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.
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.
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
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.
Here is my experience, 8 months on “ideal Protein” diet which uses protein powder meals 2 to 3 times a day, and then 3 months using Vega, and other healthier organic protein powders. In November I ended up jaundiced, with coke- colored urine, and itching from head to toe and in the hospital. After a series of tests they informed me my liver damage was from something I ingested. For six weeks I did not sleep because of the itching. I nearly had a mental breakdown. What I learned was that from now on, all of my nutrition was going to come from real food without chemicals or additives.
I was on IP as well for 6 months and of course I lost weight . But I also lost something more valuable, my good health. I have now been diagnosed with 4 kidney stones and Gout! Now I am on a journey to take my health back. It’s a lot of work because you must read all the labels. No more processed junk for me!
To blame Ideal Protein shakes for your misfortune is passing the buck. Maybe the reason why you ended up with gout is because you had significant weight to lose before you started the shake program. To lose weight for 8 months would show that you had more than 20lbs to lose. Maybe it was all the previous years of eating food with no nutrition that caused your body harm.
I use Shaklee products. I noticed Herbalife is on here but not Shaklee. What is your opinion of Shaklee’s Meal Shakes, Energizing Protein Shakes and Protein Shakes? I’ve been drinking them for 20 years.. I use Silk vanilla almond milk. Thanks, Linda
I wouldn’t touch it, the first ingredient is soy…
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mercola/soy-health_b_1822466.html
AlannaB you should look into how shaklee uses NON GMO soy and how its processed. People have been using it for over 40 years with no problems and they live longer than others.
AlannaB And I wouldnt touch Isogenix the product you are promoting. With so much lead content in that product is so dangerous. Check the lead count on isagenix
http://oag.ca.gov/system/files/prop65/notices/2010-00676.pdf
Yes, on the Shaklee Soy, it’s non GMO and not processed like other soy. I feel awesome. It’s my breakfast every morning. I am 65 years old, and loaded with energy. I’m barely ever ill. I was wondering if it was checked out. Thank you Angela. Not all soy is bad. Moderation.
Curious about perfect fit protein, from the tone it up girls.. it is organic brown rice protein powder sweetened with stevia. I believe it falls under the safe category..?
do you think you can actually get an ample amount of protein from rice? Checkout Sfh.com, look at their ingredients and use the promo code: PAT for 10% off
Hmm. I was just wondering if PFP fit under this blogs safe category. I didn’t ask if it had ample amounts of protein.. in fact it does have less than most protein powders as it is specifically formulated for women’s bodies. Too much protein at a serving leads to weight gain. PFP has 15g protein a serving scoop, 70 cals and it only has 5 ingredients; vegan, non-gmo, gluten free and USDA organic. I love it and have gotten great results using it! Thanks for your promo code but I have no need or want to invest in another protein powder for I have found one I love that does amazing things for my body. To each their own 🙂
Yes you can. Brown rice and lentils are considered by some in the vegan world to be a “perfect” protein so I am sure brown rice would have adequate amounts of protein needed as long as other “real” food was eaten throughout the day. I am on a bean free, gluten, free, and dairy free diet because of my poor food choices while younger and I use brown rice protein in my shakes every morning or evening depending on what my food intake is like. If she is having no issues with the type of protein (i.e. feeling sick, fatigued, out of sorts) after drinking it for an extended period of time, then it is a good protein to use.
http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/articles/index.php has articles on what foods have the most protein.
Will never use any “over the counter” type protein shakes, they are all to heavily processed for my taste and don’t make me feel energized at all. I use Univera products (certified organic, non-GMO triple protein). They manufacture their own products using only the best and organic plant based food. Never had any problems with their products and can tell when I haven’t used them for a day. But of course, everyone has a different story and each person must decide on what they feel comfortable eating.
Wonderful information! Thank you for sharing. It’s scary how many companies market their protein shakes as healthy when they contain so many unhealthy ingredients. There is only one protein shake on the market I trust and goes above and beyond just a protein shake and that is the Yoli Essential Shakes.
http://melanieokerlund.yoli.com/yes-yoli-essential-shake/
The chocolate tastes like a Wendy’s frosty to me but I feel better knowing the list of ingredients are all natural, safe and apples to apples hard to beat! If you haven’t tried or looked into them I highly recommend it. You won’t be disappointed.
