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.
Your thoughts on Standard Process Whey Pro Complete? https://www.standardprocess.com/Products/Standard-Process/Whey-Pro-Complete
I have recently arrived from Australia and I have been using a product called 180Nutrition (look it up 0nline www. 180nutrition.com.au). An all natural protein product made from whey, coconut flour, flaxseed, almond meal, sunflower kernels, sesame seeds, pepitas, chia seeds, psyllium husks and stevia.
It is the best I have tried, and is all natural enough I also feed it to my young daughters (either in a small smoothie or printed on their morning cereal). Unfortunately it is not available in the US, and I am unable to find something equivalent.
Can anyone help?
I use 310nutrition! http://www.310nutrition.com
I also use 310 but now I don’t want to because it has carrageenan in it, not good at all for you.
Try Shakeology! All natural health shake: http://www.myshakeology.com/johnwillis
I love love love my shakeology! I am very partial to it and would like to know food babes take on it!!?
Google shakeology there is an article on how the “not good” things in it. Garden of life is awesome!
What do you thunk about LifeTime – Life’s Basics plant protein mixes?
Also I like to add a scoop or two of a plant based protein to my families Vitamix drinks ( juice or smoothie) every morning but on the Garden of Life – Raw Protein it says ,”Not intended for children ” WHY?
Does she answer any of these posts? I also use LifeTime — Life’s Basics and wondered what her opinion was of this protein powder. I don’t see where she has responded to any posts though 🙁
Vani, I recently purchased the Garden of Life/Raw Fit protein powder in the vanilla flavor. It’s has green coffee bean extract in it so, it has a coffee-ish flavor to it. I like it, but it has a chalky texture. Other than that it’s ok.
Have you heard of Shaklee 180 protein powder? I’ve tried it and it has great flavor and no chalky texture. I’d like to know your thoughts on it if you have a chance to check it out. Go to Shaklee.com Shaklee is a company that you have to be a member of in order to purchase (or know someone who is).
I joined so I could try some of there health products and cleaning products…I like them all! Let me know what you think of the protein powder, you can read the ingredients etc online. Thanks!
asked the same thing and she said she can not recommend Shaklee- I am using it for now because I have a ton but once I am done I will be moving on.
Can you elaborate on this? Why can she not recommend Shaklee?
I would like to know as well.
Hello just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know
a few of the pictures aren’t loading correctly.
I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried
it in two different browsers and both show the same outcome.
Its an interesting article and a great read indeed organic whey proteins are great source to lean muscles i started using back in 2012 with teras whey and it was a good found at that time mixing it in banana shake, still in habit of it and using a very famous brand now the organic whey all the essential amino acids are present and i love smoothness and taste. I recommend you to review it, but thanks for this wonderful comparison. Keep writing. 🙂
Hello; Love your site and was reading this a while ago but came across Arbonne shakes and wondered if you had tired them or investigated them ?
Would love you insight.
Helen
I use the arbonne shakes and love them..The protein is totally vegan and is organic. It also contains CoenzymeQ10 which it gets from Alfalfa, Kelp and Gingseng. The sugars are from stevia and pure sugar cane. 160 calories per serving. I do use a magic bullet to mix because I like mine the consistency of ice cream so I use ice and almond milk. I am a total researcher, reason for knowing the ingredients. After having breast cancer, I am very particular now concerning my diet.
I’m curious as I’m on a quest for a protein powder with good flavor, non gmo, non corn, non soy and wondering, have you tried Mt. Capra products, specifically the Double Bonded Protein or the DEEP2 30™? Its base is goats milk as well.
I’d like you to try this, look at http://www.edgeffects.com and look at our product, it’s oneof the best I’ve ever seen and I use it daily. Only Four or five ingredients, four for everything but the Orange flavour. Thank you for the take on Stevia, loks like it isn’t pure by most standards, but our whey isolate powder uses pure stevia root extract, nothing else for sweetening. We also have a facebook page ,Results For Life, please check it out if you like, I think you might fond tips which go along with what you’ve been posting..thank you again!
*sigh* I just ordered the Garden of Life on Monday from Amazon and it’s scheduled to arrive tomorrow (Wed.). I suppose it won’t kill me to use up the month’s purchase and switch to another brand next month …
It’s from amazon, just return it for a refund stating the heavy metals as the reason why. Amazon rocks!
