Whey Protein VS Plant Based Protein (Which one is better for your health)

A tub of whey protein with a glass of milk beside a plant-based protein pouch with peas, pulses and seeds
By Sarah H. Nutrition Advocate Last Updated Sep 22, 2026

If you already take whey protein, looking at another source probably feels unnecessary.

After all, whey is high in protein, absorbs quickly and has been the go-to choice for gym-goers for decades.

But fast protein isn't necessarily the same thing as better-for-you protein.

Here's what's worth knowing before you buy your next protein powder.

Contents

Whey Gives You Protein, But Not Much Of Anything Else

A black scoop of whey protein powder spilled on a white surface

Whey is very good at doing one thing: delivering a lot of protein in a small serving.

But most conventional whey powders provide little to no fiber.

And whey itself doesn't naturally give you the prebiotic plant ingredients you can get from a thoughtfully formulated plant protein.

So if you're drinking a shake every single day, protein doesn't have to be the only thing you get from it.

The right plant-based formula can give you protein plus something supportive for your gut too.


Whey Absorbs Faster, But That Doesn't Automatically Make It Healthier

Whey protein absorption: hydrolysate about 15g per hour, isolate about 10g per hour, concentrate about 8g per hour

One of whey's biggest selling points is how quickly your body absorbs it.

And that part is true. Research shows whey can produce a faster and larger rise in circulating essential amino acids than some plant proteins.

But faster absorption tells you how quickly amino acids reach your bloodstream, not whether the whole product is healthier for you.

If your goal is muscle growth and everyday health, then speed is only one part of the picture.


Whey Protein Powders Can Cause Gas, Bloating & Stomach Pain

Close-up of a woman holding both hands on her bloated stomach

If your post-workout shake regularly leaves your stomach feeling worse than your workout did, dairy may be part of the reason.

Whey comes from milk, and whey products can contain varying amounts of lactose depending on how they're processed.

For people who don't digest lactose well, that can lead to bloating, gas, abdominal pain, nausea or diarrhea.

Whey isolate usually contains much less lactose than whey concentrate, so not every whey powder will affect you the same way.

But bloating shouldn't be something you expect after taking your protein.


Plant Protein Doesn't Harm Your Gut & Skin Health

Woman examining a breakout on her cheek in the bathroom mirror

One of the biggest advantages of plant protein is what it leaves out: dairy.

That means no lactose, which can be a major trigger for bloating, gas and stomach discomfort in people who don't digest it well.

Whey has also been linked with acne in some studies, with researchers pointing to dairy-related hormonal pathways like insulin and IGF-1 as a possible reason.

So if whey has never quite agreed with your stomach, or your skin has started to act out, plant protein gives you another way to get your protein without the dairy.


Replacing Animal Protein With Plant Protein May Help Your Cholesterol

Cross-section illustration of an artery narrowed by cholesterol plaque

Plant protein has another advantage over whey protein.

A meta-analysis of 112 clinical trials found that replacing animal protein with plant protein helped lower LDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol and ApoB.

These are all markers linked with cardiovascular health.

That doesn't mean one scoop of whey is bad for your heart.

But if you're thinking about protein as part of your overall health and not just your macros, getting more of it from plants can have benefits beyond muscle gain.


Plant-Based Protein Is Kinder To Animals And The Planet

Dairy cows with numbered ear tags standing in a field

The dairy industry has numerous animal welfare concerns:

  • Most U.S. dairy cows have very limited access to the outdoors while they're producing milk.
  • Calves are also commonly separated from their mothers shortly after birth, causing great distress
  • Cows can go through repeated cycles of pregnancy and milk production until their fertility declines and they are killed.

And choosing "grass-fed" whey doesn't automatically remove those welfare concerns.

It mainly tells you what the cow was fed, not how she or her calf were treated throughout the rest of the dairy process.

Plant protein also tends to have a smaller environmental footprint.

Growing plants generally requires less land and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions than raising dairy cows, feeding them, managing manure and producing milk.

So switching to plant protein not only benefits animals, but also the environment.

So Which One Is Right For You?

