Welcome to my Vega Sport Protein Powder vs Whey face-off, borne out of a curiosity to see just how similar or not these popular supplements are.
Table of Contents
ToggleThe rise of plant-based protein
In the bustling universe of health and fitness, protein powders have long held a cornerstone position. Whey, the rockstar of protein supplements, has been the go-to choice for many of us due to its rich amino acid profile and quick absorption rate.
But over the last several years, a new contender has stepped into the ring – plant-based protein powders. I looked up the latest market forecast for protein powders & saw where vegan or vegetarian protein powders are now the fastest growing segment.
No surprise really. Facts don’t lie, and they clearly show more people are adding vegetarian or vegan meals into their schedule, and are adding plant-based protein powders to their supplement routines too.
Some people are simply exploring options to shake up their protein supplement routine, others (like I did) want to balance out their protein sources.
Among these, Vega Sport Protein quickly got plenty of attention when it was released and has become very popular & highly rated since.
Science resources included
As is my custom here on heydayDo, I will provide links to all of the relevant sports science and medical resources, clinical studies, & nutritional data used in this article.
About this Vega Sport vs Whey article here
Before I added a veggie protein powder to my diet, I came across Vega Sport & its 30 grams of protein, and wondered how well does this plant-based powder stack up against my trusty whey?
Well this article shares how all that plays out.
We will embark on a comprehensive journey comparing Vega Sport Protein with two different whey protein powders using all the important features protein powders have.
From nutrition to taste, mixability to cost, we will examine all the crucial factors. After all, your post-workout protein shake or daily ‘tween meal protein grabs are more than just drinks, they’re an essential part of your fitness journey.
My article & I are here to provide a thorough comparison to help you make the most informed decision, whether you’re:
- coming from the whey camp and are interested in adding a plant-based protein source;
So let’s roll up our sleeves, get out our shaker bottles, and dive into the details of plant-based versus whey protein.
The Importance of Protein Powders
Protein powders aren’t just a fitness fad, they’re an integral part of many people’s health routines. Whether you’re working on building muscle, losing weight, or simply maintaining a balanced diet, a good protein supplement can be a game changer.
It’s like a helping hand, a sidekick that supports your body in achieving your health and fitness goals.
Plant-based Protein – The New Kid on the Block
With plant-based diets becoming more popular, it was only a matter of time before plant-based protein powders made their appearance.
Vega Sport Protein is one such supplement that’s quickly making a name for itself. Packed with rich nutrients and a blend of different plant proteins, Vega Sport is one of the big hitters on the vegan side that aims to challenge the dominance of whey in the protein powder world.
Meet Vega Sport Protein
Vega Sport Protein isn’t just about protein. It’s a blend of multiple plant-based proteins like pea, pumpkin seed, organic sunflower seed, and alfalfa, providing a complete amino acid profile.
Not to mention, it’s loaded with additional nutrients like BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids), which are crucial for muscle recovery.
Designed to help repair and build muscles post-workout, this powder is packed with 30 grams of protein per serving. It’s also vegan-certified, gluten-free, and made without artificial flavors or sweeteners.
By the way, the Vega powder I’m using for the comparisons in this article is their chocolate Vega Sport Premium Protein Powder.
A Brief Overview of Whey Protein
Whey protein has long been a favorite among fitness enthusiasts and for good reason. It’s quick to digest, packed with all essential amino acids, and generally tastes pretty good. But how does it compare to our plant-based contender, Vega Sport? That’s what we’re about to find out.
For this article, I chose two very different whey powders to compare to Vega Sport Premium:
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard (Double Rich Chocolate flavor)
- Opportuniteas Grass-Fed Whey Isolate (unflavored)
By the way…I’ve bought & drank all three of these powders, so I am very familiar with just about everything each one of them brings to the table.
Optimum Nutrition (aka “ON”) Gold Standard Whey
ON Gold Standard is the #1 selling protein powder in the U.S., and in the world too. It’s been around a long time, and I drank it daily for over 15 years.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard has long been a stalwart in the world of whey protein powders.
