Is whey powder made from animals? The truth about its origins

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

An average dairy cow can produce around 30 liters of milk per day, and a small percentage of that milk becomes whey protein. For those following specific dietary paths, such as veganism or stricter forms of vegetarianism, it's a vital question to ask: is whey powder made from animals?

Quick Summary

Traditional whey protein powder is a byproduct of cheesemaking and is therefore an animal-derived product sourced from cow's milk. Newer innovations, however, are now producing whey via fermentation.

Key Points

Animal Origin: Yes, traditional whey powder is made from animals, as it is a byproduct of the cow's milk used in cheese production.
Cheesemaking Process: Whey is the liquid portion of milk that separates from the solid curds when milk is curdled to make cheese.
Processing into Powder: The liquid whey is then filtered and dried into a fine powder for use in protein supplements and other foods.
Not Vegan: Due to its dairy origin, whey protein is not suitable for a vegan diet, though it is often consumed by lacto-vegetarians.
Vegan Alternatives Exist: Plant-based protein powders, made from sources like peas, soy, or brown rice, are widely available and effective alternatives.
Non-Animal Whey: Emerging technology allows for the creation of non-animal whey protein via precision fermentation, which is molecularly identical to dairy whey but made without cows.

The Cheesemaking Connection: The Source of Whey

To understand the origin of whey powder, one must look to the dairy industry, specifically the cheesemaking process. Milk contains two main types of protein: casein (about 80%) and whey (about 20%). The process of making cheese involves curdling the milk, which causes it to separate into solid curds (primarily casein) and a liquid portion called whey.

Historically, this liquid whey was considered a waste product. However, its high nutritional value was later recognized, and advanced processing methods were developed to turn it into a valuable supplement. This makes conventional whey powder an inherently animal-based product, as it is a direct derivative of milk from dairy animals, most commonly cows.

From Liquid to Powder: The Processing Journey

The transformation of liquid whey into a dry powder involves several key steps to concentrate and purify the protein content.

Filtration: After the liquid whey is separated from the curds, it undergoes filtration to remove excess water, lactose, and fat. The level of filtration determines the type of whey powder produced.
Evaporation: The concentrated liquid is then evaporated to remove most of the remaining water, further increasing the protein concentration.
Spray Drying: The concentrated liquid is then spray-dried into a fine powder. This involves spraying the liquid into a chamber with hot air, which instantly evaporates the water and leaves behind the dry protein particles.
Flavoring and Packaging: For consumer products, the unflavored whey powder is mixed with flavors, sweeteners, and other additives before being packaged and sold.

The Three Main Types of Whey Protein

The level of processing determines the final product, resulting in three common types of whey protein:

Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC): The least processed form, with protein content typically ranging from 70–80%. It contains more lactose and fat than other forms.
Whey Protein Isolate (WPI): Processed further to remove most of the fat and lactose, resulting in a protein content of 90% or higher. This is a better option for those with mild lactose sensitivity.
Whey Protein Hydrolysate (WPH): This form undergoes a process called hydrolysis, which breaks the protein's amino acids into smaller peptides. This pre-digested form is absorbed most quickly by the body and is often used in infant formulas and medical nutrition products.

Whey vs. Plant-Based Proteins

For those who avoid animal products, plant-based protein powders are a widely available alternative. They are derived from various plants and offer a way to meet protein needs without consuming dairy. Popular sources include:

Pea protein: A quality source of protein extracted from yellow split peas.
Brown rice protein: Often combined with pea protein to create a complete amino acid profile.
Soy protein: One of the few plant-based sources that is a complete protein on its own.
Hemp protein: A good source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.

A New Frontier: Non-Animal Whey

In a fascinating development, some companies have begun producing non-animal whey protein through a process called precision fermentation. This process uses microflora to ferment and produce whey protein that is molecularly identical to the protein found in cow's milk, but without the need for a cow. This innovation allows for the creation of dairy-identical protein that is suitable for vegans and potentially more environmentally friendly than traditional dairy farming. While still a developing field, it offers a glimpse into the future of alternative protein sources.

Comparison Table: Whey vs. Plant-Based Protein


Feature	Whey Protein	Plant-Based Protein (Blends)
Source	Cow's milk	Peas, brown rice, soy, hemp, etc.
Vegan-Friendly	No	Yes
Complete Protein	Yes (Contains all nine essential amino acids)	Yes (Typically requires a blend of sources)
Lactose	Contains lactose (less in isolate/hydrolysate)	No
BCAAs	High content	Varies; pea protein is high in some BCAAs
Digestibility	Fast-digesting; hydrolysate is fastest	Varies by source; generally less rapidly absorbed
Common Allergens	Dairy (milk)	Soy (for soy protein)

Conclusion

So, is whey powder made from animals? The definitive answer for conventional whey is yes, as it is a direct byproduct of the dairy industry. This means it is unsuitable for those following a vegan diet, though it is acceptable for lacto-vegetarians. The origin of traditional whey is intrinsically tied to dairy animals, primarily cows, and the process of making cheese. However, the burgeoning field of non-animal whey protein offers a futuristic, animal-free option for consumers. When choosing a protein supplement, your dietary requirements, ethical preferences, and personal health goals should guide your decision. Many excellent alternatives, both traditional plant-based and modern fermented varieties, are available to meet a wide range of needs. For more information on plant-based alternatives, consider researching pea and rice protein blends, which often provide a complete amino acid profile.

Healthline: Plant-Based Protein vs. Whey Protein

Frequently Asked Questions

No, traditional whey protein is not vegan because it is derived from cow's milk, an animal product. Vegans avoid all animal-derived ingredients, including dairy.

Whey powder comes from the liquid byproduct of the cheesemaking process. During production, milk separates into solid curds and a liquid, which is the whey.

Whey is separated from milk by adding enzymes (like rennet) or an acid to cause the milk to coagulate. The solid curds are then strained, leaving the liquid whey behind.

Yes, there are many protein powders not made from animals, such as those derived from plants. Common examples include pea, soy, brown rice, and hemp protein.

Whey protein is suitable for lacto-vegetarians, who consume dairy products. However, it is not suitable for vegans or those who avoid all animal-derived foods.

Non-animal whey protein is a new alternative produced via precision fermentation, a process that creates a molecularly identical version of whey protein without using cows.

Yes, because it is derived from milk, whey protein contains lactose, though the amount varies by type. Whey protein isolate and hydrolysate contain significantly less than concentrate.