Beef protein vs whey protein: which is better?

By Kaya Kozanecka | 6-min read

Published 07/12/25

Beef protein vs plant protein: which is better?

In this guide

A quick breakdown of whey protein and beef protein

What is whey protein?

What is beef protein?

Protein quality, in practice

How to shop (labels, testing, allergens)

Where Organised sits

So… beef protein or whey protein?

Quick answers to common questions

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The protein choice debate: beef protein or whey protein? If you are looking to add more protein to your diet then you may be faced with just this dilemma. Labels can be confusing, and you might be feeling overwhelmed with the amount of choice and differences between them. This guide will tell you exactly what to look for, how to approach your protein powder choices and red

This article is general information, not medical advice. Speak to your GP or clinician about your own needs.

A quick breakdown of whey protein and beef protein

Both are complete, high-quality proteins.

Whey protein isolate (from milk) is super lean, mixes thin, and is rich in leucine and other amino acids.

Beef protein is naturally dairy-free, usually minimal on ingredients, and slips into sweet and savoury recipes without fighting the flavour. If you want a protein you can use anywhere: porridge, soups, sauces, smoothies, beef protein works well.

Beef protein vs whey protein, cow looking into the camera

What is whey protein?

Whey is the fast-digesting protein fraction of milk. It’s typically a byproduct of cheese production, made from the liquid that remains after milk is curdled and strained.


You’ll see:

Concentrate: a little more lactose, creamier mouthfeel.

Isolate: much lower lactose, very lean, and high in leucine.

But here’s what many people overlook: because whey is a cheese-making byproduct, sourcing often varies. Many isolates are pooled from large milk streams, not always pasture-raised/grass-fed, yielding a highly processed powder far from whole food. Whey acts fast, but the amino-acid spike is short-lived.


And for sensitive guts, its high concentration can create an osmotic load, drawing water into the intestines and causing bloating, loose stools, or lingering fullness, especially when mixed with water and downed quickly.

A note on lactose

Lactose intolerance and milk-protein allergy are different. Many people with lactose intolerance do fine with isolate; milk-protein allergy requires avoiding whey.

Beef and whey protein in a scoop

What is beef protein?

“Beef protein” powders are hydrolysed beef protein isolates. Quality varies, so read the amino acid panel and look for all nine essential amino acids (EAAs). Some formulas also include collagen-rich fractions (more glycine and proline).


Why beef is a solid everyday pick:

Beef protein starts with an actual, whole-food source, not a byproduct. It’s essentially a concentrated form of what humans have eaten for millennia: the muscle tissue of ruminant animals. This means a broader nutritional fingerprint, with peptides, minerals, and amino acid ratios that mirror the human body’s own tissues

Naturally rich in healing amino acids. Beyond its full essential amino acid profile, beef protein delivers abundant glycine, proline, and alanine, amino acids that nourish connective tissue, the gut lining, and the liver’s detox pathways.

Gentle digestion. Because it’s free from lactose and milk peptides, beef protein tends to digest quietly and steadily, without fermentation or bloating. For those working to restore gut integrity, it provides bioavailable nutrition without irritation.

Slower, steadier amino acid release. Unlike whey’s sharp amino acid spike, beef protein offers a longer absorption curve, providing sustained nourishment and a steadier stream of amino acids for repair.

Blending beef and whey protein into a milkshake

Protein quality, in practice

On paper, both whey and protein score well. Whey delivers amino acids rapidly, which can be useful after training or when you want something light and quick. Beef protein digests more gradually, supporting a steadier release of amino acids over time, helpful for recovery and daily nourishment.


Digestive tolerance also matters. Some people find dairy-based proteins slightly harder on the gut, while others tolerate them just fine. Beef protein, being naturally dairy-free, offers a clean alternative for those who prefer to rotate sources or reduce digestive load.


Ultimately, the “best” protein is the one you use consistently and feel good on.

How to shop (labels, testing, allergens)

Amino acid panel: Look for all nine EAAs. If collagen is included, it should sit alongside a complete protein.

Heavy metal testing: lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury reported per serving, plus the lab’s method and limits of detection.

Microbial testing: total plate count, yeast/mould, and absence tests for Salmonella, E. coli (incl. STEC), and Staphylococcus aureus.


Allergen clarity: Lactose intolerance ≠ milk allergy. Whey isolate is low in lactose but still a milk protein. Beef protein is dairy-free; always check “contains” and cross-contact notes.

Where Organised sits

Nourishment should come from real foods. Safely, transparently, and in sync with the body. Our Beef Organ Protein Blend combines four complementary pillars in one scoop: beef protein isolate, collagen, freeze-dried beef organs, and colostrum. No guesswork, no juggling multiple tubs, just one clean, rigorously tested formula in a modern, convenient format.


Each serving contains high-quality beef protein for complete amino acids, collagen for connective tissue support, organ nutrients for micronutrient density, and colostrum for naturally occurring bioactive compounds. It is incredibly versatile too, we blend into smoothies, bake into sweet treats, or stir into sauces and broths for savoury depth.


