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Is Your Protein Shake Safe?

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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. I would love to hear as well! I have heard the brown rice contains arsenic and sunwarrior is no longer a good option?

    2. Yes,pls review the Sunwarrior protein powder supplements as my family,including me,we all are using it for more than an year and a half and would discontinue immediately if there is something wrong with it comes out,but so far,I have only heard,told and found great reviews about it. I used to be connected with Herbalife business,which personally helped me to lose weight and regain health ,but that’s in the 2000 and early half of the decade. I am no longer associated with it as I find Sunwarrior really great tasting,raw,vegan and not made with soy protein isolate,which was my main worry and why I left Herbalife.

      Reply

  2. Hey Food Babe, love your mission. I do have some concerns about Consumer Lab though. Consumer Lab was used in the Dr. Oz report which you reference as a source for the heavy metals catagory.

    Consumers who turn to Consumer Lab for information should consider these facts before making any judgments.

    1. Consumer Lab is not a lab at all. It hires contract labs to conduct its testing, and there are significant questions as to how often (if ever) those labs are audited by this organization that likes to claim consumers need to rely on its audits of industry.

    2. Companies that pay to participate in Consumer Lab’s “voluntary” testing programs “own” the test results. This means that under this program a company can direct Consumer Lab to withhold a negative test result. Thus, consumers may never get the full story.

    3. The “quality” standards used by Consumer Lab are frequently based on California’s Proposition 65, a law unique to that state which establishes tolerance levels for certain heavy metals and pesticides well below legal levels set by the FDA or the 49 other states. Thus, a headline announcing that “Half the Products Tested Fail” may simply mean that these products meet quality standards by the Federal Government and 49 States but do not satisfy the draconian standards set under one California law.

    http://healthwyze.org/index.php/component/content/article/348-evaluating-the-evaluators-from-consumer-lab.html

    Reply

  3. You should really check out the Meal Replacement Shakes from ID Life!!! Our Shake is sweetened with Stevia and is available in naturally flavored chocolate and vanilla. IDLife products are organic, natural, non-GMO, casein, soy and gluten free. In addition it contains cold filtered whey protein isolate & micro milled chia seeds!

    Check it out at http://www.idlife.com/akcanada

    Reply

  4. Food Babe-

    Could you weigh in on protein shake mixes from Juice Plus? They make chocolate and vanilla.

    Thank you!!!

    Reply

    1. I’d like to know about the juice plus mixes and their ready made drinks. I have a 5 yr old who has depended upon Pediasure since infancy. I’ve tried the juice plus mixes but she refused them. I would prefer that she have a more wholesome, organic formula but can’t find another one she’ll accept. Just how bad IS Pediasure? She’s an extremely choosy eater ( simple tastes, no added salt, no spices, no canned foods) and vegetarian by choice.
      Thank you!

      Reply

  5. Your list says Isagen……..do you mean isagenix. I think there are enough people that have pointed out that you were incorrect.

    Reply

    1. Actually she listed Isogen and I googled it, Isogen is a protein shake. I myself use Isagenix and love it! I really think it should have been included in this as it would have blown the rest of the shakes out of the water!!!

      Reply

  7. Can you comment on the RAW brand products? Meal replacement and protein powders? Thanks! Appreciate your work so much!

    Reply

    1. I am using Raw and i read up on it first…Non-Gmo Certified, organic, gluten free, vegan….so far, so good.

      Reply

  8. One of you commented on third party research for isagenix. When I go to the website, I cannot find anything on your research. Where is this information published?

    Reply

    1. I don’t know if you want more than this but on the Isagenix website under the Culture tab there is information about the Science behind our products. I find that , compared to so many other companies out there, Isagenix is very transparent about what goes into and how the products are made. Here is a .PDF with a quick overview of our process when manufacturing our products: http://isagenixhealth.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/QA-Visual.pdf

      Ingredients for each product can be found under the Products tab, then on each product’s page.

      Reply

      1. I’m on isagenix for 2 yrs and did a lot of research on all protein shakes. We are the only company that has undenatured whey protein I it and non-GMO…I wound not have it any other way nor go anywhere else for protein

  9. Thoughts on Arbonne’s protein shakes? They are plant based, no artificial colors or sweeteners and are screened for GMO’s.

