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Is Your Protein Shake Safe?

Protein shakes, powders, and supplements are incredibly popular with the health conscious crowd. Considering what typical protein shakes promise – sleek muscles, weight loss and a quick, easy “healthy” meal replacement – it’s logical to see why, but is your protein shake safe? Unfortunately, the food industry is making an absolute killing (maybe literally) selling ones that are filled with highly processed denatured proteins, chemicals, preservatives and other additives. There’s one thing in common for all of them – they are all processed and deciding on whether or not they are actually real food comes into question. Now not all processed things we put in our body are technically bad for us – but understanding what exactly is in your protein shake is critical to deciding whether to consume it, select an alternative, or discontinue use all together.

Protein

GET INFORMED

We’ve discussed GMO’s here, Artificial Colors here, Natural Flavors here, Carrageenan here, Antibiotics here, and Hormones here before so I won’t go into them again in detail specifically. Regardless, you should know consuming a protein drink with any of those ingredients is a risk to your health.

NOT CERTIFIED ORGANIC

Most protein powders on the market are not certified organic, nor are they Non-GMO Project Verified. That means all of them might contain GMOs and most definitely contain pesticides that are considered harmful and potentially toxic with long-term exposure. This increased exposure is linked to birth defects, nerve damage, and even cancer. The President’s Cancer Panel has urged us not to consume food sprayed with pesticides and doesn’t believe any amount is safe. Because of this reason, I can’t imagine willingly wanting to spend a serious chunk of change (protein shakes are expensive!) to buy any of these listed products as a way to help build muscle, lose weight or replace a meal.

IS YOUR PROTEIN DRINK SAFE? Hmmm… NOT WITH THESE INGREDIENTS:

Heavy Metals
Consumer Reports conducted an eye-opening investigation that revealed several protein powders contain heavy metals – specifically arsenic, cadmium, and lead. EAS Myoplex tested for two heavy metals in higher amounts than the USP limit of exposure per day. Muscle Milk had the highest of all levels of all brands tested.

Here’s an excerpt taken from the Consumer Reports investigation on Protein Powders:

Cadmium raises special concern because it accumulates in and can damage the kidneys, the same organs that can be damaged by excessive protein consumption. And it can take 20 years for the body to eliminate even half the cadmium absorbed today.” This is a highly toxic metal, and while there are some cases where decisions have to be weighed against relative risks, accepting that you have to be exposed to any cadmium at all in your protein drink after your workout is definitely not one of them,” says Michael Harbut, M.D., director of the Environmental Cancer Initiative at the Karmanos Cancer Institute in Royal Oak, Mich.
“When these toxic heavy metals are combined in a product that is marketed for daily use, that raises serious public health concerns, especially for pregnant women, children, and young adults,” says Burns, who has been a toxicology consultant to state and federal government agencies.

Soy Protein

Many protein drinks use soy protein concentrate or soy protein isolate in conjunction with other proteins. Over 90% of the soy produced in this country is GMO and contaminated with Roundup herbicide, but that’s not the only reason to avoid soy protein. When soy is looked at from a macronutrient perspective, it can give the illusion of a very healthy food – full of plant based protein, essential amino acids and fiber. However, the soy that is grown and produced today is largely hybridized, making the amino acids largely indigestible leading to digestive issues that have caused many people to be allergic to soy. What’s worse is when soy is isolated to just its protein state, it becomes severely denatured and can cause hormonal disruptions because of the excessive amount of estrogen contained in it. Soy also has an abundance of phytic acid that leaches calcium and other vital minerals from your body.

Maltodextrin & Fibersol

Calling out an ingredient filler like maltodextrin may make you think I’m being nitpicky – but is this carb substitute that is likely derived from genetically modified corn really necessary in protein powders? Maltodextrin can be used to make the substance “fibersol”. This is made by heating maltodextrin at very high temperatures and treating it with enzymes and acids to make a fiber your body simply can’t digest and makes you feel artificially full. If you are eating enough plant-based foods, there is no reason to supplement with this type of chemically derived fiber. Fibersol is just another additive that does absolutely nothing for your long term health. Why not add a real food like spinach or a banana to your smoothie instead?