Known for its high-quality ingredients, impressive protein content (24 grams per serving), and a wide array of flavors, this product has earned its spot in many gym bags. And don’t let the “gold” in the name intimidate you. It’s one of the cheapest protein powders there is, so it’s definitely not beyond reach for those of us who aren’t bodybuilding royalty.
Opportuniteas Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
Opportuniteas whey isolate is a very clean, 2-ingredient powder. It’s a very high-quality whey, carefully produced using dairy from pampered cows.
Meet the minimalist of the protein world. This unflavored, all-natural protein powder boasts a straightforward approach – with 28 grams of protein per serving and nothing artificial, it’s all about simplicity and purity.
Opportuniteas Grass-Fed Whey Isolate is a great choice for those who prefer an uncomplicated protein supplement. It’s like the “little black dress” of the protein world – it can be whatever you need it to be.
Vega Sport vs Whey: taste comparison
Taste is subjective, yes, but it’s also a major player in our protein powder choices.
Vega Sport chocolate
The Vega Sport Protein, with its rich chocolate flavor, might just make you feel like you’re indulging in a decadent dessert. Some find it has a slightly earthy taste, which is often the case with plant-based proteins, but many appreciate this as a sign of its natural ingredients.
My personal experience with Vega Sport Premium Protein is that it has a cocoa-forward taste that’s nice, a bonus for those who love a more natural chocolate flavor.
But it does lean on the stevia side, something to note if your taste buds are sensitive to the sweetness of this natural sweetener like I am.
Gold Standard chocolate
Having used ON Gold Standard Double Rich Chocolate daily for over 15 years, I can vouch for its consistency and easy-to-drink chocolate taste. Though it’s not as rich as the name suggests, the use of Ace-K (acesulfame potassium) and sucralose gives it a pleasant sweetness without an overly artificial taste.
Tip: it’s not super thick, so if you want a smooth and creamy experience, use less liquid.
I think it’s one of the easiest protein powders to mix in a shaker bottle. It’s been praised for its balanced sweetness and its ability to mix well with a variety of beverages, making it a flexible choice for your protein needs.
Opportuniteas unflavored whey isolate
And then there’s Opportuniteas’ unflavored whey isolate, pure & simple.
This one’s very slight milk taste is all about versatility. It allows the natural flavors of your chosen mix-ins to shine through, meaning the flavor possibilities are as big as your smoothie recipe imagination.
From my quality time with a bag of it, this tastes like a watered-down skim milk. This makes for a nice neutral base that opens the door to any flavor adventure you wish to embark on.
Mixability comparison
How nice does each powder play with the liquids you use? Mixability is important because nobody likes a lumpy protein shake.
Vega Sport Protein
While a little thicker due to its plant-based ingredients, Vega Sport Premium mixes quite well. It may require a bit more shaking or blending, but the end result is a smooth, satisfying drink.
Having tried this with just a shaker bottle and water, I found Vega Sport to be the thickest of the lot. I added a few more ounces of liquid to it in order to get its thickness to match those of the whey powders.
ON Gold Standard Whey
This brand is often praised for its mixability and it easily dissolves into your beverage of choice, whether it’s milk, water, or a fruity smoothie.
No chalky residue or stubborn clumps to be found here. From years of personal experience product-testing dozens of protein powders, I can share that ON Gold Standard’s Double Rich Chocolate (and several other flavors of theirs, but not all) requires the least amount of shakes to fully blend.
Opportuniteas
Opportuniteas Grass-Fed Whey Isolate has nothing in it that could cause clumping, so it gets an A for mixability. This unflavored option blends seamlessly into your drink, leaving a clean, pure taste without any lumps.
Again, my personal test found this to mix very well with just water, a shaker bottle, & a touch of elbow grease.
In a blender all three perform equally well, effortlessly incorporating into any smoothie creation. Vega Sport again comes out the thickest, but that’s easily adjustable with a little extra liquid.
