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There are many disadvantages of protein powder, however, most of these are more for the consumer than the company that makes the powder. Some companies try to claim that whey protein powder will be better for you but this is usually not true as whey protein is already broken down in the body anyway and it does not provide a huge amount of amino acids when taken in isolation.1
Price is always going to be an important factor for anyone who is choosing any type of food or supplement. While some may not think that they have a disadvantage because of the price of plant-based protein powder made without chemicals, if you look at the price of several varieties it will become clear that there are a number of disadvantages that are related to the price of the product.
Another disadvantage of these kinds of powder is that they do not taste very good. There are a number of different kinds of protein powders that are high in calories but lack flavor, unfortunately. These disadvantages include flavors such as chocolate or strawberry or even bad egg protein, which has almost no flavor. The bottom line is that while these disadvantages may make some people choose another kind of protein powder, these disadvantages are generally not going to make it a better choice than the popular plant-based varieties.
Protein powder is a supplement that can provide you with additional protein intake, however, before purchasing your next batch of protein powder, take time to research the different types available and decide which one will best suit your personal needs. If you’re looking for an affordable option, consider plant-based proteins or vegan powders made from pea and hemp sources rather than soy products. For those who want to add more variety to their diet without breaking the bank on expensive supplements, there are unflavored versions of whey protein as well as other blends such as casein or egg white protein powders available at most grocery stores.2 As always when it comes to bodybuilding goals, it’s best to do what’s right for you!
What Are Some of the Disadvantages Of Protein Powder?
There are many protein powder disadvantages that you might want to know about before you start buying a protein powder. Whether you are buying it for the purpose of supplementing your meal or you are just using it for baking, these are things that you will want to know about before you start wasting money on expensive protein powders that do not provide you with the type of results that you are looking for. Even though protein powder can be used as a healthy snack or even a meal replacement, there are some things about this powder that people might want to consider.
One of the most obvious disadvantages of protein powders is the fact that it does not have a taste. If you have ever had something that tasted like a bowl of vanilla ice cream or a granola bar then you know what I am talking about because this is almost exactly what protein powder consists of. This might not be the most important thing for you to think about but it is important to remember because if you have friends that you want to impress but you cannot give them bad tasting protein then you are not going to have much luck getting their attention.
Another one of the most common protein powder disadvantages is that it usually comes with additives in it like sugar or other chemicals that you don’t want in your body. Usually, the flavor enhancer is very expensive and is added to make the product taste better but some of the additives do not have very good effects on the body. For example, sugar is a natural compound that your body needs in order to function properly and it also helps to keep your blood glucose levels balanced. On the other hand, artificial flavors and preservatives might not be that great for you either. If you think that you need the extra boost then just avoid products with artificial flavorings and choose protein powder without additives if possible.
The Negatives of Protein Powder Additives
Whether you want to lose weight, build muscle, or simply feel better, the negatives of protein powder addictions will surely strike your mind at some point. When you have reached your desired goal due to a sudden burst in your protein intake (due to being sick or under stressful conditions), the effects of the powder’s immediate withdrawal can be devastating! Your muscles are still cringing from the lack of protein, your skin is still sore, and the excess water you have drunk during the rush of your protein-deficient action leaves your body feeling even drier than before.
Protein powder addictions are most common to those who are not aware of the negative effects of additives. There is a misconception among many that if the powder contains only “natural” protein it is safe. However, all protein powders are not created equal and as a consumer, it is your responsibility to know the protein content of the product you choose. The proteins found in these types of products will either cause an increase in the amount of water in your body or dehydrate it instead.
Protein is essential for building strong and healthy muscles, but too much of it can also lead to the negatives of protein powder addictions.3 The best way to combat these side effects is to keep your protein consumption on the lower end and supplement it with healthy natural alternatives. It is important to remember that as long as you are eating healthy alternatives, your body will always be able to obtain the protein you need.
The Bad Taste of Protein Powder
Popular protein powder brands use a high quantity of whey protein isolate, which is a very bitter-tasting extract. As unpleasant as the taste of the protein powder extract may be, the higher quantity of protein is still considered the better tasting option. The popular protein powder brands that use the highest amounts of whey protein isolate leave an almost intolerable aftertaste on your palate. Even if you eat a very small serving of protein after mixing the isolate in with your favorite shake, the protein powder taste will stick to your palate.
Proteins that are not very digestible can also clog the intestinal tract, which causes problems with recovering from strenuous exercise. While most protein shakes mix different kinds of amino acids to provide a more complete workout, very little protein is absorbed when the powder is mixed with the bloodstream. This means that the protein is not used immediately by the muscles, leaving the person feeling tired instead of energized. Because protein is used by the muscles for energy, the person experiencing this after taste from protein powders may feel deprived of their daily energy boost.4
Protein powder is a great way to supplement your diet with the protein you need. But it can be hard to find one that tastes good! This can lead to an unpleasant taste or stomach problems when you’re trying to enjoy it! If you want something that tastes good and doesn’t give you side effects then take time researching what types of powders are best for different goals. Do some research on what type of goals you want and how much time you’ll have before deciding which kind of protein will work best for your needs. 5
The Expensive Price Tag of Protein Powder
There is a misconception that it is very expensive and only bodybuilders and athletes can afford them. On the contrary, you can actually find various protein supplements that are affordable and are perfectly appropriate for athletes and bodybuilders. Bodybuilders would indeed need high quantities of proteins as they are usually in extreme physical condition for a long period of time. As such, they need a lot of proteins in order to build muscle and speed up their recovery after intense workouts.
When it comes to buying protein powder, you want to choose the right product for your needs. Getting started can be tricky with all of the different types on the market and a wide range of prices. The best way to start is by researching what your bodybuilding goals are, how much weight you need or want to lose if there’s a specific dietary restriction that applies (vegan/gluten-free), and so forth. The most important thing you need to do before purchasing any type of protein powder is to take time to research your bodybuilding goals and find the best fit for what you are looking for. Protein powders can range in price from as little as $20 a serving up into the hundreds per serving depending on how much you want in one scoop and the level of quality.6
You may be surprised to learn that there are many protein powders out on the market with a wide range of prices. What you might not know is that when it comes to price, more expensive doesn’t always mean better quality. Take time before making your purchase decision and research what kind of bodybuilding goals you have in order to find the best brand for your needs.
Image Credits
Eat This, Not That / August 22, 2019
Eat Delights / May 13, 2021
Grand View Research Inc. / March 2021
1 “Whey Protein 101: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide – Healthline.” 29 Jun. 2018, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/whey-protein-101 Accessed 14 Jun. 2021.
3 “What’s the Difference Between Casein and Whey Protein? – Healthline.” 30 Aug. 2018, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/casein-vs-whey Accessed 14 Jun. 2021.
3 “Protein: Why Your Body Needs It – WebMD.” https://www.webmd.com/diet/benefits-protein Accessed 14 Jun. 2021.
4 “The hidden dangers of protein powders – Harvard Health.” https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-hidden-dangers-of-protein-powders Accessed 14 Jun. 2021.
5 “Pros and Cons of Protein Powder | Ideal Nutrition.” 6 Apr. 2020, https://idealnutrition.com.au/pros-and-cons-of-protein-powder/ Accessed 14 Jun. 2021.
6 “Protein powder pros and cons | CNN.” 6 Dec. 2017, https://www.cnn.com/2017/12/06/health/protein-powder-pros-cons/index.html Accessed 14 Jun. 2021.