    Reply

  10. I think you’re going to have to chime in on isogen NOT being Isagenix…MANY followers here who love your information and posts… But please don’t misrepresent our beloved products!

    Reply

  11. I use Unjury for medical reasons. I’m curious how that compares to others on your list.

    Reply

  13. What are your thoughts on Arbonne protein powder? It has Pea, cranberry and rice protein.

    Reply

      1. I think Zija should be included in the list of approved all natural protein shakes. I don’t people are getting the point to your article. I have had a few leaders leave Isagenix and Body by Visiting and come over to Zija bc the products are not great and one of the top leaders in Vi left bc the husband contracted cancer from using the product.

      2. I can send you arbonne’s ingredient list. It’s a PDF. Where should I send it?

      3. Vanilla Supplement Facts Serving Size 2 scoops (42 g) or 1 packet Amount Per Serving % Daily Value† Calories 160 Calories from Fat 30 Total Fat 3 g 5% Saturated fat 0 g 0% Trans fat 0 g Cholesterol 0 mg 0% Total Carbohydrate 14 g 5% Dietary Fiber 1 g 4% Soluble fiber 1 g Insoluble fiber 0 g Sugars 9 g Protein 20 g Vitamin A (as retinyl palmitate) 620 IU 12% Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid) 9 mg 15% Vitamin D (as ergocalciferol) 50 IU 15% Vitamin E (as d-alpha tocopheryl acetate) 5 IU 16% Thiamin (as thiamin hydrochloride) 0Q.22 mg 15% Riboflavin 0Q.25 mg 15% Niacin (as niacinamide) 3 mg 15% Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine hydrochloride) 0Q.3 mg 15% Folate (as folic acid) 61 mcg 15% Vitamin B12 (as cyanocobalamin) 1 mcg 17% Biotin 25 mcg 8% Pantothenic Acid (as d-calcium pantohydrate) 1Q.7 mg 17% Calcium (as calcium carbonate) 153 mg 15% Iodine (as potassium iodide) 23 mcg 15% Magnesium (as magnesium oxide) 61 mg 15% Zinc (as zinc oxide) 2 mg 13% Selenium (as sodium selenate) 11 mcg 16% Copper (as copper sulfate) 0Q.3 mg 15% Manganese (as manganese sulfate) 0Q.3 mg 15% Chromium (as chromium chloride) 18 mcg 15% Molybdenum (as sodium molybdate) 11 mcg 15% Sodium (as sea salt and sodium citrate) 360 mg 15% Potassium (as potassium citrate) 120 mg 3% INNER G-PLEX® 37Q.5 mg ** Coenzyme Q10, alfalfa (leaf) powder, kelp powder, ginseng (root) powder †Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie dietQ. **Daily Value not establishedQ. OthER INGREdIENtS: Arbonne Protein Matrix Blend (pea protein isolate, cranberry protein, rice protein), sugar cane, sunflower oil, natural vanilla flavor, corn starch, inulin, xanthan gum, flax seed, stevia leaf extract, gum acacia, guar gum

  18. Food Babe,

    I would have loved for you to include ISAGENIX on this. I think you did a disservice to your readers by leaving it out. I have been using Isagenix since December of 2010 and absolutely love it! The nutrition in Isagenix speaks for itself and what it does for the body as whole (mind, body and soul) is remarkable!!

    Reply

    1. TO ALL THE ISAGENIX USERS: The fact that it is not included in this survey is a good thing. The fact that Food Babe didn’t plug Isagenix is a little disappointing but the fact that there are so many of us on here wishing in black and white, that she had used it in a comparative analysis is plugging enough… ROCK ON!

      Reply

  19. Herbalife has several options of shakes. 1 is allergen free that has no diary, gluten or soy. The 24 line has no soy, no artificial flavor or sweetners. All Herbalife soy is non GMO. Their soy is grown on their own land in CA.

    Reply

  22. I wouldn’t touch Isagenix… Not enough research behind it…. Juice Plus seems to have better research and there protein is a wholefood concentrate….

