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.
Please revise the info about Garden of Life, Read your own link above, it has been updated:
http://m.naturalnews.com/news/043759_Garden_of_Life_RAW_Protein_heavy_metals.html
I just saw a recent video with Mike Adams looking at the protein powders sold at Whole Foods that are high in heavy metals. Warrior Force was in the top three. Anyone else see that too? I wanted to like Warrior Force but was questioning it after I saw that by Adams.
You can see the Warrior Force™ side of the story here: http://healthforce.com/mike-adams-response
i have been looking for healthy protein myself and found this video by Mike Adams, who tested Health Force protein and found meaningful toxic metals.
link to video below. this is disappointing as it is very hard to find healthy protein powder. link below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGqj1gp5fs8&list=UUAZaby1ZmxU50mfBPnZY0nQ&feature=share&index=1
You can see the Warrior Force™ side of the story here: http://healthforce.com/mike-adams-response
Warrior taste horrible. I like Dr. Mercola PROTIEN
I agree – it tastes awful
Great info! I’ve been looking for a protein powder with no fillers and unnecessary ingredients, and thanks to your article, I just bought some Health Force Warrior Food.
I have recently joined Juice Plus+. Can you tell me about their products? especially about their protein powders? Thank you!
I am interested in the answer to this question as well. 🙂
I and my son have been on JP for a few years I will never stop taking it. I haven’t tried the protein powder but if its as good as the capsules I would buy it. Alice Ridgeway look me up on Facebook and I can tell u our incredible experience with JP.
Please check out Sproutein Protein Powder and let us all know what you think. I do not sell it, nor do I receive any compensation. I have heard good things about it.
Thank you.
Have you ever tried Arbonne’s Protein Powder? It’s a Pea protein…
I would also love to know I w about Arbonne protein shakes!!
I swear by arbonne protein powder. With s health y diet and moderate running. I have leaned out like nobody business and if you stick with it you will find that one shake a day replace a mesl. Dont sell arbonne I just ran into a distributor that did and ask me to try it. Almost a year later ordering a bag every six weeks!
I would love to hear thought on the Arbonne Essential one too! Vegan Certified, non GMO, gluten free….
I’ve been using it for months and LOVE it!!!
Hi, I would be happy to tell you more about arbonne’s shakes. I am an RN, who studied exercise science. i recommend these shakes and can email you comparison charts. I get to show people how to go online and shop for a discount. i love what i learned while researching shakes and ingredients.
non-GMO, gluten free, vegan certified, kosher, no toxins, nothing artificial, lots more to say
[email protected]
I would love to get information on how to get it at a discounted price. How do I find a deal on the Arbonne protein shakes because they are kind of pricey. Would it be safe for a child?
Jessica, shoot me an email and i will give you the scoop on the discounts. you have to be connected through someone and id be happy yo connect you with my shopping number. im really grateful someone share this with me. [email protected]
Jessica, shoot me an email and i will give you the scoop on the discounts. you have to be connected through someone and id be happy yo connect you with my shopping number. im really grateful someone shared this with me. [email protected]
Has anyone heard of or tried Whole Body Nutrients Whey Protein Powder? Its supposed to contain super food blend, only non-GMO whey protein isolates and only natural sweeteners. I’ve been using Dymatize Elite whey protein isolates. I want the healthiest protein powder possible.
How about sunwarrior green protein. My best friends live on that stuff. I’m looking for a plant based protein because I cant have a lot of animal protein. Kidney impairment.
Hello Trinity…do check into the Arbonne vegan, non-soy protein. It has ZERO ppm lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury and tungsten. I understand where you are coming from regarding kidney issues and avoiding animal based proteins. My family taste tested proteins (our teenage son has dairy/gluten issues) and we have been using the Arbonne Essentials for several years now. I know you don’t know me, but I can put a couple scoops in a snack sized ziploc and mail to you if you like.
How is the taste of Sunwarrior? Can it be drank alone or does it have to be blended with produce to taste good? My son has to be able to shake it up in a shaker cup and go out the door to school…
Rita,
I would love to try the Arbonne powder!
Gina Hefner…how would I contact you. Tried to find you facebook but here are several of “you”! (LOL) My email is [email protected]
I am a huge fan of real food, and have never done protein drinks before. But I have been working out pretty hard and needing more protein. I found this at a natural fair, CalNaturale Svelte, and was wondering if you have heard of it? I would love your input.
