Proteins are molecules made of amino acids that are necessary for the body to function and oftentimes we don’t consume enough through food so we need to add more via protein supplements. But how is protein powder made?
It depends on the type of protein you want to take but contrary to the popular myth, protein powder is not made from maggots or any kind of worms. It’s usually made from soy, pea, brown rice, whey, egg and other types of seeds and plants.
But let’s take a look at the process more closely.
What Is Protein Powder?
Proteins are molecules made of amino acids that are necessary for the body to function. Your bodily structures are based on protein, and you need to consume it to fuel whatever you do. To attain your highest physical capabilities, consuming high-quality protein is essential.
Besides what you can get from high-protein foods, it’s also possible to get more highly concentrated amounts of protein through manufactured protein powders.
But what are the best kinds of protein powders? What is protein powder made of, and how is protein powder made from milk? Let’s address all these questions.
6 Most Common Types of Protein Powder
What is protein powder made of? Here is a list of some ingredients used to make different types of protein powder.
1. Pea Protein Powder
Pea protein is a plant-based product made from green or yellow split peas. It is easily digestible and provides a creamier texture to shakes and smoothies than other protein powders [1].
One cup of pea protein isolate contains approximately 15 to 20 grams of protein for every 100 calories. It is also vegan-friendly, hypoallergenic, high in iron, and gluten and lactose-free.
2. Soy Protein Powder
Soy protein is made from dehulled and defatted soybeans. It contains all nine essential amino acids and is a good source of fiber, zinc, iron, calcium, and B vitamins [2].
Soy protein may help promote cardiovascular health benefits by lowering LDL or “bad cholesterol,” and its fiber content is great for gastrointestinal health. Additionally, the isoflavones in soy protein may help prevent bone loss from menopause and certain cancers.
3. Brown Rice Protein Powder
This protein powder is made by treating brown rice with enzymes that separate the kernel’s protein and carbohydrate content.
Each serving of brown rice protein contains about 36% of the essential amino acids you need. It’s also easily digestible and may help to improve liver function, aid in weight loss, and promote muscle repair.
4. Egg Protein Powder
Egg protein is derived from egg whites and contains all nine essential amino acids. Egg protein can help increase satiety, aid in weight loss, improve muscle growth, decrease blood pressure, and is rich in vitamins B12, D, and omega-3 fatty acids [3].
5. Whey Protein Powder
Where does whey protein come from, and what is whey protein made of? During cheese production, milk is curdled to separate the solid curds from the liquid whey, which is then filtered to increase its protein concentration. Afterward, the whey is dried to create a whey protein powder.
Whey protein is rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) that help with bodybuilding, weight gain, and repairing skin and tissues [4]. Be careful, though. Whey may not be right for you if you have any dairy allergies. Now we’ve sated your curiosity on questions like: how is whey protein made, and what’s in it?
6. Hemp Protein Powder
Hemp protein is made by grinding the seeds of the hemp plant into powder. The seeds are then shelled, with the oil removed by cold pressing and the fiber through milling and sifting.
As a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids, Hemp protein is also high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids [5]. It’s an excellent alternative for those who can’t consume whey or soy protein because of allergies.
How Is Protein Powder Made?
You’ve probably wondered at some point, “How is protein powder made?” Some folks online even ask, “How is protein powder made from worms?” Let’s look at the different processes involved in making the different forms of protein powder.
Protein Hydrolysates
Protein hydrolysates are mixtures of proteins derived from enzymatic, chemical, or microbial hydrolysis of an original whole protein. Hydrolysis predigests the protein by breaking down the whole protein into smaller amino acid chains known as peptides, making it easier for absorption.
Protein Concentrate
A protein concentrate is derived from a plant or animal source using one of these methods: dilute acid solutions, water-alcohol solutions, or denaturing the protein and then extracting it with hot water.
Protein Isolate
A protein isolate is a form of protein powder that has undergone more processing than a protein concentrate. The purpose is to give you the purest form of protein without any gluten, fat, or lactose from the original source.