Ingredient Comparison: Vega Sport vs Whey
Enticing marketing ads & Insta reels with sweaty fitness models chugging post-workout shakes is nice & all. Maybe. But smart protein powder companies know that for many of us, the rubber hits the road with the ingredients they use.
Vega Sport Protein
Vega Sport champions a powerful blend of plant-based proteins – peas, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds, making it a formidable force in the realm of vegan protein powders.
Their ingredients list is as diverse as a well-balanced vegan meal, with alfalfa protein, tart cherry powder known for its recovery-enhancing properties, and beetroot powder for color.
Additionally, they incorporate probiotics (bacillus coagulans) for gut health.
With stevia leaf extract as a natural sweetener, Vega Sport Protein caters to the health-conscious consumer with a keen eye for clean ingredients.
ON Gold Standard
This whey is like the well-composed symphony of protein powders, skillfully bringing together whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and whey peptides for an all-rounded amino acid profile.
All their different chocolate flavors includes cocoa and natural flavors for taste, and soy lecithin for smooth mixability.
ON Gold Standard does include artificial sweeteners such as acesulfame potassium and sucralose in all of their 20+ flavors (except the Unflavored one of course), and that’s why I stopped drinking it. But they are the #1 seller in the world, so most people obviously don’t care about that.
ON Gold Standard Whey’s ingredient list showcases their commitment to quality, a key factor in their enduring presence in the fitness community.
Opportuniteas grass-fed isolate
Opportuniteas Grass-Fed Whey Isolate takes the minimalist approach with their ingredients, and a maximalistic (is that even a word?) approach when it comes to every step of the whey process. From the care for the pasture-raised cows to your bag of powder.
Their ingredients list is as clean as a whistle with only cold-processed whey protein isolate and sunflower lecithin for easy mixing.
It’s a nod to Opportuniteas’ commitment to quality and purity, and a dream come true for those who prefer their protein without any additives.
Essential Amino Acids (EAAs) Comparison
Essential amino acids (EAAs) are the building blocks of proteins that our body can’t make on its own. These nine indispensable aminos support muscle growth, recovery, and overall health.
Their importance is magnified post-workout when our bodies are primed to utilize these nutrients for muscle repair and growth.
Using the provided data on their supplement facts label, Vega Sport provides a total of a little over 15 grams of EAAs per serving, while Opportuniteas Grass-Fed Whey Isolate delivers approximately 18 grams per serving.
While the information for ON Gold Standard isn’t detailed on the product or on their website, the product label states it provides 11 grams of EAAs.
Opportuniteas wins this category easily, so I’ll bet it wins the next one (BCAAs) by even more.
Branched-Chain Amino Acids Comparison
BCAAs—leucine, isoleucine, and valine—comprise roughly one-third of the protein in our muscles. They not only assist in muscle protein synthesis but also help reduce muscle soreness and fatigue during and after workouts.
In this category, Opportuniteas Grass-Fed Whey Isolate impresses with 9.6 grams of BCAAs per serving. Vega Sport follows with 5.7 grams, while ON Gold Standard offers 5.5 grams according to the product label.
These two category comparisons — EAAs & BCAAs — clearly show you one of the main advantages pure whey protein has over plant-based protein powders, & cheaper protein powders that have other things in them besides protein.
It’s clear that the Grass-Fed Whey Isolate from Opportuniteas provides an impressive amino acids profile top to bottom, potentially offering an extra edge in muscle growth and recovery.
Macronutrient comparison: Vega Sport vs Whey
We’re going beyond proteins, amino acids, and ingredients now to look at the macronutrient content of these three protein powders. This can be very helpful when it comes to comparing protein powders.
Vega Sport
Vega Sport Premium Protein boasts 30g protein per 180-calorie serving, 4g total fat, 6g total carbs (including 2g dietary fiber and 1g sugar), and a substantial 370mg sodium. (If your diet’s sodium-restricted, take note.)
It’s a balanced and protein-dense option that doesn’t skimp on the crucial minerals, with 290mg of calcium, 7mg of iron, and 260mg of potassium per serving.