Body By Vi – has no GMOs … here is a link to its complete breakdown :
http://visalus.com/sites/default/files/docs/corporate/Party_docs.pdf
…but it still contains SOY! (and sucralose if I am not mistaken…)
Soy is still harmful regardless if it is non-gmo :
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mercola/soy-health_b_1822466.html
I use the Garden of life its organic Raw Meal it says no synthetic nutrients and didn’t find any of the unsafe ingredients listed here. Please tell me if this product is saf Ei love this shake thank you
Garden of Life has been tested and has high levels of heavy metals :
http://www.naturalnews.com/043759_garden_of_life_raw_protein_heavy_metals.html
Do you have any research info on doTerra trim shake? They have a vegan and non vegan version. They claim to be and pride themselves on being whole food and no additives. Also, any info on arbornne?
Hi Jana, the shakes I use natural and organic and are not listed here. I love them and my health has improved so much! There are a variety of flavors and protein levels. Plus we have a dairy free line!
If you would like more information I would be happy to share it with you! 🙂
Wendy Bentley
Hi Jana,
I also use doTerra shakes and have had several different chiropractors and nutritionists look at the ingredients. They all have given their approval and said that the protein amount is a good balance especially for women. They did not like the Shakeology due to some of the ingredients although I don’t remember which ones.
This was good to read im being teated for metal in my blood and low Iron I started supplements and low protein so started the power now I don’t know what way to go.
I would be happy to help you with that Mike. I have had awesome results and never felt better in my life!
You need to check out Yoli’s protein shake…it is all natural and does not contain all the bad stuff. No GMO’s, no artificial sweetners…it’s sweetened with Stevia, no soy…etc.
And this is why I am so excited about launching our new Smoothie in the very near future, with No GMO’s, No Gluten, and 12 organic whole fruits and veggies complete with 12 grams of our amazing Collagen that no one in the world has!! You can email me at [email protected] for more info or go to my website and sign my guestbook to take a look at all the wonderful healthy goodies we have for you.
Don’t forget most whey protein comes from milk that’s been pasteurized (cooked) that denatures and ruins the protein. I use ISAGENIX
PLEASE CLARIFY FOR EVERYONE THAT ISAGENIX IS NOT LISTED ON THIS CHART AND NEVER WOULD BE! PEOPLE ARE GETTING CONFUSED WHEN THEY SEE THE NAME ISOLATE!!
http://oag.ca.gov/system/files/prop65/notices/2010-00676.pdf
I use a protein called: Dream Protein by the makers of Greens First (see greensfirst.com) I LOVE this product! The purest whey protein (only the good stuff though) and has no GMO…….just thought I’d mention it!
How about this brand?
Sorry here is the link!.
http://athleanx.com/athleanrx
What about this brand?
http://athleanx.com/athleanrx
I would like to know if there is a study on the Arbonne vegan protein.
http://www.arbonne.ca
I sell Arbonne. Certified vegan, protein shakes are from cranberry, rice and pea protein and taste great! complete amino acid profile. Easy to digest. Email me for a free sample. [email protected]
Any info on NOW foods whey protein isolate. Ingredients are a very short list. Plus I am just starting weights again and want the extra protein. So, I will only be using for the first couple months. Thanks
Ao your telling me that you have nevwr eaten steriod induced chicken or GMO products for your grocery store? Nothing from a fast food restraunt? If you have then i dont see how you can down amy product unless you tell the truth about all “real food”.
Sorry for spelling. Phone acting up
“FoodBabe”: you are obviously not a scientist. You are a good politician and entrepreneur; however, those qualities do not give you a right for inciting panic and preying on the fear of others. You have opinions, not scientific fact. Even the whole GMO debate is still far from settled one way or the other. The other items you mention are pure conjecture on your part. There is enough deceit and lying in this world without you adding to it. Shame on you.
PEOPLE: get the scientific facts! It is not that difficult. Don’t be duped by someone wanting to make a name for themselves. Live your life free of fear by getting the facts and making the right choices for yourself and your family. To your health!
LDW: Your comment is harsh but true! As far as why Food Babe would put something like this up it’s marketing. It brings her business and she profits from it. She is smart! It’s like politics, slander your opponent to make them consider you; or say the truth, but say it in a way that it comes out in the wrong light. Cheers!
Lol most science is bought and paid for by the same people who produce these chemicals in our food. Its not that hard to comprehend. If its made in a lab it’s a 95% chance it is not good for you. And theres plenty of evidence kn that harmful effects of GMO. Tell that to people who have lifelong health problems that disappear from just switching to an organic diet. Speaks volumes. Also she doesnt use scare tactics but we should be afraid of these chemicals that are in so many brands people use on the daily. Especially something like protein powder that people drink every single day. How are you even on her page with these comments did Big Food pay you to be here?