Manufacturing Process of Protein Powders
How is protein powder made? Protein powders are manufactured through a multi-step process that involves extracting, purifying, and drying the protein source. Let’s delve into the specific steps involved in creating these popular supplements.
Extraction and Isolation
When it comes to making protein powders, extraction is the initial step that separates the protein from its source using methods like blending or grinding.
It is followed by the isolation process, which purifies what remains by eliminating additional elements like carbohydrates and fats. Some common methods used in the isolation process are filtration or centrifugation.
Protein Concentration
Protein concentration refers to the percentage of protein that remains after the extraction and isolation processes are complete. It is usually around 75%, with the remaining elements comprising fats, carbohydrates, and other ingredients.
Drying and Pulverizing of Protein
This step involves atomizing a concentrated protein solution and spray-drying it into a powder. Next, it’s ground down to make it more easily mixable in liquids and recipes. Special attention is given to each step to ensure that the protein is not denatured at any point.
Adding Flavors and Additional Nutrients
At this stage, flavoring agents and sweeteners may be added to improve the taste. Some powders also have added vitamins, minerals, digestive enzymes, and even fiber to enrich the product.
How Is Vegan Protein Powder Made?
Vegan protein powder is made by extracting protein from plant sources like peas, soy, brown rice, or hemp. This usually involves grinding the plant material into flour and then separating the protein from other components like carbohydrates and fiber using various methods such as wet milling or air classification.
The isolated protein is then dried and turned into a powder, often with added flavors, sweeteners, and other ingredients to improve taste and texture. Different plant sources may be combined to create a complete protein with all the essential amino acids.
Why Is the Integrity of the Protein Powder Manufacturing Process Crucial?
Protein powder allows you to gain the benefits of added protein without consuming excessive amounts of food or following a protein plan. However, this is only possible if the protein powder maintains its full potency.
Maintaining the integrity of the manufacturing process is important for maintaining the purity and quality of the protein powder, as well as providing it in a convenient form that can be consumed in multiple ways.
Other Protein Powder Ingredients to Be Aware Of
Additives are often overlooked when it comes to how protein powder is made. Let’s look at some common added ingredients.
Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners like sucralose, aspartame, and stevia are all used in many popular protein powders.
While sucralose may have a diminished effect on body weight than sugar, it can also increase insulin resistance and cause liver inflammation. Likewise, stevia extract can cause stomach issues and disrupt blood flow and hormone activity.
Oils
Vegetable oils and certain fats are common additives to protein powders to make them creamier and richer in taste.
Many of these fats are hydrogenated, which means they have added hydrogen, which may contribute to cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
Fillers
Perhaps the most unflattering answer to the question of how protein powder is made would be the mysterious ingredients called fillers.
Some fillers to watch out for are coconut flower, psyllium, and sugar, which are highly processed and can cause severe gastric distress for those with sensitive digestive systems.
Texture Enhancers
Protein powders often contain xanthan gum, flaxseeds, and powdered milk to make them smoother and more drinkable. These additives are essentially harmless, but people with digestive issues or dairy allergies should avoid them.
Animal vs Plant-Based Protein Powder
Animal-based protein powders usually contain more protein than plant-based powders. That’s because animal-based proteins are complete and include all the essential amino acids. Plant proteins are often incomplete and need to combine multiple proteins.
Plant-based powders are often easier to digest because they don’t contain lactose. They also contain fiber for better gut health and have been linked with helping lower the rates of stroke and heart disease.
Tips for Choosing the Right Protein Powder
Choosing the right protein powder can be overwhelming, with so many to choose from. To find the perfect fit, consider your needs and preferences. Here are a few tips to help you make the best choice.
Consider Your Dietary Needs
Protein powders are designed to supplement your diet’s deficiencies. A good rule of thumb is to look for one with a complete amino acid profile, little or no added sugar, and a protein source you can tolerate. It may be good to take alongside electrolyte powders if you workout often.
