Protein Powder Faceoff! - Fitness Incentive

“…whey vs. vegan protein. We often get asked what the difference is, so I will explain it as simply as possible to help you decide the right fit for you!”

– Kristen Napolitano

Whey or Pea…That Is The Question

If you have been to the Skylite cafe recently, you may be overwhelmed by the number of protein powders you can choose from. Besides flavor (which is obviously a biggie), the biggest difference between the types of protein is whey vs vegan protein. We often get asked what the difference is, so I will explain it as simply as possible to help you decide the right fit for you!

Picking the Right Protein

Picking the right protein for you depends on several different factors. The biggest two will be your dietary restrictions and how you react to dairy products!

My Whey May Not Be Your Way

The first thing to consider when picking the best protein powder for you is whether or not you have any dietary restrictions. Vegans, for example, would not want to use whey protein since it is derived from milk, an animal product that vegans typically don’t consume.

It’s also critical to consider food allergies and intolerances. Whey contains lactose, which some people are unable to digest properly. If that’s you, decision made: Plant-based Protein.

But This Whey is Way Better

Whey protein is the most popular form of supplemental protein and is generally considered the most “complete.” A good example is Naked Whey, a brand of protein that we carry in the cafe. It is a complete source of amino acids with moderate to high levels of most essential amino acids. While whey has a very high biological value, it is not as filling as other types of protein, and your body digests it very easily and quickly.

Some benefits of whey protein are:
Whey supports fat loss in two significant ways. It improves metabolism through muscle building and boosts the production of a critical antioxidant called glutathione that protects cells and speeds muscular repair. Whey protein is the most efficient way to add protein to the diet without fat or high calories. Research also shows that consuming a whey protein supplement combined with resistance training helps build muscle compared to exercising alone. Whey protein is also a powerful antioxidant, boosting the immune system. It helps repair muscle fast and allows the body to promote muscle growth safely and naturally.

Bad Rap

On the other hand, plant-based protein powders have not always had the greatest reputation. It’s not because they are somehow harmful or inherently flawed in some way; some people think that if a protein isn’t derived from animals, it is of lower quality. This is largely untrue. For a long time, vegans had very few options when it came to protein supplements. Now, modern plant-based protein powders offer several benefits, some of which are unique to plant-based products and others shared with more traditional animal proteins.

Some benefits of vegan plant-based protein powders:
Protein powders taken from plant sources are valuable because they provide vegans and vegetarians with a rich, convenient source of nutrients. They tend to have fewer allergens and more micronutrients.
Man is rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and countless other beneficial phytochemicals produced by that particular plant. In addition, many plant-derived protein powders are complete proteins, meaning they contain a complete set of essential amino acids. When plant-based protein powder is low or missing certain amino acids, you can get them from other food sources or supplements.

Once you decide which type of protein is the right fit for you, the next decision is what flavor. We, of course, have your classic vanilla and chocolate, but we also have chocolate peanut butter, double chocolate, unflavored, and we will be bringing back our seasonal pumpkin spice shake for the fall.

Pre-Order!

Many of our members will pre-order their protein shake before their workout so it is ready when they are done! Just stop by the Cafe and fill out your Shake order form.

Please stop by the cafe next time you are in to see a slew of options for both vegan and whey protein and give them a try.