The facts are not all in this article and it is really to bad because there are products listed that are good products!! Need to investigate on your own if you want to know the truth behind any product whether it is being called good or bad!!
what about Isagenix? Why wasn’t that on the list. What do you know about that?
Hey Jennifer ! I am interested in Isagenix as well ! Been using for 4+ months . This link was posted earlier in these comments . It is a notice from 2010 ! I am wondering what was done and if there was a reformulation….or What ?!?!?!?! http://oag.ca.gov/system/files/prop65/notices/2010-00676.pdf
Another good read…
http://healthfraudoz.blogspot.ca/2006/11/critique-of-isagenix.html
Advocare meal replacement shakes?
What about the casein protein shake from at large nutrition?
Also wondering if the nitrean is good?
can any body let me know if medslim is safe i start the daite and i use protoin shakes and bars from midslime.
Thank you
What about non denatured whey protein isolate? Is it safe?
What about thrive by LeVel? You should add this new company to your charts! Their ingredients are natural!
savfletcher.le-Vel.com
I LOVE Arbonne’s vegan protein! So safe AND YUMMY 🙂
I’m with you. Tastes great, no soy, no whey and no GMO.
Nope! Not a single thing on that chart is in any of Arbonne’s nutrition line. I’m proudly hosting a Wellness Workshop tonight to share how great it all is 🙂
Hi, an anyone comment on BioTrust Low Carb protein powder?
How does Juice Plus Complete rank? I love my Juice Plus:)
I know that Complete is non-GMO and uses a less processed form of soy protein and uses only whole food natural sweeteners. I also know they are working on removing the carrageenan from their shakes. Other than that, I would love to know how it measures up with the rest of the powders discussed. Anyone with more information?
The best protein shake on the market! NO GARBAGE! http://www.idlife.com/kesaconnelly
Truestarhealth has an amazing whey protein. Soy free, gluten free and dairy free, made with only all natural ingredients and formulated at Douglas Laboratories (not in China like many other supplements). Out of 1500 vitamins and supplements the truestar products were one of three that received a 5 star rating as evidenced in The Nutrisearch Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements, a guide that many doctors use when recommending vitamins and supplements. The best out there!
Total B.S> in the chart. Totally. This is a waste of my time to even have read it. you don’t know which ones of these have GMOs and which ones don’t as nothing is labeled GMO, not yet any way. So the rest of the chart is suspicious as well. Pure crap. Get real evidence before you start to spew these “facts”.
Any thoughts/facts on It Works products
Here is a VERY SIMILAR chart, but not about protein, per se. It’s a Comparison of Akea Essentials with Other Health Food Supplements:
http://organicsforfree.com/documents/EssentialsQualComp(3).pdf
I welcome inquiries and comments! And Sign-ups and Purchases, too 😉
I STRONGLY SUPPORT Vani’s criteria for food! There is no room for shaming her high, loving standards for humanity. Let your children and their children issue the verdict here, as we see the effects of your instruction on the state of their health.
When people value human knowledge and lab science over God’s utter love and provision for us, they fall into the same trap as Adam and Eve — it wasn’t about apples and the temptation of sex between man and woman. It was about the temptation to worship the “Tree of Knowledge” instead of acknowledging and appreciating the ABUNDANCE provided for us by the love of God. By valuing human knowledge OVER God’s wisdom, and thinking we are equal in our creative capacity to God, we downplay His awesome power. People separate and hide themselves from God’s offerings. They lose out, and THEY have a basis for shame, and ultimately need to ask for forgiveness.
The verdict is NOT still out on GMO’s. The verdict is IN. How many farmers internationally have died so far due to this unscrupulous, callous profiteering, at the expense of human health, dignity, and survival? How many people are suffering with autoimmune illnesses?
A lot of what passes for food these days is actually synthetic — and there is NO COMPARISON between what’s made in a LABORATORY and what grows on God’s earth from soil, seed, water and sun.
Long live the Food Babe and her work!
Very interesting ! ! ! This is from 2010 ! Was there a re- formulation ? What is a Safe Lead Content ?
http://oag.ca.gov/system/files/prop65/notices/2010-00676.pdf
another good read too
http://healthfraudoz.blogspot.ca/2006/11/critique-of-isagenix.html
Has anyone used About Time or Only Protien? They seem to be pretty clean.