Acesulfame Potassium or Acesulfame K 

This is the most common form of artificial sweetener available in protein drinks (and tons of other processed foods) today and according the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) it is anything but safe. CSPI reported the safety tests of acesulfame-K that were conducted in the 1970s were inadequate. Specifically, two rat studies suggest that the additive might cause cancer, but these studies were never addressed by the FDA before they approved the substance to also be used unregulated in soft drinks. In addition it is mentioned that large doses of acetoacetamide (a breakdown product of this sugar) have been shown to affect the thyroid in rats, rabbits, and dogs. 

Whey Protein Isolate

Whey protein isolate is highly processed, unlike whole protein food concentrate. Most whey protein isolates start from ultra-pasteurized conventional milk that has antibiotics and growth hormones and are then exposed to acid processing, stripping alkalinizing minerals, naturally occurring vitamins and lipids. This processing makes whey protein isolate over acidifying in the body. Chronically consuming whey protein isolate without appropriate balance of alkalizing foods, can acidify your body and over time increase your vulnerability to degenerative disease. This overly processed form of whey can be found in a lot of popular protein drinks.

Luckily, you don’t have to rely on protein drinks because simply eating a variety of real food alone gives you plenty of protein.

But, if you are still concerned about protein you could make a protein-filled real food smoothie like this or choose from any of these real food sources of protein below:

Meat sources of protein – beef, pork, poultry, eggs, yogurt, cheese, fish (very important to choose organic if you go this route)
Vegetarian sources of protein – legumes (dry beans, lentils, and peas), nuts and seeds (almond butter, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds), whole grains (oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice, pasta), dark leafy vegetables, and some fruits like avocado

SO ARE THERE ANY HEALTHY PROTEIN POWDERS?

Fortunately, there are a few Food Babe approved protein powders, including Organic Plant Protein Superfood 30 Shake Tera’s Organic Whey, Nutiva’s Hemp Protein that do not contain any of the ingredients mentioned here, and would fall under the definition of “real food” in my book. If you decide to supplement your protein, it is very important to double and triple check the ingredient list and check with the manufacturer to see how they process their protein.

If you know someone using a questionable protein powder, please share this post with them – I know they will be grateful to know the truth, considering how much some of these types of supplements cost!

Xo,

Vani

Updated 8/2016: Additional research on protein powders added and removed outdated information.

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786 responses to “Is Your Protein Shake Safe?

  1. Have you looked at About Time all natural whey protein isolate? It is made from milk sourced from cows not treated with antibiotics or hormones. They have an unflavored version which has the cleanest ingredient list I have seen yet, and their flavored powders have minimal additional ingredients and are sweetened with stevia.

  2. Have you ever researched Arbonne’s protein powder? Just curious how it stacks up since I just switched to that.

  3. Hi,

    I LOVE your blog! Thank you for being here!

    My question is regarding Plexus Slim, plexusworldwide.com. I, just yesterday, met someone who swears by this product. It has almost resolved her migraine problems, from one a day to one or two a month.

    I was just wondering if you have has a chance to review this product, and if you have, what your assessment of it might be?

    Thank you.

  4. Hey Foodbabe! I really like your site, so I wanted to take a moment to clarify a bit about Shakeology. This has been an issue that has just cropped up again for myself and my fellow coaches as a Dr. Oz show re-aired recently touting the lead concern in Greenberry Shakeology. So I’m basically going to copy and paste our response, in the hopes that it will give you more information.

    And, because I am a coach, I feel like it would be awesome if you’d make the distinction here between “protein powder” and “meal replacement”, as most protein powders do not inherently have much nutritional value, and Shakeology is 100% whole foods and chock full of nutritional value. I really hope I didn’t come off salesy when I said that, but we’re proud of our product and I feel like it’s important to recognize the difference.

    So here is our response to the “high lead” issue, thanks for your time in reading it!

    “What is Beachbody’s response to the Consumer Labs report (posted 6/11/13), where they have declared that Shakeology Greenberry is ‘not approved’ according to their standards, due to lead contamination?

