Whey vs Casein: Which Actually Gives You More Protein for Your Money?

Both come from milk, but they behave differently in your body. Whey absorbs fast—great after a workout. Casein absorbs slowly—great before bed. The question is: which stretches your protein budget further?

So Which Is Cheaper?

The Quick Version

Whey and casein are both milk proteins, but your body handles them differently. This affects when you should use each—and how much you'll pay.

Price Comparison: The Numbers

Let's put it side by side. We analyzed 7 US market products to find the real cost per 100g of protein.

Best Value Whey Proteins

These whey products give you the most protein for your money:

Available Casein Products

Casein options are limited, but here's what's available:

When to Pick Whey

Right After Training

Your muscles are ready to absorb nutrients fast. Whey hits your bloodstream in 30-60 minutes, delivering amino acids when they're needed most. This is the classic post-workout window, and whey is the clear winner here.

First Thing in the Morning

You haven't eaten for 8+ hours. Whey breaks that fast quickly, getting protein to your muscles without waiting around. It's also easier to drink first thing—casein can be thick and unappealing when you're just waking up.

Budget Matters

At $3.33/100g on average, whey stretches further. If you're buying protein regularly, the 20-30% savings adds up fast. Over a year, that's real money.

When Casein Makes Sense

Before Bed

This is casein's specialty. It forms a gel in your stomach and releases amino acids over 6-8 hours. You're essentially feeding your muscles while you sleep. If you train hard and have the budget, bedtime casein can help.

Long Days Without Meals

Some jobs or schedules make regular eating difficult. Casein's slow release helps bridge those gaps. That said, a balanced meal would usually be better and cheaper than casein powder.

The Practical Takeaway

Most people don't need casein. Whey works fine post-workout, and whole food meals handle the rest of your day. If you're advanced enough that nighttime protein matters, you probably already know who you are.

For everyone else: buy quality whey, hit your protein targets, and don't overthink it. The difference between whey and casein is smaller than the difference between hitting your protein goals and missing them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does casein taste worse than whey?

Casein is thicker and can have a chalky texture. It doesn't mix as well with water or milk—clumps are common. Flavor isn't necessarily worse, but the mouthfeel turns some people off. If texture matters to you, whey is the safer bet.

Can I use casein for cooking?

Yes, actually. Casein's thickness works well in protein pancakes, mug cakes, and oatmeal. Whey can get rubbery when heated, but casein holds up better. If you bake with protein powder, casein is worth trying.

Is casein better for muscle recovery overnight?

The theory is solid—slow-release protein while you sleep. In practice, the difference is modest unless you're training at a high level. For most people, a decent dinner and hitting your daily protein target matters more than bedtime casein.

Why do some blends combine both?

Convenience. A blend gives you some fast and some slow protein in one shake. It's not magic—you could achieve the same effect by timing your whey and whole food meals differently. Blends are fine, but you're usually paying a premium for that convenience.

Compare All Products

Ready to shop? Use our comparison tool to filter by protein type and see the price per 100g protein for all available products.