Vanilla beef protein powder combines the muscle-building benefits of hydrolyzed beef protein isolate with a versatile flavor that works in more applications than any other protein variety.
Quality vanilla protein uses real vanilla bean extract rather than artificial flavoring, natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, and a clean protein base that delivers 20-25 grams of protein per serving. The best vanilla beef protein tastes smooth and naturally sweet without the chemical aftertaste common in artificially flavored products.
Vanilla's versatility makes it ideal for smoothies, coffee, baking, and savory-sweet recipes where chocolate would clash.
If you've only tried chocolate protein powder, vanilla opens up an entirely different world of possibilities.
Why Vanilla Protein Powder?
Vanilla often gets overlooked in favor of chocolate, but it offers advantages that chocolate simply cannot match:
Universal compatibility. Vanilla complements almost every flavor combination. It works with fruits, coffee, nut butters, spices, and even some savory applications. Chocolate limits you to chocolate-compatible pairings.
Recipe flexibility. When you want to bake protein pancakes, add protein to oatmeal, or create fruit-based smoothies, vanilla integrates seamlessly. Chocolate would dominate or clash with these applications.
Lighter taste profile. Some people find chocolate protein too rich for everyday use. Vanilla provides protein without heaviness, making it easier to drink daily without flavor fatigue.
Morning-friendly. Vanilla pairs naturally with coffee and breakfast foods. A vanilla protein shake feels like a natural morning choice in ways chocolate sometimes doesn't.
Customizable sweetness perception. Vanilla enhances the perception of sweetness in other ingredients. Adding vanilla protein to a berry smoothie makes the berries taste sweeter without adding sugar.
What Makes Vanilla Beef Protein Different
Vanilla beef protein powder combines two distinct elements: the protein source (beef protein isolate) and the flavoring (vanilla). Understanding both helps you choose wisely.
The Beef Protein Isolate Base
Beef protein isolate provides a complete amino acid profile with all nine essential amino acids your body needs. The hydrolysis process breaks protein into smaller peptides that absorb efficiently and digest easily.
Key characteristics of beef protein isolate:
The neutral base of properly processed beef protein isolate means vanilla flavoring can shine through without competing with underlying protein taste. This is why Active Stacks vanilla beef protein tastes like vanilla rather than beef with vanilla added.
Quality Vanilla Flavoring
Not all vanilla flavoring is equal. The difference between good and bad vanilla protein often comes down to the vanilla source:
Real vanilla bean extract provides complex, nuanced flavor with natural sweetness undertones. It tastes like actual vanilla because it comes from actual vanilla beans.
Natural vanilla flavor can mean various things depending on the source. Some natural vanilla flavors taste authentic while others taste flat or artificial despite the "natural" label.
Artificial vanilla flavor (vanillin) is synthesized chemically and often tastes one-dimensional or overly sweet. It lacks the depth of real vanilla.
Active Stacks uses genuine vanilla bean extract combined with stevia (in the beef isolate) or monk fruit (in the collagen peptides) sweetener for authentic vanilla taste without artificial ingredients.
Nutritional Profile
A typical serving of quality vanilla beef protein powder provides:
Amino Acid Content
Vanilla beef protein delivers the same amino acid profile as unflavored or chocolate versions. The flavoring doesn't change the protein quality. You get:
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs): Leucine, isoleucine, and valine for muscle protein synthesis and recovery.
Essential amino acids: All nine that your body cannot produce, in ratios effective for muscle building.
Collagen-supporting amino acids: Glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline from the bone broth origin of HydroBEEF.
Active Stacks adds extra glycine to enhance benefits for skin, joints, and gut health beyond what the base protein provides.
Vanilla vs Chocolate Protein: Which Should You Choose?
Both flavors have their place. Here's an honest comparison:
Choose Vanilla When:
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You want maximum flexibility for different recipes
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You plan to add protein to fruit smoothies
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You prefer lighter-tasting shakes
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You drink protein with morning coffee
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You bake with protein powder regularly
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You like customizing flavor with add-ins
Choose Chocolate When:
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You want a dessert-like experience
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Chocolate is your preferred flavor profile
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You primarily drink shakes with water or plain milk
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You want the strongest flavor to mask any protein taste
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You're making chocolate-specific recipes
Why Not Both?
