What’s the smartest protein choice for your body?

Protein is more than a number on the label | Why quality matters more than quantity | Protein sources compared: what really delivers? | Plant proteins: why combine? | Whey: isolate vs. concentrate | Collagen: not a muscle protein, but relevant for skin | NoordCode choices (clean & functional) | Pure Whey | Pure Plant Protein | Collagen Protein Bars | When extra protein is useful | Our recommendations at a glance | Take-away: smart choices are conscious combinations | FAQ | Sources

Protein is more than a number on the label

Your body needs more than just a high number on the packaging. Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass, and to the maintenance of normal bones. From around the age of 30, muscle mass gradually declines; quality becomes even more important. Not every source offers the same mix of amino acids, digestibility and absorption. This guide helps you focus on what really matters: the right amino acids, careful processing, and the context of your overall diet.

Why quality matters more than quantity

“High protein” means little if your body can’t use those proteins effectively. What really matters:

• Amino acid profile (EAAs): essential amino acids cannot be made by the body.

• Utilisation (DIAAS): the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score shows how much of those essential amino acids your body can actually use. Animal sources generally score higher. By combining plant proteins smartly, you can get close.

• Processing: gentle processing (low temperature, microfiltration) helps preserve the native protein structure and bioactive compounds. Excessive heat can denature proteins, altering their functional properties.

Protein sources compared: what really delivers?

Plant proteins: why combine?

Plant proteins often contain less leucine, methionine and lysine. Leucine is the “on-switch” for muscle protein synthesis. By combining plant proteins smartly, you get enough leucine per serving and a complete amino acid profile.

Whey: isolate vs. concentrate

Whey concentrate has slightly less protein per 100 g than isolate, but thanks to gentle processing it retains more natural fats and bioactive compounds (such as lactoferrin and immunoglobulins). Low-temperature microfiltration keeps these intact. Isolate is absorbed more quickly, while concentrate is richer in valuable compounds.

Collagen: not a muscle protein, but relevant for skin

Collagen is not a complete protein: it lacks tryptophan and is low in leucine. This means it doesn’t support muscle building. However, it is rich in glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. Modern diets contain little connective-tissue-rich animal parts. A collagen supplement is a practical way to increase your intake of these specific amino acids.

NoordCode choices (clean & functional)

Pure Whey: more than just a protein percentage

• Organic whey concentrate from milk of grass-fed Western European cows
• ~80% protein per 100 g
• The remaining ~20%: natural fats, phospholipids and bioactive compounds (e.g. lactoferrin, immunoglobulins)
• Gently processed: low temperature, microfiltration, no irradiation
• No artificial additives or sweeteners

Pure Plant Protein: complete plant-based profile

• A blend of organic pea, rice and hemp provides a complete amino acid profile and is easy to digest
• Certified organic and tested for heavy metals
• Designed to compensate for common plant-based gaps in leucine, lysine and methionine
• Free from artificial sweeteners

Collagen Protein Bars: bars that nourish, not just fill

A quick check, popularised by Max Lugavere, is easy to apply. Multiply the grams of protein by ten. If the number is equal to or higher than the total calories, you’re usually on the right track. It’s not a strict rule, but a handy guideline, since fats and fibres can add calories without being a drawback. NoordCode’s organic Collagen Protein Bars pass this test with ease.

• 19–21 g protein per bar (depending on flavour)
• 6 g collagen (from grass-fed bone broth)
• Only unprocessed, organic ingredients. No binders, no artificial flavours, no unnecessary additives
• Free from polyols, filler fibres or artificial sweeteners, reducing the chance of bloating or gas
• Naturally sweetened with raw honey

When extra protein is useful

You don’t need a protein supplement, but it can be convenient. Especially if you want more control over how much, when and what type of protein you consume.

In the morning

Many people start the day with relatively little protein, while a protein-rich breakfast helps kickstart muscle building and satiety. A scoop of protein in your smoothie or coffee makes it easy to start your day with a solid serving.

After training

After exercise, muscle protein synthesis is temporarily elevated. This makes it a good time to take 20–40 grams of high-quality protein. It supports muscle recovery and maintenance and makes it easier to hit your daily target.

Between meals

A protein shake can be a filling snack that avoids the pitfalls of sugary cravings.

With lighter meals or a vegetarian diet

Salads or plant-based dishes often contain less protein or lack certain amino acids. Adding a protein portion increases not only the amount but also the quality of your total intake. This helps vegetarians and flexitarians to get enough essential amino acids.

If you want clean, functional nutrition

A high-quality protein supplement adds building blocks from a clean source, without artificial additives or hidden sugars. For those who like to keep nutrition straightforward and functional, it’s a reliable way to strengthen the basics.

Our recommendations at a glance

• Organic Collagen Protein Bars: 19–21 g protein per bar, 6 g collagen, unprocessed organic ingredients
• Pure Whey: ~80% protein from grass-fed organic milk; minimally processed at low temperature; retains fats and whey components; free from unnecessary additives
• Pure Plant Protein: complete plant-based profile with pea, hemp and rice; certified organic and tested for heavy metals

Take-away: smart choices are conscious combinations

Not all protein is equal. Look beyond the label. Focus on amino acid profile, processing and digestibility. Choose the protein that matches your goal and lifestyle. Whey concentrate offers more than just muscle recovery, collagen adds glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, and a plant blend makes your diet complete.

Not sure? Check our decision guide “Which protein powder is best for you?” or reach out to our team.

FAQ

Is collagen good for muscle building?

No. Collagen is incomplete and low in BCAAs (including leucine); it’s not suitable for muscle building. It is rich in glycine and relevant for skin.

Is whey isolate better than concentrate?

Isolate has the highest protein density and is often lower in lactose. Concentrate retains more natural whey compounds thanks to gentler processing. Your choice depends on your goal and tolerance.

How do you combine plant proteins smartly?

By combining pea and rice, optionally with hemp, you fill the gaps in leucine, lysine and methionine. This brings you closer to a complete amino acid profile.

Sources

• Podcast: Max Lugavere Episode on protein, amino acids & ageing
• Volpi, E. et al. (2013). Is the optimal level of protein intake for older adults greater than the Recommended Dietary Allowance? The Journals of Gerontology. PubMed PMID: 23183903
• Smith, G. I. et al. (2018). Dietary protein for muscle mass preservation in ageing. Nestlé Nutrition Institute Workshop Series. PubMed PMID: 29735157
• WHO/FAO/UNU Expert Consultation (2007). Protein and amino acid requirements in human nutrition. WHO Technical Report Series 935