Search “Homemade protein powder” on youtube. You’ll find that hundreds of videos claim that homemade protein powder is natural, cheaper, tasty, protein-rich, and much better than the widely popular “whey protein powder” supplement.
How accurate is that claim?
Let’s find out.
The fitness industry in India has been multiplying for the last seven or eight years. However, the majority of people are still not aware of the supplements and proper nutrition.
I find that these so-called “Fitness/Health YouTubers” are the main person behind spreading such misinformation/incomplete knowledge for the sake of youtube views.
Also, Read. Kapiva Vegan Protein Powder Supplement Review [2024]
These “Youtubers” claim that these kinds of homemade protein powder products are natural, cheaper, and even guarantee you a better result with the homemade protein powder.
A Health/Fitness Guide is No Joke.
One misinformation or wrong critical advice can lead to health problems; that’s why it’s important to share complete information.
The lack of education and awareness leads to false/incorrect information on youtube or celebrity interviews.
We will take a few examples and compare the one serving of these “natural homemade protein powder.”
Natural Homemade Protein vs Whey Protein Nutrition Comparison
Today, You’ll get the answer to the questions that include
- Is homemade protein is cheaper than whey protein?
- Which protein can last for long?
- Can you use homemade protein as a whey protein alternative?
- Which one is calorie efficient?
- Which protein powder has more protein bioavailability(per serving)?
Homemade Protein Powder Nutritional Information
Let’s take an example of a typical homemade protein powder.
Ingredients they use are
- Almonds (100gm)
- Walnuts (100gm)
- Chia Seeds
- Oats (50gm)
- Milk Powder (50gm)
- Peanuts (100gm)
- Pumpkin Seeds (100gm)
- Flex Seeds
A powder version of these ingredients will give you three to four servings.
Now, let’s check the macros of so-called homemade protein powder.
Calorie you get
- Almonds = 655kcal
- Walnuts = 687cal
- Chia Seeds = 31cal
- Oats = 187cal
- Milk Powder = 217cal
- Peanuts = 567cal
- Pumpkin Seeds = 446cal
- Flex Seeds = 20cal
Total Calories = 2817
Total protein, carbs, and fat.
- Protein = 98gm
- Carbohydrates = 244gm
- Fat = 161gm
Macros Per serving:
- Calories per serving = 2817/4
= 704.25 kcal
One serving of homemade protein has 704 calories.
- Protein (per serving) = 98/4
= 24.5
- Carbs = 244/ 4
= 61gm
- Fat = 161/4
= 40.25gm
As you can see just one serving of the “natural homemade protein powder” has 2817 calories, 24 grams of protein, 61gm of carbs, and 40 grams of fat.
- Bioavailability of Protein= 24.5/126 *100
= 19.45 %
Whey Protein Nutritional Information
Let’s compare these macros per serving to a regular whey protein powder supplement. For the comparison, I am using Abborb Whey Isolate Protein (chocolate flavor).
One serving(33grams) of abbzorb whey isolate provides
- Calories = 124
- Protein = 26gms
- Carbs = 3.3gms
- Fat = 0.6gm
- Bioavailability of Protein = 26/33*100
= 78.79%
As you can see, Azzborb whey protein has more protein compared to the so-called natural protein powder.
You get twenty-six grams of Protein at just 124 calories, whereas homemade Protein provides you 24 grams of Protein at 704 calories.
Now let’s compare the respective cost of these two protein powders
- Homemade Protein Cost (per serving)
= 330/4
= 82.5 ₹ ($1.14)
- Whey Protein Cost (per serving)
= 51.95 ₹ ($0.72)
You can check, neither the desi protein has more protein, nor does this cost you cheaper. The “YouTubers” who spread this BS gained quite good views and money, manipulating and misleading the audience.
They also claim that you can use homemade protein powder for weight gain or use protein powder as a mass gainer. Overeating/Overconsuming calories is not the way to gain good healthy muscles.
Too many extra calories(excess calories) will end up gaining the fat on your body, not the lean muscles.
Homemade Protein vs Whey Protein Powder Comparison Table
Highlights(Per Serving) |
Homemade Protein Powder |
Whey Protein Powder |
Calories |
700-750 |
120-140 |
Protein Bioavailability |
20-24% |
75-85% |
Cost |
80-90 Rupees |
50-60 Rupees |
Good for Fat Loss |
NO |
YES |
Flavors |
No Multiple Flavors |
Multiple Flavors Available |
Also, Read- Reality of High Protein Foods For Fat Burning [2024]
Homemade Protein Powder vs Whey Protein: FAQs
Q. Is Homemade Protein Cheaper than Whey Protein?
Ans. No. One serving of whey protein powder costs you rupees 50 to 60, whereas one serving of homemade protein costs 80 to 90 rupees. It’s not a cheap option for protein supplements.
Q. Which protein can last for long?
Ans. Whey protein can last for more time. It can last for up to two years if kept in proper conditions. Whole homemade protein powder will be no use after one or two weeks.
Supplements brands use different ingredients that increase the longevity of whey protein powder.
Q. Which Protein Powder is More Calorie Efficient?
Ans. Whey protein provides you with more protein in a low-calorie count. As we calculated earlier in the article, the protein bioavailability of protein is 75 to 80% in whey protein and it’s only 20% in homemade protein powder.
Q. Can we use whey protein for weight loss?
Ans. Yes, You can use whey protein for weight loss. There is plenty of whey protein powder supplement that provides you 24 to 28 grams of protein at just 120 to 140 calories.
For weight loss, you have to follow a calorie deficit diet with the right amount of protein, carbs, and essential fats. Proper nutrition, regular workout, and good sleep/ recovery is the key to successful weight loss.
Conclusion
Don’t believe blindly in everything you learn on youtube. Health and fitness is a marathon, not a quick sprint. One has to stay consistent and dedicated to getting good results.
People who look for “Fitness Hacks” on youtube don’t get good results, and they give up on their fat loss or muscle gain goals.
My final advice would be to follow a well-balanced diet, workout routine, and a daily sleep of seven to eight hours.
Don’t rely only on protein powders or any other supplements. Supplements mean supplements to something, and food/diet is the case here.
Whey protein is a great protein supplement.
You can use whey protein for fat loss or muscle gain. Whey protein provides you high quality of fast-absorbing protein at a limited calorie count.
Whey protein has the most protein bioavailability among all other protein supplements.
You can use whey protein in your breakfast, lunch, snack, pre-workout, or post-workout. The versatility and quality make whey protein the most sold protein supplement worldwide.