While whey and pea protein share some constitutional similarities, they come from very different sources. Whey protein comes from cheese manufacturing, while pea protein comes from yellow peas, a common legume. Neither whey nor pea protein is commonly added to foods, so you will most likely see each sold as a workout or dietary supplement.
Origins
As the nursery rhyme goes, Little Miss Muffet ate her curds and whey. As cheese-manufacturers transform milk into cheese, they separate milk's two protein types, whey and casein. The casein forms the curd, and the liquid whey is separated into different constituents, including whey protein. Plant-derived pea protein comes from the yellow pea, or Pisum sativum. Peas are milled into flour, hydrated, and processed further until they become pea protein powder.
Composition
Most whey and pea protein isolates contain approximately 90 percent protein. Whey protein concentrate contains between 30 and 90 percent protein, according to the Whey Protein Institute. The amount of protein in pea protein concentrate is typically less than what's present in its isolate form. Pea protein is naturally cholesterol-free, while some forms of whey protein contain cholesterol.
Benefits
Both protein types contain branched-chain amino acids such as leucine which can contribute to greater muscle mass and strength. Your body quickly absorbs whey protein, and bodybuilders and weight-trainers often consume it after workouts. Manufacturers often promote pea protein as a "greener" protein because it comes from plants unlike animal-derived whey, casein and egg products.
Consumption
While sports and dietary supplement-makers market whey and pea protein, whey protein has the higher market penetration. Manufacturers frequently mix whey protein with carbohydrates, vitamins and other ingredients in various workout supplements. Pea protein can be harder to find, but many higher-end grocery and health-food stores sell it. You can put whey or pea protein into breakfast, meal-replacement or post-workout smoothies.
Considerations
Both types of protein are generally considered safe in reasonable amounts. The American Heart Association, however, warns against high-protein diets because they could cause kidney or liver problems. If you are allergic to dairy products, you may be allergic to whey protein. Many sellers claim pea protein may be a suitable protein alternative if you are allergic to other protein sources such as soy, rice, eggs or hemp.
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