    Thank you for your question. Consumer Labs raises a “concern” but unfortunately, while they seek to inform consumers, they may be actually misleading consumers by not distinguishing between harmful heavy metals and those that are naturally occurring in plants, vegetables and minerals (including naturally occurring lead). In fact, it is specifically because Beachbody uses whole-food plant based natural ingredients in products like Shakeology, rather than synthesizing a product in a lab ,that it does include naturally occurring heavy metals along with the countless other benefits nature provides. Most of the fruits, vegetables and herbs we consume every day, even when organically grown and picked right out of the ground, also contain various levels of naturally occurring lead. It is very important to note that Beachbody never adds any heavy metals to any of its products and that we strictly follow good manufacturing practices to make sure that we are always delivering on our promise to our Coaches and customers in only creating programs and products, including Shakeology and all of our other supplements, which help people lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.”

    All the best!
    Sheila

    1. In addition to what Sheila said, I want to add that if all “shakes” were certified Non-GMO that would drive up the cost as well. Beachbody has several sources to document where the ingredients come from. As one who has Hashimoto’s, I have to be extremely careful what I put in my body and Shakeology does my body wonders. I would not be where I am today without it. In my opinion, if a product has GMO’s in it, I think they should be the ones who have to pay to put that information on a label and not the other way around. GMO’s (Monsato) is the one who is slowly killing the population.

    2. That’s salesy and not important, because simply eating a variety of real food gives you everything your body needs. Zero people need Shakeology.

      1. You’re right, zero people *need* Shakeology. However, it sure is helpful to those of us who don’t have the time to generally make whole foods at home, and need that extra nutrition. Although I’m sure there was quite a bit of research put into this… it doesn’t seem like it. There’s no refined sugar in Shakeology, the heavy metal information is not all that accurate (they’re right, there is a difference between a naturally occurring metal, and a synthetic one), and certifying organic when a lot of your ingredients are imported is extremely difficult. And, rBGH link is broken.

      2. And, you didn’t mention that Shakeology has a vegan shake, as well, that uses a brown rice protein, not soy *or* whey. Really, this is rather badly done. This is just the one shake *I’m* familiar with. It makes me wonder about the integrity of research on the rest of the shakes you have listed.

  5. Whey Protein Isolate. Although I prefer the whole food based proteins, I don’t think the description above is entirely accurate. There are at least 3 main types of whey protein isolate. Hydrolyzed, Ion Exchange, and Ultra Filtered/micro filtered.
    Of these, I only recommend the Ultra Filtered/Micro filtered, and of course, the source of the whey is most important… grass fed, organic, no added sugar or artificial sweeteners, etc…
    I’m also a fan of Hemp protein as a good option. 🙂

  6. Is isogen the same as isagenix? Have you looked at Bob’s Red Mill whey protein (unflavored), Doterra slim & sassy, isagenix, and/or shaklee? Thanks!

    1. isogen and isagenix is NOT even close to the same thing. isagenix protein is whey protein concentrate from pasture fed cows from new zealand…who has more strict guidelines about hormones etc than the states.

  7. Any thoughts on Dr. Mercola’s new Vegan Protein Powder? I am a big fan of his supplements and used to drink his Whey Protein but I can no longer have Dairy. Was a little surprised/dissapointed to see Natural Flavors in the Vegan Protein.. but other than that looked ok?

  8. Any information regarding Onnit Hemp Force? Onnit claims that it is vegan, non-GMO, and has no – dairy, soy, gluten, or sugar.

  9. I use Tera’s Organic Whey in chocolate and it’s delicious! Minimal ingredients and work the extra $ to know that it’s safe and nutritious. My fav recipe: 1 cup plain almond milk, 1 banana, 1/2 cup organic raspberries, 2 Tbsp Tera’s Organic Whey in cholocate, and 2 Tbsp organic ground flaxseed. Yum!

    1. I’d like to know your thoughts too about Zija’s PRIME 90 Protein drink as it is plant-based.

  10. Have you reviewed MRM I use that as well as amazing grass green superfood? Can you please do a post on green powders? Thanks for all your hard work!

  11. This reinforces what I was told on Mercola.com, which offers his own protien shake that addresses the contaminants listed above. I would like to see your brake down of his product.

  12. There’s a new company selling protein powder.. It’s called ISOPURE. Wondering how this ranks?

  13. Where did you get your information regarding Isagenix? I am certainly surprised by them being listed as one to avoid. I am a fan of your work. I am wondering the source of the information because, although I cannot verify all the categories that you “docked” them in, I am certain that it does not have rgbh.

    1. I reviewed the ingredients. If you have a question about one shake in particular, submit the list of ingredients here and I can show you how I did my analysis.