    Reply

    1. Not enough research behind Isagenix Sonny? Did you REALLY type that? lol Think you may want to check it out again and really read through the information. Not sure what you’re looking for and expecting to see, but we have tonnes of information and even a clinical trial. Our Master-Formulator John Anderson has been formulating products for over 30 years!! Let me know if you would like certain information, I would be happy to direct you to it 🙂

      Reply

    1. The formulator (Don Bodenbach) for Body FX is NOT the formulator for BeachBody!!! One of the top marketing execs with BFX is a former exec from BB ( Chris Simonen)….Not the same. I think BFX products are ok, but the company as a whole is messed up! They have to get their head out of their behinds, and run a clean ship and appreciate their reps rather than pad their own pockets. I actually think Chris allready jumped the BFX ship and moved on to something else.

      Reply

  25. I also rely on protein shakes for medical reasons. What are some “good” protein shakes? I know there is protein in the chia seeds I put in my smoothie, & the dark leafy greens, avocado has good protein, but high fat and NOT local. What are your thoughts on raw egg white, from a local reliable producer? My body doesn’t digest protein correctly if it is “solid” (cooked eggs, meat etc) and I’m supposed to get in 50+ grams daily. I’m VERY interested in your thoughts. (Unjury is out of my price range)

    Reply

  27. Essante Organics 7.365 pH Shake is an outrageously delicious, 100% chemical free vegan meal replacement &/or weight loss shake and it is the foundation of your alkaline lifestyle. Essante Organics 7.365 pH Shake is whey, gluten, soy, dairy, cholesterol, chemical, GMO and sugar free.

    100% Non-GMO Proprietary Vegan Protein Blend 22,150mg: Sprouted Brown Rice Protein, Yellow Pea Protein, Inulin, Flax Seed, Organic Alfalfa, Organic Quinoa, Organic Millet, Organic Amaranth, and Vegetable Cellulose, Vanilla, Guar Gum, Stevia Extract.
    http://www.essanteorganics.com/triton

    Reply

  29. I’ve got one of your images saved, the same comparison chart with different results. Can you tell me if this one from 2012 is the most recent review? Or if the chart I have has been altered or which blog post it came from?
    The chart I have seen was much more favorable toward Shakeology.
    Also, the chart is very blurry when enlarged. I would really like to see it more clearly!
    Thanks for all you do
    Jenny

    Reply

    1. I noticed the chart is blurry when enlarged… Hmmm. I too am interested in the safety of Shakeology as I drink it almost daily…

      Reply

      1. Shakeology Greenberry was found to have high levels of lead. In response to ConsumerLab.com report of lead contamination (12.7 mcg per serving) in shakeology mix, the distributor of this product, Beachbody, posted an online message stating that ConsumerLab.com may be misleading consumers by not distinguishing between harmful heavy metals and those that are naturally occurring in plants, vegetables and minerals (including naturally occurring lead). It further stated that it is specifically because Beachbody uses whole-food plant based natural ingredients that it does include naturally occurring heavy metals along with the countless other benefits nature provides.

        To be clear, the lead found in plants and minerals — and in Shakeology — is not a safe form and is a harmful heavy metal. Lead contamination of plants generally occurs due to contamination of the environment in which they have grown — often caused by industrial pollution or proximity to roadways where, in the past, cars had used leaded gasoline.

  30. This is from the vega website…
    Are the ingredients in Vega One non-GMO?
    We believe everyone should have the right to know what they’re eating. That’s why Vega is committed to using non-GMO ingredients to make our products. Unlike organic certification, there is currently no universally-recognized North American certification standard for non-GMO status. Until there is, Vega is actively working with a third-party non-profit organization—the Non-GMO Project—for verification of our non-GMO products.
    Vega Maca, Vega SaviSeed, and Vega Antioxidant Omega Oil Blend have already been Non-GMO Project verified. Due to the large number of ingredients, Vega One (like our Vega Sport products) are more complex; they are in the latter stages of becoming verified. Vega has taken an active part in a Non-GMO Project working group helping to apply the Non-GMO Project’s food-focused verification standard to dietary supplements.

    Reply

    1. I like Vega One a lot, due to it’s yummy taste, no soy and no lactose. I’m not NON-GMO crazy, I’ve been on this earth of 38 years and lord knows what kind of GMO stuff I have eaten over the years!

      Reply

  33. I haven’t seen anyone ask about “Amazing Grass”….I’m looking at the ingredients on a single serving envelope, looks good to me…though I’m wondering if the label is lacking info. Any thoughts?

