Looking for a protein that isn't whey? You're in the right place!
In this blog post, we will discuss three of the best alternatives on the market. Whether it's a plant-based protein that is perfect for vegans and vegetarians or a dairy-free option that is great for people with allergies or sensitivities, these proteins have amazing benefits - they're high in fiber, low in carbs, and packed with essential nutrients.
But which one is right for you? Read on to find out!
We will also include our handy Buyer’s Guide with the most frequently asked questions about Alternatives to Whey Protein and our brilliant answers to them. Then we will reveal our top choice for the best of the best in Whey Protein Alternatives and why. Let’s get started.
How we choose our WOW products
Whey protein is a popular source of protein, but some people can't tolerate it (lactose intolerant/sensitive) or don't like the taste. Some are simply vegan on principle.
If you're looking for an alternative to whey protein that still packs a powerful punch, you've come to the right place. We have read thousands of reviews on Amazon to find the best whey protein alternatives.
Our list includes plant-based proteins, dairy-free proteins, and even hemp-based proteins. No matter what your dietary restrictions are, we have got you covered. Here are our top three choices.
Naked Rice Organic Brown Rice Protein Powder
Best Rice Protein
Why We Are “Wow-ed” By It
Looking for an organic, vegan protein powder that's also GMO-free, gluten-free, and soy-free? Look no further than Naked Rice Organic Brown Rice Protein Powder.
This delicious powder is made from 100% organic sprouted brown rice and contains no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors.
It's a great source of plant-based protein for vegans and perfect for post-workout recovery or adding to your favorite smoothie or shake.
What “Wow Factors” You Should Know About
Packed with 25 grams of protein and 4.9 grams of BCAAs, this premium powder is perfect for post-workout recovery or anytime you need a protein boost.
Plus, it's metals tested and melamine free so you can feel good about what you're putting into your body. Best of all, their hexane-free extraction process ensures that Naked Rice maintains an excellent amino acid profile, making it a great alternative to whey protein.
Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder
Best Plant Protein Blend
Why We Are “Wow-ed” By It
Looking for a delicious, nutritious, and vegan-friendly protein powder? Look no further than Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder!
This amazing powder provides 21 grams of plant-based protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving, making it a great choice for anyone looking to up their intake of healthy nutrients.
Plus, it's gluten-free, lactose-free, soy-free, kosher, and non-GMO, so you can feel good about what you're putting into your body.
Best of all, it's deliciously sweet and perfect for mixing into your favorite smoothies or shakes. Give Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder a try today and see how easy and delicious getting your protein can be!
What “Wow Factors” You Should Know About
Each serving of this amazing powder provides your body with the essential nutrients it needs to perform at its best.
Whether you're drinking it post-workout or on the go, Orgain is a great choice for anyone who wants to live a healthy lifestyle.
And because it's free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, you can feel good about giving it to your whole family, including kids!
Nutiva Organic Raw Hemp Seed Protein Powder
Best Hemp Protein
Why We Are “Wow-ed” By It
Looking to mix up your protein routine? Nutiva Organic Cold-Pressed Raw Hemp Seed Protein Powder is a great option if you're looking for a plant-based protein.
This powder is made from non-GMO, sustainably-farmed Canadian hempseed and provides a high-quality plant protein with the branched-chain amino acids vital for good health.
It also has all twenty aminos with the added bonus of good-for-you essential fatty acids (2g per serving).
What “Wow Factors” You Should Know About
Get all the protein you need without any of the icky chemicals with Nutiva Organic, Cold-Processed Hemp Seed Protein.
This protein is made of nothing but the finest organic, non-GMO hemp seeds that have been cold-pressed into a powder to preserve all their nutrients.
Each serving of this delicious powder provides a whopping 66% edestin (a bioactive globulin protein that's easy to digest) — more than any other plant!
Plus, it's all-natural and never processed with hexane or other dangerous chemicals. It's the perfect addition to any Whole30, vegetarian, vegan, raw, whole food, paleo, ketogenic, or gluten-free diet!
