Both beef and whey protein supplements offer good quality protein. This Buzzle article will help you choose the better one, as it explains the important differences between the two.
Did You Know?
- 100 g of low-sodium Parmesan cheese contains 41.6 g protein.
- 100 g of yellowfin tuna offers 30 g of protein.
- 100 g of mature roasted soybeans have 39.6 g of protein.
Both beef and whey protein powders act as a quick and convenient source of protein. They provide high quality protein in a tasty and low-calorie form. Regular consumption of sufficient amount of protein helps build muscles. Protein plays an important role in growth, repair, and maintenance of muscles and other organs. For digestion, it requires more calories to be burned than fats and carbs. While building lean fat, it helps lose unwanted fat, and thus, promotes weight loss too. Whey, casein, soy, and beef protein powders are regularly consumed by athletes and bodybuilders alike. These help improve stamina and performance.
While beef and whey protein exhibit almost similar properties, the sources of production and their nutritional profiles are quite different, which is why, the beef protein vs. whey protein analysis given here is designed to throw light on their noteworthy differences.
Basic Information
| Beef Protein | Whey Protein | |
|
Production
|
It is obtained from dehydrated and processed ground meat of bovines, especially cows, bulls, heifers, or steers. It is derived from beef after cholesterol and fat has been removed. | A byproduct of milk coagulation during the process of cheese production. |
| Variety | Very few flavors like blueberry, banana, chocolate, and vanilla are available. | Wide variety of flavor options. |
| Allergy | It is more safe as it contains no allergens. | Those who are allergic to milk and lactose need to avoid it. |
| Protein | Contains good protein (all essential amino acids). | Contains good protein (all essential amino acids). It is particularly high in BCAA’s (branched-chain amino acids) like leucine, isoleucine and valine) and glutamine (an immune-boosting amino acid). |
| Sales | It is new on the market and is under-researched. It is less consumed. | Quite popular, widely consumed |
|
Production Cost
|
Relatively high, therefore expensive. | Relatively less, therefore affordable. |
| Effectiveness | It is not nutrient-dense. | It is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. One may consume it after a workout or as a bedtime snack. |
Comparison Between Nutritional Profiles
| Beef Protein | Whey Protein | |
| Type and Quantity | 1 Scoop Carnivor (Musclemeds) – Beef Protein Powder | 1 Scoop Whey Protein Powder Isolate |
| Energy | 124 kcal | 103 kcal |
| Protein | 23 g | 16.66 g |
| Total Fat | 0 g | 0.33 g |
|
Saturated Fat
|
0 g | 0.17 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0 g | 0.006 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0 g | 0.042 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g | 0.0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 3.33 mg |
| Sodium | 44 mg | 107 mg |
| Potassium | 6 mg | 250 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g | 8.33 g |
| Sugars | 0 g | 0.33 g |
| Minerals | Contains calcium. | It is packed with calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous. It also contains zinc and iron. |
| Vitamins | It is rich in vitamin C and contains some amount of vitamin A. | It is high in vitamins A, C, E, K, niacin and folate. It also contains good amounts of vitamin B12, B6, thiamin, and riboflavin. |
While whey protein is naturally rich in essential nutrients, beef protein is many times fortified with vitamins and minerals. Whey protein has the highest amount of leucine (a BCAA) of all protein powders, which helps stimulate protein synthesis and muscle building. Beef protein contains a good amount of creatine, which helps boost muscular energy, and helps build larger and stronger muscles.
Only the nutrition data of protein powders cannot help one decide which is better. Facts regarding how they are produced and whether they are pure are important too.
Dietitians ask you to include lean beef in your diet as it contains good quality protein, and supplies some essential vitamins and minerals. But it’s possible that the beef protein powder contains gelatin (cow parts which are thrown away by the butcher; for example, joints, ligaments, hide, ears, etc.), as processing beef into a powder is relatively expensive. Thus, there is a high chance that it’s not actually beef. Manufacturers may use gelatin to make the powder and then fortify it with creatine and BCAAs. So, incorporating the meat itself in your regular diet would be better and probably more delicious. You can enjoy roasted meat twice or thrice a week, depending upon your protein requirement.
Whey protein is a popular product and it dominates the market. Beef protein, the relatively recent one, needs to be assessed scientifically. More studies would help confirm its benefits. So, it is better avoided for the time being. Those who are allergic to whey can consume soy or egg protein. Chicken, beef, fish, pork, eggs, dairy products, nuts, and seeds are natural and good sources of protein. Incorporating protein-rich foods in one’s regular diet is the best way of increasing protein intake.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only, and should not be replaced for the advice of a physician/nutritionist.