    Reply

  35. I just checked on Vega’s website and under FAQ’s it states they use non-GMO products.

    This is what it published on their website:

    “Are the ingredients in Vega One non-GMO?
    We believe everyone should have the right to know what they’re eating. That’s why Vega is committed to using non-GMO ingredients to make our products. Unlike organic certification, there is currently no universally-recognized North American certification standard for non-GMO status. Until there is, Vega is actively working with a third-party non-profit organization—the Non-GMO Project—for verification of our non-GMO products.
    Vega Maca, Vega SaviSeed, and Vega Antioxidant Omega Oil Blend have already been Non-GMO Project verified. Due to the large number of ingredients, Vega One (like our Vega Sport products) are more complex; they are in the latter stages of becoming verified. Vega has taken an active part in a Non-GMO Project working group helping to apply the Non-GMO Project’s food-focused verification standard to dietary supplements.”

    Reply

  37. I would love you to check out our Shake at Seven Point 2. We have our own comparision with others including Isagenix and Im sure you will find our ingredients are amazing and none of the bad stuff included.

    Reply

  40. I noticed that there was a question mark in the GMO column under the Shakeology – before I began using this product I did much research. They are very big on organic and non GMO even delaying their release of a vanilla flavor for years because of not being able to find a source that meets their requirements. Makes me think that more time an research should have been done before it was added to this chart. Just saying???

    Reply

  41. Food Babe,

    Thank you for the time you spend investigating so many foods issues for us. I use super delicious Healthy Whey protein powders. http://www.HealthyWhey.com It is distributed by NNW.LLC in Gretna, NE, just outside of Omaha, NE. Strawberry & Cinnamon Bun are fabulous! Ingredients are Pure Whey protein concentrate, Pure Why Protein Isolate, natural flavor, Xanthan Gum and Stevia. I don’t care for the Unjury or Mercola flavored protein powders, but love many of their other items. Unjury even has a cheese protein powder that is life saver for me. I don’t eat meat and am allergic to soy, so pretty desperate for protein options. How do I know what type of Stevia Healthy Whey uses? I don’t even know how I’d go about finding out. I also wonder what the “natural flavor” is. Is Xanthan Gum OK? It looks OK on WebMD.

    Reply

  42. You all need to check out http://www.Professionalwhey.com.
    1. Their whey protein isolates and concentrate powders, use Cross Flow Microfiltration which naturally isolates undenatured protein due to its low temperature process.

    2. It’s free from acid processing.

    3. It’s Non GMO.

    4. It’s pure, untouched with no fillers, preservatives or flavourings.

    5. It’s 100% Undenatured Protein containing immune boosting whey microfractions such as 55.4% Beta-Lactoglobulin, 20.6% Glycomacropeptide, 20.5% Alpha-lactalbumin, 2% Immunoglobulin, 1% Bovine Serum Albumin and 0.5% Lactoferrin.

    So all good stuff and safe in my books.

    Reply

  45. Food babe, thank you. I’m often asked how protein shakes stack up, and this is very helpful. If you can, please review metagenics and isagenix shakes, thank you.

    Reply

  46. Im curious to know as well on how sunwarrior stacks up under these parameters. Its supposed to be a rather clean protein right?? Brown rice, pea etc..

    Reply

  47. I’ve seen quite a few things incorrect on your website, not to mention the typos. I’m curious to know where you get your information, because Shakeology in particular IS GMO free. I have done extensive research and chose that one because there are NO refined sugars, additives, GMOs or soy. It’s all from raw ingredients around the world. I have tried a countless number of these shakes, and shakeology was the only one who improved my health, helped me lose weight, cleared my skin, gave me energy and fixed my vitamin deficiency. I have been paleo 5 years and this was the only one who did amazing things for my body…so I don’t find most of this to be correct…but it’s not the first time to be honest.

    Reply

  49. The only whey protein powder I can tolerate is JAY ROBB’S WHEY PROTEIN (vanilla). It is a whey protein isolate so is much easier to digest than concentrate. I use it sparingly now (a few times a month) but used to make protein shakes on a regular basis. Do you have any information about this product? I have never seen it reviewed in Consumer Reports or anywhere else, but after your recent post, I think I may avoid protein powders all together! Thanks!

    Reply

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