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Zuletzt aktualisiert am 23.09.2026
You're in a store looking for new supplements. In one hand, you have classic whey protein, and in the other, a plant-based protein powder. Whey is the familiar classic - purchased countless times, proven, reliable. But the vegan alternative is tempting with a long list of purported benefits: more sustainable, easy to digest, and by now just as effective?! No wonder more and more people are switching to such alternatives. But what's really behind it? Is plant-based protein better than conventional? Or is it just hype?
What is the difference? Plant-based and animal-based protein compared
First of all: It is impossible to state with absolute certainty that animal-based or plant-based protein is better - and that's not what we want to do. Both have advantages and disadvantages and their place in the diet, and ultimately, the best product for you is always the one that works for you, tastes good to you, or that you tolerate best.
What is plant-based protein?
Protein is not just protein - you notice that at the latest when you have to choose between animal-based and plant-based sources. Both have their place in the diet, but they differ in several important respects. Animal-based protein, such as whey or casein, which mainly comes from dairy products, eggs, or meat, naturally contains all the essential amino acids in an optimal ratio. No wonder it was long considered the gold standard. Since we're talking about dairy products: For people with lactose intolerance, plant-based protein is often plant-based protein is easier to digest, as it is obtained from other sources.
The best-known include:
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Legumes - e.g. peas, lentils, beans, and soy
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Grains & pseudocereals - oats, quinoa, rice, or amaranth
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Seeds & nuts - hemp seeds, chia seeds, almonds, or sunflower seeds
They also provide valuable protein, but come with other interesting properties. But does that make plant-based protein better? Or can it at least keep up? Let's take a closer look.
Plant-based proteins have more to offer in terms of their nutrient profile
While animal-based protein, such as whey or casein, primarily provides pure protein, plant-based sources offer a whole package of additional nutrients - a real plus for a balanced diet.
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Fiber
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Vitamins & minerals - depending on the source, e.g. iron, magnesium, or antioxidants
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Fats - found especially in hemp or chia protein, they provide valuable omega-3 fatty acids
When it comes to saturated fats and cholesterol, plant-based protein is better positioned, as it often contains less of these than animal products. This makes it interesting not only for athletes but also for anyone who wants to eat more consciously or needs to pay particular attention to these values.
Biological value - is plant-based protein at a disadvantage?
If we want to assess whether plant-based protein is better or not, we should also consider biological value. It indicates how efficiently the body can utilize a protein, because the more similar the amino acid profile is to our body's own protein, the better it can be used for our bodily functions. Animal-based variants have a natural advantage here. They contain all nine essential amino acids in an optimal ratio - which is why they are considered “complete proteins.” This means they can be absorbed particularly well by the body and converted into the body's own protein.
Many plant-based alternatives also contain essential amino acids, but not always in the amounts or combinations that the body can use optimally. Some are naturally low in certain amino acids, such as rice protein, which contains little lysine, or pea protein, which provides less methionine. But that does not mean plant-based protein is inferior! Clever combinations can be used to specifically optimize its biological value. A good example is a blend of rice and pea protein - they complement each other perfectly and achieve a biological value comparable to whey.
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So: You can also optimally nourish your body with plant-based protein - you just need to know how.
Plant-based protein & muscle building
When it comes to building muscle, many people initially think of quark, eggs, tuna, and chicken - how could a pea possibly build muscle? Muscles grow through sufficient protein intake combined with the right training. Where the protein comes from is secondary, as long as the quantity and composition are right. Plant-based protein sources have a decisive advantage here: they provide not only protein but also valuable micronutrients! Those who eat a varied diet automatically consume various plant-based protein sources that complement one another. This makes it possible to achieve a high-quality supply of all essential amino acids - exactly what is important for building muscle. And in any case, plant-based protein is better than none at all, because anyone who wants to build muscle needs building blocks.
Another factor is digestibility. Many people are sensitive to dairy products, which can cause digestive problems with whey protein. Plant-based options such as pea, rice, or hemp protein are perceived by many as easier to digest. This makes them interesting not only for vegans but for anyone looking for a well-tolerated alternative. Ultimately, the overall balance is what matters: Anyone who consumes enough protein, trains regularly and gives their body enough rest will make progress - regardless of whether they use plant-based or animal-based protein.
Sustainability - a clear advantage of plant-based alternatives
Neben gesundheitlichen und ernährungsphysiologischen Aspekten spielt auch die Umwelt eine immer größere Rolle bei der Wahl des richtigen Produkts. Was die Umwelt angeht, ist pflanzliches Protein besser aufgestellt als das tierische (J. Poore, T. Nemecek, 2018): Die Herstellung von tierischem Eiweiß, insbesondere aus Milchprodukten wie Whey, erfordert enorme Mengen an Ressourcen. Kühe benötigen große Flächen für Futteranbau, verbrauchen viel Wasser und verursachen erhebliche CO₂-Emissionen. Im Vergleich dazu ist die Produktion von pflanzlichen Alternativen wesentlich entspannter. Hülsenfrüchte wie Erbsen oder Soja benötigen weniger Wasser, weniger Fläche und verursachen deutlich geringere Treibhausgasemissionen ( J. Poore, T. Nemecek, 2018).
Another factor is agriculture. While large quantities of feed must be grown for livestock farming, often on land obtained through deforestation, plant-based proteins can be consumed directly from the source (Pendrill et al., 2019, Global Environmental Change). This makes the process more resource-efficient. So anyone who considers not only their own health but also the environment will find plant-based protein sources an appealing option. They reduce the ecological footprint and help conserve valuable resources - without compromising protein intake (J. Poore, T. Nemecek, 2018).
Myth: Plant-based protein is not filling
A widespread misconception is that plant-based protein is less filling than animal-based protein. But that is not the case - quite the opposite. The reason lies in their composition. While whey or casein consist almost exclusively of protein, plant-based products often contain fiber and complex carbohydrates. These ensure slower digestion and a more even release of energy.
Additionally, the type of Protein intake the feeling of satiety. Vegan protein sources such as legumes, quinoa, and oats provide not only protein but also a broad spectrum of nutrients that signal to the body that it is well nourished. The misconception that it is not filling probably comes from the fact that it often has a somewhat different consistency than whey and does not feel as “heavy” in the stomach.
Is plant-based or animal-based protein better?
Neither. There is no clear “better” or “worse.” Both protein sources have their own advantages and disadvantages, have long been established, and definitely have their justification. While whey has been considered the standard for decades, vegan alternatives have developed significantly in recent years - both in terms of their composition and their taste. Every body reacts differently, and what is ideal for one person may work less well for another.
Is plant-based protein healthier than animal-based protein? This cannot be answered categorically either. Health is a complex concept influenced by numerous factors and should be used with caution. Rather than making a judgment, we would simply like to show you the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of both options. It may be worthwhile for you to take a closer look at plant-based protein or consider it as an alternative. But as the saying goes: Anything goes, nothing is required. You are also welcome to simply browse through our Products Try it out and see for yourself whether plant-based protein is better for you.
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Sources
- J. Poore, T. Nemecek: Reducing food’s environmental impacts through producers and consumers.Science360,987-992(2018).
- F. Pendrill, U. M. Persson, J. Godar, T. Kastner: Agricultural and forestry trade drives large share of tropical deforestation emissions. Global Environmental Change 56, 1-10 (2019).
