Tag: Vegan Protein Supplements
The Best Whey Protein Vs. Top Plant-Based: A Comparison
Get the facts on the best whey protein powder vs. those top-rated plant-based proteins.
Protein powders are essential in our daily routine but finding the best whey protein vs. top plant-based powders can be challenging. The first problem is deciding on if you want a whey protein supplement or one that is plant-based. This is dependent on your goals and dietary lifestyle. Then it just comes down to the brand and your preference on what you hope to see from your workouts, diet, and supplementation.
Protein powders on the whole can aid in things like muscle growth and protein synthesis, enhanced recovery and reduced muscle soreness, and overall weight loss and management goals, and even weight gain for those looking. With so many options out there, the chance for you to see serious gains has never been more accessible.
Let’s take a look at the best whey protein vs. top plant-based ones and get a sense for how these differ. While there are plenty of similarities, for they are both great protein sources at the end of the day, what you will find are subtle differences that may make you consider one over the other. Plus, we’ll break down two proteins off our list of the Best Protein Powders so you can compare and contrast amongst a whey protein and plant-based one.
Why You Would Choose Whey Protein
For whey protein, there are those two forms that exist to pay attention to. Whey concentrate is typically for those looking to bulk, or who don’t have a preference on the number of carbs and fat included. Whey concentrate will have more carbs and fat than isolate which is why for those in a bulking phase, or for those trying to gain weight, this is preferred.
As for whey isolate, this is great for those looking to slim down and lose weight. This is because whey isolate is a more filtered form of whey, thus shedding some carbs and fats, if not all, and leaving you with an almost pure protein source.
Whey protein is a great protein for those looking to boost muscle growth, aid in recovery, and stay full. Since protein is the building block of all muscle, muscle protein synthesis is bound to happen as you look to increase strength, assist in those recovery and muscle soreness goals, and lose body fat (1,2,3).
Why Choose Plant-Based Protein
Plant-based proteins come from sources like pea protein, brown rice protein, soy protein, and chia seeds, among others. Like whey protein, you will find similar benefits to this type of protein including muscle growth, weight loss, and recovery assistance (4,5).
However, people choose to use plant-based proteins if they have a sensitivity to dairy. This intolerance can cause stomach discomfort and digestive stress, but a vegan protein can alleviate these uncomfortable feelings and work to provide great benefits.
Compare & Contrast The Best Whey Protein Vs. Top Plant-Based
We wanted to share two great protein powders, one whey protein and plant-based protein, so you could see the options out there. We’ve also broken down key aspects of these proteins (calories, protein, carbs, etc.) so you can compare and contrast amongst each respective supplement.
Whey Protein Powder
The market for whey protein is incredibly saturated, but we wanted to share a great option with you so you know exactly what to look for. Your goals will determine what kind of whey protein you choose, and as mentioned above, those looking to bulk will look towards whey concentrate and those looking to lean out will focus in on a whey isolate.
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free, boasting a great formula for a top protein powder. With nothing artificial added, this is a clean protein that is easier on your stomach.
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is a great whey protein isolate with 28g of protein and just 120 calories. Along with this, you will find 1g of carbs, 0.5g of fat, and less than 1g of sugar. With nothing artificial added, this protein is great for muscle growth, recovery, and aiding in those weight loss and management goals. Transparent Labs is an honest company who knows what athletes need and seek to make only the cleanest supplements.
Price: $59.00
Plant-Based Powder
Similar to the whey protein market, many companies have jumped in on the vegan and plant-based craze, so it is important you know what a good company and a good protein powder look like. While it may be hard to decide if you are new to vegan powders, considering what source you want (i.e. brown rice, pea, etc.) can make your decision a little easier.
National Bodybuilding Co. Full Prep Vegan
National Bodybuilding Co. Full Prep Vegan is designed for bodybuilders to hit their goals faster. A 100% natural and organic powder, this will work for a number of benefits like muscle growth and recovery, as well as enhancing overall performance.
National Bodybuilding Co. Full Prep Vegan Protein is designed to help bodybuilders progress faster in the gym and with their vegan goals. Using rice and pea protein, this works to increase the rate of muscle protein synthesis, optimize nutrient utilization, boost metabolic efficiency, and enhance athletic performance. With 20.5g of protein at just 117 calories, this protein is a very nice option.
Price: $40.00
Nutrition Comparison
Let’s take a look at some of the essential elements of the nutrition label for each of these respective products so you can compare actual numbers. With one being whey protein and the other a mix of rice and pea protein, this is a great way to compare two reputable brands and two amazing protein powders.
Transparent Labs 100% Whey Protein Isolate
National Bodybuilding Co. Full Prep Vegan
Calories
120
117
Protein
28g
20.5g
Carbs
1g
2g
Fat
0g
3g
Sugar
Less than 1g
0g
Servings Per Container
30
20
Serving Size
1 Scoop
1 Scoop
Price
$59.99
$40.00
Price Per Serving
$1.99
$2.00
Check out our list of the Best Protein Powders for more great protein supplements!
Wrap Up
Finding the best whey protein vs. top plant-based protein can be difficult, but as a worthwhile and effective supplement, it is a task absolutely worth taking on. What you will find with these supplements are powerful products designed to increase muscle growth and aid in recovery while working towards those weight loss and management goals. These proteins will work wonders for you regardless of your choice so look into either a whey protein or plant-based one today and see what these can do for all your goals.
