pea protein vs whey: Protein

pea protein: 80 g / 100 g. whey: 80 g / 100 g.

pea protein vs whey: Climate impact

pea protein: 1 kg CO₂e / kg. whey: 5.7 kg CO₂e / kg.

pea protein vs whey: Water use

pea protein: 60 L / kg. whey: 620 L / kg.

pea protein vs whey: Land use

pea protein: 1.5 m² / kg. whey: 9 m² / kg.

pea protein vs whey: Saturated fat

pea protein: 0.5 g / 100 g. whey: 1.5 g / 100 g.

pea protein vs whey: Fibre

pea protein: 5 g / 100 g. whey: 0 g / 100 g.

Compare

pea protein vs whey

How pea protein and whey compare on protein, climate impact, water use, land use, saturated fat and fibre — with a clear verdict.

Compare

The numbers

The numbers	pea protein	whey
Protein (g / 100 g)	80	80
Climate impact (kg CO₂e / kg)	1	5.7
Water use (L / kg)	60	620
Land use (m² / kg)	1.5	9
Saturated fat (g / 100 g)	0.5	1.5
Fibre (g / 100 g)	5	0

The verdict

pea protein is the better everyday choice. It uses less land and water and carries a smaller carbon footprint than whey, while covering the same role on the plate. If protein density is your priority, adjust portion size rather than going back to whey.

Sources: Poore & Nemecek (Science, 2018), FAO, USDA FoodData Central, Mekonnen & Hoekstra (2011).

oat milk vs almond milk →soya milk vs cow's milk →tofu vs chicken →lentils vs beef →tempeh vs beef →seitan vs chicken →

All comparisons

Keep going

Is it vegan? →Vegan swaps →Vegan city guides →

Newsletter

One short letter. Once a month.

A handful of recipes, a story worth your time, and one thing you can do this week. Nothing else.

We never share your email. Unsubscribe in one click.