Animal vs Plant Based Amino Acids

This topic comes from a customer question that we received this week! And while it isn't a common question, the Supplement Warehouse team has received it before. The question deals with BCAAs and EAAs...basically all the amino acids. This customer was looking for animal based amino acids, but wanted to know the difference between the two. So lets dive into this subject.

Animal vs Plant Based Amino Acids - Is there a Difference?

The answer is...yes! There are many differences between the two, but the main one is where the amino acids are sourced. Animal based amino acids are normally sourced from things such as whey, casein, eggs, meat, collagen, and fish whereas plant based aminos are normally sourced from pea, rice, soy, hemp, other fermented plants.

But for easy reading, here is a chart to help.

Which One is Better For You?

Unless you are vegan or vegetarian, the animal based amino acids will almost always be better. This is because animal-based aminos (especially whey, eggs, and meat) are superior due to their higher leucine content and faster absorption. But if you want to stick with plant based, go for pea and rice protein blends or fermented plant EAAs to ensure proper muscle recovery.

The one area where plant based has some advantages is with gut health, heart health, and sustainability.

So in the end, choose animal-based aminos if you prioritize muscle growth, faster recovery, and maximum protein efficiency. Choose plant-based aminos if you focus on sustainability, digestion, and a vegan/vegetarian diet.