From the Natural News article itself:
“Raw Protein remains and has always been safe. The testing posted by Natural News was raw data and not representative of an expert’s interpretation of those data points… However, these results, taken at face value, report levels that are entirely safe. In fact, the amounts reported are generally in line with commonly consumed vegetables.”
Thanks, Jay Bee — Raw Brands is generally such an overall well-respected company, I had decided to take my chances anyway. 😉 I’m mixing it in with my morning juice. Thanks. /msd
Could you please update your article as the “controversy” you have linked to is now leading to an article stating the original is irrelevant. Instead it says that Garden of Life has agreed to meet new standards and from the Natural News article itself:
“Raw Protein remains and has always been safe. The testing posted by Natural News was raw data and not representative of an expert’s interpretation of those data points… However, these results, taken at face value, report levels that are entirely safe. In fact, the amounts reported are generally in line with commonly consumed vegetables.”
I think it would be great to have an update as well.
I love my shakeology but I am also really enjoying the sweet cream body by vi, I am curious about your views on the body by vi? Thank you for any information and recommendations you might have!
Both you mention have artificial fillers, sweeteners, not all natural
Body by Vi should not be on anyone’s list of healthy products. It has soy and they were using splenda as their sweetener the last time I checked.
What is your opinion of PlantFusion?
I really like the Juice Plus Complete Shakes. They are non-GMO, 100% plant based, gluten free, no cholesterol, no artificial flavors or colors, no preservatives, low fat and contain natural sweeteners. It contains low processed water washed soy protein. The plant based carbs are slow releasing, low-glycemic index carbs. There are over 30 clinical double blind studies that have been done on their products that are published in major medical journals. Go to http://www.tinachapman.juiceplus.com to look at all the research and videos on the products.
Have you tried Plant Fusion? Tastes great, but I don’t know what your opinion would be
I am also a Plant Fusion user and would like to see a review of this entirely plant based protein powder…Thanks!!
Good day! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you
if that would be okay. I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.
I am new at this topic of protein powders and have been searching because I am vegetarian. Have you heard of ISOPURE? I would love your feedback and also your best recommendation. Thanks!
Hey Have you ever tried Perfect Fit Protein by Tone it UP? It’s really good, and the ingredients look good to me, but I’d love to know your opinion. Here’s the website to check it all out: perfectfitprotein.com
Thanks!
I just ordered a sample pack of this – it seems great so I can’t wait to try. I wish this list and article and comments would be UPDATED !!?!????
Hi Vani !
I have recently tried out this company called ONNIT I had heard great reviews from people i personally know and researched them a bit online. I really like their Hemp Force my personal favorite is chocolate of course! I have found that I have a lot more energy with this particular product then any other i’ve tried so far. Id love to know what you think of it and if you know anything about the company?
http://www.onnit.com
I am a huge fan of VegaOne. Especially the Vanilla Chai flavor when blended with almond milk. They are also NON-GMO project verified.
I am a fan of VegaOne, I know there are GMO free but are they free of lead or any metal contamination?.
Thank you
do not use vega one. it has lead and other metals in it. Vega, garden of life, and sun warrior to name a few have tugnsten, lead, and cadmium in them. garden of life and sun warrior have agreed to make changes to their product but that could not be until july 1, 2015
Grace,
Where did you find that information about Sun Warrior having tugnsten, lead, and cadmium in them. I have been using Sun Warrior for a couple of years now and this is important information for me to know about of it is really true.
