Here is your run down on protein powders.
They are NOT essential, but simply convenient, and for those working their way up to consuming a more moderate amount of protein, like 100g/day, powders can always be helpful!
Whey Protein: Easiest to digest. High in bioavailable amino acids, particularly leucine which has been shown to increase muscle-protein synthesis. Contains immunoglobulin- important for immune function. However, it can still bother some people because has higher tryptophan content which can convert to serotonin in the gut. Whey can be broken down into 3 types of whey powders, whey concentrate, whey isolate and whey hydrolysate. Concentrate is typically 35-80% protein with a higher concentration of fat and carbs in comparison to the other two. Whey isolate goes through an additional filtering process that requires the end result to be no less than 90% protein. Hydrolysate is a whey concentrate or isolate that has been pre digested for easier absorption.

Casein protein: Slow digesting protein, beneficial to helping you stay fuller longer, but can cause bloating in some. Some people take it right before going to bed, thinking it will stimulate muscle-protein synthesis while sleeping, but research shows whey will do the same. Rich in mineral and peptides which help with protein assimilation.

Goat Whey: Beneficial for people who can’t digest cow’s dairy well because it is a naturally occurring A2 casein protein and tends to have a lower lactose content.

Egg white protein: Rich in bioavailable amino acids, but high in albumin thus can be allergenic to some people. This can be magnified based off of the chicken’s diet that the egg comes from, for they shouldn’t be eating corn and soy, which most are.
Collagen protein: Rich in only glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, so isn’t a good substitute for every day protein powder. Easily digestible, and beneficial for joint, bone, skin and hair health.
Bone broth protein: Very bioavailable and easily digestible, but does not contain the same levels of amino acids in whey, particularly isoleucine. Similar to collagen for it is high in glycine and proline, and rich in minerals.
Pea Protein: Considered one of the most “complete” plant-based proteins out there. However, it does not provide a comparable amount of each amino acid relative to animal-based proteins such as whey. Specifically, it lacks methionine, which is vital in new blood vessel growth and needed to produce cysteine, which is the primary precursor to the body’s natural production of our master antioxidant, glutathione. Yet, it is rich in lysine. It can cause some gas and bloating, and its consistency is a bit chalkier than whey.
Rice Protein: Like pea, allergen friendly and gluten-free. Rich in cysteine and methionine when compared to pea, but is low in lysine.
Soy Protein: Complete protein source, and contains all essential amino acids, but pea contains a higher concentration of amino acids. Has more L-glutamine which is proven to help inhibit muscle protein breakdown and accelerate recovery time. Soy also contains more arginine, than whey. Digests better than pea.