With so many protein powders on the market, it can be tough to know which one to choose. Whey protein is one of the most well-known and widely used options — but beef protein is quickly gaining popularity as a dairy-free alternative. While Whey Protein Powder and Beef Protein Powder both come from cows, they’re made from different sources and provide different benefits.
In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between beef and whey protein powders, so you can decide which is most suitable for your goals.
What is Whey Protein?
Whey is the liquid portion of milk that gets separated out when making cheese. It might not sound glamorous, but it’s packed with high-quality protein — and once it’s processed into powder, it becomes one of the most popular and bioavailable protein supplements out there. However, it may not be suitable if you’re lactose intolerant or sensitive to dairy.
What is Beef Protein?
Beef protein powder is made by simmering down parts of the cow — typically the flesh, bones, and connective tissue — to extract the protein. This process creates a rich broth, which is then dehydrated and ground into a fine, protein-rich powder. This powder is a dairy-free, collagen-rich protein source that's especially popular among people following paleo, keto, low-carb or carnivore-style diets.
At DENSE, we take it one step further by hydrolyzing the beef protein — meaning we use enzymes to break it down into smaller peptides before it’s dried into powder. This makes the protein more bioavailable and easier to digest.
Whey Protein Powder VS Beef Protein Powder – The Key Differences
When comparing these two protein powders, the differences go beyond just their source. Let’s break it down:
Amino Acid Profile
Both whey and beef protein are excellent sources of protein, delivering 19 g and 22 g per serving in DENSE’s Whey and Beef Protein, respectively. However, they have a slightly different amino acid profile. Whey protein is naturally higher in Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) like leucine, isoleucine, and valine, which are often associated with muscle growth and recovery. It also has a higher content of the essential aminos acids lysine, threonine and tryptophan, compared to beef protein. Additionally, whey protein contains more sulfur-rich amino acids like cysteine and methionine, which are only present in small amounts in beef protein.
Beef protein, on the other hand, contains more glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, which are also found in collagen and play a role in supporting joints, skin, and connective tissue. It’s also naturally higher in alanine and arginine — two amino acids often highlighted in pre-workout and performance supplements.
💡 Try combining both whey and beef protein for a broader amino acid profile — with BCAAs from whey and collagen-related amino acids from beef. Together, they provide a high-quality protein mix that contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass.
Digestibility and Sensitivities
Whey can cause bloating or discomfort for people who are lactose intolerant or sensitive to dairy, whereas beef protein is a dairy free alternative and might be easier to digest. Both of them are typically free from common allergens like eggs and soy — as long as it’s manufactured in an allergen-free facility. All protein powders from DENSE are free from allergens like eggs or soy, so you can consume them without worry.
Texture and Taste
Another reason why whey protein is so popular might be because it has a smooth texture and neutral taste. Plus — it comes in many different flavors and mixes well with liquids and food. Beef protein can have a slightly thicker texture and more neutral broth-like taste, depending on the product. Many of our customers describe DENSE’s Beef Protein Powder as mild and neutral-tasting. The flavored versions are also a hit for those who prefer a slightly sweeter taste.
At DENSE, we have both flavored and unflavored varieties. The unflavored versions contain just one simple ingredient: the protein powder itself. Our flavored options also keep it simple — no unnecessary additives, fillers, or emulsifiers. Just a touch of stevia, natural flavor, and cocoa powder in the chocolate version.
Conclusion
So, which protein is right for you? Both whey and beef protein powders are convenient, high-quality sources of protein — but they each have their own strengths.
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Whey protein is rich in BCAAs, mixes smoothly, and is widely used for muscle growth and recovery.
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Beef protein is a dairy-free alternative that’s naturally rich in collagen-related amino acids like glycine, proline and hydroxyproline — making it a great choice for anyone wanting to increase their protein intake while also getting in more collagen.
If you’re sensitive to dairy or just want to mix things up, beef protein is a great option. Want the best of both worlds? Try blending them for an even more complete amino acid profile.
At DENSE, we offer no-nonsense, grass-fed and pasture-raised protein powders — both whey and beef — in flavored and unflavored options, all with minimal ingredients and no unnecessary additives or emulsifiers.
