Collagen Protein vs Whey Protein: Key Differences Explained
📌 Overview and Key Takeaways
This is a Certified Nutrition Coach’s perspective on collagen protein versus whey protein.
You will learn the key differences between these two popular protein sources so you can decide which one is right for you.
Whey Protein vs Collagen Protein
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is a type of protein found in the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals.
It is also the most abundant protein in the human body, making up roughly 30% of the body’s total protein (Nutrients, 2019).
Most collagen protein shakes and powders are made from bovine (cow) or marine (fish) collagen peptides.
Collagen peptides are made through a process called hydrolysis, which breaks the protein into smaller pieces that are easier to digest and absorb.
What Is Whey?
Whey is a liquid byproduct of cheese and yogurt making.
It has two main parts: protein and lactose (a natural sugar in milk).
There are two main types of whey protein:
- Whey protein concentrate – about 70 to 80% protein
- Whey protein isolate – about 90% protein
Collagen vs Whey Protein: Which Is Higher Quality?
There are several methods used to determine the quality of a dietary protein in human nutrition.
The most widely used method is the protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS), which takes into account amino acid composition and digestibility.
- Amino Acid Composition: Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. There are 20 of them in the human body, 9 of which are essential, meaning the body cannot make them and must get them from food. A protein source that contains all 9 essential amino acids in adequate amounts is called a complete protein. The PDCAAS measures how much of each essential amino acid a protein contains, then compares those amounts to a reference pattern set by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. This reference pattern represents an ideal amino acid profile for human nutrition.
- Protein Digestibility: The PDCAAS also accounts for how well the body digests and absorbs a protein. Proteins that are easier to digest and absorb tend to receive a higher PDCAAS.
Whey protein has a PDCAAS of 100, which is the highest possible score (J Sports Sci Med, 2004).
Whey contains high amounts of all 9 essential amino acids, and the body digests and absorbs it easily.
Collagen protein, by contrast, has a PDCAAS of 0 because it lacks one essential amino acid called tryptophan (Nutrients, 2019).
This does not mean collagen is a poor source of protein.
Instead, it is a reminder that the PDCAAS is an imperfect way to judge a protein.
The PDCAAS focuses on whether a single protein is “complete” and overlooks the value of that protein as part of an overall diet.
Research suggests that including collagen peptides at up to 36% of total daily dietary protein intake could maintain an overall PDCAAS of 100 (Nutrients, 2019).
In other words, as long as you get your protein from a variety of sources, collagen can be as good a protein source as any.
The idea that whey is better than collagen, or better than any other protein source, is therefore misleading.
Whey does have the highest possible PDCAAS, but that is not a meaningful advantage for someone who eats a balanced diet.
In fact, research suggests that about 99% of people in the United States meet 100% of their essential amino acid needs without protein shakes or powders (J Nutr, 2023).
In short, as long as you eat a balanced diet and get protein from a variety of sources, the added benefit of choosing whey over collagen is minimal.
It is also worth adding that because whey is a derivative of milk, it is not suitable for people with lactose intolerance.
For these individuals, consuming whey protein might contribute to digestive issues such as bloating and diarrhea.
Collagen protein, by contrast, does not contain lactose, so it might be easier on the stomach.
Order Samples to see for yourself.
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Sources
- Nutrients (Nutrients). Significant Amounts of Functional Collagen Peptides Can Be Incorporated in the Diet While Maintaining Indispensable Amino Acid Balance. 2019.
- Journal of Sports Science & Medicine (J Sports Sci Med). Protein – Which is Best?. 2004.
- The Journal of Nutrition (J Nutr). Amino Acid Intake and Conformance With the Dietary Reference Intakes in the United States: Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001-2018. 2023.
Editorial Guidelines
This article was written by a Certified Nutrition Coach and reviewed by a Registered Dietitian. We rely on peer-reviewed research and trusted medical sources, and we regularly update our content to ensure accuracy and clarity.
Frequently asked questions
Who Is Drink Wholesome for?
Drink Wholesome makes protein powder for sensitive stomachs, GERD, IBS, and other gut issues. It’s suitable for most food sensitivities, including lactose intolerance, and won’t cause side effects like bloating, constipation, and reflux.
Why Is Drink Wholesome Good for Sensitive Stomachs?
Drink Wholesome is the best protein powder for sensitive stomachs because it’s additive, dairy, and gluten-free. It’s also made from minimally-processed protein sources like egg whites and almonds. Other protein powders are made from ultra-processed protein concentrates and isolates, which look nothing like real food.
What’s the Difference Between Protein Powder and Meal Replacement Powder?
Drink Wholesome makes gut-friendly Protein Powders and Meal Replacement Powders. Protein powder is high in protein and low in everything else, whereas meal replacement powder contains fats, carbs, fiber, and protein because it’s intended to replace the nutritional value of a balanced meal.
What’s the Difference Between Almond, Collagen, and Egg White Protein?
We make three types of stomach-friendly Protein Powder: Collagen Protein Powder, Egg White Protein Powder, and Vegan Almond Protein Powder. As long as you get protein from a variety of sources, any type of protein can help you meet your total daily protein needs. In other words, for someone with a balanced diet, there is no advantage to consuming one type of protein over another. Order Samples to see which type you like the most.
Ask Our Dietitian
If you’re wondering which Drink Wholesome product is best for you, ask our Registered Dietitian. For personalized medical advice, consult your healthcare provider.
High Protein Blueberry Pancakes
PREP TIME
5 min
COOK TIME
5 min
SERVES
2
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Drink Wholesome
- ⅓ cup flour
- 2 egg whites
- ¼ cup plant milk
- 1 tbsp nut butter
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 cup blueberries
Instructions
In a blender, combine the egg whites, milk, ¼ cup blueberries, and almond butter. Pour the mixture into a small mixing bowl and add the protein powder and flour. Whisk until smooth. Pour ⅓ cup batter onto a heated and greased (or non-stick) pan to form pancakes. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes. This recipe makes 4-5 pancakes. Then, in a small saucepan, heat ¾ cup blueberries and the maple syrup over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes. Plate the pancakes and spoon blueberry jam on top.
Author(s)
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