Many people keep both vanilla and chocolate protein on hand. Use vanilla for morning shakes, smoothies, and cooking. Use chocolate when you want something that tastes like dessert. Having both prevents flavor fatigue and expands your options.
Best Uses for Vanilla Beef Protein
Vanilla's versatility shines across numerous applications:
Morning Coffee Protein
Adding vanilla protein to coffee creates a latte-like drink with built-in protein. The vanilla complements coffee's natural bitterness and adds subtle sweetness.
Method: Blend (don't just stir) one scoop of vanilla beef protein with 8-10 oz of hot or iced coffee. Add milk for extra creaminess if desired.
This works better than chocolate protein for most people because vanilla feels like a natural coffee addition while chocolate creates a mocha that some find too rich for morning.
Fruit Smoothies
Vanilla protein works with virtually any fruit combination:
Berry smoothie: Vanilla protein + mixed berries + banana + almond milk
Tropical smoothie: Vanilla protein + mango + pineapple + coconut milk
Green smoothie: Vanilla protein + spinach + banana + peanut butter + almond milk
Apple pie smoothie: Vanilla protein + apple + cinnamon + oats + almond milk
Try making any of these with chocolate protein and you'll immediately understand why vanilla is the better choice for fruit-based drinks.
Overnight Oats
Stir vanilla protein into overnight oats for a protein-packed breakfast that's ready when you wake up.
Basic recipe:
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1/2 cup rolled oats
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1 scoop vanilla beef protein
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1 cup unsweetened almond milk
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1 tablespoon chia seeds
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Mix everything in a jar, refrigerate overnight, and top with fresh fruit in the morning. The vanilla protein adds sweetness and creaminess while boosting protein content significantly.
Protein Pancakes and Waffles
Vanilla protein creates breakfast foods that taste like actual pancakes rather than protein supplements shaped like pancakes.
Simple protein pancakes:
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1 scoop vanilla beef protein
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1 egg
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1/2 mashed banana
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2 tablespoons almond flour
Mix, cook on medium heat, flip when bubbles form. Top with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup.
The vanilla flavor enhances the natural sweetness of banana and works with any topping you'd put on regular pancakes.
Baking
Vanilla protein works in nearly any baked good:
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Muffins
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Cookies
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Banana bread
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Protein bars
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Energy balls
When substituting protein powder for flour in recipes, replace about 1/4 of the flour with vanilla protein. The vanilla flavor integrates naturally with most baked goods in ways chocolate cannot.
Post-Workout Shake
The simplest application: mix one scoop with 10-12 oz water or almond milk, shake, and drink. Vanilla tastes clean and refreshing after a workout without the heaviness some people feel from chocolate.
For a more substantial post-workout option, blend vanilla protein with:
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Banana (carbs for glycogen replenishment)
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Tablespoon of nut butter (healthy fats)
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Ice (better texture)
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Almond milk (creaminess)
Evening Protein
Having protein before bed supports overnight muscle recovery. Vanilla protein with water makes a light evening shake that won't feel heavy before sleep. The glycine content in Active Stacks beef protein may also support sleep quality for some people.
How to Make Vanilla Protein Taste Even Better
Quality vanilla protein tastes good on its own, but these additions can enhance your experience:
Flavor Boosters
Cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon) adds warmth and complexity that complements vanilla beautifully.
Nutmeg (pinch) creates a dessert-like quality, especially in fall and winter.
Almond extract (1/8 teaspoon) intensifies the vanilla and adds depth.
Maple extract (1/4 teaspoon) creates a maple-vanilla combination without added sugar.
Instant coffee (1/2 teaspoon) adds complexity and a slight mocha undertone.
Pumpkin pie spice (1/4 teaspoon) transforms vanilla protein into a seasonal treat.
Texture Improvements
Frozen banana creates thickness and natural sweetness when blended.
Ice (handful) makes shakes colder and more refreshing.
