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.
I’ve tried the Vega One French Vanilla and it has a funny aftertaste. Any suggestions on either: how to mitigate the aftertaste, or another ant-based brand that doesn’t taste funny?
What do you think about Sun Warrior organic vegan protein powders?
I drink this one also. What do you think about Sun Warrior?
I drink this also. What do you think about Sun Warrior?
SunWarrior is involved in the same controversy as Garden of Life that Vani X’d from the list. Independent testing of these protein powders found dangerously high levels of heavy metals. I have been using both for a couple of years..but now- JUST STAY AWAY!!! Until they clean up their acts and products.
SunWarrior is involved in the same controversy as Garden of Life that Vani X’d from the list. Independent testing of these protein powders found dangerously high levels of heavy metals. I have been using both for a couple of years..but now- JUST STAY AWAY!!! Until they clean up their acts and products.
That sucks, I’ll have to crunch the numbers on the others. By my calculations the Sun Warrior was approx $.04 per gram of protein. The One World Whey was about $.07 per gram. Anyone have a comment on OWW?
What is a good meat protein? My husband is wanting to take a healthy milk or meat protein.
Healthy and Milk or/and animal meat protein does not go along in the same sentence. choose a hemp, rice or the other brand mentioned in that page.
I was wondering if anyone has done any studies on prosource.net products i’ve been a big fan for yrs. As well as many people I know & they always boast about the quality of their product using cold micro filtration but this report is alarming & i’m hoping you could shed some light on this
Melaleuca has a wonderful Protein shake..
I just bought and tried Nutiva’s Hemp Protein and it didn’t mix well at all…I was surprised. I am going to give it one more try because it really seems like a good one. I will be trying the other two that you listed as well…thank you!! 🙂
I was wondering what your thoughts are on Isolyze Species and Isopure. Isolyze Species in particular is supposed to be the most pure form of protein with the least additives, and Isopure from what I knew is right behind it. I would love to hear your thoughts!!
I absolutely love Shakeology and how the chocolate vegan tastes and makes me feel. I eat very well, but still feel better on the days I have my Shakeology. Because of this, I am very happy you have posted on the unacceptable lead levels in it, and sincerely hope you put some pressure on them in the same way you did Subway. There are a lot of people trying to make a living making people healthy, and like to continue doing just that. Please keep the pressure on Food Babe and help Shakeology to get the lead out!
Thank you Food Babe!
Doesn’t shakeology have aspartame? I just started using the Arbonne protein – Vanilla – GMO free, Vegan friendly, Pea protein – no whey. Try it.
There are no artificial sweeteners in Shakeology.
do you know if Foru is good
I use Arbonne’s vanilla protein powder. I’m curious if you have any feedback on how good you feel this product is?
Me to.
i love rockin’ wellness, no gmo’s…vegan, all organic, wheat, yeast and gluten-free. real food, nothing added. kick it up with an extra scoop of chia and hemp hearts for higher protein;))
Vani,
have u investigated “Gary Null’s Muscle stuff”. It does have natural fruit sweetener… Wondering what these sweeteners are derived from?
Thanks for your passion
Jovi
I use Arbonne’s Vanilla and Chocolate Protein Shakes and I add the fiber boost. I would love feedback on what you think of these.
I have tried many different ones and the one that I’ve found gives me the best results is the Isagenix Shakes and Meal Replacements made from Un-Denatured Whey Protein from New Zealand, Grass Fed Happy Cows… Thank you Vani for all the advice you give to help us make informed decisions that can improve our health!
Yay for Isagenix!!!!
Double yay for Isagenix!
What do you know about 310 Shakes?
Arbonne International has been making vegan, gluten free, non GMO, etc protein powders for several years. Offering 20 grams a protein per serving, this pea/brown rice/cranberry based protein offers non-allergenic highly absorbable protein. My clients have been helped by finding a vehicle to have a healthy breakfast ‘on the go’ (as most seem to be living these days), as a healthy meal replacement when ‘working through lunch’, or as part of a clean eating program (seeking the benefits of curbing allergenic ingredients from their food choices). While first available in the U.S., Arbonne meets the stricter standards of Europe, Canada, and Australia. Not sold in stores or the web but via independent consultants it seems not as well known as its profile deserves.
Whey Natural USA should be on this list
Not into whey at all. So you’ll get big muscles – is it worth the cancer risk? Me thinks not.
Thought on 22 plant powder protein?
Can anyone tell me if “Blue Bonnet Whey Protein Isolate” would be considered a “clean” protein powder?
I use, and absolutely love, Juice Plus+’s Complete protein powder. It comes in chocolate and vanilla, tastes great, and has the quality control of Juice Plus behind it. No GMO’s, no heavy metals or contaminants. It’s also high in fiber and low in sugar–great macro-nutrition.
I have Crohns disease and some intestinal scar tissue so I can only have a limited amount of fiber daily. I am allergic to dairy. I try to eat whole, organic and non-gmo foods. I drink a protein powder mixed with water in the morning every day because I am in the gym doing weight training 3-5 days a week so I need to find a protein powder for a meal replacement that is weight loss friendly. Any recommends.
I use the Nutiva protein and fiber daily in my morning smoothie. Usually with a combination of fruit, berries etc with unsweetened almond milk and keifer or yogurt. Sometimes add avocado or olive oil to get the good fats.
I would definitely not recommend these as ways to break the ice however.
No matter what your field, it helps to know what you’re
good at, but it also helps to recognize what others are good at.
Well, it can easily be because the audience has been watching her in the TV
for the past 6 years, but nevertheless, her FACTS are easy to
remember and apply to everyone.