Our ingredients are sourced exclusively from grass-fed, regeneratively raised cattle and each batch is independently third-party tested for purity and safety. Here are our heavy metal and microbial reports so you can see the results for yourself.

Blue packet labeled 'Organised' beef organ supplemenwith mixer, dates, powder, scoop, and cup of liquid.

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Organised beef organ protein powder with sweet potato on a plate

So… beef protein or whey protein?

Choose beef protein if you:

Want a default, everyday powder that works in both sweet and savoury recipes

Prefer a short, simple ingredient list without gums, flavourings, or artificial sweeteners.

Like keeping your dairy intake balanced.

Value steady digestion and gentle absorption, ideal for those with sensitive guts or anyone seeking a slower, more sustained release.

Don’t mind a slightly larger serving or pairing with leucine-rich foods like eggs or parmesan to hit your leucine target naturally.

Choose whey protein if you:

Enjoy milk and want a light, fast-mixing shake, especially after training.

Prefer dessert-style flavours and thin textures that blend instantly.

Tolerate dairy well and want immediate amino acid delivery.

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Cows in the foreground - where beef protein and whey protein come from

Quick answers to the most common questions

If I already drink milk, why pick beef protein?

Keep milk. Many people still pick beef protein for the scoop they use everywhere: porridge, soups, sauces. You can still enjoy milk and dairy at meals. It’s a practical split.

Is beef protein good for building muscle?

Yes. When it’s a complete beef protein, it can support muscle repair and recovery even more effectively than whey. Because beef protein digests more gradually, it provides a longer, steadier release of amino acids, supporting muscle repair over an extended period rather than in a short spike. To optimise leucine intake, simply take a slightly larger serving or pair it with leucine-rich foods like eggs or parmesan.

Is whey isolate okay if I’m lactose intolerant?

Many people tolerate isolate since lactose levels are very low, but sensitivity varies. If you notice bloating or discomfort, you might find beef protein easier on the gut. Those with milk-protein allergies should avoid whey altogether.

Is beef protein just collagen?

No. Some blends include collagen-rich fractions, but true beef protein isolates are complete proteins, providing all nine essential amino acids. Collagen on its own isn’t complete, so it’s best paired with a full-spectrum protein source.

Which is “higher quality”?

Both rate highly in lab measures, but in real life, quality is about digestibility, sourcing, and how easily you can use it daily. Beef protein often wins on simplicity and versatility, minimal ingredients, gentle digestion, and steady absorption.

How much should I take?

A simple range is ~25–35 g protein per serving, adjusted for body size and meal pattern. That usually lands you in the ~2–3 g leucine window. Older adults may benefit from the higher end.

Pregnant or breastfeeding?

Talk with your clinician before adding supplements during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Our approach is transparency first: clear labels, real batch data, and sensible doses.

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Woman scooping powder from a bag labeled 'Organised' while sitting outdoors.
Person holding a blue Organised supplement bag while standing in a grassy field.

Restore lost nutrients

Beef Organ Blend

Organised is the world’s first 100% natural all-in-one beef organ supplement.

Starting at £79

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Verified review

So glad I found you! Finally one decent product that replaces many and makes such a difference. A small company that cares about what they use so you know your getting the best ingredients that are available so you're not wasting your time or money consuming rubbish!

Verified review

I’m now on my third pouch of Organised Protein powder and I know I’ll be taking this every day for as long as it’s produced. I’ve binned my other supplements, my stomach feels incredible and everyone is saying I look healthier. Fantastic product for anyone wanting to improve their health.

Verified review

Everything about this company is exceptional. Nothing like it on the planet (that I know of) You can tell their heart and soul go into every aspect of their business. I recommend it to everyone. Thank you for what you do.

Verified review

This is one of the cleanest protein powders I have ever found. Our whole family uses it! Kids love and I love it :) No off flavors that you would except from organ meats. Tastes great!

Verified review

Super tasty and starts my day off well. As a woman, I know I need to eat something within about 30 mins of getting up. Having Organised means I can then get my workout done before proper breakfast!

I trust the brand and they send out really interesting newsletters, too, which I get quite a lot out of despite having similar philosophies to this business for years.

Verified review

Great product , has really help with my eczema , after year of using steroids and emollient cream feeling uncomfortable with no relief I was willing to try anything. After using this for around a month I could really tell the difference I now rarely have flare ups

Verified review

You know when a company will do well when the director personally writes to you by hand apologising for a minor glitch; Listens and acknowledges his customers and makes you feel of value. I wish nothing but success for Niall & his fabulous product.

You have a customer for life in us 🥰

Verified review

Super good, not too sweet and quality! I was skeptical at first, but after my first order I am definitely now a continuous customer and have referred it to my friends as well. They actually metal test every batch and everything is grass fed! Love this product. I feel more energetic drinking this in the morning.

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