I searched high and low through the internet for healthy powders
And finally came across your site
Thank you for such great work
Have you heard about or tried Shaklees protein shakes? They go through rigorous testing to produce their materials. All non GMO, no artificial anything! You should check it out!
http://connally.myshaklee.com/us/en/about.html
What do you think about the perfect fit protein powerders? They seemed healthy, I can pronounce all the ingredients and say they are organic, but I just don’t know enough. Thanks!!
I too am interested in knowing about perfect fit. Thanks!
Jay Robb whey and/or egg protein?
Have you done any extensive research on Jay Robb whey isolate protein powders? that is what I use the most and when I did the research sounded pretty “natural”.
I have not read all the posts so maybe someone has already mentioned this……After researching extensively (I am no expert but food matters A LOT to me!) I found Food Matters to be the cleanest protein powder out there – It is Organic, all plant based and actually tastes awesome! I also use their Super Green powder too which makes hectic mornings a lot simpler in my house! I order from foodmatters.tv not sure if you can get it anywhere else?
I would love to know what you think about Jay Robb Whey Protein, and their Egg White protein.
Also, Arbonne’s pea protein.
thank you.
http://www.naturalnews.com/043759_Garden_of_Life_RAW_Protein_heavy_metals.html#
Foodbabe – update!
What about Arbonne Protein Shakes? They are Yellow pea based (from Europe)with some rice and cranberry proteins. They are vegan, non GMO, gluten, wheat, soy and dairy free. I heard that they were deemed safe when tested for toxic metals, however, if you have any information or research, I’d love to get a hold of that!
Joanna…after Natural News came out with reports of toxic metals even in many respected organic brands… I contacted Arbonne as we have been using the gluten/dairy/soy free protein powder for several years. The company has a mission statement of PURE, but I had to know how “pure” the protein powder was. I did confirm that Arbonne protein has ZERO parts per million of the 5 toxic trace metals Mike Adams tests for. So even though the health ranger wrote “I doubt a rice protein powder exists that is free of trace metals” – I was very pleased to find out that the brand we have trusted for several years is one of integrity. In fact, this past January the protein was on backorder as the supplier of the pure pea protein could not keep up with the demand. Arbonne would puts suppliers through rigorous testing…they not only have to be vegan and green (sustainable and stewards of the earth in farming/harvesting practices) – purity standards must be adhered to. We were happy to wait a few weeks for our protein knowing that the pure, safe and beneficial standards were not being sacrificed for the almighty dollar that reduces the quality of many products out there. I do wish Food Babe would throw Arbonne into her comparison mix – I researched heavily – cold-processing to maintain integrity of the raw food was also very important to me. Heat processed isolated proteins s/b avoided per Dr. Russell Blaylock, an esteemed neurosurgeon who has authored a number of holistic wellness books, including one on healing from cancer naturally. I used Blaylock’s information when scrutinizing the Arbonne protein and fiber supplement years ago before beginning my own journey back to health, which I write about on my blog.
What do you think about this protein? Source of Life Energy Shake
http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/p/nature-plus-source-of-life-energy-shake-2-2-lb-powder/nt-1805#.U3_JJXa7Kuo
Thank you
What’s wrong with Garden of life? I consume the Raw meal everyday!!! 🙁
Awesome article! Thank you! I saw a Consumer report a few years back that shocked me concerning the filler/heavy metals and junk that was in the most popular protein powders. Thanks for this info with a more updated chart! I use and highly recommend Arbonne Vegan Certified, Non GMO, No Gluten, Soy or Dairy powder to my nutrition clients for the reasons I just listed, among others. Good to know that everything you have listed on the chart are not in this brand I approve. Best decision I ever made was to leave the dark side of Pharma and help people with Prevention and Wellness! Vani, If you haven’t tried this vegan certified brand, I would be happy to send you a free sample of the chocolate and/or vanilla with information. Mahalo, Malialani
Rainbow Light Protein- curious to know your recommendation. Also rice and pea protein bases, vegan non gmo, has green complex built in. Etc etc. Sold at most health food chains.
I tried the TerrasWhey unflavored protein powder. I have it in my smoothie right now and I feel like I added grass to my smoothie. I will not buy again.
Any opinions on Spirutein?
