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Whey, in short

Whey is a complete, fast-absorbing protein made from dairy. It's a classic for post-workout recovery and it's effective — but because it's dairy-based, it can bother lactose-sensitive stomachs.

Plant protein, in short

Good plant proteins are usually a blend (for example brown rice plus pea or pumpkin seed) so that together they cover all the essential amino acids. They're dairy-free, often come with more fiber, and tend to sit more easily for a lot of people.

Does plant protein build muscle?

Yes — when your total daily protein is adequate and the source provides enough of the key amino acids, a well-formulated plant blend supports muscle just fine. Modern blends have largely closed the old “completeness” gap.

How to choose

It comes down to your diet, your stomach, and your goals. If you avoid dairy or find whey heavy, a clean plant blend is an easy switch. If you tolerate dairy and want the fastest post-lift absorption, whey is great.

Our take for an everyday snack

For a grab-and-go bar, a clean plant blend is hard to beat. ALOHA's 14g comes from brown rice and pumpkin seed protein — dairy-free, organic, and easy to digest.

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