Nut butter (1 tablespoon) adds richness and healthy fats.
Greek yogurt alternative (1/4 cup) increases creaminess and protein.
Cauliflower rice (frozen, 1/4 cup) adds thickness without affecting flavor. Sounds strange but works.
Sweetness Adjustments
If your vanilla protein isn't sweet enough:
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Add a few drops of liquid stevia
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Include half a frozen banana
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Use vanilla almond milk instead of plain
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Add a teaspoon of maple syrup
If your vanilla protein is too sweet:
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Use more liquid
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Add unflavored protein to dilute
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Use unsweetened milk/milk alternative
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Add a tablespoon of plain nut butter
Comparing Vanilla Protein Types
Not all vanilla proteins are interchangeable. Here's how different protein sources perform with vanilla flavoring:
Why Beef Protein Isolate Works Best
Beef protein isolate has a genuinely neutral base that allows vanilla to taste like vanilla. Some protein types have inherent flavors that compete with or alter vanilla flavoring:
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Whey can add dairy notes
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Pea protein can add earthiness
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Rice protein can add chalkiness
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Egg white can add sulfur notes
The hydrolyzed beef protein in Active Stacks vanilla protein starts neutral, so the vanilla bean extract comes through cleanly.
Quality Indicators for Vanilla Protein
When shopping for vanilla beef protein, look for these markers of quality:
Ingredient List
Good signs:
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Hydrolyzed beef protein isolate as first ingredient
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Vanilla bean extract or real vanilla
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Monk fruit or stevia as sweetener
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Short ingredient list (under 6-8 ingredients)
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No artificial flavors
Warning signs:
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"Natural and artificial flavors" together
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Artificial sweeteners (sucralose, aspartame)
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Long lists of additives
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Maltodextrin
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Multiple gums and thickeners
Active Stacks vanilla beef protein contains four ingredients: hydrolyzed beef protein isolate, vanilla, glycine, and stevia extract. No artificial anything.
Sourcing Transparency
Quality brands disclose where their beef comes from. Active Stacks sources HydroBEEF from US and EU-raised cattle, ensuring quality control and traceability.
Avoid brands that use vague language like "premium protein blend" without specifying sources.
Third-Party Testing
Reputable brands test for heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic) and verify protein content accuracy. Beef protein generally carries lower heavy metal risk than plant proteins, but testing still matters for quality assurance.
Vanilla Beef Protein vs Vanilla Collagen
Both vanilla beef protein and vanilla collagen peptides come from similar sources but serve different purposes:
When to Use Vanilla Beef Protein
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Post-workout recovery
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Meal replacement or component
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When you need complete protein
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Muscle building focus
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Higher protein needs
When to Use Vanilla Collagen
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Skin, hair, nail focus
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Joint support priority
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Adding to coffee (lighter texture)
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Lower calorie needs
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Complementing other protein sources
Using Both
Many people use vanilla beef protein around workouts and collagen at other times. This provides complete amino acids for muscles plus targeted support for skin, joints, and connective tissue.
Recipes Featuring Vanilla Beef Protein
Classic Vanilla Protein Shake
Ingredients:
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1 scoop vanilla beef protein
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10 oz vanilla almond milk
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4-5 ice cubes
Instructions: Blend until smooth. This simple shake lets you taste the actual protein quality. If it tastes good this way, it'll taste good in anything.
Vanilla Berry Blast
Ingredients:
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1 scoop vanilla beef protein
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1 cup frozen mixed berries
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1 cup almond milk
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1/2 frozen banana
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1 tablespoon almond butter
Instructions: Blend until smooth and creamy. The vanilla enhances the berry sweetness naturally.
Protein Coffee Latte
Ingredients:
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1 scoop vanilla beef protein
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8 oz hot or cold coffee
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1/4 cup milk
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Ice (if making iced)
Instructions: Blend coffee, protein, and milk until frothy. Pour over ice if desired. This creates a protein latte that rivals coffee shop drinks.