Watch Out for Allergens
Always check what the protein powder is made of. Scour the label for potential allergens like soy, nuts, gluten, eggs, or dairy products like whey or casein. If you are allergic to any of these ingredients, choosing an alternative product like hemp or pea protein would probably be better.
Evaluate the Purity of the Product
Once you’ve eliminated anything you might be allergic to, make sure to check what else is in the product besides pure protein and perhaps some added vitamins. The fewer ingredients included besides protein and vitamins, the purer the product.
FAQs on How Protein Powders Are Made
How is protein powder made? Here are some common questions from customers who are curious about protein powder.
How Is Protein Powder Made From Maggots?
Protein powder from maggots is made by soaking them in benzene for 48 hours and then soaking them again in fresh benzene for another 48 hours. The remaining sediment is then processed under controlled pressure and temperature and finally ground into powder using a disintegrating mill.
Is Protein Powder Made of Mealworms?
No, most protein powders are not made from mealworms. Common sources include whey (from milk), casein (from milk), soy, pea, egg white, and hemp. While mealworm protein powder is an emerging option, it’s not yet widely available in mainstream protein supplements.
Is Protein Powder Made From Animals?
Yes, some protein powders are derived from animal sources. Common examples include whey protein isolate, casein protein, and egg white protein, all sourced from dairy products and eggs. However, many plant-based options, such as pea protein, soy protein, and chia seeds, are also available.
How Do They Turn Protein Into a Powder?
Spray drying is the most common method for transforming protein into a powder. It begins by atomizing liquid protein into a mist and drying it with hot air. The remaining powder is then processed into a dissolvable form to be added to the liquid of your choice.
Is Protein Powder Healthy?
Protein powder can be a beneficial supplement for various individuals, including growing adolescents, those recovering from surgery, vegans seeking adequate protein intake, and individuals starting new strength training exercise routines to increase muscle mass as a form of natural steroids.
Can You Make Your Own Protein Powder?
Yes. Plant based protein powder can be made with lentils as a base, and animal-based powders can be made with whey or powdered milk.
How Is Protein Powder Made? Final Thoughts
Regardless of any dietary or health restrictions you may have, this article has hopefully provided you with enough information to find the right protein powder for your needs. Whether it’s an animal-based or vegan-friendly plant-based recipe, we’re confident there’s something for every taste bud and fitness goal.
So, go ahead and trade that deli sandwich and fries at lunch for a protein-rich and tasty smoothie.
References
-
Shanthakumar P, Klepacka J, Bains A, Chawla P, Dhull SB, Najda A. The Current Situation of Pea Protein and Its Application in the Food Industry. Molecules. 2022 Aug 22;27(16):5354. doi: 10.3390/molecules27165354. PMID: 36014591; PMCID: PMC9412838.
-
Montgomery KS. Soy protein. J Perinat Educ. 2003 Summer;12(3):42-5. doi: 10.1624/105812403X106946. PMID: 17273351; PMCID: PMC1595159.
-
Puglisi MJ, Fernandez ML. The Health Benefits of Egg Protein. Nutrients. 2022 Jul 15;14(14):2904. doi: 10.3390/nu14142904. PMID: 35889862; PMCID: PMC9316657.
-
West DWD, Abou Sawan S, Mazzulla M, Williamson E, Moore DR. Whey Protein Supplementation Enhances Whole Body Protein Metabolism and Performance Recovery after Resistance Exercise: A Double-Blind Crossover Study. Nutrients. 2017 Jul 11;9(7):735. doi: 10.3390/nu9070735. PMID: 28696380; PMCID: PMC5537849.
-
Zhang J, Griffin J, Li Y, Wang D, Wang W. Antioxidant Properties of Hemp Proteins: From Functional Food to Phytotherapy and Beyond. Molecules. 2022 Nov 16;27(22):7924. doi: 10.3390/molecules27227924. PMID: 36432024; PMCID: PMC9693028.
This article appears in Dec 18, 2024 – Jan 16, 2025.