WHICH PROTEIN SUPPLEMENT IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Adequate protein consumption ensures steady strength gains for athletes and gym goers. But how much is too much? And what are the defining differences between protein powder products?

Our definitive guide will help you choose the supplement that is best for you.

WHEY PROTEIN

Whey protein is derived from whey liquid - a by product of cheese production.
Whey protein occurs in 3 different forms dependent on processing. Whey protein is the most rapidly absorbed protein product.

Whey Concentrate

Whey liquid is passed through a filter which collects the protein fractions - these are then dried to produce anhydrous whey concentrate.

    Pros
  • Rapid Absorption into muscle tissue.
  • Contains bioactive compounds that can boost immunity.
  • High quality protein source.
    Cons
  • Known to trigger allergies.
  • Higher level of fat, cholesterol and lactose than other whey products.
Whey Isolate

Sugars and fat are removed from whey concentrate via
microfiltration or ion exchange to produce whey isolate.

    Pros
  • Higher concentration of protein vs Whey Concentrate
  • Faster absorption vs Whey Concentrate
  • Non-allergenic
    Cons
  • Expensive
  • Lacks immune boosting bioactive compounds
Whey Hydrolysate

Whey hydrolysate is pre-digested whey isolate.

    Pros
  • Fastest absorption of any protein
  • Non-Allergenic
  • Easiest on the digestive system
    Cons
  • Candidate for most expensive protein supplement
  • Lacks immune boosting bioactive compounds
CASEIN PROTEIN

Casein is a hydrophobic protein that forms the main protein in cheese.
Hydrophilic in nature, casein forms a gel like clot in the stomach which
results in slow digesion delivering a constant stream of protein over an
extended period.

    Pros
  • Slow digesting with a constant release of protein over an extended period.
    Cons
  • Very expensive
  • Lower absorption vs other supplements
  • Not as effective as a post workout supplement
EGG PROTEIN

Egg protein is produced by separating the egg albumin from the yolk and dehydrating the former.

    Pros
  • Fast absorbing protein
  • Rich in vitamins and minerals
  • High quality protein
    Cons
  • Egg protein is a common allergen
  • Very expensive
SOY PROTEIN

Soy is a complete plant based protein.
It is available as both a concentrate and an isolate.
The former is roughly 70% protein and the latter 90% protein.

    Pros
  • Ideal for vegans
  • Full protein source
  • Rich in antioxidants
    Cons
  • Phytoestrogen content infers lower gains
  • Intense flavour
RICE PROTEIN

Carbohydrate-rich rice's protein base is separated and concentrated to form rice protein powder.

    Pros
  • The most hypo-allergenic protein powder available
  • Ideal for vegans
    Cons
  • Not a complete protein; must be paired with other powders or protein sources
PEA PROTEIN

Derived from the yellow split pea, pea protein is particularly rich in muscle dense protein.

    Pros
  • High levels of branched chain amino acids - the primary amino acids in muscle tissue
  • Ideal for vegans
  • Slow absorption
    Cons
  • Not a complete protein; must be paired with other powders or protein sources
HEMP PROTEIN

Hemp protein is derived directly from hemp seeds and is rich in omega 3 fatty acids.

    Pros
  • Rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids
  • Prevents inflammation
  • Ideal for vegans
    Cons
  • Not a complete protein; must be paired with other powders or protein sources
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