Whey Protein

A tub of whey protein with a scoop of powder and a glass of shake

Whey protein may be right for you if:

You tolerate dairy well

Whey protein may not be right for you if:

It regularly leaves you bloated, gassy or uncomfortable
You notice breakouts after using it
You want fiber or prebiotic support
Animal welfare or environmental impact matters to you

Plant-Based Protein

Plant-based protein pouches beside bowls of beans, peas, lentils, quinoa, almonds and seeds

Plant-based protein may be right for you if:

You want to avoid dairy and lactose
You want protein plus fiber or prebiotic ingredients
You prefer a lower-impact option for animals and the environment
You want a protein that supports more than just your macros

Plant-based protein may not be right for you if:

You choose a poorly formulated one that's low in protein or missing essential amino acids

The Best Plant-Based Protein I Found Is wholier

Creamy Cacao pouch beside a glass of the blended shake

If you're going to switch, the key is choosing a plant protein that is a true upgrade from whey.

Wholier uses five different plant proteins: yellow pea, brown rice, flaxseed, pumpkin seed and sunflower seed, instead of relying on one source.

It's also organic, dairy-free and third-party tested, with fiber and prebiotics built into the formula too.

So you're not just replacing whey with "a vegan protein."

You're replacing it with one that gives you complete protein, supports your gut and leaves out a lot of the extras common in conventional powders.

Try wholier with 30% off

Every Scoop Contains 21g Of Complete, Clean Protein

Vanilla Bean pouch with a scoop of powder and a glass of the blended shake on a kitchen counter

One of the biggest concerns people have about switching from whey is whether plant protein is actually as complete.

With wholier, that isn't something you need to worry about.

Each serving gives you 21g of complete protein from five plant sources, with all 9 essential amino acids your body can't make on its own.

It also contains 4g of BCAAs, including leucine, which helps support muscle repair and growth.

So you can leave the whey behind without leaving complete protein behind with it.


The Formula Supports Your Gut Health With Prebiotics

One glass layered with the raw organic plant ingredients beside a glass of the blended cacao shake

Wholier doesn't just increase your protein intake.

It also includes psyllium husk and green banana, plant-based prebiotic ingredients that help feed beneficial bacteria in your gut and support healthy digestion.

This helps to prevent feeling heavy or bloated after your protein drink.

So instead of a protein powder that irritates your stomach, because it lacks gut-supporting ingredients or contains lactose, you're drinking one that supports it.

Try wholier with 30% off

It Leaves Out A Lot Of The Extras Common In Whey Powders

Woman drinking a blended cacao protein shake in her kitchen

A lot of protein powders rely on gums, sugar alcohols, fillers, emulsifiers and flavor blends to improve taste and texture.

Wholier skips them.

wholier's Organic Plant Protein is made with 12 to 14 organic ingredients and every single one of them is a real food. Zero fillers. Zero Additives.

There are no gums, no sugar alcohols, no fillers and no "natural flavors". Just a clean formula built around plant-based ingredients.


It's Super Creamy, Delicious And Comes In Vanilla And Cacao

Vanilla beans and vanilla flowers beside cacao beans, cocoa powder and dark chocolate

Plant protein has a reputation for being gritty, chalky or hard to drink.

Wholier was made to taste completely different.

It has a smooth, creamy texture and comes in Vanilla Bean and Creamy Cacao, made with real vanilla bean and cacao rather than flavor blends.

So switching away from whey doesn't mean settling for a shake you have to force down. In fact, it tastes so good, you'll be looking forward to your protein shake!

My Final Thoughts

I used to be a die-hard whey protein drinker and never thought that it could be linked to the bloating, digestion and skin issues I experienced for years. It wasn't until I did a little research and discovered wholier that I realised I could be taking a far more nutritious, gut-friendly and animal-friendly protein.

I experimented with a lot of alternative proteins and can confidently say that wholier is the best plant-based protein out there. And guess what? Right now they're running a special offer!

