If you're trying to make sure you get enough protein in your diet, you owe it to yourself to make sure you get the very best kind of protein powder available. Let us help you choose!
Protein powders have boomed over the last decade, and we have never seen such a vast selection of protein powders than we are right now. Bodybuilders have been using protein powders for countless years to boost their protein intake quickly and easily for the purpose of muscle growth. For the most part, the source of protein powder once was only limited to whey, whereas now our selections of protein powders have expanded to include no whey options. Protein powders now come in various sources such as soy, rice, pea, nuts, and grains or a combination of these. Let’s dive in and take a look at some of these various options, and hopefully, after reading this information, you can make informed decisions regarding what kind is best for you.
Whey Protein Powder
As a Healthy Living Educator, I often get asked my opinion of whey. People want to know what is best for them. Let’s explore the whey option. Whey is a protein derived from cow’s milk which is the liquid by-product of cheese making. Whey often comes with side effects to those who consume it:
- Digestion Issues
- Stomach Upset
- Bloating
- Lactose Intolerant
- Dairy Allergy
- Gassy
These symptoms are not limited to the list above. It is important to know your body and be aware of changes that might occur if consuming whey protein.
Of course, if you are vegan then whey, as an animal by-product, is unlikely to be your choice of protein powder.
Even though whey protein may have some good points, people who may suffer from food allergies, have food intolerances, or have ethical reasons, may want to choose plant-based protein powders as alternatives.
Food companies have been working diligently to keep up with the demand for more gluten-free, soy free, dairy-free, and sugar-free food options. Supplement companies are no different. Consumers are demanding better options when it comes to protein powders, and supplement companies are delivering. But not all plant-based protein powders are created equal.
Soy, a popular protein supplement on the market and one of the original alternatives to whey equally compares to whey, both in essential amino acid profile and improving muscle growth and strength. Unfortunately, consumers have moved away from soy based-protein powders due to the high GMO factor in most soy crops, the interference in hormone levels, and soy allergies.
Après soy protein powder, hemp, and pea protein powder made its way into the kitchens of many of the vegan athletes, bodybuilders, and fitness enthusiasts (myself included).
Also, brown rice protein powders made their way into the supplement market and is comparable to whey and other plant-based protein powders. It is a good source of both protein and carbohydrates and is easily digestible.
The down side of some of these plant-based protein powders is that they may be low in certain amino acids. Additionally, if you are shopping for any protein powder, make sure that it does not contain any extra sugars or artificial sweeteners, is GMO-free, and contains no fillers. Less is best!
My personal choice of protein is Sunwarrior. It is plant-based, has a full amino acid profile, has a low glycemic profile, is GMO-free, and contains no fillers. Sunwarrior’s products are organic and sourced from the best ingredients.
There you have it. The choice is yours. In the end, it is up to you to decide if you want to consume whey or no whey. 
However, with cutting edge companies like Sunwarrior, buyers are assured that they are getting some of the best high quality, plant-based protein powders in the market. It is amazing how far we have come, both in taste and selection.
