Plant vs Whey Protein: Which is Best for Bodybuilding? Plant-based sources of protein are as effective as whey protein for bodybuilding. Here's why: Essential Amino Acids Proponents of dairy-based proteins like to say that plant protein supplements provide incomplete proteins. It's not true: Brown Rice Protein Powder vs. , it has all of the essential amino acids; Kalman, 2014). , 2006). David Robinson, PhD UK Fitness ProApr 22 · 13 min read