{"id":215137,"date":"2026-01-03T17:23:13","date_gmt":"2026-01-03T17:23:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/215137\/"},"modified":"2026-01-03T17:23:13","modified_gmt":"2026-01-03T17:23:13","slug":"dietitians-reveal-the-healthiest-choice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/215137\/","title":{"rendered":"Dietitians Reveal The Healthiest Choice"},"content":{"rendered":"

I interviewed three experts to learn which type of protein powder is healthiest: plant-based or whey.Whey and casein protein powders are great because they include all nine essential amino acids and are easy for our bodies to absorb and process.Plant-based protein powders, while they do not naturally contain all nine amino acids, are often engineered to include them and may also contain fiber, prebiotics, and other beneficial nutrients.<\/p>\n

Gone are the days when protein powder<\/a> is just for shakes. In this gains-obsessed era, we\u2019re pulsing it into smoothies<\/a>, folding it into brownies<\/a>, and whipping it into cheesecake. But as we consume more and more of it, we have to ask: What type of protein powder should we use? If we consume animal products, is an animal-based protein powder the best option? Or is plant-based better for us, regardless of dietary preferences?<\/p>\n

Related Story<\/p>\n

I consulted multiple experts to get to the bottom of these questions. Here\u2019s everything you need to know about both types of protein powders, what they offer, and what we should be looking for in the protein powder aisle.<\/p>\n

Animal-Based Protein Powder: The Complete Package<\/p>\n

The kingdom of animal-based protein powder encompasses many different species (um, varieties) of protein powder. Options range from whey to casein to collagen to beef isolate (yes, that\u2019s a thing!), but the two most common varieties are whey and casein. These two protein sources are particularly great options because they offer a complete protein package, or, as Kim Yawitz<\/a>, registered dietitian and owner of Two Six Fitness in St. Louis, explains, \u201cAll of the amino acids your body needs in adequate amounts for muscle repair, recovery, and optimal health.\u201d <\/p>\n

Another benefit of these animal-based protein powders is that, in general, our bodies can process them easily. \u201cThey\u2019re highly bioavailable, so our bodies can absorb and use them efficiently,\u201d shares Marissa Karp<\/a>, registered dietitian nutritionist & founder of MPM Nutrition. Sure, there are small differences in how fast we can absorb them (whey absorbs quickly, while casein takes a bit longer), but in general, they blend well into our body\u2019s ecosystem.<\/p>\n

Related StoryPlant-Based Protein Powder: Check The Label<\/p>\n

The biggest difference between animal and plant proteins is that many plant proteins (such as rice or pea) don\u2019t naturally contain the complete protein package. This means that any protein powder that only contains one of these specific plant proteins will not naturally provide all those essential amino acids.<\/p>\n

But according to Lauren Manaker, M.S., R.D.N., L.D.<\/a>, this doesn\u2019t mean we should discount them. \u201cMany (protein) blends combine different plants to provide all essential amino acids,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Also, there are a few notable exceptions to this \u201cincomplete plant protein\u201d rule. Karp shares that hemp, soy, and chia seed proteins are all complete on their own, so any protein powders made from one of these will give us that full \u201camino acid profile.\u201d <\/p>\n

One big advantage of a plant-based protein powder is the extra nutritional benefits it provides. \u201cMany…have added fiber, prebiotics, antioxidants, and other nutrients,\u201d Yawitz says. Karp agrees, adding that plant proteins also \u201cbring more variety into your diet,\u201d which can help support a healthy gut. With the potential of all these additional benefits, it\u2019s clear that plant-based powders can be a great option, even for those who aren\u2019t dealing with dietary restrictions.<\/p>\n

Related StorySo, Which Is Healthier?<\/p>\n

Both animal- and plant-based protein powders can offer significant nutritional benefits. The type you choose really depends on you, your nutritional goals and preferences, and how you feel your body responds to each type. \u201cSome people thrive on whey, while others feel better with a plant-based option,\u201d Manaker says. \u201cIt\u2019s all about finding what works for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

That said, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a product at the grocery store. \u201cAlways check the ingredients label!\u201d Karp says. \u201cMany protein powders come with added sugars…or artificial sweeteners.\u201d Manaker agrees, recommending we \u201clook for an ingredient list without unnecessary fillers, artificial sweeteners, or additives.\u201d <\/p>\n

It\u2019s also smart to look for products that have been tested by a third party, so you know that another organization (such as the NSF) has examined and approved them. Protein powder manufacturers aren\u2019t required to do this, but, as Manaker says, \u201cit gives you an extra layer of reassurance that what\u2019s on the label is actually in the product.\u201d And these days, when toxins are found in Greek yogurt <\/a> (of all things!), we can use all the reassurance we can get.<\/p>\n

Shop Nutritionists’ Favorite Protein Powders\"Native<\/a>Ascent Native Fuel Whey Protein Powder, Chocolate\"Organic<\/a>Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder, Vanilla Bean\"Organic<\/a>Now Foods Organic Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder<\/p>\n

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