Which is VPA® protein powder is best for me? Are you asking yourself this question? There are so many different protein powders. Isolate, concentrate, casein, protein blends, weight gainers. Don’t forget vegan friendly and plant based protein powders too! It can be pretty confusing to decide which protein best suits your diet and, more importantly, your goals. To help you out, we have created this easy to reference description of all of our protein powder options to help you decide which protein powder is best for you.
Which protein powder is best for me?
May 08, 2019 5 min read
Whey Isolate (WPI)
Best for pre/post workout
Whey isolate is a pure whey protein isolate powder. Milk has two proteins which are Whey and Casein. When a coagulant (usually renin) is added to milk, the curds (casein) and whey separate. Whey protein is the water-soluble part of milk. Whey is absorbed faster than other forms of protein, which means it also increases muscle protein synthesis used to break a fasted state. WPI is the highest percentage of protein usually 85%+ and very little carbs, fats and lactose being a very lean source of protein. It’s a great protein to take when watching your weight or generally pre or post workout due to its fast absorption rate when compared to other options.
Premium Whey (WPC)
Best pre/post workout or anytime
Whey Protein Concentrate. Pretty similar to WPI, except it is slightly less processed leaving it with a little bit more fats, carbs and a slightly less percentage of protein per serve. A tiny bit slower absorption rate than WPI but still absorbs into the system within 30 minutes. If you’re after a slightly cheaper option and not concerned about a very small increase in extra fats and carbs then definitely choose this option for almost any time of day to increase your protein intake.
Micellar Casein
Best before bed
Casein protein is one of the two proteins that make up dairy protein (the other being whey protein). It is typically known as the ‘slow’ digesting component of milk protein. Casein forms a gel when it interacts with stomach acid, slowing down stomach emptying and delaying the absorption of amino acids into the bloodstream.
This results in a gradual, steadier exposure of the muscles to amino acids, reducing the rate of muscle protein breakdown. (studies show releases of protein still occurring after 7 hours which makes it a great option before bed compared to other proteins.)
Based on the results of most studies, casein appears to be more effective than soy and wheat protein — but not as effective as whey protein — at increasing muscle protein synthesis and strength
Complete Tri Pro
Best anytime away from training
This protein is simply a blend of all 3 proteins mentioned above. You get a multi stage release of protein which is a great all round choice if you don’t want to buy multiple types of protein. The WPI will be first and fastest absorbing, followed by WPC being next in line, then Casein drip feeding for hours after. The perfect choice away from your training sessions, first thing in the morning, in between meals or before bed.
Muscle Gainer
Best anytime if struggling to gain weight
Whey Protein Concentrate with Dextrose & Maltodextrin. Fantastic for anyone who struggles to gain weight or likes the convenience of not having to eat a high volume of carbs with your whole food meals. Think of the mass gainer as a great source of protein coupled with an equal quantity of a fast acting carb and a slower acting carb. Great choice pre or post workout to kick start recovery and as an in between meal to get your calories in for those struggling to put on muscle!
Breakfast Shake
Best for breakfast time
WPC with instantised oats, flax seed oil and psyllium husk. As the name suggests this a great way to start your day as a convenient breakfast choice! A great balance of carbs, healthy fats/fibre and high quality protein which is perfect to kickstart and fuel your body for the day ahead.
Premium Plant
Best for anyone who is vegan or has allergies/intolerances
Premium Plant consists of 4 different plant-based protein sources which aids in a multi-stage digestion, which means that your body will be fed a steady stream of protein over a long period of time, keeping you fuller for longer. Due to the low calories per serve, Premium Plant acts as the ideal tasty snack for weight loss. If you are vegetarian or vegan and have allergies or sensitivities to dairy or egg proteins then this will be a great choice when compared to others.
Collagen Pro®
Best for anyone wants to improve their gut, skin, and joint health
Collagen Hydrolysate is a unique combination of amino acids that can promote healing and conditioning over other protein. It offers numerous benefits for joints, bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, skin, hair and nails. Collagen also supports blood vessels and organs such as the heart, kidneys and liver. The Probiotic, Bacillus coagulans strain, helps to improve gut health, joint health, nutrient absorption and reduces inflammation.
Egg Protein
Best for anyone with allergies/intolerances
Eggs are well-known for being an excellent source of high-quality protein. Like all animal products, eggs are a complete protein source. That means they provide adequate amounts of the 9 essential amino acids your body can’t make itself.
What’s more, egg protein is second only to whey protein as the highest source of leucine, the BCAA that plays the biggest role in muscle health
Unfortunately, egg white protein hasn’t been studied as much as whey or casein. Egg white protein could be a good choice for people with allergies to milk protein who prefer a supplement that’s based on animal protein.
Pea Protein Isolate
Best for anyone who is vegan or has allergies/intolerances
It’s made from the yellow split pea, a high-fiber legume that contains high amounts of all the essential amino acids except for methionine. It is also particularly rich in branched-chain amino acids. If you are vegetarian or vegan and have allergies or sensitivities to dairy or egg proteins then this will be a great choice when compared to others.
Soy Protein Isolate
Best for anyone who is vegan or has allergies/intolerances
Soy protein is a vegetable protein derived from soy beans; it is known as a complete protein as it contains all 9 of the essential amino acids required from your diet.
Not only is soy a good source of protein, it is also has unsaturated fat (or less scientifically, the “better kind” of fat from vegetable sources), high levels of fibre and best of all when 25g of soy protein are consumed a day, it has been proven to help lower cholesterol levels.
Similar to pea protein, If you are vegetarian or vegan and have allergies or sensitivities to dairy or egg proteins then this will be a great choice when compared to others.
References for ‘Which VPA® protein powder is best for me?’
Also in Featured
Fat burning zones: What is the Best Heart Rate for Losing Fat?
July 29, 2024 5 min read
VPA Australia's Christmas in July Gift Giveaway!
July 24, 2024 2 min read
The Power of V02max: Why Boosting Your VO2 Max is a Fitness Gamechanger
July 15, 2024 5 min read
Recent Articles
- Fat burning zones: What is the Best Heart Rate for Losing Fat?
- VPA Australia's Christmas in July Gift Giveaway!
- The Power of V02max: Why Boosting Your VO2 Max is a Fitness Gamechanger
- The Fundamentals of Metabolic Health for Fitness Enthusiasts
- Outback Adventure Workouts: Ditch the Gym and Embrace the Winter Sunshine!
- Stress Management for Leaders: Navigating the Challenges with Confidence
- 10 Hilarious Gym Memes Every Gym Rat Can Relate to
- VPA x Muscle Hut
- VPA Australia Teams Up with Renowned Artist Tracey Keller for Limited Edition Shaker
- The Power of the Morning Sun: A Natural Boost for Your Well-being