Health & Wellness

Types of Protein Sources

16rows
6columns
23views
0downloads
Source:Community curated
Updated:4/9/2026
16/16
Protein
Source
Protein per 100g
Digestion Speed
Complete Protein
Known For
Whey Concentrate
Cow milk byproduct70-80 gFastYesCheapest dairy protein, full amino profile, high leucine for muscle protein synthesis
Whey Isolate
Filtered cow milk90-95 gVery fastYesLow lactose and fat, post-workout gold standard
Whey Hydrolysate
Pre-digested whey80-90 gFastestYesPre-broken peptides for rapid absorption; bitter taste, expensive
Casein
Cow milk curd80-90 gVery slowYesGels in stomach, releases amino acids for 6-8 hours; nighttime protein
Egg White Protein
Dried egg whites80-85 gMediumYesLactose-free, PDCAAS score of 1.0, classic bodybuilder staple
Soy Protein Isolate
Defatted soybeans90 gMediumYesOnly complete plant protein; contains isoflavones
Pea Protein Isolate
Yellow split peas80-85 gMediumLow methionineLeading vegan option, high iron, hypoallergenic
Rice Protein
Brown rice80 gMediumLow lysineHypoallergenic, often combined with pea for complete profile
Hemp Protein
Hemp seeds50 gMediumLow lysineContains omega-3s and fiber; gritty texture, lower protein density
Beef Protein Isolate
Hydrolyzed beef90 gMediumYesPaleo-friendly, lactose-free; lower leucine than whey
Collagen Peptides
Bovine hides or fish90 gFastNo (missing tryptophan)Marketed for skin, joints and hair; incomplete for muscle building
Greek Yogurt
Strained cow milk10 gMediumYesWhole food source, probiotics, casein-whey blend
Chicken Breast
Poultry31 g cookedMediumYesLean whole food staple of every bodybuilder ever
Salmon
Cold-water fish25 g cookedMediumYesOmega-3s, vitamin D, wild-caught premium option
Tofu
Coagulated soy milk8-15 gMediumYesVersatile vegan whole food, lower protein density than isolates
Lentils
Legume9 g cookedSlowLow methionineHigh fiber plant protein, combines with rice for completeness

Free to explore · No signup needed