Is whey protein vegetarian?

Is whey protein vegetarian?

Usually, but it depends on the cheese. Whey is the liquid left over when milk is set into cheese. That setting step is mostly done with rennet.

Rennet can come from an animal’s stomach lining or from a fungus. The Vegetarian Society says animal rennet is not vegetarian. Fungus and thistle rennets are.

Think of rennet as a tool in the kitchen. The Vegetarian Society goes by how a food was made, so anything made with the aid of animal rennet fails its test.

So before you buy whey, check the tub says it’s vegetarian.

How do I find a vegetarian protein powder?

Start with the logo. The Vegetarian Society’s mark can’t go on a product made with animal rennet, gelatine or bone stock.

Asking a maker? Animal rennet may also be called “traditional rennet”, “pepsin” or “animal enzymes”.

UK law says allergens must be highlighted in the ingredients. So milk in a plant shake stands out. For other label checks, see which protein powder is cleanest.

Are plant protein shakes as good as whey?

Close, in the trials so far. A review of 9 trials covered 6 weeks or more of lifting weights. Soy gave similar gains in muscle and strength to whey or other animal protein.

Pea matched whey in one 12-week trial of 161 young men, run partly by a pea protein maker. Rice matched it in one 8-week trial of seasoned lifters. Sports experts call this research “limited” so far.

In short lab tests, whey switches on muscle building more than soy.

A second review of 16 trials found no overall difference in lean mass or strength. But adults under 50 gained about 0.41 kg more lean mass, the parts of you that aren’t fat, on animal protein.

Eat dairy? Vegetarian whey has the most research. If not, try soy, then pea, and see dairy-free protein powders.

Do vegetarians need protein shakes?

Most don’t. UK protein intakes are above the advised amount on average, “including in vegetarians and vegans”. The NHS says most vegetarians usually have enough protein.

Even on an intensive exercise plan, the BNF says you can still get enough from food. You don’t need to pair beans and grains at every meal. A mix of plant foods over the day is enough, as long as you eat enough food overall.

What vegetarians do need to watch, says the NHS, is iron and vitamin B12.

Find your number with how much protein you need a day, then try these high protein vegetarian meals.

When to speak to a GP

Book an appointment if:

• You think you or your child may have a food allergy. Milk, eggs, soybeans and peas are among the most common.
• You have signs of lactose intolerance, like bloating after dairy, and they keep coming back after eating.
• You have signs of lactose intolerance and have had poo changes that aren’t usual for you, blood in your poo, or bloating and discomfort for 3 weeks, or you’re losing weight without trying.
• You’ve been told to limit protein for kidney problems. Ask your kidney team before using a powder, as kidney failure can need less protein.

Call 999 if lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly swell, or you’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe. The same goes if your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow.

Also call 999 if skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale, or someone gets suddenly confused, drowsy or dizzy. The same goes if someone faints and can’t be woken, or a child is limp, floppy or not responding.

Taking whey and worried about results? See whey protein and blood tests.