      1. I have a question re what kate asked about Isagenix as well. From what I understand all their whey is indentured whey protein sourced out of new zealand. Well, new zealand is the ONLY country in the world that is one hundred percent sustainable and has any sort of real organic certification unlike the usda crap here. So how could it be possible that hormone treated cows exist in new zealand? especially since new zealand has banned rgbh for a long time now?

      2. I am curious about what kate asked as well how could rbgh be in isagenix since their ingredients are sourced from New Zealand the only country in the WORLD that is 100 percent sustainable and has any sort of valid organic certification system unlike the usda crap here. How is it possible when New Zealand which has had rbgh outlawed and the protein in isagenix which is undenatured whey protein sourced from new zealand could possibly have rbgh in it? I am not saying it may not have other stuff in it. But it seems like a stretch to say it has rbgh.

      3. IsaLean® Shake Creamy Dutch Chocolate
        Ingredients: Exclusive Myo-IsaLean ComplexTM [whey protein concentrate (undenatured), milk protein concentrate (undenatured), low-heat nonfat dry milk], fructose, natural dutch cocoa powder, isomaltooligosaccharide powder, sunflower (Helianthus annuus) oil powder, natural flavors, olive (Olea europaea) oil powder, xanthan gum, flax (Linum usitatissimum)
        seed powder, medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil powder, Ionic AlfalfaTM, potassium citrate, magnesium oxide, tricalcium phosphate, sea salt, magnesium citrate, enzyme blend [lactase (from Aspergillus oryzae), lipase (from Rhizopus oryzae), cellulase (from Trichoderma longibrachiatum), invertase (from Saccharomyces cerevisiae), protease (from Aspergillus oryzae), amylase (from Bacillus subtilis), bromelain (from Ananas comosus), papain (from Carica papaya), acid stable protease (from Aspergillus niger)], silicon dioxide, yucca (Yucca schidigera) root powder, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), magnesium stearate, psyllium seed powder, biotin, selenium amino acid chelate, Lactobacillus acidophilus, cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) powder, stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) leaf
        extract, vitamin E succinate, copper amino acid chelate, vitamin A (beta carotene), zinc oxide, manganese amino acid chelate, iodine amino acid chelate, niacinamide, d-calcium pantothenate, vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), chromium amino acid chelate, niacin, molybdenum amino acid chelate, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride), vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B1 (thiamin hydrochloride), folate (folic acid)
        Nutrition Facts
        Serving Size 1 Packet (61g) Servings per Container 1
        Amount per Serving
        Calories 240 Calories from Fat 55
        Calories from Saturated Fat 20
        % Daily Value*
        Total Fat 6g 9% Saturated Fat 2g 10% Trans Fat 0g
        Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
        Monounsaturated Fat 3g
        
        Cholesterol 45mg 15%
        Sodium 265mg 11%
        Potassium 430mg 12%
        Total Carbohydrate 24g 8% Dietary Fiber 8g 32% Sugars 11g
        
        Protein 24g 48%
        Vitamin A 50% • Vitamin C 40%
        Calcium 30% • Iron 14%
        Vitamin D 80% • Vitamin E 35%
        Thiamin 60% • Riboflavin 70%
        Niacin 45% • Vitamin B6 60%
        Folate 80% • Vitamin B12 200%
        Biotin 45% • Pantothenic Acid 40%
        Phosphorus 25% • Iodine 40%
        Magnesium 50% • Zinc 45%
        Selenium 40% • Copper 50%
        Manganese 60% • Chromium 80%
        Molybdenum 60%
        * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs:
        Calories: 2,000 2,500
        Total Fat Sat Fat
        Cholesterol Sodium
        Total Carbohydrate
        Dietary Fiber
        Less than Less than Less than Less than
        65g 80g
        20g 25g 300mg 300mg 2,400mg 2,400mg 300g 375g 25g 30g
        Calories per gram:
        Fat 9 • Carbohydrate 4 • Protein 4
        Contains milk ingredients.
        3900351.381-00
        012114

      1. I know that isagenix is not he same thing as isogen but food babe clarified and said isogen should be “isogenix” in her chart although that is still confusing and that is what Kate seems to be responding to

      2. Well according to a google search there is no such thing as “isogenix” so she still needs to clarify what she is talking about.

