NIHPRO Vs Whey: Choosing Your Perfect Protein

Imagine crushing your workout only to sip a shake that feels like sand in your mouth, clogs your shaker and leaves you bloated.  

What if the secret to smooth digestion and faster gains is simply choosing the right protein powder?

In this blog we will reveal why your protein choice matters, unpack NiHPRO pea protein versus whey protein, compare their macros, digestion and goal-fit, guide you to your ideal pick and showcase NiHPRO top options.

Hitting back-to-back training sessions tightens your recovery window and can leave your appetite flat-lining, so protein powders step in as a handy supplement to whole foods, bridging gaps when you can’t stomach a big meal or need extra protein on high-demand days.

Protein, from chicken, eggs or legumes, or from a shake can drive muscle protein synthesis and fuel tissue repair, helping you bounce back faster and maintain lean mass. It also plays a key role in daily nutrition, keeping you full between meals and steadying energy levels when life gets hectic.

Not all powders digest the same, and low-grade quality powder can clump, drag in your stomach and spark bloating, undermining your next session. Clean, ultra-digestible proteins, like isolates, a vegan protein powder like pea protein in International protein NIHPRO or a hydrolysed whey protein powder. They deliver amino acids quickly and smoothly, minimising digestive fuss and maximising nutrient uptake (International Protein, n.d.).

Next we’ll unpack plant-based hydrolysed isolates versus dairy-based whey, comparing macros, digestion and more so you can choose the best protein powder for your performance, your gut and your lifestyle.

Pea protein isolate is a plant-based protein powder derived from yellow split peas (Pisum sativum L.), favoured for its rich amino acid profile, especially lysine and hypoallergenic nature (Lam et al., 2018) . It is produced via water-based extraction (alkaline extraction/isoelectric precipitation) or ultrafiltration methods that concentrate protein purity to 80–94 percent (Lam et al., 2018).

Raw field peas contain 23.1–30.9 percent protein and just 1.5–2.0 percent fat, so a 30-gram serving of isolate typically delivers about 24–27 grams of protein with minimal carbs and fats (Lam et al., 2018). Unlike many other protein sources, pea protein is non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free and of low allergenicity compared to animal- or soy-derived proteins, making it ideal for those with dietary sensitivities (Lam et al., 2018).

Pea protein is made up mostly of two big protein groups and a smaller third group that together give you almost all the amino acids your body needs to build muscle, with just a bit less of methionine and tryptophan compared with some other proteins (Lam et al., 2018). That means it helps repair and grow muscle almost as well as top-tier proteins, while being easy on your stomach so you’re less likely to feel bloated or cramp up.

Advanced formulas such as NIHPRO take pea protein a step further by blending it with rice protein and applying MPI™ technology to pre-digest proteins into peptides (International Protein, n.d.). This chemical-free, multi-stage hydrolysis neutralises flavour, boosts solubility and accelerates amino acid delivery, creating an ultra-digestible shake that bridges nutritional gaps without compromise (International Protein, n.d.). Whether you’re a vegan athlete, a plant-based eater or simply someone seeking a top-tier vegan protein powder, pea protein processed this way stands out as a versatile and gut-friendly choice.

Whey protein is the liquid fraction of milk that separates from casein during cheese production, and it is then processed via membrane filtration and spray drying into a fine powder for supplementation (Gangurde et al., 2011). As a dairy-derived complete protein, it provides all nine essential amino acids, with particularly high levels of the branched-chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine, making it exceptionally effective at triggering muscle protein synthesis and supporting tissue repair (Gangurde et al., 2011).

Whey protein powder is available in three main formats (Gangurde et al., 2011):

• Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC): 70–80 % protein by weight, retains more lactose and fats, and contains additional bioactive compounds for a fuller flavour.
  
  

• Whey Protein Isolate (WPI): > 90 % protein, with lactose reduced to less than 1 % and minimal fat, achieved through advanced filtration processes.
  
  

• Hydrolysed Whey Protein (WPH): Predigested into shorter peptides for even faster absorption, improved mixability and neutralised flavour, though often with a more bitter taste.
  
  

One of whey’s standout benefits is its rapid absorption rate, both WPI and WPH flood the bloodstream with amino acids within minutes, making them ideal post-workout fuels to curb muscle breakdown, replenish energy stores and accelerate recovery between back-to-back sessions (Gangurde et al., 2011).

