Years ago, I started adding a very delicious vanilla whey protein to my smoothies that I got from GNC. I was religious about using this one brand, and when they suddenly discontinued it, I became outraged! I called every GNC in town searching high and low for it. It was the best tasting whey protein on the market and I didn’t want to go on a hunt for another kind. Well… long story short, I got to the bottom of why they discontinued it – the health department found rat droppings in samples of the protein at the manufacturing plant! WHAT. I’d been drinking rat droppings for all those years? @#$%&%&*^%^$$!
Needless to say, I have never looked at protein powders the same again. I research the heck out of them before I ever consider putting them in my body.
The key to finding a high quality protein powder is figuring out the right questions to ask…. Is it organic and free of pesticides? Is it GMO free? How is it processed? Does the processing retain its nutritional quality, vitamins and minerals? Does it contain artificial or refined sugars? Do they have heavy metals?
Yes…I said heavy metals. Consumer Reports conducted an eye-opening investigation that revealed that several popular highly processed protein powders like Myoplex, Muscle Milk, Designer Whey and GNC brand all contained arsenic, cadmium, and lead. Yikes.
This is just another reason why it is incredibly important to know what you are buying, where it is from and how it is produced.
So today…I want to share with you my Food Babe approved list of protein powders that are free of pesticides, GMOs, all those nasty chemicals and other grossities…
- Organic Plant Protein Superfood 30 Shake ($39.99 from Nutiva for 18 servings) – Nutiva’s shake is made from certified organic whole food plant proteins – no processed whey or isolated soy and contains 20 grams of protein per serving! This shake is a blend of organic pea, pumpkin, sunflower, chia, hemp and sacha inchi proteins, along with 30 superfoods including reishi mushroom, baobab, moringa, kale, hawthorn berry, purple corn, sea buckthorn, kelp and cinnamon. It also tastes amazing, despite having no fake flavors, nasty chemical additives, and only 2g of sugar per serving. Unlike other protein manufacturers that never tell you what’s in their “natural” or “organic” flavors, Nutiva uses an organic flavor where they actually list what’s in it – vs. hiding it! All of these ingredients are ORGANIC too – so they are not using Roundup-Ready GMO corn and they use all organic ingredients to make the carriers for the flavors! This is a huge deal – not just with transparency, but the high level quality of each ingredient they choose. Also note – the sugars in the product come mostly from plants and fruits – not added sugar or stevia (which I think makes most protein powders taste kinda too sweet and some nasty!) I’m so happy that Nutiva formulated the BEST plant protein powder out there!
- Tera’s Organic Whey ($25 from Amazon for 12 servings) – There’s a lot of controversy about whether or not to consume whey within the health food community and from what I have researched – the benefits of consuming whey are valid for muscle building, muscle recovery and weight management. It just depends on what kind of whey you get and from where. You either you can pick low quality heat processed alkalinity stripping whey protein isolate – or you can pick cold processed whole food whey concentrate made from organic fed cows not treated with growth hormones or antibiotics. Tera’s whey is actually made in small batches and takes considerable care in how the whey is processed. Tera’s whey also comes in some very delicious flavors like blueberry and coffee that are real food based – not loaded with ambiguous “natural flavors.”(One caveat, I’d like to mention – if you decide to go with a whey protein, it’s crucial to maintain a diet high in other plant-based foods. This whey, although a good product that retains its nutritional profile, can be acid forming in large quantities just like a diet with an over emphasis on meat and dairy. Remember keeping your body alkaline is key to avoiding disease and eating a diet full of plant based foods is the only way to keep it that way.)
- Nutiva’s Hemp Protein – ($21.99 for 30 servings) – The ingredient label of this very nutritional protein supplement has one beautiful ingredient “organic hemp seeds.” This protein powder may not be for everyone, because the taste is definitely something to get used to. But when combined with the right tasty ingredients like fruit, raw cacao and/or almond butter, it can be very appetizing. Finding the right balance of hemp protein to additional ingredients is the key to enjoying this rich in Omega 3 fatty acid supplement.
I’d love to know if you have tried any of these before or found any protein powders you like better. Please leave a comment and let me (and others) know.
Bottoms up!
Vani
Updated 08/25/2016 to include new Nutiva protein powder and remove others I no longer use because they contain stevia and gums.
Wondering why Sunwarrior plant based protein powder is not on the list?
Ditto!
me 3!! was just about to post about it
I LOVE Sunwarrior Vanilla Protein Powder (100% Raw)! I prefer the all plant based formula because it feels easier to digest for me. The Chocolate flavor tastes good too but the Chocolate powder is not Raw (everything else is). I don’t care for the flavor of the Natural version though.