Protein % by weight: 30/44 = 68%
Opportuniteas Whey Isolate
A great protein powder for someone who appreciates a lean protein & doesn’t want to pay for anything else in its powder. In a 120-calorie serving, you get 28g of pure protein, 0g fat, 0g carbs, and a moderate 170mg sodium.
While lower in minerals with 22.8mg calcium and 9.9mg potassium, it does cater to those who want straightforward, high-quality whey protein with minimum additional nutrients.
Protein % by weight: 28/30 = 93%
ON Gold Standard
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey, in a 120-calorie serving, offers 24g protein, 1.5g total fat, 3g total carbs (with <1g dietary fiber and 1g sugar), and 130mg sodium.
Although the protein is slightly less, it has a lower sodium content than the other two and a good balance of minerals, including 130mg calcium, 0.7mg iron, and 200mg potassium.
Protein % by weight: 24/30.4 = 79%
Other Nutrients
Here’s a quick look at the last remaining minor ingredients & their nutritional contribution.
Vega Sport steps up the game here with the inclusion of antioxidants and probiotics for gut health. These ingredients give an extra edge to your recovery and overall well-being.
Opportuniteas, being an unflavored whey isolate, only has a teeny dose of sunflower lecithin, which is on board just to help the whey powder play nice with whatever liquid you’re pairing it with.
This whey powder focuses on delivering high-quality protein with no added sugars or artificial sweeteners, just a real clean & lean protein source.
ON Gold Standard
The remaining ingredients in our Double Rich Chocolate flavor are mainly the cocoa, soy lecithin for mixability, and the handful of artificial flavors & sweeteners they use to keep the sugar content really low.
Their macro profile tells you that this is a low-fat low-carb protein powder, a decent flexible choice for various diet types.
Allergens and Dietary Considerations
When you’re shopping for the perfect protein powder, it’s crucial to consider any allergens or dietary restrictions you might have. Let’s compare how these three contenders fare:
Vega Sport Premium Protein is a fantastic choice for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet. It’s also gluten-free, making it a suitable choice for those with Celiac disease or a gluten intolerance.
By the way…It’s really unlikely that you’d have an allergy to any of its plant-based ingredients, but definitely check with your doctor if you have any concern.
Opportuniteas Grass-Fed Whey Isolate, like every whey-based product, contains dairy, which could pose an issue for those with lactose intolerance. However, it’s also gluten-free, non-GMO, and doesn’t contain any artificial ingredients or sweeteners, making it an excellent natural option.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey is also a dairy-based protein powder and contains soy (soy lecithin). It’s essential to consider these factors if you have any allergies to dairy or soy, or are just looking to avoid them.
Price & value comparisons
“You get what you pay for” – Someone Smart Somewhere
Let’s take a refreshed look at the cost per ounce for our three contenders, given the steep price changes in the world of whey and protein powder in the last couple of years.
Opportuniteas Grass-Fed Whey Isolate, despite its higher price point of $1.59 per ounce, offers an excellent quality, clean, and straightforward whey protein isolate.
This increase is a reflection of recent industry-wide price changes, particularly affecting boutique companies like Opportuniteas that produce in small batches, leading to higher production costs.
However, given its purity and quality, many consumers find the price justifiable.
Vega Sport Premium Protein, priced at $1.43 per ounce, is generally more expensive than other vegan protein powders, but given the cost of sourcing high-quality plant-based ingredients, this is understandable.
Moreover, with its high protein content, added vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and absence of allergens like dairy and gluten, many health-conscious consumers deem the extra cost to be a worthwhile investment.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey, priced at an affordable $0.90 per ounce, remains a cost-effective choice for many.
As part of the multinational Glanbia group, ON benefits from economies of scale that allow it to maintain competitive pricing without compromising (too much) quality.
Renowned for its balanced nutritional profile, ON Gold Standard Whey provides excellent value for money.
Company Backgrounds & Certifications
Let’s take a closer look at the origins and certifications of the companies who make these three protein powders. I think understanding the story behind these products can be useful in making an informed choice for your health and wallet.