Just sprinkle it over yogurt or salads, add it to shakes and smoothies, or include it in your favorite baked goods or sautéed dishes for a healthy protein boost.
Our “WOW Factor” Buyer’s Guide
People are looking for an alternative to whey protein because of the many health benefits that it offers. While whey protein is a great source of protein, there are other alternatives that offer similar benefits.
Plant-based proteins, such as those found in hemp seeds, chia seeds, and quinoa, are complete sources of protein that contain all nine EAAs. They also have high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which can improve overall health.
We know that you still have questions. No problem. We have the answers. Here are the most frequently asked questions about alternatives to whey protein and our answers to them.
Why is pea protein good for you?
Pea protein is a high-quality, plant-based protein that is low in calories, cholesterol, and fat. It also has a high content of EAAs, which are the building blocks of protein. Pea protein is a good source of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.
Pea-based protein has been shown to be an effective weight loss supplement. It helps you feel full after eating, so you eat fewer calories and lose weight. Pea-based protein may also help improve your body composition by increasing muscle mass and decreasing body fat.
What is better protein whey or pea?
Whey protein is better than pea-based protein because it contains all nine essential amino acids (EAAs) that the body needs to build muscle.
Whey protein is a complete source of protein, meaning that it contains all the EAAs that the body needs to build muscle.
Pea-based protein is not a complete source of protein, meaning that it does not contain all the EAAs. This means that if you are trying to build muscle, you would be better off using whey protein rather than pea-based protein.
What are the negatives of pea protein?
There are a few potential negatives to consider when it comes to pea-based protein.
First, some people may find the taste or texture of pea-based protein powders to be off-putting.
Additionally, pea-based protein powders can be relatively expensive compared to other protein options.
Finally, pea-based protein may not be as easily digestible as some other types of protein. This is something to keep in mind if you have any digestive issues.
Overall, however, pea-based protein is a healthy and nutritious option that can be a great addition to your diet!
Is hemp protein better than pea protein?
Hemp protein is a complete protein, meaning it contains all 20 aminos that the body needs.
Pea-based protein is also a complete protein, but it doesn't contain as much of the amino acid lysine as hemp protein does. Lysine is important for tissue growth and repair, so hemp protein may be especially beneficial for athletes or people who are recovering from injury.
Another difference between hemp and pea-based proteins is that pea-based protein contains more essential fatty acids than hemp protein. Essential fatty acids are important for maintaining cell membranes and producing hormones.
So, which one is better? Hemp or pea?
It depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a protein that is high in lysine, then hemp protein may be the best choice for you. If you're looking for a protein that is high in essential fatty acids, then pea protein may be the best choice for you.
Is rice protein better than whey protein?
There's no simple answer to this question - it depends on a number of factors, including your individual goals and needs. That said, let's take a closer look at each type of protein to help you make a decision about which is right for you.
Rice protein is a vegan-friendly option that is often easy for people with sensitivities to digest. It's also naturally occurring in brown rice, making it a convenient source of protein for those who eat this grain regularly.
However, rice protein isn't as complete as whey protein - meaning it doesn't contain all the EAAs your body needs - so you may need to supplement with other foods or nutrients to get everything you need.
Whey protein, on the other hand, is a complete protein that contains all the EAAs your body needs. It's also a highly concentrated source of protein, so you don't need to eat as much of it to meet your daily needs.
However, whey protein can be difficult for some people to digest, and it isn't suitable for vegans or those who are avoiding dairy products.
So, which is better - rice protein or whey protein?
It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for an easy-to-digest protein that is vegan-friendly, then rice protein may be the best choice for you. If you're looking for a protein powder that is high in protein and contains all the essential aminos your body needs, then whey protein may be the best choice for you.
Does rice protein help to build muscle?
Rice protein is a popular plant-based protein that is often used by people who are looking to build muscle. While rice protein does have some benefits, it is important to keep in mind that it may not be as effective as other types of protein powders when it comes to building muscle.
One of the main problems with rice protein is that it is not very bioavailable, meaning that your body does not absorb and use it as well as other types of protein. This means that you may need to consume more rice protein than other types of protein in order to get the same benefit.