What about nu life from nulifeherb…I have been looking for an organic one and stumbled across this…one would love an opinion or review before I buy
Thank you so much for all this wonderful information and this good conversation. I think it is important to realize that what companies say about themselves cannot be the source of our information. We must read labels and know the integrity of the company, because truth in labeling, as well as bioavailability are also issues that add another layer to the search for the healthiest products. I am a healthy lifestyle coach and have been for 10 years, and have been using and coaching my clients with the line I have found to be the finest by far on the planet. It has the cold water processed, undenatured pharmaceutical grade organic whey protein (24 grams in the regular formula and 36 in the pro formula) that is not actually able to be found in the U.S. They import it from New Zealand from happy, naturally lactating, free range, grassfed cows. The manufacturer who invented liquid minerals and is world renowned as the top neutraceutical formualtor in the world, as put the ingredients Food Babe discussed as essential, including amino acids, live digestive enzymes, probiotics, pre-biotics. He also came out with a vegan option which has organic pea and hemp protein in it, as well as all the pre-mentioned ingredients. The shakes are part of a whole food, anti-aging nutritional cleansing protocol that feeds every cell int he body all the micronutrients they need. The pleasant side effects include releasing inches and pounds incredibly quickly and safely (2 pants sizes in 2 weeks for me and 30 lbs in 30 days for my hubby!), incredible energy, mental clarity, elevated mood, restful sleep, healthy libido…My contact info is on my website. I am glad to send a free sample of either shake to anyone who is serious about their search. I have also put together my own website at http://www.YouNeedToWatchThis Now.com that has information from top lecturers and researchers about toxins in food and their effects. Contact me for the password. Keep the dialogue going!
I would like to check these products out. Could you send me a password?
Thank you for your openness and for asking. The password is “gethealthy”
I saw that you linked to the Garden of Life article on Natural News… I had been using their Raw Protein for I would say at least a year. Really concerned and disappointed to hear of the controversy. I was wondering if their follow up is simply a coverup or pay off. Regardless, I am finishing up my last tub and looking for alternatives. They state that they do get tested independently from several sources, but I guess you can never tell anymore. Have you tried/do you have thoughts on One World Whey? I have heard good things about it, although it is rather pricey
What about egg protein drinks?
What do you think about Perfect Fit protein powder?
Hi, I remember reading this article & thought you included the Vega One energizing smoothie in this list, but now cannot find it. Was it removed for any reason (or maybe I’m mistaken & read it somewhere else?) I’m in my first trimester & have been drinking then in the morning. Thanks for all you do & research – I love your blog!
Concerning the recent testing of Garden of Life RAW Protein Products … I am a scientist and the response “testing posted by Natural News was raw data and not representative of an expert’s interpretation of those data points… However, these results, taken at face value, report levels that are entirely safe. In fact, the amounts reported are generally in line with commonly consumed vegetables” is total hogwash and nonsensical. First, why would one isolate out one product with such high values; second, an interpretation of those raw values would not change them appreciably, and third, these values are no where near our commonly consumed vegetables, or they better not be! Heavy metals are not commonly evaluated in our foods, even in foods labeled “organic”, but should be. That is why this test is so shocking.
First, one could “isolate out one product with such high values” simply because they are upset with that company for any number of reasons. Second the interpretation of the values is completely in the eye of the beholder until there is a point of reference for it. To someone who doesn’t know what a microgram is, 5.06 micrograms sounds like it could be a lot until someone tells you that a whole avocado contains about 4 micrograms of lead. Are you scared to eat avocados now? Third, if “Heavy metals are not commonly evaluated in our foods” how on earth could you know “these values are no where near our commonly consumed vegetables?” Just because you are a “scientist” doesn’t mean you know it all.
I second Nutiva’s Hemp protein powder. It tastes like drinking a plant, but it really is healthy. And there is so much fiber in there! Your bowels will thank you.
If you want to see more options, I recommend this site:
http://www.proteinpowderforvegans.com
Has anyone tried BioSteel vegan protein powders? How do they hold up to Vega’s?
Thoughts on Orgain? Isagenix? Shakeology?
I am a fan of VegaOne, I know there are GMO free but are they free of lead or any metal contamination?.
Thank you
Hello I haven’t tried any of the protein formula’ that you have mentioned by I do
use a new product called 7.2 Protein Powder it is amazing stuff I started using it after this year can only be purchased from Seven point 2 the Alkaline Company as it is not avail in shops this is a certified organic shake 100% all natural Vegan Shake it is wheat free, dairy free, egg free has no soy allergens, no artificial sweeteners or preservatives, no sugar I actually use this product in conjunction with an Organic Greens Shake that they supply as well the taste of these products are superb makes it very easy to stick to taking the product and stay healthy, look it up I would be happy to help with any further info required
First, do your homework. The testing was not outing a single product from anger. The data values were way out of range, 1500-2000% more than allowable. And, if you still feel comfortable eating a product that contains that much heavy metals, feel free to poison yourself, Josh. Go to the store, the products are even on sale! (instead of being recalled)
what do you think of sunwarrior protein?