Vega
Vega is a pioneer in the plant-based nutrition world. Founded in 2001 by professional triathlete Brendan Brazier, Vega’s focus on clean, plant-based ingredients has made them a favorite among athletes and health enthusiasts alike.
Their products are Non-GMO Project Verified, vegan certified, gluten-free, and are also Certified for Sport by NSF.
The NSF certification ensures that the product has undergone rigorous testing to verify that what’s on the label is indeed in the product and that it doesn’t contain any substances banned by major sports organizations.
Additionally, Vega’s B Corp certification means that they meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.
Optimum Nutrition
Optimum Nutrition, founded in 1986, has a long-standing reputation for decent quality in the world of sports nutrition.
Part of the humungous multinational Glanbia group, ON’s dedication to top manufacturing standards & rigorous quality control procedures is globally known.
Their protein powders are bestsellers, and are consistently highly rated and trusted by athletes, workout warriors, & general fitness enthusiasts around the world.
Opportuniteas
On the opposite end of a corporate giant like ON, we have Opportuniteas, a family-owned business with a focus on crafting clean, high-quality supplements.
Their commitment to sourcing the best ingredients, producing in small batches, and providing exceptional transparency regarding their products makes them a reliable choice.
Their whey protein isolate is made from the milk of grass-fed, hormone-free cows raised in New Zealand, ensuring high-quality protein in every scoop.
In addition, they use low-temperature drying techniques to provide a better taste and texture than ordinary whey protein. They’re also committed to promoting healthier lifestyles for not just individuals but also the animals involved in their business, and in the planet.
Their products are non-GMO and contain no artificial ingredients, making them a great choice for those seeking clean, minimalistic protein supplements.
FAQ
Here are answers to a few common questions asked about the comparisons between pea protein (Vega’s biggest protein source) and whey.
Which protein powder is better for individuals with food allergies or dietary restrictions?
Pea protein powder is generally a more suitable choice for individuals with food allergies or dietary restrictions. Most types of pea protein are free from common allergens such as lactose and gluten.
What are the main differences between pea protein and whey protein?
Pea & whey proteins differ in their sources, processing methods, flavor, texture, & allergens. Pea protein is plant-based & made from yellow split peas; whey protein is animal-based & derived from milk.
What are the similarities between pea protein and whey protein?
Pea & whey proteins share several similarities. Both are excellent sources of protein & our necessary amino acids. They have versatile applications & can be easily mixed into various foods & drinks.
How do pea protein and whey protein compare in terms of their nutritional profiles?
Pea protein and whey protein powders have comparable nutritional profiles. While whey protein generally offers a slightly higher protein content per serving, pea protein provides more fiber and iron.
Who Wins the Protein Powder Battle?
Choosing a winner among these protein powders is a highly personal decision. If you think back to all of the different categories we used to compare our three candidates, some areas may not matter to you, while they could matter a bunch to me or someone else.
So knowing which parts of a protein powder are important to you & then making sure some company’s product ticks those boxes is a good way to go I think.
Wrapping up Vega Sport vs Whey
So my friend, we’ve arrived at the end of this delightful journey through the world of protein powder.
We’ve covered a great deal of ground, examining three very different, yet solid products that each shine in their own unique way.
Vega Sport Premium Protein, with its plant-based formula, is ideal for vegans & vegetarians of course, but also for anyone who enjoys a comprehensive plant-based nutrient profile in their protein supplement.
The Opportuniteas Whey Isolate offers simplicity and purity, appealing to those who prefer a minimalist, clean protein source made with care.
Lastly, the ON Gold Standard Whey, with its balanced protein blend is an excellent choice for those who appreciate a reputable brand, a low price, ease of mixing, and taste in their protein supplement.
Thank you for joining me on this protein-packed adventure. I hope this article has been both enjoyable and informative, giving you a greater understanding of these three fantastic protein powders.
Until next time, be well, stay active, and keep your protein game strong.
–greg