Yes – but not all ingredients are certified organic in Sun Warrior. That’s why it didn’t make the list… Also – I feel brown rice protein by itself is too starchy – but that’s another topic and my personal preference on how my body responds to that. It’s definitely one of the better ones out there and you should not feel bad about taking it – I just think there are better ones available as listed above.
Sun Warrior also has plant based protein (pea protein), not all of the products from sunwarrior and brown rice protein based. In fact the pea protein base is only 3 grams of carbohydrates.
I contacted Sun Warrior and they said they are working on their organic certification. How about the Warrior Blend? It has no rice, just peas, cranberries and hemp.
Sunwarrior protein is exceptional. Zenberry uses Sunwarrior in their superfood formulas which we love. I didn’t like the Garden of Life protein, personally but seems to be high quality.
I am Wondering if anyone has ever tried Nikken’s Kenzen Vital Balance? It’s fairly new but I think it should be on the list. I think it is the best tasting WITH the most nutrition, superfoods, probiotics, etc… It may be a little sweet in it’s natural vanilla flavor, but a little cocoa powder fixes that. Here’s a list of the ingredients. http://library.nikken.com/document/?n=Kenzen-vital-balance-reference&lng=en&pwp=happinessinc
I use Garden of Life Raw Food. With Garden of Life, it’s not about taste, but I take it because it is so good for you. I think the Kenzen Vital Balance one is almost as good but tastes tons better.
I am a big fan of the Health Force protein. I detest the texture of the hemp protein! I brought packets of the Garden of Life on my honeymoon and made a big mistake by not getting the vanilla flavor. The unflavored was NOT tasty at all :0
Yes. They’re organic. http://myvega.com/products/vega-shake-and-go/ingredients
Thanks for posting this! I’ve been looking at being cleaner and conditioning more and this will help mucho!
Shocked to NOT see SunWarrior on this list. It’s been my #1 for 4 years now. Love it! 🙂 Check it out if you haven’t already.
I didn’t include because I feel the ones I listed are better. Not all the ingredients listed in Sun Warrior are organic and I feel a 100% pure brown rice protein is somewhat starchy in regards to their classic version. You should not feel bad that it isn’t on the list though…. it’s a great protein powder and light years ahead of the rest! Thanks for sharing…
Have you seen their new blend formula? It contains pea and hemp protein,
Well now I know! Have you seen my latest post – It’s because of people like you!
Thank you!
Have you ever looked at beachbody’s shakeology formula? It’s pretty state of the art.
I hated the taste of the Shakeology… tastes like fake sugar.
It’s the chemically derived fructose!
agree!
There are ABSOLUTELY NO CHEMICALS in Shakeology.
no chemicals in shakeology. you might would like to go to darren or carl’s fan pages and ask them for yourself before you go and post lies about a companys product.
My husband uses vital wheat gluten in his shakes rather than purchase the protein powder… not sure what you think about that? It makes me a bit nervous because wouldn’t everyone be using this cheaper protein resource if it wasn’t a bad way to get protein into shakes?
Since you are a Charlottean I think it would be great if you include places that you find these FoodBabe Approved products in Charlotte, if you shop here in CLT or if you always purchase online.
I agree, places to purchase are a must. I have inquired several times with no response back.
Hey there – you can get these protein powders from Healthy Home Market, Whole Foods, Earth Fare and Berry Brook Farms. Good Luck!
I thought I read somewhere on your blog that you used Jay Robb’s whey protein. I really like it but will switch to something different if it’s not good for me!
Yes, I’ve seen that on her shopping list, and wondered that as well…..
I switched a long time ago – but I used to enjoy that one a lot! It’s one of the best – but Tera’s is a notch better because it is certified organic.
Thanks for the reply, I actually just ordered some Tera’s Dark Chocolate yesterday! Can’t wait to try it!
I have used Garden of Life’s powder and it is definitely an acquired taste, not one you think of when you think “protein shake”, but I currently use Nutiva’s Hemp protein powder. However, I only drink a protein shake a few times a week, not every day. Some mornings I eat eggs (scrambled in coconut oil is my fave).
I get Nutiva’s Berry flavored hemp protein powder. That seems to mask the hemp taste. I also add colloidal minerals, zeolite powder, maca root powder, coconut oil, and raw milk to my protein shake. Sometimes I will add Garden of Life’s super seed powder, but I really don’t like the taste of the Super Seed too much.
Thanks for the article. It feels good to know I am eating the right protein powders!
Oh, also, sometimes when I make kefir, the whey separates and instead of mixing it back in, I use it to add to my shakes. Cultured whey from organic milk, now THAT is healthy! 🙂 I also use it as starter culture for fermented vegetables (along with sea salt).