I just read Mike Adams article regarding the Sun Warrior brown rice blend having elevated levels of heavy metals etc. Does anyone know if the same holds true for their pea, cran, hemp formula?? Perhaps a good question for the Health Ranger. Mike, do you read this blog?
The lead is in the pea protein. It’s grown overseas and the water/soil used to grow the crops is highly contaminated. Thus, the end product is also contaminated. STICK TO COMPANIES WHO KNOW, AND ARE PROUD OF, THEIR FARMERS.
Has anyone tried Solgar Whey To Go Protein Powder http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RZLS7C/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 or the Vemma Bode shakes by Chris & Heidi Powell?
I’m knew to protein powders so curious on these. I am trying to lose weight so trying to be careful about what products I use.
Hi FoodBabe…I just started using PurePea because I can’t have things like Hemp and Whey. Take a look at this one:
http://www.naturalhealthyconcepts.com/peatein-vanilla-protein-DFH450gr-p-designs-for-health.html?gclid=CJba3r3x-7wCFUNqOgodMx4ARQ
I have been trying to gain weight for some time now…and am currently seeing a nutritionist who has me on a 2800 calorie diet…which I am finding hard to find the time to eat this much with working full time and having a little one. I am still nursing and will be trying soon to get pregnant and was wondering if any of these are safe to use…or if anyone has any other tips to meeting my caloric quota. My nutritionist’s goals for me: 210 g protein/day, 77 g fat/day, and 315 g carbs/day. Thanks so much!
My name is Cesar and I own a PR and Branding company. I notice that you are on the third page of Google when I put in keywords like best protein powder. I wanted to know I how much traffic you get and unique a month. I would like to help you by providing our web marketing traffic for 30 days. We will drive traffic from the search engines with keywords that relate to your brand to help you get more sales and brand awareness. Price for this service will be 6.60 cents a day! My company name is SolusBrand please look us up.
A few years ago, one of our local residents, Mac Vorce, who is also a bicycle enthusiast petitioned for the development of bicycle
paths and trails. For more information on my Workshops, Writing Mastermind Groups and private coaching, please go to my website listed below and feel free to
call me any time. Brad Garret is a stand-up comedian
but also well known for his acting career.
Can you tell me if Trader Joe’s Vanilla Soy Protein is good or not? I was told that it is and since I am just starting to add protein to my diet, I am wondering if it is a good product or not.
Has anyone tried MRM veggie protein or have any feedback if it is a safe protein powder to use? It has the non-GMO verified label so I would think it is okay to use without any harm.
I’m curious to hear what you think of gelatin protein powder from brands such as Great Lakes.
The radiation from the Japan disaster is definitely having an affect on orgranics. Know thy source! I put more stock in PURITY than I do organic. I know that Arbonne will batch test raw food materials before cold processng protein powder. Ingredients are harvested from around the world to ensure purity. With the recent Natural News reports on lead, mercury, tungsten, cadmium and arsenic in protein powders – its alarming! I have verified ZERO harmful trace metals in Arbonne protein – they will not waver from their standard of pure, safe and beneficial. It’s gluten free, dairy, soy, GMO free. No fructose and definitely no artificial flavor, color or sweeteners. My kids drink this – especially our teen son who is gluten and dairy free. I scrutinized extensively before landing on this protein and deciding first, that it was safe for myself, and now the rest of my family loves it.
What information do you have on PLANT FUSION?
I read Mike Adams reviews on studies of a number of protein powders. He gives Rockin’ Wellness and “A” rating on the Low Heavy Metals rating chart. I have tried Rockin’ Wellness. It’s all right but not a favorite. Do you have any thoughts about this particular brand? Many thanks. Jill Sanders
Are any of these options good or better than the other for meal replacements? (mixed with greens & fruits of course)
I also use Hemp Protein, I like it. However you do have to really like the Hemp taste! Although, I think they now make this in Vanilla, Chocolate as well.
What are your thoughts on Plant Fusion’s Phood?
Is Green Foods True Vitality Plant Protein Shake good?
What about Isagenix? I’ve been using it and recommending it
Fit Smart protein powder and Biotrust are the two I have used the most in recent years. I was just wondering how they rated.
Thanks –
Christie
You should take a look at the Natural News article that your posted the link for about Garden of Life. They’ve retracted it and changed the information.
Hi Food Babe,
THANK YOU so much for your work!! I am a clean eater and eat very few “products”. My sister is a juice plus vendor and I would love to hear a review from you! I have never tried the product, I could not find the ingredients online and that turned me off. I want to know what I eat, entirely. Thanks again!
Do you have an opinion on Arbonne’s protein shake mix?
Did anyone else click on the link Food Babe Left re: why she took Garden of Life off the approved list? (#4) and noticed that link has been updated due to (quote)” we have diligently worked with Garden of Life and Sunwarrior to reach this pioneering, unprecedented industry agreement. Garden of Life founder Jordan Rubin also worked alongside myself and others in finding the best possible resolution for everyone involved (especially consumers).
Thoughts?
Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/043759_Garden_of_Life_RAW_Protein_heavy_metals.html##ixzz2w6p1h9wx
I love making protein shakes at home and my son (22 months old) loves the way they taste. Are these Organic Whey Protein shakes ok to feed young children?
Is Isopure a safe alternative?
What about Jay robb protein powder?
Boku? Seemed to be one of the earliest to pass tests or agree to the testing by the CR study.
I’ve been researching for weeks now. This is the one I’ve landed on.
Recently started using Vital Whey. Seems to be very high quality , super clean whey.
I also really like Sun Warrior as a vegan option
Where can I purchase vital whey?