Get up to 30% off + FREE gifts
with your first order

Sarah smiling and holding a pouch of wholier Organic Plant Protein in Vanilla Bean Try wholier With 30% Off

Whey Protein VS Plant Based Protein (Which one is better for your health)

By Sarah H. Nutrition Advocate Last Updated Sep 22, 2026
A tub of whey protein with a glass of milk beside a plant-based protein pouch with peas, pulses and seeds

If you already take whey protein, looking at another source probably feels unnecessary.

After all, whey is high in protein, absorbs quickly and has been the go-to choice for gym-goers for decades.

But fast protein isn't necessarily the same thing as better-for-you protein.

Here's what's worth knowing before you buy your next protein powder.

Contents

A black scoop of whey protein powder spilled on a white surface

Whey Gives You Protein, But Not Much Of Anything Else

Whey is very good at doing one thing: delivering a lot of protein in a small serving.

But most conventional whey powders provide little to no fiber.

And whey itself doesn't naturally give you the prebiotic plant ingredients you can get from a thoughtfully formulated plant protein.

So if you're drinking a shake every single day, protein doesn't have to be the only thing you get from it.

The right plant-based formula can give you protein plus something supportive for your gut too.


Whey protein absorption: hydrolysate about 15g per hour, isolate about 10g per hour, concentrate about 8g per hour

Whey Absorbs Faster, But That Doesn't Automatically Make It Healthier

One of whey's biggest selling points is how quickly your body absorbs it.

And that part is true. Research shows whey can produce a faster and larger rise in circulating essential amino acids than some plant proteins.

But faster absorption tells you how quickly amino acids reach your bloodstream, not whether the whole product is healthier for you.

If your goal is muscle growth and everyday health, then speed is only one part of the picture.


Close-up of a woman holding both hands on her bloated stomach

Whey Protein Powders Can Cause Gas, Bloating & Stomach Pain

If your post-workout shake regularly leaves your stomach feeling worse than your workout did, dairy may be part of the reason.

Whey comes from milk, and whey products can contain varying amounts of lactose depending on how they're processed.

For people who don't digest lactose well, that can lead to bloating, gas, abdominal pain, nausea or diarrhea.

Whey isolate usually contains much less lactose than whey concentrate, so not every whey powder will affect you the same way.

But bloating shouldn't be something you expect after taking your protein.


Woman examining a breakout on her cheek in the bathroom mirror

Plant Protein Doesn't Harm Your Gut & Skin Health

One of the biggest advantages of plant protein is what it leaves out: dairy.

That means no lactose, which can be a major trigger for bloating, gas and stomach discomfort in people who don't digest it well.

Whey has also been linked with acne in some studies, with researchers pointing to dairy-related hormonal pathways like insulin and IGF-1 as a possible reason.

So if whey has never quite agreed with your stomach, or your skin has started to act out, plant protein gives you another way to get your protein without the dairy.


Cross-section illustration of an artery narrowed by cholesterol plaque

Replacing Animal Protein With Plant Protein May Help Your Cholesterol

Plant protein has another advantage over whey protein.

A meta-analysis of 112 clinical trials found that replacing animal protein with plant protein helped lower LDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol and ApoB.

These are all markers linked with cardiovascular health.

That doesn't mean one scoop of whey is bad for your heart.

But if you're thinking about protein as part of your overall health and not just your macros, getting more of it from plants can have benefits beyond muscle gain.


Dairy cows with numbered ear tags standing in a field

Plant-Based Protein Is Kinder To Animals And The Planet

The dairy industry has numerous animal welfare concerns:

  • Most U.S. dairy cows have very limited access to the outdoors while they're producing milk.
  • Calves are also commonly separated from their mothers shortly after birth, causing great distress
  • Cows can go through repeated cycles of pregnancy and milk production until their fertility declines and they are killed.

And choosing "grass-fed" whey doesn't automatically remove those welfare concerns.

It mainly tells you what the cow was fed, not how she or her calf were treated throughout the rest of the dairy process.

Plant protein also tends to have a smaller environmental footprint.

Growing plants generally requires less land and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions than raising dairy cows, feeding them, managing manure and producing milk.

So switching to plant protein not only benefits animals, but also the environment.

So Which One Is Right For You?