Was it giant sports protein powder from gnc that they had problems with? Does anyone know? Am looking for a gluten free, organic and preferably lactose free protein powder
Hi Vani. First let me say, I love everything you do, and I have told so many people about you and all the successes you are having. I do have a fantastic Protein Powder to tell you about and I am a distributor for it. (I would love it even if I wasn’t distributing it). It is brand new in 2014, and is a product that was developed by Dr. Weston Saunders “Dr. Wiggy” for Nature’s Pearl Products. It is not made of soy, which could cause hormone issues, and is not made of whey which can cause bloating–it is based on a Pea Protein Isolate. It is called NP Pro and is Lactose free, Gluten free, Soy free, high in fiber, no artificial sweeteners, no GMO’s, more protein than two eggs, containing muscadine grape antioxidants and is organic! The best part is it tastes fantastic! My husband and I are having one shake every day and we are loving them! Please check them out at http://www.naturespearlproducts.com/rockndonnagrape My distributor # is 33474 in case you need that.
Have you heard of OnlyProtein from New Zealand? Seems good to me but wondering if i’m missing something.
i was wondering about that one too….. i don’t know whether it’s ok to go to whey. I’m going to email them questions— as this page never seems updated and it’s hard to sort through the comments to search if it was discussed or not.
May I suggest Whey Cool by Designs for Health. You can find it at RockwellNutrition.com.
Interested in your thoughts on Dr. Mercola’s All Natural Pro-Optimal Whey drink mix? I’ve been drinking it for years and just want to be certain I’m making a smart choice. Thank you!
Thank you FoodBabe. We need clarity in this messy and commercialized food world.
I started taking Creatine about 3 years ago. I recommend the Dr Max Powers Creatine Elite – It has really lowered my bodyfat due to my more intense workouts. I am currently at 230 pounds with about 15% body fat and I am trying to get down to 10 in the next 3 months.
I always take the Dr Max Powers Creatine with a big glass of Apple juice as I have found my body reacts best to that combination.
I used Vega One Nutritional Shake in vanilla and because seriously ill. Health Canada ordered Vega to remove the product contaminated with chloramphenicol an antibiotic to eradicate typhoid and cholera ..AND.. they initially refused to do so. They removed it after, on their own terms.. while unsuspecting customers like me kept buying. Their claim ..’ it is safe in small amounts’. Not so. My ureter inflamed, I got kidney stones, & have been battling the worst candida infection ever for 4 months now. In short, the pain lied me out for 2 months, and my quailty of life and hair loss cannot be replaced.
When I contacted them, all I got was a ‘please fill out this questionnaire’ response.
{http://vegansaurus.com/post/66840423364}
My normal brand of whey is Progressive vanilla flavoured. Curious to know how it stacks up in the Food Babes eyes.
https://progressivenutritional.com/organic-whey-protein/
But since i’m on the candida war I switched to Garden of Life {how I found this} ..and now after reading the review i’m back to square one of what can I eat with my buckwheat :\ . Candida feeds on mercury, and lead in it *yikes*.
I love Isagenix!
Do you know anything about the Trader Joe’s Hemp Protein Powder? How is it versus Nutiva?
Check out the Pulse whey by 24ravens It is available in vanilla and chocolate and is beyond organic, pesticide free, gluten free, chemical free, no artificial sweeteners, GMO free, low GI, no rBGH, no soy or hormones. We are the founders of the “Clean Protein Revolution”
Has anyone tried Only protein? The chocolate has been then the best in my opinion. And the product seems to meet all criteria.
Hi,
I read a comment by one of the readers here (Grace) who wrote that “sun warrior to name a few have tugnsten, lead, and cadmium in them.” I’d like to know where she found that information. I have been using Sun Warrior for years and it is important to me to know the truth. Thank you.
What are your thoughts on Melaleuca protein shakes?
I have had mercola’s Miracle Whey, delicious and his Pure power protein and its good as well 🙂
Energy First is my favorite. Although is doesn’t have built in carbs (those can be easily obtain elsewhere), it also doesn’t have sugar, dyes, cholesterol and other unnecessary additives. Therefore when i drink Energy First protein, I feel like I get 100% protein with 100% goodness.