Protein Quality Score Calculator

What exactly does this calculator measure?

This calculator rates how good a product is as a protein source on a scale from 0-10. Rather than just looking at how much protein is in a product, we’re looking at a variety of factors to determine if a product is actually a good source of protein.

The purpose of this score is to give you a benchmark to compare your product against similar products to inform your decisions. A low score does not necessarily mean a product is poor quality or that you should avoid it (especially if it’s a product you love), it just means that there might be better options out there for your goals.

Why doesn’t the calculator consider fat content?

Fat content isn’t factored in because fat isn’t necessarily bad for a protein source’s effectiveness. In fact, some fats help with nutrient absorption and provide essential fatty acids your body needs.

I’m most concerned with protein-to-carb ratio and sugar content since these are more likely to dilute protein quality. This calculator evaluates how good something is as a protein source, not whether it’s “healthy” in a broader sense.

Why do plant proteins generally score lower than animal proteins?

Most plant proteins (except soy) have incomplete amino acid profiles, meaning they’re missing some essential amino acids your body needs. Plant proteins also typically have lower digestibility, affecting how much protein your body can actually use.

This doesn’t mean plant proteins are “bad” – they’re just not as efficient for specific protein-focused goals like muscle building. Many people choose plant proteins for ethical, environmental, or digestive reasons, which are all valid considerations beyond just the protein score.

Remember: just because a plant-based protein scores lower, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad protein source. Just make sure you are consuming a wide-variety of protein sources to fill in any gaps.

What’s the deal with the % Daily Value for protein?

The % Daily Value for protein is actually really important and often overlooked. The FDA requires this percentage to reflect usable protein based on quality and digestibility, not just the raw protein amount. The FDA uses something called the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) and requires the %DV to reflect this adjusted value.

If a product claims 20g of protein but only shows 10% DV, it suggests that only about 5g is usable by your body (because it is based on a daily protein recommendation of 50 grams). This discrepancy typically happens with lower-quality protein sources that have incomplete amino acid profiles or poor digestibility, which is exactly why this tool exists!

Is collagen a good protein source? Why does it score lower?

Collagen scores lower because it has an incomplete amino acid profile – it’s particularly low in essential amino acids like tryptophan and leucine that are crucial for muscle growth. While collagen is great for skin, hair, joints, and connective tissues, it’s not ideal as your primary protein source. In fact, the PDCAAS score for collagen is a 0.

Think of collagen as a targeted supplement for specific benefits rather than a complete protein source. Products with collagen as the main protein source typically show a much lower % Daily Value (the adjusted protein value) compared to their stated protein content.

How accurate is this calculator for assessing protein quality?

The Protein Quality Score uses established nutritional principles that align with how experts evaluate protein quality. I’ve tested the formula across hundreds of protein products to ensure the scores match up, and I can assure you that this tool does a great job of evaluating protein quality.

That said, this is still just a tool and not an absolute scientific measurement. We’re all different, and your individual response to different protein sources can vary based on your digestive system and overall diet.

Does a higher protein quality score mean a product is healthier?

No, this calculator only evaluates protein quality, not overall healthfulness. A product could score well here but contain ingredients you might want to avoid for other reasons. “Healthy” is very subjective, so we’re not evaluating the individual ingredients with this tool.

Similarly, a product might score lower but contain beneficial nutrients like fiber, healthy fats, or vitamins that contribute to overall health. This calculator is just one piece of your nutritional puzzle.

My product got a very low score! What gives?

There are endless factors to consider when evaluating a product, so this tool simply cannot give you the entire picture. If you feel that a product is a better source of protein than the tool suggests, I am in no way saying you need to avoid said product!

Use this tool as a guide and resource, but at the end of the day, use your best judgment. A product scored extremely low but you love it? Keep enjoying it!