A Comparison of Whey, Plant & Collagen Protein

Since the dawn of protein powder time, the whey vs plant protein discussion has long been debated. What protein powder is the most effective? Which is the best for building muscle? And what about whey vs plant protein for gut health?

Don’t worry, we’ve heard it all, so get ready for the ‘weigh in’… pun intended, on our comparison of whey, plant and collagen proteins — and how our Nutra Organics range can help you find the right one for your lifestyle.

Whey vs Plant vs Collagen: What’s the Difference?

The difference between whey and plant protein stems from the source it was made from.

• Whey protein is derived from dairy during cheesemaking.
• Plant protein is entirely derived from plants (pea, rice, hemp, etc.), making it vegan-friendly.
• Collagen protein is made from animal connective tissue and hides, and supports muscle recovery, repair and joint health. Nutritionally, whey is naturally a complete protein (all 9 essential amino acids). 

Not all plant proteins are complete, but Nutra Organics Clean Protein blends pea, rice, coconut and pumpkin seed protein to provide a complete amino acid profile. Collagen proteins aren’t “complete” in the same sense, but they contain unique peptides that specifically target muscle tone, recovery, joints and bones.

Plant protein for muscle growth

Plant protein is a great support for muscle growth and toning, and with the right blend, performs just as well as whey protein powder. The key is making sure you know how much protein you need in order to get the right amount per serving for your particular goals and needs, which may be different per scoop depending on the brand and the type of protein.

Protein is essential for muscle building as it provides the essential amino acids for tissue repair and building and is the main component found in muscle tissue. Alongside a healthy diet high in protein and an adequate amount of exercise and training; adding a daily serving of Clean Protein (to some protein pancakes, a smoothie or sweet treat) is a great way to support muscle growth, recovery and toning.

The Health Benefits of Protein

No matter the source, protein is one of the most important building blocks in the body. It makes up our cells, tissues, and organs, and is vital for:

• Muscle repair & maintenance — essential for recovery and growth.
• Bone, joint & cartilage health — supporting structure, mobility, and resilience.
• Hormone & enzyme function — keeping the body balanced and functioning optimally.
• Energy & satiety — protein digests more slowly, keeping you fuller for longer and helping curb cravings.

For kids, protein supports proper growth and development. For adults, it helps maintain strength, performance, and overall wellbeing. And for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, protein is an important part of supporting both mum and bub’s health.

A balanced diet with wholefood protein is always the foundation, but sometimes life gets busy. That’s where protein powders can help you conveniently meet daily needs to feel stronger, more energised, and more satisfied throughout the day.

Which Protein Is Best for Your Goals?

A simple & easy guide:

• Muscle Growth & Recovery → Whey or Clean Protein or Protein Waters
• Tone, Repair & Muscle Support → Collagen Protein
• Joint & Bone Strength & Mobility → Collagen Joints + Bones
• Beauty (Skin, Hair & Nails) → Collagen Beauty
• Hydration + Protein Top-Up → Protein Water
• Family-Friendly Nutrition → Thriving Family (protein + multivitamin blend for kids and adults)

Making Your Choice: A Quick Guide

Still unsure? Here’s a simple framework:

• Choose Whey if you want a versatile, complete protein for strength, performance, and training recovery.
  Nutra pick: Organic Whey Protein or Protein Water
• Choose Plant if you prefer dairy-free or vegan-friendly nutrition that’s still complete and family-safe.
  Nutra pick: Clean Protein or Thriving Family
  
• Choose Collagen if your focus is muscle repair, recovery, tone, or joint & bone support, or you want an unflavoured protein to add to drinks or recipes.
  Nutra pick: Collagen Protein or Collagen Joints + Bones

The last word

When it comes to whey vs plant vs collagen protein, the best choice is the one that aligns with your lifestyle, goals and preferences. At Nutra Organics, our range is designed to cover every need, from training and recovery to joint health, beauty, family nutrition and hydration.

FAQs about plant protein vs whey protein

Can you gain muscle with plant protein?

Yes, you can gain muscle with plant protein, the key is to make sure you are reaching the amount of protein per serving for your needs.

Does plant protein have creatine?

Plant proteins do not contain creatine. For those with dietary requirements that restrict them from eating other animal sources of protein it’s best to add a creatine supplement.

Can I mix plant and whey protein?

Yes, you can mix plant and whey protein powders, however, some flavours and brands of proteins may not have the same texture or consistency and therefore create a different flavour or texture when mixed from the original intention of the protein powders on their own.

Which plant protein is healthiest?

The healthiest protein powder option will vary from person to person depending on specific dietary requirements and needs. To make the healthiest choice for you, always do your research and choose a high-quality protein.

Can you eat plant protein every day?

Yes, you can eat plant protein every day, it is recommended to only have one serving of plant protein powder per day and to get the rest of your daily protein needs from other wholefood sources.