Vanilla Chai Protein Shake
Ingredients:
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1 scoop vanilla beef protein
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1 cup almond milk
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ginger
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1/8 teaspoon cardamom
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Pinch of cloves
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Ice
Instructions: Blend all ingredients until smooth. The vanilla base works perfectly with warm chai spices.
Apple Pie Smoothie
Ingredients:
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1 scoop vanilla beef protein
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1 medium apple, cored and chopped
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1 cup milk
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
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1 tablespoon almond butter
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Ice
Instructions: Blend until smooth. Tastes like apple pie in drinkable form with 20+ grams of protein.
Vanilla Protein Oatmeal
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup rolled oats
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1 cup water
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1 scoop vanilla beef protein
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1/2 banana, sliced
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1 tablespoon almond butter
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Cinnamon to taste
Instructions: Cook oats with water. Remove from heat and stir in protein powder (adding to hot oats is fine, just don't boil the protein). Top with banana, almond butter, and cinnamon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does vanilla beef protein taste like beef?
No. This is the most common concern about beef protein, and it's unfounded with quality products. Active Stacks vanilla beef protein tastes like vanilla, not beef. The hydrolysis process removes any beefy flavor, leaving a neutral base that takes on the vanilla flavoring completely. Most people describe it as tasting like a vanilla milkshake.
Is vanilla or chocolate protein better?
Neither is objectively better. They serve different purposes. Vanilla offers more versatility for smoothies, coffee, baking, and fruit-based recipes. Chocolate provides a more indulgent, dessert-like experience. Many people keep both vanilla and chocolate on hand for different applications.
Can I use vanilla beef protein in coffee?
Yes, vanilla protein works excellently in coffee. Blend (don't just stir) for best results. The vanilla complements coffee naturally, creating a latte-like drink. This is one of vanilla's key advantages over chocolate, which creates a mocha that some find too rich for daily morning use.
Is vanilla beef protein good for weight loss?
Vanilla beef protein can support weight loss as part of an overall nutrition strategy. Protein increases satiety, helping you feel full longer. The low carbohydrate and calorie content fits most weight loss approaches. Using vanilla protein in smoothies or as meal components can help reduce overall calorie intake while maintaining adequate protein. However, protein powder alone doesn't cause weight loss. It's a tool within a broader approach.
How does vanilla beef protein compare to whey?
Both provide complete protein effective for muscle building. Research shows comparable results between beef protein isolate and whey for lean mass gains. Key differences: beef protein is dairy-free and easier to digest for many people, contains collagen-supporting amino acids, and works for paleo diets. Whey contains dairy (problematic for some), is widely available, and often costs less. For taste, quality vanilla beef protein and quality vanilla whey isolate are comparable.
What can I mix vanilla protein with?
Almost anything. Vanilla protein works with: any milk or milk alternative, coffee, fruit smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt alternatives, pancake batter, baked goods, overnight oats, chia pudding, and more. This versatility is vanilla's main advantage. Start with unsweetened almond milk or whole milk for a baseline taste test, then experiment with different applications.
Is vanilla beef protein keto-friendly?
Yes. Active Stacks vanilla beef protein contains approximately 4 grams of carbohydrates per serving, fitting easily into ketogenic macros. It's also paleo-compatible since it comes from an animal source with no grains, dairy, or artificial additives. The stevia sweetener has zero glycemic impact.
Why does some vanilla protein taste artificial?
Artificial vanilla flavor (vanillin) tastes one-dimensional compared to real vanilla. Artificial sweeteners can add chemical aftertaste. Low-quality protein bases may have off-flavors that the vanilla can't fully mask. Active Stacks uses real vanilla bean extract and monk fruit to avoid these issues. If your current vanilla protein tastes artificial, the formulation likely relies on synthetic flavoring or sweeteners.
How much vanilla protein should I take daily?
Most people benefit from 1-2 scoops (22-44 grams of protein from powder) daily, depending on total protein needs and how much protein comes from food. Active individuals generally need 0.7-1.0 grams of protein per pound of body weight. Calculate your needs, assess your food intake, and use protein powder to fill the gap. There's no universal "right" amount since individual needs vary significantly.