Types of Protein Powder and Their Differences

The protein powder industry has seen astonishing growth in recent years. It’s mainly attributed to the increased number of people who aim to live healthily. Furthermore, as more consumers strive to remove meat from their diet, the need for supplements or other protein alternatives emerges. That’s why there's an increased number of dishes with pulses and legumes in restaurant menus. Protein powder is another easy alternative to popular protein-rich foods. There are a lot of recipes with protein powder for beverages, desserts, and breakfast dishes. Business owners have benefited from the increased popularity of that supplement and offer various products that include different types of protein powder. That’s why even companies in the restaurant industry partner with distributors of wholesale protein products. In this article, we’ll share more information about the common types of protein powder as well as the pros and cons of this dietary supplement.

Key takeaway: There are many types of protein powder on the market. Whey and pea protein are among the most popular ones. Other protein-rich products include protein bars, shakes, ice cream, and snacks.

Most Popular Types of Protein Powder

As protein powder has become one of the high-demand products in the supplements niche market, there are multiple varieties available. Let’s briefly check the most common types of protein powder.

1. Mixed proteins. They combine the benefits of animal-based amino acids and plant-based proteins. There are multiple combinations available on the market. The most common plant-based protein options are soy, rice, and pea. Popular animal-based proteins that can be found in these blends are whey, casein, and egg proteins.
2. Whey protein. The fact that it’s a fast-digesting protein and it’s rich in leucine (an essential amino acid) makes whey protein a very popular option. It’s derived from milk during the yogurt-making or cheese-making process. Whey protein has become one of the well-known options. That’s why you might often see protein powder drinks on restaurant menus that contain it as an ingredient. There are multiple types of protein powder made of whey. Concentrate and isolate whey protein are the most common ones.
3. Casein protein. It’s similar to whey protein but it is digested slower. This makes it a good overnight option.
4. Pea protein. Legumes are among the main sources of protein for people around the globe. Pea protein is vegan and it contains all essential amino acids. 
5. Hemp protein. It’s extracted from hemp seeds. That makes it rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
6. Soy protein. Yet another plant-based option. Similar to its pea counterpart, this is one of the most popular types of protein powders that is suitable for vegans. Furthermore, it also contains all essential amino acids.
7. Rice protein. The main benefit of this type of protein powder is that it's hypoallergenic. This makes it suitable for people with dairy or soy allergies. The disadvantage of rice protein is that it’s not as complete as other types of protein powder.
8. Egg protein. Egg whites are one of the foods with the highest concentration of protein. Egg protein also contains all essential amino acids.

Pros and Cons of Protein Powder

Dietary supplements like different types of protein powder can be bought in both brick-and-mortar and eCommerce stores. The main benefit of purchasing supplements from a physical protein powder business is that the staff can recommend the right choice based on your requirements. Online stores usually have extensive blog articles about the benefits of protein powder and other popular supplements.

Pros of Protein Powder

1. Convenience. One of the main reasons why people who exercise also buy protein powder is that it’s more convenient. This supplement is efficient right after a workout and it’s much easier to get a protein shake compared to eating a protein-rich meal.
2. Diversity. There are many types of protein powder on the market. The diversity of options makes them suitable for different consumers. Whether you’re a vegan or you have allergies, there are types of protein powder that are suitable for you.
3. Faster recovery. Most protein powder recipes also contain other ingredients. They are a source of glycogen and minerals that are important for the muscle recovery process after a workout.

Cons of Protein Powder

1. Digestive issues. Consumption of protein powder can lead to bloating and stomach discomfort. That’s especially true for people with sensitivity to certain products. 
2. Quality concerns. There are hundreds of different types of protein powder on the market but not all of them have the same quality. Some products might have a lot of additives. Therefore, whether you’re purchasing retail or wholesale protein powder, make sure you always buy reputable brands.
3. Potential overconsumption. Consuming too much protein can cause kidney issues in the long run.
4. Cost. The best types of protein powders come at a high price. That’s why the high cost of this supplement can be a drawback for some consumers. Consider combining with other workout buddies and find suppliers of bulk supplements. If you purchase large quantities of protein powder at wholesale prices, you can save a significant amount.

Other Protein-Rich Products

Besides different types of protein powder, there are many other protein-rich products on the market. Here are the most popular ones.

1. Protein bars;
2. Ready-to-drink protein beverages;
3. Protein waffle and pancake mixes;
4. Greek yogurt, skyr, and other dairy products;
5. Protein pasta;
6. Protein-rich ice cream, cereal, and other snacks.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Types of Protein Powder

There are hundreds of different protein-rich products on the market and it’s constantly changing and expanding. If you have questions about this niche, the BlueCart team has answered some of the most popular ones below.

What Are Other Popular Supplements?

The supplements market has seen a big rise in the past few years. The most popular types of dietary supplements are multivitamins. They help maintain a healthy lifestyle and improve the immune system. Businesses that purchase wholesale supplements and sell them to retail customers also stock other popular supplements. These include minerals such as calcium, zinc, iron, and magnesium. Fatty acids and probiotics are also common dietary supplements. If you’re interested in an organic probiotic, check out our article on the health benefits of yogurt.

Do You Actually Need Protein?

Even though protein powder helps build muscle mass, it’s not an essential part of the process. Regular exercise is far more important compared to protein supplements. The main role of different types of protein powder is to help the body regenerate muscles after resistance exercise. Furthermore, it’s convenient to drink a protein shake right after your workout compared to cooking a protein-rich food. An important benefit of protein drinks is that they help the body replenish electrolytes and are often rich in vitamins and minerals.

Can Anyone Take Protein Supplements?

Although most types of protein powder on the market are safe, they are not suitable for everyone. Before you start taking any dietary supplements, make sure you consult with a physician. Here are some cases in which protein supplements might be dangerous.

1. Pregnancy and breastfeeding. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the body has different nutritional needs. That’s why including any supplements in the diet should be consulted with a doctor.
2. Diabetes. A lot of protein-rich beverages or bars contain sugar as well. That might make them unsuitable for people with diabetes.‍
3. Diets. Protein shakes, bars, and other supplements from the protein powder market are often rich in carbohydrates. This means they might not be suitable for people who wish to lose weight.