Additionally, rice protein is not a complete source of all the aminos your body needs for muscle-building, so you'll likely need to supplement with other foods or nutrients to get everything you need.
So, does rice protein help to build muscle?
While it may have some benefits, it is not as effective as other types of protein powders. If you're looking to build muscle, you may be better off using a different type of protein.
Does hemp protein help you lose weight?
There is some evidence to suggest that hemp protein may help with weight loss. One study showed that hemp protein improved weight loss and body composition in rats.
Additionally, hemp protein contains all of the essential aminos needed for muscle growth and repair, making it an ideal protein source for those looking to lose weight and build muscle.
However, more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans. So far, there do not seem to be any drawbacks to using hemp protein as a part of a weight loss plan. Therefore, it may be worth giving it a try if you are looking for something new to help you reach your goals.
What are the negatives of hemp protein?
Hemp protein is a plant-based protein that is derived from hemp seeds. It is a complete protein, meaning that it contains all the essential amino acids needed to form a protein. Hemp protein is also high in fiber and Omega-3 fatty acids.
The negatives of hemp protein are mainly related to its taste and texture. Some people find the taste of hemp seed oil to be quite strong and unpleasant, and the same goes for hemp protein powder.
Additionally, hemp protein has a grainy texture that some people find unpalatable. If you're looking for protein powders that are smooth and creamy, then hemp protein may not be the best choice for you.
Despite these negatives, hemp protein does have some redeeming qualities. It is a complete protein, high in fiber, and rich in Omega-fatty acids - making it a healthy addition to any diet.
What are the side effects of taking rice protein?
There are a few potential side effects to taking rice protein, especially if you consume large amounts or have allergies to rice.
Some people may experience intestinal distress, gas, bloating, and diarrhea. There is also a concern that rice proteins may contain high levels of arsenic, which can be toxic in high doses.
If you have any concerns about taking rice protein, please speak with your doctor or a registered dietitian for more information.
Is hemp protein better than rice protein?
Hemp protein has a lot of upsides when compared to rice protein. For one, hemp protein is a complete protein, meaning it contains all 20 essential amino acids that your body needs.
Rice protein, on the other hand, is an incomplete protein and doesn’t contain all 20 essential amino acids.
Another big difference between hemp and rice proteins is that hemp protein is much higher in fiber than rice protein. In fact, one scoop of hemp protein powder has about 5 grams of fiber whereas one scoop of rice protein powder only has 1 gram. This extra fiber can help with digestive health and keep you feeling full after meals.
Lastly, hemp protein is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Rice protein, on the other hand, does not contain any omega-fatty acids.
So, when it comes down to it, hemp protein is a better choice than rice protein - especially if you’re looking to lose weight, build muscle, or improve your overall health.
Our Best Advice
Looking for the best alternatives to whey protein? We’ve spent dozens of hours reading thousands of reviews on Amazon from verified customers to find the perfect whey protein alternative for your needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
First of all, this talk about plant-based proteins not having all twenty essential amino acids isn't that big a deal. It may be true (with the exception of hemp protein) but it is easily remedied by simply using one with added amino acids. Most of them do that nowadays anyways. Or you can choose to take a plant-based blend like Orgain Organics. Or most likely, you would get the extra lysine that your body needs from your diet. All in all not as big a deal as you might think given some of the propaganda around it.
Secondly, there are options that we didn't discuss in this blog such as soy protein powder and egg white protein powder both of which contain high-quality protein (egg protein is especially interesting). And there are more. Some of them are hard to find and others are expensive. Some of them are just downright weird like insect-based protein powders. What do vegans think of that?! But given that the main reason that people look for an alternative to whey protein is that they are either lactose intolerant or vegan, we decided to focus on vegetarian protein powders only.
Thirdly, yes, we could have talked a bit more about soy protein powder (and soy protein isolate is interesting) but so many people are looking for something soy free, that we simply decided not to go there. A good vegan pea protein powder is the usual alternative to whey protein powder but it is, by no means, the only choice.
