If you are looking to increase your protein intake, you might be wondering is whey protein vegan?
Whey protein helps to build muscle and strength and can also assist with weight loss when consumed alongside a healthy diet and exercise routine.
Keep reading to discover if whey protein is suitable for vegans and the best protein options for anyone on a vegan diet.
Whey Protein – Is it Vegan?
Unfortunately, for anyone wondering is whey protein vegan, whey protein isn’t suitable for vegans. It comes from milk, which is rich in both whey and casein proteins. For that reason, vegans are unlikely to use this protein source and will opt for a vegan-friendly protein powder instead. Vegetarians are safe to consume this protein if they are happy to eat products that are derived from animal products.
Whey protein is a major component of milk. It’s created from the liquid which is formed upon the cheese-making process. In a typical serving of milk, whey protein would account for roughly 20% of the product. It’s easier to digest than milk itself, which is why it’s such a popular protein supplement. You’ll find that whey protein is sold as whey isolate, whey concentrate, and whey hydrolysate. Whey concentrate is the powder that’s left from the cheese-making process, and then whey isolate and hydrolysate are more concentrated forms that are even easier to digest.
Vegan Protein Powder Options
Now that you know the answer to is whey protein vegan, you might be wondering if there are other options on the market for you to try. Vegan protein can be created from a variety of different protein sources, such as rice, hemp, pea, and algae. You’ll find many great options to choose from, all of which offer the same protein content and benefits as whey protein would. Of course, all of these products are free from animal products or meat, so they are suitable to consume on a daily basis alongside your vegan diet. If you are looking to increase your protein intake, you can also do this naturally by focusing on adding protein-rich food to your diet.
Why Should I Use Protein Powder?
After learning about protein powder and the various options on offer, you might be wondering why you would opt to use a protein powder in the first place. If you are physically active, a good amount of protein is needed each day to ensure your body is able to function properly. While you can get protein from whole foods, many people find they aren’t getting enough protein naturally to build muscle or lose weight. Protein powder helps to build muscle, repair tissue, and also aids with toning the muscle. You can consume it after a workout to help increase your recovery time and get you ready for another day of training tomorrow.
While whey protein powder isn’t suitable for vegans, you’ll find many other options on offer which provide all of the same benefits as whey protein. Always check the ingredients label when using a protein powder for the first time to ensure you are choosing one that is suitable for a vegan diet.