos Milk is comprised of two proteins: whey and casein. Whey is the liquid left behind during the cheese-making process. It is extracted and concentrated into a powder, which can be found in protein supplements such as shakes, drinks, powders, gels, and energy bars. Whey is a fast-absorbing protein that contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs to maintain good health, including building muscle, repairing tissue, and boosting your immune system. It also offers the highest concentration of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) of any protein supplement, which are important for muscle growth and maintaining lean muscle tissue. These include leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Types of Whey Protein The two most common types of whey protein include whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate. It is often said that isolate is easier to digest, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference.  Whey isolate is further processed to remove most lactose, so it is typically the best option for those with lactose intolerance. Benefits of Whey Protein Supplements Photo Credit: Depositphotos Whey protein powder has always been a popular choice among people who work out regularly. The benefits of taking a whey protein supplement include: Muscle building (thanks to those BCAAs we mentioned earlier) Wound healing Boosting overall nutrition Aiding in muscle recovery and repair. Whey protein is best used within two hours after completing a workout.  A study published in Nutrition & Metabolism suggests that whey protein may even aid in weight loss, as participants lost more body fat and sustained more lean muscle compared to those who did not use whey. Other research indicates whey protein may help lower cholesterol, improve asthma symptoms in children, and reduce blood pressure.  Collagen Protein vs. Whey Protein: The Main Differences Photo Credit: Get Healthy U Both collagen protein and whey protein offer substantial benefits, but the main difference between the two comes down to their amino acid profiles. Check out the example above (remember that 1,000 milligrams are equivalent to 1 gram). In the slide example: Vital Proteins Collagen (left) contains a high value of glutamic acid (2.2 grams), hydroxyproline (2 grams), and proline (2 grams). These particular amino acids primarily benefit your hair, skin, and nails. Garden of Life Whey Protein (right) contains a high value of isoleucine (1.33 grams), leucine (2.24 grams), and valine (1.14 grams) which are very beneficial for muscle recovery.

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Collagen Protein vs. Whey Protein: What’s the Difference?

Blog, protein supplements, Trending, whey protein /

Collagen Protein vs. Whey Protein: What’s the Difference? If your diet or fitness regimen includes daily vitamins and supplements, you’re likely familiar with the benefits of collagen peptides and whey proteins. While both are beneficial to your joint and muscle health, many people often wonder: what exactly is the difference between collagen protein vs. whey protein? The main difference between collagen and whey lies in the amino acid profile. Each contains different levels of essential amino acids, meaning you will receive different benefits depending on which one you take. Let’s take a look at collagen protein and whey protein, their benefits, and their specific differences. What is Collagen? Photo Credit: Shutterstock Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, making up around 30 percent of your total body protein and 70 to 80 percent of your skin. It helps your body form the connective tissue found in your skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and cartilage. Collagen helps these body parts stay strong—without it, they lose elasticity and the ability to function properly. Collagen protein, which is naturally produced by the body, is made up of 18 beneficial amino acids—the molecules that combine to form proteins. The reason they are so important? Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, which your body needs to maintain functionality and good health.  Types of Collagen While there are around 28 different types of collagen, supplement options are typically comprised of three main types: Type I Collagen: Makes up 90 percent of your body’s collagen and helps maintain healthy skin, hair, nails, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Type II Collagen: A main component of elastic cartilage that helps maintain healthy joints. Type III Collagen: Benefits your muscles, organs, and arteries. Collagen Peptides Along these lines, you may be wondering—what are collagen peptides? Collagen peptides are basically collagen protein in a more broken-down form. They are small pieces of animal collagen that are more easily digestible. Often, the two phrases “collagen peptides” and “collagen proteins” are used interchangeably.  Collagen Loss Collagen production starts declining around the age of 25 and continues to decline as you age. A decrease in collagen can lead to wrinkled or sagging skin, hollowing of the eyes, weakened muscles, stiffer joints, digestive issues, and problems with blood flow.  This is why so many people turn to collagen supplements to help maintain younger-looking skin and healthy joints. Benefits of Collagen Protein Supplements Photo Credit: Shutterstock Research shows collagen supplements may improve skin elasticity and joint mobility, and also decrease joint pain in athletes and those with conditions like osteoarthritis. You will typically see collagen types I and III packaged together in supplements, focusing on your skin health, hair, nails, and bone health. Type I collagen is known for keeping skin supple and firm, while type III may benefit your gut, muscles, blood vessels, and uterus and prevent inflammation. Bovine (or cattle) products are the most common sources of type III collagen. Type II collagen, on the other hand, supports your cartilage and joint health. It may aid in reducing popping knees, while also supporting your jaw and back. Many assume that joint pain, popping knees, and weakened cartilage is an unavoidable part of the aging process—but it’s actually a lack of type II collagen, which can be improved through a healthy diet and the right collagen supplements. Collagen peptides are known for improving aging skin and osteoarthritis and repairing damaged collagen. Research suggests collagen peptides may also help reduce the risk of heart conditions by keeping your arteries healthy, prevent the loss of muscle mass, and help keep your skin hydrated and flexible. What is Whey Protein? Photo Credit: Depositphotos Milk is comprised of two proteins: whey and casein. Whey is the liquid left behind during the cheese-making process. It is extracted and concentrated into a powder, which can be found in protein supplements such as shakes, drinks, powders, gels, and energy bars. Whey is a fast-absorbing protein that contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs to maintain good health, including building muscle, repairing tissue, and boosting your immune system. It also offers the highest concentration of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) of any protein supplement, which are important for muscle growth and maintaining lean muscle tissue. These include leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Types of Whey Protein The two most common types of whey protein include whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate. It is often said that isolate is easier to digest, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference.  Whey isolate is further processed to remove most lactose, so it is typically the best option for those with lactose intolerance. Benefits of Whey Protein Supplements Photo Credit: Depositphotos Whey protein powder has always been a popular choice among people who work out regularly. The benefits of taking a whey protein supplement include: Muscle building (thanks to those BCAAs we mentioned earlier) Wound healing Boosting overall nutrition Aiding in muscle recovery and repair. Whey protein is best used within two hours after completing a workout.  A study published in Nutrition & Metabolism suggests that whey protein may even aid in weight loss, as participants lost more body fat and sustained more lean muscle compared to those who did not use whey. Other research indicates whey protein may help lower cholesterol, improve asthma symptoms in children, and reduce blood pressure.  Collagen Protein vs. Whey Protein: The Main Differences Photo Credit: Get Healthy U Both collagen protein and whey protein offer substantial benefits, but the main difference between the two comes down to their amino acid profiles. Check out the example above (remember that 1,000 milligrams are equivalent to 1 gram). In the slide example: Vital Proteins Collagen (left) contains a high value of glutamic acid (2.2 grams), hydroxyproline (2 grams), and proline (2 grams). These particular amino acids primarily benefit your hair, skin, and nails. Garden of Life Whey Protein (right) contains a high value of isoleucine (1.33 grams), leucine (2.24 grams), and valine (1.14 grams) which are very beneficial for muscle recovery. Additionally, collagen

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