What about Sunwarrior? http://www.sunwarrior.com
I have used Garden of Life off and on for a while now. I am becoming more and more of an avid strength trainer, and I am lactose intolerant and try to minimize the amount of soy I consume, so this is perfect. Love the all plant based, no GMOs, no gluten protein source. The chocolate flavor is just ok in my opinion. I keep meaning to get a sample pack of the unflavored to try. I am interested to hear your opinion on VegaOne?
Any reason why ultra marathoner Brendan Brazier’s Vega One protein powders are not listed? Non GMO, non dairy, plant-based, all natural and contains every nutrient and mineral the body needs such as omegas, iron, B-12, probiotics, potassium, chromium, manganese, A,C,D,E,K, calcium and much more. It’s perfect for vegans like myself.
I don’t believe vega one is organic, that could be why she doesn’t approve of it.
http://myvega.com/products/vega-shake-and-go/ingredients
That’s correct, Vega is not 100% organic – they use ingredients like citric acid, malic acid, natural flavors, and xantham gum that could all be derived from GMO sources. They cannot guarantee their product is free from GMOs, although they give it a good try. The ones I listed are much better than this one IMO.
I stand corrected. I looked at the label and too my surprise it did have natural flavors and xanthan gum. Thank you.
I would love to know about sunwarrior and amazing grass raw meal? good?
OMG! You scared the $&@%* out of me! I use Amplify a lot because it is so low in sugar and calories. I am going to research what is REALLY in it! Thank you for this article.
Garden of Life is really good stuff. I use the vanilla, vanilla chai and chocolate daily. A scoop of chocolate with some spinach, kale and frozen bananas with a packet of stevia and you have an awesome tasting shake that is worthy of being called dessert! My whole family including my 9 year old daughter love it.
Started using Jarrow recently since it does not use artificial sweeteners or contain carrageenan.
Great post! Love Garden of Life Raw Protein! Put it in my morning smoothies.
I love the Health Force Naturals protein! I use it after I do my workouts and the vanilla is not bad. I want to try the chocolate one when I run out of this. I actually use quite a few of their products and they are all wonderful!
Have you heard of Arbonne? I love it!
Me too!
I love the Arbonne shakes. Part of the reason I started selling it is because their products are certified organic. http://www.arbonne.com
Arbonne also gives it a good go. Sadly even organic is 100% organic and isn’t always GMO free. Many people cannot eat soy and as Holistic Nutritionist of 20 years I have read enough about Soy in it’s whole form has now been proven to be a goitergen!
Add me on facebook.com/kyle.carvalho88 I’d love to network with you for knowledge
I use Fat Flush Whey Protein from Unikey Health Systems. It states it is low carb, naturally sweetened (stevia), no preservatives or additives, no pesticides, hormones, or heavy metals, no sugar, starch, wheat, salt, corn, artificial colors, artificial flavors, or synthetic fillers. It has 20 grams of protein per serving. I am not convinced that this product is all that good as it lists the Amino Acid Profile per serving with Phenylalanine (625mg) and many other mile long names no one can pronounce. I would like you opinion on this whey protein! Thanks Vani! Also check out “Manitoba Harvest” certified organic Hemp Pro Fiber please!
I LOVE Organic Warrior Whey™ – Organic Pasture-Fed Cows’ ImmunoWhey™ (plain). I’m an endurance athlete and have trouble putting on/keeping any muscle. I’ve had really good results from this protein. I like that it’s made from the milk of pasture raised cows, too.
Shakeology is amazing! It contains all the superb nutrition one needs, including 70+ superfoods. It is a meal, and fruit, nut butters, oats, etc. can be added to it if preferred. It tastes amazing, too. I absolutely love the vegan tropical strawberry and the vegan chocolate. Regarding protein powders, I like Vega berry. I tried samples of Sun Warrior vanilla and chocolate protein powders, and I spit both of them out. They tasted that horrible to me. For those of you who use whey, Bluebonnett whey protein powder is your best option.
Vega One is not a protein powder. It is a meal replacement shake. Vega has a sports performance protein powder that is well worth the money.
I use a combination of two protein powders. One of my faves is MRM Veggie Protein in Vanilla. It is NON GMO Progect Verified. I also use True Vitality’s Vanilla Plant Protein with DHA, Probiotics, Enzymes, Greens, Vitamins and Minerals. It does not say NON GMO Project Verified, but it does say NO GMO’s, Vegan, Gluten, Dairy and Soy Free. Food Babe, do you have any knowledge or opinions on these two brands? Thanks!
what about sunwarrior plant based protein? that’s what i’ve been consuming…chocolate and vanilla are both delicious!