  14. Your thoughts on Swanson premium whey protein? I love it, great taste and texture and easy to slip into recipes from muffins to chocolates to smoothies to bulletproof coffee. I like that its low carb and low cal, and 20+ grams of protein. But there are a lot of ingredients…and I’m not sure if any of them should concern me. I hope not, as I really enjoy it. A go to “breakfast” on the run when I’m in a pinch is a warm bulletproof coffee…hazelnut coffee, grass fed butter or coconut oil, sweetener of choice, protein powder, and a splash of vanilla and caramel extract …sometimes even a drizzle of sugar free chocolate syrup blended til frothy. On a rushed morning, its a nice way to distress sipping on it in the car on the way to work, and a protein boost, and some good fats. The rushed morning eases a little for me that way. Please tell me you think its an acceptable protein powder…I don’t want to start a new search 🙂

  15. How about Trade Joe’s Organic Hemp Protein Powder? It has Organic Hemp Protein Powder, Organic Palm Sugar, and Organic Vanilla Flavor. I know you aren’t a big fan of Trader Joe’s, but this looks good to me.

    1. As long as it’s certified organic, I’m cool – hemp fortunately doesn’t have a lot of heavy metal contamination risk.

    1. It is ISAGENIX and I LOVE IT!! Does not compare to anything else!! Not just a “protein” shake but a meal replacement.

  16. Hi…I would like you to take a look at the protein powder from Forever Living Products International based in Arizona. They sell the product under the brand Foreverlite. It contains Aminotein. I’d really glad if you can give your feedback about the product as we have been using the product for few years now…

  17. Yet again you have no idea what you’re talking about. So let me give you an education on what refined sugar is:
    The term “refining” means to remove by a purification process, certain coarsenesses or impurities. Sugar refining is the process of extracting out the sugar (sucrose) from the plant materials and then removing other unwanted materials from the extracted raw sugar. These substances can include remaining stalk fibers, soil, insect parts, molds, bacteria and waxes.

    Table sugar comes from two primary sources: sugar cane (60%) and sugar beets (40%). Sugar cane grows in tropical and sub-tropical areas while sugar beets, tuberous white bulbs that are members of the common red beet family, are grown in temperate climates. The plants contain juices from which sugar crystals, syrups and molasses are made.

    Shakeology contains fructose which is from FRUIT, and then stevia.

    Shakeology also has gone on record to state that their whey protein is not from rbgh treated cows.

    Please stop being a troll and do your research.

  18. Hi!
    What’s your take on pea protein? I drink a pea protein shake and have found it quite good 🙂

  19. Food babe. You need to do your research and stop saying in the comments that isogen and isagenix are the same thing – you’re going to have a libel suit on your hands here soon sweetie! Totally. Different. Animals. Isagenix is undenatured whey protein concentrate sourced from grassfed cows. No antibiotics or growth hormones. Non GMO, mostly organic, soy free. No refined sugars.

  20. It’s amazing how many people are willing to bother you for your opinion about specific products, after ignoring what you wrote in extra large print about ALL THESE PRODUCTS ARE UNNECESSARY.

  21. Foodbabe, I generally love your website and most articles, but please make a correction or clarification that ISOGEN is not the same product as ISAGENIX … totally different ingredients and quality. I would love your special review in this case of ISAGENIX protein powder – ISAPRO specifically, and their meal replacement shakes – ISALEAN.

  22. ARBONNE is amazing!!!
    GMO FREE
    SOY FREE
    WHEY FREE
    GLUTEN FREE
    100% VEGAN
    Tastes incredible compared to others! Kid approved & the whole family will enjoy!
    *want a sample To see for yourself?www.myhealthylife.myarbonne.com

  23. I really appreciate all the time and effort you put on all these researches,…we learn a lot from you. I was wondering if you know about RAW PROTEIN (garden of Life) (it is organic). Thank you

  24. Oh no… GARDEN OF LIFE IS MY FAV… Organic, vegan, RAW, gluten and dairy free and non GMO verified….. I’m so disappointed 🙁 … No way. SUN WARRIOR AND GARDEN OF LIFE ARE MY GO TO SUPPLEMents.

    Are you sure GARDEN OF LIFE is not good?