You all should try IDLife! Absolutely the best protein shakes you will ever drink. Completely all natural organic, soy free, GMO free with 23 grams of whey protein. Visit my website enter your info and I’ll send you a sample. http://Www.rachelsidlife.com
My understanding is the body can only handle digesting 20 grams of protein at a time. Now granted, I first learned of this from a PBS television show “Christina Cooks” Christina Pirello, and being a television show I checked my alternative and holistic sources and this was reaffirmed.
Vani – if you could please share the maximum grams of protein one should have at a time – and Rachel, perhaps you already know if the source makes a difference. I also understand whey protein is harder to digest than a vegan base…so maybe vegan proteins can have more grams per serving…would love some Food Babe in depth look into this.
Are there any out there that don’t have stevia in them? I can’t stand the taste I would prefer absolutely no sugar ever than have stevia. It seems like anything “healthy” though has it in there.
Let me know if you’ve found the answer to this anywhere!!
Yes, the Nutiva hemp protein and Tera’s organic whey protein (both recommended above) each have plain versions without added sweeteners.
I am curious about Perfect Fit Protein (from the Tone It Up girls) and It Works! Protein powder?
I’d suggest you to watch this guy’s lab tests
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwNfEeXsbD0
Sonny, wow! Thank YOU for this link!
Trying to find out some more information about Jay Robb protein powders.
Does anyone know anything about ISAGENIX protein powders
what do you think about warrior blend protein powder and Vega Sport?
What about Vega plant based protein?
Readers, Anyone using protein mixes, shakes, etc. For some people as myself, stay away from products with stevia added as an sugar or sweet substitute. Stevia(erythritol) cause me gas ,bloating and intestinal distress. I won’t tell you how I found out because you won’t believe me. But the idea came to me while using stevia in my caffeine free coffee. I said to myself, “Something is causing this bloating?” I looked right at the box of stevia on my kitchen countershelf. I said, “… that’s the culprit!” I’ve done some researching and found out, guess what? That’s right ! Stevia can cause gas, bloating and intestinal distress (diarrhea). It has other side effects, too. Just thought I’d pass it on to you. Now I have to return a bunch of expensive stuff I just bought at the health food store. Rudy
Rudy – I would like to know more about this. Does the type of Stevia matter? I don’t care at all for the Stevia in the Raw powdered stevia that I bought as a sugar replacement in baking. I have since learned that with the processing, there is really nothing raw about it. I have switched to raw, organic Stevia drops which is a very different “animal”. I would love to know if raw organic stevia drops cause you bloating as well. You can email me at [email protected]
I am trying to help a friend who has issues with bloating…maybe she needs to eliminate the Stevia drops. She is also trying coconut palm sugar as a sweetener…have you tried that?
I give my son Soy-free Veg Protein booster from Naturade. Its pea and potato protein with Spirulina and Reishi and Shiitake mushrooms…along with amino acids. Its certified Vegan Non GMO B-12 fortified. No artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors or preservatives.
Is veggie Strong a good source of protein formula to use?
I love the chocolate vegan shakes by Shakeology! I’ve been drinking them for a year and have had excellent results. I try to eat a balanced diet and workout 5-6 days a week. These shakes can be used as a meal replacement, but I drink one for extra fuel after a hard workout. There’s no soy, but brown rice protein, leafy greens like spinach and pre- and probiotics and many fruits!
Hello FoodBabe!
I work at 2 gyms and constantly seeing people not only rave but almost WORSHIP Quest bars. I know that it is not good because it is obviously processed but I was just wondering if you could do an investigation on these new tricky and trendy #cleancheat bars.
Thanks so much!
I’m very curious about the Quest bars also. Very tasty and filling… seems too good to be true. I was eating them everyday for lunch with a green salad but have cut down to twice a week and use them for long road trips. Thanks.
What do you think of the Juice Plus Complete brand?
I find this “Comments” list to be very suspicious. Clearly many of the replies have been sent by the products’ marketing machines. While Foodbabe appears to have conducted a legitimate review, most if not all of these comments represent other protein powders, not the one’s she picked. I’m not sure how all of these recommendations add anything, since they, at best, only represent 1 person’s experience. (I apologize to people who have sent in legitimate reviews) At worse, they seem to have come from one of the services out there which promote a client’s product on comments listing like this. I came here because I was looking for recommendations for a protein powder. This just seems to be a group of product representatives.
does anyone know about engery first protein powder or orgain protein powder, I cant find anything about these i am hopeful there not full of chemicals.