A tub of whey protein with a scoop of powder and a glass of shake

Whey Protein

Whey protein may be right for you if:

You tolerate dairy well

Whey protein may not be right for you if:

It regularly leaves you bloated, gassy or uncomfortable
You notice breakouts after using it
You want fiber or prebiotic support
Animal welfare or environmental impact matters to you
Plant-based protein pouches beside bowls of beans, peas, lentils, quinoa, almonds and seeds

Plant-Based Protein

Plant-based protein may be right for you if:

You want to avoid dairy and lactose
You want protein plus fiber or prebiotic ingredients
You prefer a lower-impact option for animals and the environment
You want a protein that supports more than just your macros

Plant-based protein may not be right for you if:

You choose a poorly formulated one that's low in protein or missing essential amino acids
Creamy Cacao pouch beside a glass of the blended shake

The Best Plant-Based Protein I Found Is wholier

If you're going to switch, the key is choosing a plant protein that is a true upgrade from whey.

Wholier uses five different plant proteins: yellow pea, brown rice, flaxseed, pumpkin seed and sunflower seed, instead of relying on one source.

It's also organic, dairy-free and third-party tested, with fiber and prebiotics built into the formula too.

So you're not just replacing whey with "a vegan protein."

You're replacing it with one that gives you complete protein, supports your gut and leaves out a lot of the extras common in conventional powders.

Try wholier with 30% off

Vanilla Bean pouch with a scoop of powder and a glass of the blended shake on a kitchen counter

Every Scoop Contains 21g Of Complete, Clean Protein

One of the biggest concerns people have about switching from whey is whether plant protein is actually as complete.

With wholier, that isn't something you need to worry about.

Each serving gives you 21g of complete protein from five plant sources, with all 9 essential amino acids your body can't make on its own.

It also contains 4g of BCAAs, including leucine, which helps support muscle repair and growth.

So you can leave the whey behind without leaving complete protein behind with it.


One glass layered with the raw organic plant ingredients beside a glass of the blended cacao shake

The Formula Supports Your Gut Health With Prebiotics

Wholier doesn't just increase your protein intake.

It also includes psyllium husk and green banana, plant-based prebiotic ingredients that help feed beneficial bacteria in your gut and support healthy digestion.

This helps to prevent feeling heavy or bloated after your protein drink.

So instead of a protein powder that irritates your stomach, because it lacks gut-supporting ingredients or contains lactose, you're drinking one that supports it.

Try wholier with 30% off

Woman drinking a blended cacao protein shake in her kitchen

It Leaves Out A Lot Of The Extras Common In Whey Powders

A lot of protein powders rely on gums, sugar alcohols, fillers, emulsifiers and flavor blends to improve taste and texture.

Wholier skips them.

wholier's Organic Plant Protein is made with 12 to 14 organic ingredients and every single one of them is a real food. Zero fillers. Zero Additives.

There are no gums, no sugar alcohols, no fillers and no "natural flavors". Just a clean formula built around plant-based ingredients.


Vanilla beans and vanilla flowers beside cacao beans, cocoa powder and dark chocolate

It's Super Creamy, Delicious And Comes In Vanilla And Cacao

Plant protein has a reputation for being gritty, chalky or hard to drink.

Wholier was made to taste completely different.

It has a smooth, creamy texture and comes in Vanilla Bean and Creamy Cacao, made with real vanilla bean and cacao rather than flavor blends.

So switching away from whey doesn't mean settling for a shake you have to force down. In fact, it tastes so good, you'll be looking forward to your protein shake!

Sarah smiling and holding a pouch of wholier Organic Plant Protein in Vanilla Bean

My Final Thoughts

I used to be a die-hard whey protein drinker and never thought that it could be linked to the bloating, digestion and skin issues I experienced for years. It wasn't until I did a little research and discovered wholier that I realised I could be taking a far more nutritious, gut-friendly and animal-friendly protein.

I experimented with a lot of alternative proteins and can confidently say that wholier is the best plant-based protein out there. And guess what? Right now they're running a special offer!

Get up to 30% off + FREE gifts with your first order

Try wholier With 30% Off