Whey vs plant protein: which should you choose?
If you are buying protein powder for the first time, or switching, you will find no shortage of articles telling you one is superior. This is not one of those articles. Both whey and plant protein qualify for the same authorised claims. The decision comes down to allergens, dietary choices and how you intend to use the powder.
Both carry the same authorised claims
Under UK food law, protein claims are awarded to the nutrient, not the source. Provided a product meets the threshold — at least 12% of its energy coming from protein — the same three authorised claims apply whether the protein comes from whey or faba bean:
- "Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass."
- "Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass."
- "Protein contributes to the maintenance of normal bones."
Both Pump House Whey Protein Concentrate and Pump House Faba Bean Protein Isolate meet that threshold. The claims are conditions of use, not marketing copy, so they are listed here in full.
| Claim | Condition |
|---|---|
| Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass. | Food must be at least a source of protein: 12% of energy from protein. |
| Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass. | At least a source of protein (12% of energy). |
| Protein contributes to the maintenance of normal bones. | At least a source of protein (12% of energy). |
Lactose, dairy and allergen considerations
Whey is a by-product of cheese-making. It contains lactose, and it contains milk protein. If you are lactose intolerant, dairy-free, or vegan, whey is not suitable for you — regardless of how the serving size is presented or how a brand words its label.
Allergen declaration — Whey Protein Concentrate: Contains milk.
Faba bean protein isolate contains none of the 14 major allergens regulated in the UK. No dairy, no soya, no gluten, no nuts. If allergen avoidance is a factor in your decision, faba bean is the straightforward choice.
Allergen declaration — Faba Bean Protein Isolate: None of the 14 major UK allergens. Produced in a facility that also handles soya and gluten — check the batch label if cross-contamination is a clinical concern.
Amino acid profile differences in practice
Whey is a complete protein. It contains all nine essential amino acids, including a relatively high leucine content. Leucine is the amino acid most directly associated with triggering muscle protein synthesis.
Faba bean protein isolate is also a complete protein — which is not true of all plant proteins. Its leucine content is lower than whey's, but the gap is smaller than it is with pea or rice protein. For most people eating a varied diet, this difference is unlikely to be meaningful in practice.
If you want the exact figures rather than a summary, both profiles are published in full.
See the amino acid profile — Whey Protein Concentrate
See the amino acid profile — Faba Bean Protein Isolate
Taste and texture
Both products are unflavoured. Neither contains sweeteners, flavourings or additives beyond what processing requires.
Whey mixes easily into water or milk. Sunflower lecithin is included specifically for mixability. The texture is light and the taste is mild — close to neutral, with a faint dairy note.
Faba bean is thicker. Use around 200ml of liquid per two-scoop (30g) serving, and use more if you find it claggy. A blender produces a better result than a shaker. The taste is genuinely neutral — it does not carry the earthy or beany aftertaste that puts people off pea protein. It also holds its texture in baking, where whey can turn rubbery.
If you are cooking with protein powder — pancakes, oat bars, savoury dishes — faba bean is the more reliable option. If you want something quick to mix in a shaker, whey is easier.
Cost per gram of protein
The number that matters when comparing protein powders is not the price of the bag. It is the cost per gram of actual protein delivered.
| Whey Protein Concentrate | Faba Bean Protein Isolate | |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size | 1kg | 1kg |
| Protein content | 80% (approx.) | 87.6% |
| Servings per bag | See product page | Approx. 33 (at 30g) |
For the current price and the cost-per-gram calculation on each product, see the product pages directly. Prices are shown per serving and per gram of protein so you can compare like for like.
See the full specification — Whey Protein ConcentrateSee the full specification — Faba Bean Protein Isolate
How to choose
The authorised claims are identical. Start with the practical constraints.
- Dairy-free or vegan? Faba bean. There is no version of whey that is dairy-free.
- Lactose intolerant? Faba bean, unless you have confirmed tolerance to the lactose level in whey concentrate specifically.
- Any of the 14 major allergens a concern? Faba bean isolate contains none of them.
- Cooking and baking? Faba bean holds texture better. Whey can go rubbery at high heat.
- Quick shaker drinks, no dietary restrictions? Whey is easier to mix and slightly faster to prepare.
- Watching cost per gram closely? Check the current prices on both product pages. The faba bean isolate has a higher protein percentage by weight.
If none of those constraints apply, either product will do the same job. Buy the one that fits your routine.
Shop unflavoured whey — No sweeteners, no flavourings. You decide what goes in it.
Shop faba bean protein — 1kg, 87.6% protein, no soya, gluten, nuts or dairy.
Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.