What do u put in ur pro shakes?
Soooo weird, my inbox beeped with this post JUST as I sat down to drink my protein shake lol
Great list Vani! What are your thoughts on Sun Warrior and Vega?
I recently discovered Omega Nutrition Organic Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder on Amazon. Mild taste and mixes well. Only one ingredient, organic pumpkin seeds.
Love pumpkin seed protein. I also love that it is just one ingredient!
any opinion/insight on the organic whey? http://theorganicwhey.com/ thanks!!!!
Nature’s Plus Frutein. This is what I use as it was recommended by my local co-op:
http://www.luckyvitamin.com/buy/products/30788-natures-plus-vegetarian-fruitein-revitalizing-green-foods-shake-gluten-free-1-3-lbs.html
What are your thoughts?
Cheryllyne
Hi Vani,
Please tell me it wasn’t the Jay Robb vanilla protein powder you were referring to having the rat droppings?!?! I have used that ever since you had it on one of your lists of essential items to have in your pantry and noticed it missing in your now approved protein powders. I know it’s not organic and I’m hoping that’s why it didn’t make the list. Please answer because I need to know if I have to try one of the other’s you mentioned above.
thanks for posting this…. my son is a picky eater but he loves smoothies and shakes and I wanted to do some research on whey protein powders I can use in his shakes. No I have all the info I need!
I cannot believe Isagenix is not listed. Undenatured whey protein from grass fed cows in New Zealand and using no-GMO’s!!
That is correct. This is why as a holistic nutritionist of 20 years, I decided on Isagenix. I am deeply aligned with their mission statements.
The Isagenix “No Compromise” Quality Policy is extensive and thorough—set up to ensure that all of our products are made in accordance with the highest standards of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) for dietary supplements. The company strives to meet and exceed the very GMPs that the Food and Drug Administration requires under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act. These guidelines cover authenticity, quarantine/release procedures, potency and purity testing of raw materials and finished products, cleanliness of the facility, employee training, documentation, and other areas. We also adhere to detailed written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and safety in each phase of our manufacturing process.
Rigorous Testing of all Raw Materials
To start with, Isagenix has an SOP that requires every raw material that arrives in our manufacturing facilities to be immediately quarantined, thoroughly inspected and tested for identity and authenticity. Any raw material that does not meet the standards or specifications of the Isagenix Material Review Board is rejected or destroyed. Isagenix requires industry-standard evaluation methods to determine potency, strength, and composition of each ingredient.
The company actively seeks to source raw materials only from suppliers with a proven track record of sustainability and high quality. In addition, the company uses certified organic raw materials whenever possible if they meet standards of purity, safety, and potency.
Rigorous Testing for Possible Contamination
All raw materials are also rigorously tested for safety. The safety of raw materials is the highest priority for Isagenix. Rigorous testing is performed for:
Microbial activity – total aerobic bacterial, yeast and mold, salmonella and E. coli strains, and other bacterial strains
Pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides
Heavy Metals – all botanicals are tested for the presence of lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic
PCBs and dioxins (fish oil) – each batch of fish oil is third-party tested to confirm undetectable levels of heavy metals, PCBs, and dioxins.
Finished Product Verification
Only after full testing of ingredients does Isagenix allow their products to be manufactured. Then, aside from initial inspection, Isagenix is one of the few companies in the world to have a surveillance program that inspects and re-analyzes finished products. It involves sending our products for independent laboratory testing for all its claims to ensure that our products fully meet (100 percent) the label claim and support our published expiration date. It is our Finished Product Verification and Stability Testing Process.
Isagenix Worldwide
The Finished Product Verification and Stability Testing Process and overall “No Compromise” Quality Policy is what enables Isagenix to distribute these products in places across the globe. Isagenix products are now available in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Canada, Australia, and Mexico. These areas and countries often have strict regulations that surpass those of the United States. Isagenix meets the regulations for both these global regions and for the benefit of U.S. customers.
There are few other dietary supplement companies that can boast the same level of quality assurance commitment. Unlike others, Isagenix doesn’t cut any corners in making nutritional products and spends millions each year on independent analysis of ingredients and auditing by third-party qualified organizations. By putting this much care into nutritional products, Isagenix knows it’s doing right by its customers and their health.
I like Isagenix. Just curious what is their plan to be certified organic and have the non GMO label applied to their products? I can’t find anything written on their site.
