Colostrum and whey both come from cow's milk, and both are sold as powders. That's about where the similarity ends.
What colostrum is
Colostrum is the first milk a cow makes in the few days after she gives birth, before regular milk comes in. It's thicker and richer than regular milk, and it's naturally high in immunoglobulins (antibodies, mostly IgG), plus lactoferrin and growth factors. Bovine colostrum is collected, dried and sold as a powder.
What whey is
Whey is the liquid left over when milk is turned into cheese. About a fifth of the protein in milk is whey protein; the rest is casein. Whey is filtered and dried into whey concentrate or whey isolate, and it's used mostly as a protein powder.
Side by side
- Where it comes from. Colostrum: the first days of milk after birth. Whey: a byproduct of cheesemaking, from regular milk.
- What people buy it for. Colostrum: its immunoglobulins and other bioactive compounds. Whey: protein grams.
- What to read on the label. Colostrum: the IgG percentage and the source (grass-fed, first-milking). Whey: protein per scoop, and whether it's concentrate or isolate.
- Allergens. Both are milk.
Which one do you want?
If you're after protein grams, whey is the tool for the job. If you're after colostrum, look for a label that states the IgG percentage and the source, so you know what you're getting per scoop.
The colostrum in Wild Nectar
Wild Nectar uses grass-fed colostrum standardized to 40% IgG: 3g per serving, alongside organic free-range egg yolk powder and L-theanine from green tea. It isn't a protein powder (3g protein per serving). It's a creamy blend you stir into your morning coffee, tea or milk. It contains milk and egg.
If you're pregnant or nursing, please consult your healthcare practitioner before use.
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