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Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Envato
References
Devries, M.; et al. (2015). “Supplemental protein in support of muscle mass and health: advantage whey”. (source)
Davies, R.; et al. (2018). “The Effect of Whey Protein Supplementation on the Temporal Recovery of Muscle Function Following Resistance Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”. (source)
Frestedt, J.; et al. (2008). “A whey-protein supplement increases fat loss and spares lean muscle in obese subjects: a randomized human clinical study”. (source)
Babault, N.; et al. (2015). “Pea protein oral supplementation promotes muscle thickness gains during resistance training: a double-blind, randomized, Placebo-controlled clinical trial vs. Whey protein”. (source)
Joy, J.; et al. (2013). “The effects of 8 weeks of whey or rice protein supplementation on body composition and exercise performance”. (source)
Kaged Muscle Plantein Review For Premium Vegan Protein
This clean, fully disclosed, and naturally flavored vegan protein is perfect for your gains.
Product Overview
How many times has someone told you that you need a protein powder? Most likely every single time you hit the gym. You’ve tried all the different types of whey, but find it upsets your stomach. Or maybe you’re someone simply avoiding dairy. Thankfully, supplement companies recognize this and have sought to produce high quality vegan proteins equal to, if not better than, some whey products when it comes to building muscle, boosting recovery, and working to keep you full. Kaged Muscle Plantein is at the top of the list and is one of those proteins you need to try if your looking for a premium vegan option.
Protein is the building block of all muscle and it would be a disservice to neglect that fact. We work hard inside and out of the gym, so why not give ourselves a great product to boost all areas of our gains. The right protein powder can work to increase muscle growth, boost recovery, and help keep us full for better weight management so we see our desired gains come to life. Kaged Muscle Plantein can do all of this and much more and as a vegan protein, this supplement is highly conducive to all diets and can work for not only training and performance, but also your overall health and wellness.
Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off
Kaged Muscle Plantein is a premium vegan protein that builds muscle like whey without the dairy. Superior texture and taste is matched by 300% more absorption so those nutrients hit you harder.
Kaged Muscle is a supplements company who takes their production process and final products seriously, only reinforcing the deepest of integrity. They source the most pure, most potent raw materials and ensure their labs operate beyond the status quo with rigorous testing and third party assurance. Never compromising on quality and price, Kaged Muscle seeks to only make the highest quality supplements they can, for they know you the athlete deserves only the best.
Plantein Highlights
Kaged Muscle Plantein is a great plant-based protein powder for those looking for a clean, fully disclosed, and naturally flavored supplement. This protein builds muscle like whey without the dairy and is 300% absorption so all those nutrients hit you harder. With superior taste, texture, and mixability, this protein is made with MCT oil and provides a complete profile of EAAs and BCAAs. Being soy, dairy, lactose, and gluten free, this is a great pure plant-based option for athletes of all types.
Ingredients
Pea Protein Isolate: Pea protein is extracted from yellow peas and is a high-quality protein source. This can build muscle mass when paired with resistance training, help keep you full to aid in weight loss and weight management, and enhance recovery to repair those worn down muscles for better recovery (1,2,3).
Organic Quinoa: Quinoa is a complete protein containing all of the essential amino acids while also being high in fiber. This nutrient rich food is perfect for those looking to grow and repair their muscles (4).
MCT Powder: Helps with digestion, can improve brain function (5), may lower cholesterol, and enhance exercise performance for all-around gains.
Other Ingredients
Natural Flavors, Steviol Glycosides, Sucralose
Calories
160
Protein
26g
Carbs
5g
Fat
4g
Sugar
1g
Flavors
Peanut Butter Cookie, Banana Bread, Cinnamon Roll
Number Of Servings
15
Price, Flavors & Effectiveness
Kaged Muscle Plantein is a premium vegan protein perfect for building muscle and pumping you with vital nutrients similar to whey. With 15 servings per container, 1 scoop of this non-dairy protein will pump you with clean ingredients so you see only the best gains. To ensure you never grow bored with the taste, Plantein comes in three great flavors being Peanut Butter Cookie, Banana Bread, and Cinnamon Roll.
Pros
Clean, fully disclosed, and naturally flavored
300% better absorption
Soy, dairy, lactose, and gluten free
Great tastes with natural flavors
Cons
Could have more servings per container
Price: $29.99
Check out our list of the Best Non-Dairy Protein Powders for more amazing vegan proteins!
Also, head to our GI Supplement Awards and see where Plantein landed on our list of Best Protein Powder of 2021!
Overall Value
Kaged Muscle Plantein is that premium vegan protein you need most today. By working with clean and naturally flavored ingredients, you get a fully disclosed label and a great product to see those non-dairy gains unfold. Kaged Muscle is a great company who knows the needs of athletes and seeks to produce only the best supplements around. What you are really getting is a high-quality vegan protein with clean ingredients, real results, and an honest company backing you. Check out Kaged Muscle Plantein today and see what this can do for all your goals.
Try Kaged Muscle Plantein Today
Generation Iron may receive commissions on purchases made through our links. See our disclosure page for more information.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Kaged Muscle and Envato
References
Babault, N.; et al. (2015). “Pea proteins oral supplementation promotes muscle thickness gains during resistance training: a double-blind, randomized, Placebo-controlled clinical trial vs. Whey protein”. (source)
Leidy, H.; et al. (2015). “The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance”. (source)
Nieman, D.; et al. (2020). “Effects of Whey and Pea Protein Supplementation on Post-Eccentric Exercise Muscle Damage: A Randomized Trial”. (source)
Elsohaimy, S.; (2015). “Physicochemical and functional properties of quinoa protein isolate”. (source)
Croteau, E.; et al. (2018). “Ketogenic Medium Chain Triglycerides Increase Brain Energy Metabolism in Alzheimer’s Disease”. (source)