Good list BUT some problems with your suggestions:
(1) Whey protein concentrate is low quality and not easily digested by the body (which is why it is the cheapest to manufacture). Whey isolate is much better, with Whey isolate HYDROLYZED being the highest quality whey with all the fats and sugars taken out and the whey is broken up to be made easily digestible (this is why hydrolyzed whey protein is the most expensive to buy, it is the most expensive to make). Hydrolyzed whey protein is easily digested and not wasted by the body like all other powder proteins. Again, you wrote whey contrate is good but isolate is bad, but it is actually the reverse. See the most expensive powders at GNC, they are all whey isolate.
(2) Rice protein in RAW protein contains brown rice as it’s first ingredient. Brown rice has the highest amount of Arsenic (see last consumer reports issue). ALL rice has arsenic in it and consumer reports last issue clearly outlines that rice intake should be reduced substantially or eliminated altogether. The RAW protein almost certainly contains very high amounts of arsenic. Is there any way you can contact RAW to find out their last assay and see the arsenic results?
The best whey would be an organic, hydrolyzed whey protein isolate made by a manufacturer that lists any and all heavy metals and tests the product continuously. Please find someone that can do this.
Thanks Neal for looking out for us who want to increase muscle
I’m interested in the cleanest Whey Protein Isolate powder I can find (for muscle building)
The best I’ve found so far:
Thorne Performance label – the product name is Prevail
Have you found a cleaner (non-gmo) whey isolate?
Let me try that again!
Hi Staci – I have an undentaured 100% clean and bio-available protein that you definitely want to take a look at. We have many elite athletes using our protein with incredible results. In fact, the last 3 finalist for Miss Fitness USA were using our shake. Correction on email: Message me directly at [email protected] or click on my name and find me on my website. 🙂
Neal may I recommend you look into the research by Dr. Michael Colgan of the Colgan Institute — he will give you the details on why Isolate is not superior to the RIGHT concentrate — in general you are correct most concentrate is worthless — but the fact that Isolate is hydrolyzed is why it is not as good — or better stated Isolate is not worth the extra price — his studies show not an appreciable difference then best concentrate — so while sounds good, the fact that is more expensive is not in its favor as not getting a commiserate bump in effectiveness. More marketing than fact. Also heat processing damages the protein — the body will break it down if has the proper enzymes with it — which are lost in the denaturing. You have definitely done your research but have to say will defer to THE MAN on this one 🙂 Happy to send you a direct link to him if you like — is on FB too. Best to you!
Hi Staci – I have an undentaured 100% clean and bio-available protein that you definitely want to take a look at. We have many elite athletes using our protein with incredible results. In fact, the last 3 finalist for Mis Fitness USA were using our shake. Message me directly at [email protected]
Oh my goodness…thank you for this. Your timing is impeccable! You really are a Food Babe 🙂
I was wondering your thoughts on Shaklee Energizing Soy Protein or their Cinch shakes?
Soy.
Me too. I love Shaklee’s protein!
You seem to be a fan of Mercola. How about his pure protein powder? http://proteinpowder.mercola.com/pure-protein.html
Have you looked at Isagenix? I use their products and love them!
I was wondering if you had any thoughts on proteins that are not necessarily RAW or whey. I tried both…I’m allergic to whey and Raw makes me sick at my stomach.
Love this! Thanks for sharing!
We use Garden of Life RAW vitamins and started using the RAW protein powder recently. It has taken a bit to get used to 🙂
We do also use Vitacost Pea Protein powder. It’s GMO-free and dairy/soy/egg-free (we have allergies in the house), but I just noticed the label reads “natural vanilla flavor.” Aurgh.
I was definitely wondering about Sunwarrior as well. Thanks for the info above!
Glad you posted about health force. I love all their products!
I have seen you reference Dr. Mercola on your blog before. I am just wondering what you think of his Pro-Optimal Whey protein powder?
What’s the difference between the Garden of Life’s Raw Meal and the Garden of Life’s Raw Protein? They both sound very much alike on Amazon. Do you think Raw Meal is as good as the Raw Protein. You get a little more of the Raw Meal for your money.
What about Arbonne protein powder? What do you think of that? Thanks!
Thank you for your efforts here!
I’m interested in the cleanest Whey Protein Isolate powder I can find (for muscle building)
The best I’ve found so far:
Thorne Performance label – the product name is Prevail
What are your thoughts? Is there a cleaner whey isolate?
@foodbabe, what is your review of Isagenix Isalean Shake?
What about Shaklee? Theirs is non-gmo….LOVE their shakes.
I am curious too… I agree, they are the best I’ve tried! And I love that the company certifies their ingredients as PURE – not just organic.
I love mine! 4 ingredients. Can’t beat that. They take nutrition seriously!
http://www.pureprimalnutrition.com/natures-protein/