Do you have an opinion on shakeology?
I’m curious about a whey protein powder I just purchased at Sprouts. I have not seen it mentioned anywhere in comments yet, though. The powder is Source Organic and is a classic whey protein. It is USDA Organic certified, NON GMO Project Verified, American Humane certified, Grass Fed certified.
Reading off the back of the package:
Ingredients: Organic Whey Protein Concentrate
Source Organic Whey starts with the organic mills of grass-fed Jersey cows that graze year-round on the pastures of Rumiano Family Farms in Northern California. True year-round access to pasture gives Source a consistent nutritional profile unmatched by any other whey protein, one that is rich in CLA’s and Omega-3’s. Using low-temperature microfiltration and acid-free processing, we produce a non-denatured whey protein with naturally occurring immunoglobins, lactoferrin, and native growth factors, components that are lost when producing protein isolates and many other whey protein products. Source Organic Whey contains 21 grams of protein and 4.9 grams of Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) per serving.
Source is the first organic whey protein to be certified by the Non-GMO Project and by the American Humane Association.
So what is your take on this, Food Babe, or anyone else?? Anyone tried it? I’m kind of new to this world of protein powders.
Thanks for any insight!
I am really looking for a good protein powder to drink during and right after my workouts. This looks promising….have you heard any news on if it’s a good one?
I have not heard anything back, but I have been using it for several days in a row now. I really like it. All the protein powders I have tried in the past I could not tolerate the taste. This one either has no taste or just tastes like milk. Plus I blend it with other stuff!! I really like that it is organic and there are no other ingredients added to it. I like simplicity in ingredients!
I definitely think highly of Nutiva’s Hemp Protein Powder! The protein concentration isn’t high, but it’s natural and high in fiber! No fiber supplement needed if you’re drinking this stuff. If you’re a fan of greens, then that’s the right one for you! Tastes like nature!
For more vegan protein powders, you can take a look at this list I put together: http://proteinpowderforvegans.com.
I was hope you could review Perfect Fit Protein. It’s organic, vegan, gluten and soy free. Would you add it to your list of healthy protein powders or no? I was using Garden of Life because the Vanilla Chai was so good, but now I’m going to try Nutiva. Thanks for all your research, I love your work!
I have tried several well known brands until I did a ton of research and found Source Naturals True Whey. I liked the research info I had obtained on this protein and must say that for the quality of product, number of servings and taste..its beats so many other proteins that are rediculously high priced like Jay Robb. Source Naturals offers two types of whey. Their “True Whey” is what I purchased. As for the price its excellent. I had no bloating or other side effects and thats probably due to its quality and source of protein. As for the stevia ; its better than having sucralose thats found in other products. I purchased it through bodybuilding.com. Why spend a ton of money for a few servings? If your on a budget then give it a try. I made a smoothie with it using frozen strawberries, frozen blueberries, fresh banana, Lifeway brand strawberry Kefer beverage, 1% milk (or almond milk) & a little toasted wheat germ. Delish!
The other protein powder I was mentioning from Source Naturals is their “Whey To Health”. Its USDA certified 100% orgainic protein concentrate powder. It was the first organic whey protein available to the public. It contains Immune Factors. Its an excellent product with plenty of servings at a great price. I highly recommend it. Thanks for your great site!
My protein shake is only
44 calories- calories from fat 4
zero fat
1.3 g of carbs
1.3g of dietary fat
zero sugar
10g of protein.
SOY PROTEIN – Increases the feeling of satiety (feeling full)
and provides a steady stream of amino acids to the body.
WHEY PROTEIN – Promotes faster recovery and increased
muscle growth.
AMINO ACID BLEND – Essential for the breakdown and
absorption of various nutrients, leading to a gentler and
more complete digestion of Lean.
VITAMINS AND MINERALS – Similar to the bi-layer benefits of
Axion, Lean provides the body with essential vitamins and
minerals, keeping the body nourished throughout the day,
while providing a steady flow of nutrients when the body
needs them most.
BROMELAIN AND PAPAIN – Digestive enzymes with strong
anti-inflammatory properties. They aid in digestion, and
may help with bloating, constipation and indigestion.
There are so many out there.
Anyone with information about Orgain Organic Protein?
Plant based powder USDS organic. I purchased it at Costco. It seems that every element is organic.
How many grams of protein per serving in the warrior food?