The popularity of protein powders extends beyond the fitness community these days, and, per Grand View Research, the protein supplement market (both animal- and plant-based) will continue to grow.¹ After all, protein is a hot ingredient among consumers, and protein-rich diets are also popular.

In 2020, animal-based proteins like whey, casein, egg, chicken, and beef were favored over plant-based proteins. In fact, animal-based proteins accounted for 66% of the protein powder market, and whey and casein were the best sellers.^1,2

But between now and 2028, the plant protein market is predicted to grow the most, according to Grand View Research. Experts say the rise of plant-based protein powders is in part due to consumer interest in a more plant-centric diet.^1,3 Consumers are leaning into more plants in part for their own health—a focus on, and interest in, immune health has grown— but also conditions like high blood pressure, or preventing heart disease are fueling consumers interest in plants. Awareness about animal health, animal cruelty, and what’s good for the planet are all other purported reasons for the shift.⁴ And also, the cost of raw animal ingredients is increasing so manufacturers are looking to formulate with other proteins, specifically plant proteins.¹

If you’re looking to make the switch from an animal-based protein like whey to a plant-based protein in your next food formulation, there are a handful of choices: pea, almond, soy, chickpea, and hemp. 

Here we compare our hemp protein to whey protein.

Our Innovative Hemp Protein

Victory Hemp’s new hemp protein—called V-70™ Hemp Heart Protein—is very different from the traditional hemp protein powders you’re probably familiar with. Traditional hemp protein powders are green and have a grassy flavor, which limits what they can be formulated into. V-70™, however, is significantly milder: it is white-ish in color and neutral-tasting. Its unique profile makes it more seamless to incorporate into your food product because it won’t impact the color and there’s no need for flavor-masking agents. V-70™ also blends seamlessly into more products, such as meat and dairy analogues and sports drinks, where traditional green hemp protein is not ideal. 

How do we make a hemp protein powder that is so mild? At Victory Hemp, we make V-70™ from hemp hearts only. Your standard hemp protein powder is made from the whole hemp seed after it’s pressed for hemp oil (called the press cake). 

What Is Whey Protein? 

Whey protein is one of the main proteins in milk and some other dairy products. It’s a by-product (aka leftover liquid) from making cheese or yogurt. In powder form, it’s become popular among athletes and other fitness-focused consumers because some research suggests it’s good for muscle-building.⁵

There are two main drawbacks to whey protein, though. 

1. Whey protein is an allergen. Anyone who is allergic or sensitive to dairy shouldn’t include whey protein in their diet. Hemp, however, is not an allergen and is considered safe even for people who have one of the top 9 allergens.
   
   
2. Whey is not vegan and thus cannot be used to add protein to vegan food product formulations. But hemp heart protein is vegan and is a great way to formulate a vegan food product that delivers all of the essential amino acids. 

Nutrition Facts: Hemp Heart Protein Versus Whey Protein 

In a 100-gram serving of Victory Hemp V-70™ Hemp Heart Protein, there are:  

•     Calories: 350
•     Protein: 73g
•     Fat: 4g
•     Carbohydrate: 6g

In a 100-gram serving of whey protein powder isolate, there are:

•     Calories: 359
•     Protein: 58g
•     Fat: 1.2g
•     Carbohydrate: 28g

For both hemp heart protein and whey protein isolate, the majority of calories come from protein—but with hemp heart protein you get more protein in the same-sized serving. 

Hemp heart protein has less carbohydrates, and comes with a little boost of fiber, whereas whey protein isolate has no fiber in it.⁶ There’s also more fat in hemp heart protein, and remember that it’s the healthy, unsaturated kind! 

The Bottom Line on Hemp vs Whey Proteins

There’s a growing interest in plant proteins—for their nutrition and sustainability—and especially hemp protein because it wins major points in those two categories even when compared to other plant proteins. Plus our new V-70™ Hemp Heart Protein has an additional leg up for its mild flavor and light color. Compared to whey protein, hemp heart protein still delivers a powerhouse of nutrients, but is vegan and also free from the top 9 allergens. 

Request a sample of V-70™ Hemp Heart Protein, here! 

Sources: 

1. Protein Supplements Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Source (Animal-based, Plant-based), By Product (Powder, RTD), By Distribution Channel (Online Stores, DTC), By Application, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028
2. Whey Protein Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Whey Protein Isolates, Whey Protein Concentrates, Whey Protein Hydrolysates), By Application, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2020 - 2027
3. Plant-Based Protein Market Grows Stronger
4. Vegan Food Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Dairy Alternative, Meat Substitute), By Distribution Channel (Online Offline), By Region (APAC, CSA, MEA, Europe, North America), And Segment Forecasts, 2019 - 2025
5. Mayo Clinic: Whey Protein
6. MyFoodData: Whey Protein Powder Isolate