How to Choose the Best Egg White Albumen Protein Powder
📌 Overview and Key Takeaways
This is a Nutrition Coach’s guide on how to choose the best egg white albumen protein powder.
Discover how to meet your protein needs with egg white albumen.
Egg White Albumen Protein Powder
What is Egg White Albumen Protein Powder?
Egg white albumen protein powder is a protein powder made from dried egg whites.
The egg white, also known as the albumen, is the clear liquid that surrounds the yellow yolk of an egg.
It is about two thirds of the egg by weight and made up of roughly 90% water and 10% protein.
Spray drying is the most common way to dry (remove the water from) egg whites.
It involves spraying pasteurized egg whites into a chamber filled with hot air.
This process removes almost all of the moisture, leaving behind a fine white powder that is roughly 80% protein.
Why Should I Use Egg White Albumen Protein Powder?
I consider egg white albumen protein powder to be the best type of protein powder for several reasons:
- Egg whites are naturally high in protein. A dried egg white is about 80% protein, which gives it, pound for pound, one of the highest protein contents of any whole food. It is basically nature’s protein powder! Other dietary protein sources, such as peas and whey, must be heavily processed, often with harsh chemicals, to become protein powder.
- Egg whites contain a complete protein. Complete proteins contain all nine essential amino acids that your body needs but cannot produce on its own. Many dietary proteins, including most plant-based proteins, are not complete. Although this is not meaningful difference for most people, it can be for certain populations, such as elderly adults.
- Eggs white contain high quality protein. Eggs score approximately 1.0 on the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS), the highest possible rating (NEJM, 2024).
- Egg whites are easy to digest. Unless you have a sensitivity or allergy to eggs, egg whites tend to be a great source of protein for people with digestive issues and sensitive stomachs. They are dairy-free, low in fiber, and low FODMAP (low in certain carbohydrates that can trigger digestive discomfort). Our customers report fewer digestive issues with our Egg White Protein Powder than with any other type of protein powder.
- Egg whites taste good. Many protein powders have a chalky aftertaste because they are made from ultra-processed protein concentrates or isolates. Egg whites, on the other hand, are a delicious addition to protein shakes, smoothies, oatmeal, and even baked goods. I mention this last point because if consuming protein powder feels like a chore, it is not sustainable.
It is important to note that some eggs sit for days, sometimes weeks, before being processed.
As a result, they begin to break down and release a chemical called hydrogen sulfide, which has a strong sulfur (rotten egg) odor.
This is why we break our eggs less than twenty-four hours from when they are laid.
Other companies do not, and you can really taste the difference.
Order Samples to see for yourself.
Product Quiz
What is the Best Egg White Albumen Protein Powder?
Not all egg white albumen protein powders are created equal.
In fact, many of them contain added ingredients that might upset your stomach and even cause long-term gut issues.
🚫 Avoid Food Additives
Emulsifiers, thickeners, artificial sweeteners, and other ultra-processed additives might alter the composition of your gut microbiome – the community of bacteria and other microbes that live in your digestive tract (North Clin Istanb, 2020).
These shifts, known as gut dysbiosis, have been linked to a number of chronic digestive conditions (JGH Open, 2021).
Gut dysbiosis is so problematic because it can contribute to a cascade of problems, including intestinal permeability (a weakened gut lining, sometimes called “leaky gut”) and systemic inflammation.
⚠️ Here is a list of the most common food additives in protein shakes and powders:
- acacia fiber
- acacia gum
- acesulfame potassium
- artificial flavors
- ascorbic acid
- aspartame
- calcium carbonate
- carrageenan
- cellulose gum
- dextrin
- dicalcium phosphate
- dipotassium phosphate
- erythritol
- gellan gum
- guar gum
- gum arabic
- inulin
- locust bean gum
- maltitol
- maltodextrin
- mono- and diglycerides
- ‘natural’ flavors
- rice bran extract
- rice dextrin
- rice hulls
- rosemary extract
- silica
- silicon dioxide
- sodium alginate
- soluble corn fiber
- sorbitol
- soy lecithin
- sucralose
- sunflower lecithin
- tocopherols
- tricalcium phosphate
- xanthan gum
- xylitol
- zinc oxide
As a rule of thumb, if you cannot find it in nature or make it at home, it is probably a food additive.
Sources
- New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). Guidance on Energy and Macronutrients across the Life Span. 2024.
- Northern Clinics of Istanbul (North Clin Istanb). Food additives and microbiota. 2020.
- JGH Open (JGH Open). Gut microbiota dysbiosis in functional gastrointestinal disorders: Underpinning the symptoms and pathophysiology. 2021.
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 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 Nutrition Coach
If you’re wondering which Drink Wholesome product is best for you, ask our Certified Nutrition Coach. For personalized medical advice, consult your healthcare provider.
High Protein Balls
PREP TIME
5 min
COOK TIME
5 min
SERVES
2
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup Protein Powder
- ½ cup nut butter
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
- ¼ cup shredded coconut
Instructions
Combine the Protein Powder, nut butter, syrup, extract, and oats in a food processor or blender. Pulse until well combined. Add the chocolate and coconut, and pulse a few more times. Roll the dough into 10 balls. Enjoy!
Author(s)
Protein Powder Samples
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