Why Is The World Shifting To Plant Protein Over Whey?

The shift from whey to plant protein is driven by growing concerns on three main counts - gut health, easy digestion and environmental concerns. Health considerations are a significant factor. Many people are turning to plant proteins due to lactose intolerance or dairy allergies, which can cause digestive issues when consuming whey protein. Plant proteins are naturally free from lactose and are often easier to digest, making them a suitable alternative for a broader range of individuals.

"I loved this protein from the day I tasted it. The chocolate monkfruit version is delicious and so light to consume. It's easy to blend and mix and I found it just perfect like a chocolate smoothie or shake," shares Ena Nabha from Ludhiana. "I love this protein because it showed me instant results in a week, I have been very energised since I started on this."

The nutritional profile of plant proteins has improved significantly, making them a viable alternative to whey. Advances in food technology have enabled the production of plant proteins that are complete, meaning they contain all essential amino acids. This development has made plant proteins more attractive to athletes and fitness enthusiasts who require high-quality protein sources for muscle repair and growth.

Gytree is a company based out of India focussed on women's health and nutritional supplements. Their USP is making protein and gummies from 100 per cent plant sources only. "As the head of products at Gytree, it's been our endeavour to create options for a large part of India that is choose to have proteins from vegan sources," says Swareena Shaw from Gytree.com

The increasing popularity of vegan and vegetarian diets is another driving force. As more people adopt plant-based lifestyles for health, ethical, or environmental reasons, the demand for plant protein products has surged. This shift in consumer preferences has encouraged food manufacturers to develop and market a wider variety of plant-based protein options.

Here are some things to keep in mind while selecting your protein

• Amino acid profile is crucial for determining the quality of plant protein
• Complete proteins contain all nine essential amino acids
• Digestibility is an important factor in protein absorption
• Blending different plant proteins can improve amino acid balance such as brown rice and pea 
• Some plant proteins are fortified with vitamins and minerals like this one

Plant-based proteins generally have a lower carbon footprint compared to animal-based proteins like whey. The production of plant proteins requires less water, land, and energy, making it a more sustainable option in the face of climate change and resource depletion.