All whey protein powders are classified as NOVA Group 4, meaning that they are technically ultra-processed. Depending on how they are made, some plant protein powders are also classified as ultra-processed.
Understanding how each type of protein is made, and how products can vary within the same NOVA category, can help you understand the difference between various protein powders.
How Whey Reaches NOVA Group 4
Whey protein begins as milk, which is classified as NOVA Group 1. During cheesemaking, whey is separated from the curds before being filtered, concentrated and dried into a powder.
These steps couldn’t be completed in a home kitchen, meaning that whey protein concentrate is classified as NOVA Group 4, even when it contains just a single ingredient.
Some whey protein powders are then blended with flavourings, sweeteners, emulsifiers or other artificial ingredients. However, at The Organic Protein Co., our Pure Unflavoured protein contains just organic whey protein, while our blends also contain whole foods. There are no artificial additives, sweeteners, or fillers in any of our products.
Explore our range of high-quality, additive-free whey protein powders here.
How Plant-Based Proteins May Reach NOVA Group 4
Plant protein powders also begin as Group 1 foods, such as peas, faba beans, soy or rice.
To produce a concentrated source of protein, the protein must be separated from the rest of the plant. The exact process varies depending on the protein and manufacturer, but it typically involves several processing steps before the protein is dried into a powder. The method used will determine the final NOVA group the plant protein falls into. For some, the processing method will classify it as Group 4.
As with whey, some plant protein powders contain only a few ingredients, while others also include emulsifiers, gums, flavourings and sweeteners.
Which Type Fits Real-Food Principles Better?
If you’re trying to follow a diet based on simple, recognisable ingredients, it can be helpful to look beyond the NOVA classification and compare the ingredients contained in individual products. Reading the list will allow you to see exactly what is included in the powder, whether the ingredients are recognisable, and if artificial additives are used. The best choice for you is likely to depend on your personal dietary preferences.
Find out how to read a protein powder label here.
At The Organic Protein Co., we focus on creating protein powders with simple, transparent ingredients lists. While no whey protein is UPF-free, all of our protein powders are made with just a few real ingredients and are free from the additives most associated with UPF concerns.
Read our full guide to understand why whey protein is classified as NOVA Group 4, and how this relates to ultra-processing.