And yes, you can build muscle on a vegan pea protein powder (as well as brown rice protein, soy protein powder, and egg white protein powder). It may be harder or easier but muscle growth will happen using any of these plant-based alternatives. The protein synthesis is mostly the same (brown rice protein notwithstanding) and the nine essential amino acids are still available (for the most part, if you add in what you need), just like with whey protein powder.
Some people are concerned about beef protein powder (usually if they are vegan) and some are concerned about milk protein in specific (if they are lactose intolerant). That would normally rule out casein protein as well since they are looking for a lactose-free protein powder.
You still want your healthy fats and amino acid profile (and specific amino acids) to build lean muscle for vegan and vegetarian bodybuilders. And the amount of grams of protein per serving is still important in your protein supplementation (although hemp protein will give you more than whey isolate for example).
The real issue for most of us isn't really about the quality of plant-based protein (including soy proteins) but rather whether or not we are even on a high-protein diet in the first place. Does our protein intake justify our need for a plant-based protein powder? A healthy diet (even a vegan diet) can generally provide everything we need under normal circumstances.
Once we add an exercise routine to our healthy lifestyle (especially as a vegan), then our protein intake needs to go up. Since we are looking for a lactose-free protein powder (and casein protein would also not qualify), and one that is naturally free of any animal products whatsoever, and if we are also concerned with our carb intake (especially on a ketogenic diet), then we need to start thinking through the various alternatives.
The egg protein options are a very healthy alternative (especially with cottage cheese) but if you are looking for something with an equally high protein content similar to whey supplementation then a slow-digesting protein like hemp protein is a good choice. The amino acid content is similar to whey liquid and better than soybean meal and the amount of protein per serving is quite high. Hemp protein is great for muscle building and muscle recovery as well as maintaining good body weight.
Many animal-based proteins are also good but if you have a lactose intolerance then your protein supplementation needs an alternative. A high-quality protein derived from hemp is one of the best alternatives to cow's milk. And in protein shakes, any difficulties with texture and taste are easily solved by the addition of other ingredients. Experiment a little and see for yourself!
I am really not a whey protein alternatives writer and I love my whey protein shakes, but I sympathize with those who need other options for various reasons. Pea protein powders are a good choice for most people but egg-based proteins are my particular go-to alternative when I need them.
Making sure I get complete proteins is not that important to me since I have a very good ketogenic diet to fall back on. Some sort of liquid whey is also possible for me and I really don't care if the process minimizes fats since healthy fats are part of my diet (not saturated fat of course).
But that's me. Many others need an alternative to whey protein and I think you will be pleased with what we've come up with.
With all of that being said, it is now time for us to reveal our top choice for the best of the best in alternatives to whey protein powder. Drum roll, please...
Our #1 WOW Choice (and why)
The Best Whey Protein Alternative for YOU
Our No. #1 WOW Choice for the best alternative to whey protein is Nutiva Organic Cold-Pressed Raw Hemp Seed Protein Powder for best hemp protein.
Mixing up your protein powder routine can be a good thing when you include Nutiva Organic Raw Hemp Seed Protein Powder. It not only has all twenty amino acids but also has the added bonus of good-for-you essential fatty acids (2g per serving). Both delicious and nutritious, this powder is made from non-GMO, sustainably-farmed Canadian hempseed and provides a high-quality plant protein with the branched-chain amino acids vital for good health.
With a grand total of 66% edestin (a bioactive globulin protein that is easy to digest) in each serving, this protein powder is made from the finest organic, non-GMO hemp seeds available.
It's the perfect addition to any Whole30, vegetarian, vegan, raw, whole food, paleo, ketogenic, or gluten-free diet! Just sprinkle it over yogurt or salads, add it to shakes and smoothies, or include it in your favorite baked goods or sautéed dishes for a healthy protein boost.
It certainly has our vote. We hope you agree! Remember to check prices and availability on Amazon by clicking on the red button below the image. As always, the trick is to get started today!
Thanks for stopping by!
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