Collagen and whey may both be proteins, but their similarities stop there. Read on to learn the 5 key differences between collagen and whey protein…
1. Collagen and Whey Come from Different Sources
Both collagen and whey are sourced from different places…
Collagen is derived from bovine, chicken, fish, and egg whites—with grass-fed bovine collagen powder being the highest-quality option. Whey, on the other hand, is one of two proteins found in milk—the other protein is called casein. When milk is made into cheese, the waterly liquid (called whey) separates from the solid curds (called casein).
2. Collagen Is Actually Needed by the Body
Collagen is a protein found in your bones, joints, skin, hair, nails, connective tissue, and other parts of the body (1).
It’s thought of as the “glue” that holds your body together—hence why it’s associated with benefits like stronger bones, pain-free joints, and more youthful-looking skin (2, 3, 4).
The Good News: We start off life with an abundance of collagen. In humans, collagen consists of 33% of the protein in the body (4).
The Not-So-Good News: As you age, that percentage starts to decline…Once you hit 30 years of age, collagen production begins to decrease by 1% every year. And by the time you’re 50-years-old, your collagen levels are half of what they used to be (5).
This is why it’s so important to supplement with a high-quality collagen powder every day—ideally starting in your 20s. You want to keep those collagen levels up—your body is literally begging for it.
Unlike collagen, we don’t have whey in our bodies, and we don’t need to. For years now, whey has been marketed as the “best” protein powder for building muscle, staying lean, and curbing appetite, but current research is suggesting otherwise…
3. Collagen Boasts More Health Benefits (without the side effects of whey)
Yes, whey is associated with benefits like muscle growth, quicker recovery, and increased metabolism, but at what cost (6, 7, 8)?
Approximately 75% of the world’s population is lactose intolerant, meaning that they’re unable to properly digest milk and other dairy products. So why supplement with a dairy-based protein like whey?
Not only that, there’s zero evidence that dairy positively benefits your bones…which probably comes as a complete shock considering what the USDA Food Pyramid and “Got Milk?” advertisements have been telling us for years on end.
But, it’s true…
Dairy products—including milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, and yes, whey protein powder—are not as healthy as we once thought…
In fact, dairy consumption may increase one’s risk of cancer due to it increasing the body’s level of a growth hormone called insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). As if things couldn’t get any worse, dairy is linked to heart disease (thanks to it being high in saturated fats), worsens irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and does not enhance sports performance (9).
Thankfully, there’s a protein that doesn’t cause any of the ailments mentioned above: Collagen.
Collagen protein is essential when it comes to (2, 10, 11)…
- Improving age-related muscle loss
- Increasing bone density, reversing osteopenia and osteoporosis
- Increasing your resting metabolic rate (i.e. the rate at which your body burns energy at rest)
- Reducing inflammation, helping to reduce joint pain
- Restoring the plumpness of skin, helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
- Healing the intestinal lining, helping to ease digestive issues
Collagen is most prized for its ability to “turn back the clock” on multiple signs of aging whereas whey is prized among bodybuilders for the quick muscle gains it provides.
4. Collagen Is Flavorless, Whereas Whey Is Bitter
Whey is known for its bitter taste, though many whey protein producers add artificial flavor and sweeteners to try to mask that bitterness. That said, it’s still possible to notice the harsh taste, even when the protein is flavored.
Collagen, on the other hand, tastes like nothing. Collagen is naturally flavorless, so it can be added to your coffee, tea, or smoothies without any taste. If you are wanting a naturally sweetened collagen product, you can choose from refreshing flavors like wild berry, peach, or chocolate—all without any bitter aftertastes.
5. Whey Contains Dairy, Whereas Collagen Is Dairy-Free
Because whey protein comes from dairy, people with dairy allergies may experience symptoms from it. Most whey proteins include a very small amount of lactose, and some forms of whey processing may be more friendly to dairy-sensitive people than others. However, it’s a factor lactose-sensitive and lactose-intolerant consumers will have to consider if they’re wanting to supplement with whey.
Collagen contains no dairy, so it’s a more friendly option for anyone who is looking to avoid lactose.