  25. Isagenix ingredients:

    IsaLean® Shake Creamy Dutch Chocolate
    Ingredients: Exclusive Myo-IsaLean ComplexTM [whey protein concentrate (undenatured), milk protein concentrate (undenatured), low-heat nonfat dry milk], fructose, natural dutch cocoa powder, isomaltooligosaccharide powder, sunflower (Helianthus annuus) oil powder, natural flavors, olive (Olea europaea) oil powder, xanthan gum, flax (Linum usitatissimum)
    seed powder, medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil powder, Ionic AlfalfaTM, potassium citrate, magnesium oxide, tricalcium phosphate, sea salt, magnesium citrate, enzyme blend [lactase (from Aspergillus oryzae), lipase (from Rhizopus oryzae), cellulase (from Trichoderma longibrachiatum), invertase (from Saccharomyces cerevisiae), protease (from Aspergillus oryzae), amylase (from Bacillus subtilis), bromelain (from Ananas comosus), papain (from Carica papaya), acid stable protease (from Aspergillus niger)], silicon dioxide, yucca (Yucca schidigera) root powder, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), magnesium stearate, psyllium seed powder, biotin, selenium amino acid chelate, Lactobacillus acidophilus, cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) powder, stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) leaf
    extract, vitamin E succinate, copper amino acid chelate, vitamin A (beta carotene), zinc oxide, manganese amino acid chelate, iodine amino acid chelate, niacinamide, d-calcium pantothenate, vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), chromium amino acid chelate, niacin, molybdenum amino acid chelate, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride), vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B1 (thiamin hydrochloride), folate (folic acid)
    Nutrition Facts
    Serving Size 1 Packet (61g) Servings per Container 1
    Amount per Serving
    Calories 240 Calories from Fat 55
    Calories from Saturated Fat 20
    % Daily Value*
    Total Fat 6g 9% Saturated Fat 2g 10% Trans Fat 0g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
    Monounsaturated Fat 3g
    
    Cholesterol 45mg 15%
    Sodium 265mg 11%
    Potassium 430mg 12%
    Total Carbohydrate 24g 8% Dietary Fiber 8g 32% Sugars 11g
    
    Protein 24g 48%
    Vitamin A 50% • Vitamin C 40%
    Calcium 30% • Iron 14%
    Vitamin D 80% • Vitamin E 35%
    Thiamin 60% • Riboflavin 70%
    Niacin 45% • Vitamin B6 60%
    Folate 80% • Vitamin B12 200%
    Biotin 45% • Pantothenic Acid 40%
    Phosphorus 25% • Iodine 40%
    Magnesium 50% • Zinc 45%
    Selenium 40% • Copper 50%
    Manganese 60% • Chromium 80%
    Molybdenum 60%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs:
    Calories: 2,000 2,500
    Total Fat Sat Fat
    Cholesterol Sodium
    Total Carbohydrate
    Dietary Fiber
    Less than Less than Less than Less than
    65g 80g
    20g 25g 300mg 300mg 2,400mg 2,400mg 300g 375g 25g 30g
    Calories per gram:
    Fat 9 • Carbohydrate 4 • Protein 4
    Contains milk ingredients.
    3900351.381-00
    012114

  26. Unfortunately, Warrior was recently highlighted as having heavy metals along with Vega and Raw for Life. All seems to stem from the fact that they are based on rice proteins and it’s hard to come by brown rice that is heavy metal free.

    1. Yes that is the problem with organic baby formula too:( have been dying recently when I tried to quit breastfeeding

  27. Why have you taken Garden of Life Proteins off of your recommended list? You said it was because of this research but I read the article from Consumer Reports and didn’t see any report about Garden of Life. Please explain…thanks! (My daughter-in-law takes this so I really have an interest.

  28. I do believe the nations #1 Natural Nutrition company Shaklee has been using Non GMO soy for over 32 years. I didn’t see it listed? The US Olympic skiing (and recently the snowboarding ) teams have been using this for about the same length of time.

  29. Have you done any research on Melaleuca’s ProFlex20® Shake – Classic Vanilla?

    They claim to be a healthful company, but who know these days.

    Thank you for all you do to educated the public!

  30. Just curious how you do all your research, are there actual dietitians, scientists or other medical professionals on the food babe team since food babe isn’t ? As much as I appreciate these articles, I always wonder about the background. Anyways, the important thing is that this makes people stop to read labels!

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