Can you tell me your thoughts about Whey Protein from Jay Robb?
I am a distributor of Innutra – Innovative Nutrition for every lifestyle. I am proud to say that our protein only checks off one item on this list – Whey Protein Isolate. We are free of: GMOs, Soy Protein, Maltodextrin, Refined Sugar, Heavy Metals, Antibotics rbGH, Artificial Colors and Carrageenan. It is also gluten and lactose free. Innutra Protein Sculpt is an advanced protein blend with golden split pea, whey isolate and sprouted rice proteins. It contains 12gm of protein per serving with 30 servings. It truly is a great option for every lifestyle, plus we offer a full line of items to help supplement your health. Message me for more details!
Good evening all,
I have done a lot of research on protein powders too and this article is right on !! I have found one of the cleanest protein powders available, y’all should really check it out, even my doctors nutritionist was shocked at how clean it is. http://www.getyouridlife.net they call it a meal replacement shake but it’s an awesome protein powder .. It only has 7 ingredients, 23g protein, 100% of your amino acids, non-gmo, no soy, lactose, gluten or casein !! Call me if you want more info, I would love to share the info with you !! Keiria (817)734-2553
3 yrs ago I was told by my Doctor I had Advanced Rhumitoid arthritis and there were NO cures for this and I’d soon be in a wheel chair for the remainder of my life ! I stared GMO FREE VISALUS to loose afew pounds I’d gained because of my lack of mobility ! Skip forward 6 mths I was 27# lighter Arthritis FREE and A license Personal Trainer AND my family dropped over 200lbs and 12 script and now spend our evenings working out and helping others get healthy as well . My wife was takin off Insulin in >> 1 <> 3 <>> 3 <<< years . Get your facts straight before you bash an awesome product like the one that SAVED me from a life in a Wheelchaiir ! And has allowed my family to drop all man made meds .
What do you think about body logics ?
Hey looking for a good vegan protien powder that is a complete protein and does not have stevia (cant handle the taste) and that isnt gritty or tastes horrible. Any good suggestions, it gets real expensive buying a ton of different kinds that I cant choke down. Taste is a huge concern for me because I cant force myself to drink something that is horrible without gagging.
Try Arbonne. 20g of cranberry, rice and pea protein makes it easily and fully digestible and it tastes great! Email me if you’d like a sample — chelle.fish @ me.com
I am curious about any research done on Arbonne’s protein. They use brown rice and yellow pea and have been awarded for low glycemic amounts.
Great article to start thinking about what we are putting into our bodies:) More research and sober thought are obviously needed. I am a little disappointed that you did not list IMMUNOCAL on your list of safe proteins. It is the only product that is listed in the Physician’s Desk Reference (PDR) and Compendium of Pharmaceutical Specialties (CPS), meaning your doctor can actually prescribe it. There are also over 40 double-blind studies done to prove it works. I would like to point out that your comment about Whey Protein Isolate is scientifically false; only certain types of whey isolate with cause the body to become acidic (but most commercially available do sadly fall into that category).
Does anyone know anything about Natures Plus Source of Life Energy Shake. My husband has been using this for years. It is Vegetarian, gluten free, non-GMO. It does use soy but he says soy is ok in moderation. It states the soy is isolated soy protein and fermented soy. No idea what that means.
I would LOVE your opinion on our Collagen Protein/Arctic cloudberry protein smoothie. 12 grams of collagen protein: 12 whole fruits and veggies, NON GMO, Kosher, Soy and dairy free, GF…
http://www.goodskyhertig.govisi.com it is called Nufinna.
I’m on Arbonne’s detox program. Their marketing materials says Non-GMO but the actual Protein Shake package does not say non-GMO. It is certified Vegan. Also, they don’t market corn but there are corn starch in both protein shake and fiber boost. The scary part is that their debox 7-day cleanse has lead in it (google it you’ll see the law suit filed against them in 2012). So I’m starting to be worried now and will not want to do that detox again.
All of Arbonne’s products are non-GMO and vegan certified.
Oh darn! I drink Muscle Milk everyday, and it’s got 9/10 of the bad ingredients lol! I’m glad I came across this article – it’s definitely opened my eyes about protein powders!
What about Juice Plus shakes? They used water washed low processed non gmo soy?? Any thought Food Babe/anyone?
Thanks