That said, whey protein isn’t suitable for everyone. Even trace lactose in WPC or WPI can trigger bloating, cramps or discomfort in lactose-sensitive individuals (Gangurde et al., 2011). Strict plant-based eaters must look to vegan protein powders such as pea-rice blends that offer a comparable essential amino acid spectrum without the digestive drawbacks.

To help you compare pea protein isolate and whey protein at a glance, here’s a breakdown of their key features side by side.

Whether you prioritise lean macros, rapid absorption or gut-friendly digestion, this comparison will guide you to the protein powder that best suits your performance goals and dietary needs.

Choosing the best protein powder comes down to four simple decision factors; dietary restrictions, training intensity, recovery timeline and taste preference. By weighing these elements you’ll pinpoint the powder that fits your lifestyle, whether you’re sipping a vegan protein powder between meetings or downing a whey protein powder post-session.

Decision factors:

• Dietary restrictions: Are you vegan or dairy-free? Do you need a gluten-free, lactose-free or soy-free formula?
  
  
  

• Training intensity: Both pea and whey proteins fuel heavy lifting, endurance sessions and light workouts Choose primarily on dietary needs (vegan, lactose-free) and how gently each digests rather than session type.
  
  

• Recovery timeline: Every isolate helps bridge post-workout gaps; hydrolysed powders like NiHPRO or a hydrolysed whey isolate deliver amino acids fastest, while standard isolates provide a steadier release over time.
  
  

• Taste & mixability: Both come in rich, delicious flavours, whey tends to be creamier and ultra-smooth, whereas NiHPRO’s pea-rice blend has a slightly more textured mouthfeel but still mixes cleanly with no clumps.
  
  

Still not sure? Consult our ASN experts in-store. Use the store locator to find your nearest store and discover your perfect match.

Here at ASN we stock two premium pea-powered isolates from International Protein NIHPRO Hydrolysed Protein Isolate and Dayone NiHPRO Isolate; both built on hydrolysed NiHPRO® protein technology for ultra-clean, gut-friendly recovery fuel.

International Protein NIHPRO

• Hydrolysed pea and rice protein isolates enhanced with MPI™ technology (DIAAS 116)

• 30.2 g of protein per serve, zero lactose, non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free and HASTA certified

• Decadent flavours and ultra-smooth texture, suitable on water or milk of choice. 

Dayone Isolate

• 25 g of hydrolysed NiHPRO® protein isolate per scoop in a low-carb, low-fat base

• Multi-phase protease enzymes and 7 billion CFU probiotics to support nutrient absorption and gut balance

• Rapid uptake delivers amino acids fast, with a creamy texture in indulgent flavours

• Vegan-friendly, FODMAP-friendly, allergen-free and third-party tested for purity
  

Choosing the right protein powder comes down to aligning your goals, diet and digestion needs. If you value rapid amino acid delivery for back-to-back training and tolerate dairy, a hydrolysed whey isolate brings fast recovery and a complete amino acid profile. If you need a clean, hypoallergenic option that blends plant-powered performance with gentle digestion, a pea-rice hydrolysed isolate, processed via MPI™ technology, delivers almost as much muscle-building punch with zero lactose or common allergens.

When deciding, weigh your dietary restrictions (vegan or dairy-free vs. dairy-tolerant), training load and recovery window (instant uptake vs. steady release) along with taste and mixability preferences. Use our side-by-side comparisons and decision guide to pinpoint your perfect match.

Ready to upgrade your shake? Explore our range of NIHPRO-processed isolates and classic whey blends at any ASN store or online, or reach out for personalised advice; chat with our experts and find the protein powder that fuels your gains, supports your gut and keeps you coming back for more.

Gangurde, H., Patil, P., Chordiya, M., & Baste, N. (2011). Whey protein. Scholars’ Research Journal, 1(2), 69. https://doi.org/10.4103/2249-5975.99663

International Protein. (n.d.). NiHPRO hydrolysed protein isolate info sheet. https://www.international-protein.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/NiHPRO-Hydrolysed-Protein-Isolate-Info-Sheet14.pdf

Lam, A. C. Y., Can Karaca, A., Tyler, R. T., & Nickerson, M. T. (2016). Pea protein isolates: Structure, extraction, and functionality. Food Reviews International, 34(2), 126–147.  https://doi.org/10.1080/87559129.2016.1242135