Food Babe Family - Header

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.

Food Babe Family - Book
Food Babe Grocery Guide

Sign Up For Updates

And Get A FREE Healthy Grocery Guide Sent To You Now!

Find out what to buy and where at the top grocery stores near you

Posts may contain affiliate, sponsorship and/or partnership links for products Food Babe has approved and researched herself. If you purchase a product through an affiliate, sponsorship or partnership link, your cost will be the same (or at a discount if a special code is offered) and Food Babe will benefit from the purchase. Your support is crucial because it helps fund this blog and helps us continue to spread the word. Thank you.

786 responses to “Is Your Protein Shake Safe?

  1. ALL Shaklee soy products are NON-GMO, processed in COLD WATER to preserve enzymes and cancer-fighting isoflavones, have calcium added to preserve pH (thus preventing acidity in the body), and Dr. Shaklee even invented and patented a process that REMOVES the Phytic acid from the soybeans so it is very easily digested and used by the body.
    Shaklee’s is the ONLY soy protein supplement I feel safe putting into my body. My grandparents have a serving of it every morning and have been doing so for the last 40+ years, and they are still very healthy, active adults heading into their 80’s.
    http://crystalp.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=20661

    1. No isogen is not isagenix.
      Isagenix is non-gmo, gluten free, non-denatured grass fed new zealand whey.
      It is a grade 8 Whey protein concentrate.

    1. Right but it has antibiotics and refined sugars in it.
      Vi shakes do help a lot of people.
      We use pea protein in our vegan formula.
      Soy was originally GMO so while companies who supply say they
      do not have GMO flavanoids in int, it is a GMO crop.

      1. Not ALL soy is GMO. You MUST know your SOURCE. However, I’d put dollars to donuts that any soy you find sourced from the USA IS GMO. Such a sad era.

    1. As an Arbonne consultant I can tell you that Arbonne’s protein shakes do not contain any of the ingredients listed above and are GMO free. They are also Vegan certified.

      The fiber (which is a separate product) does contain Fibersol as the source of fiber. While the ingredients will not be available on our website to the public until September of this year, I could get you a list if you needed it.

      1. I forgot to add that since you have a consultant of course you should work with them, I could get you the ingredient list if you cannot get them from your current consultant. Thank you 🙂

      2. Thanks for the details Julie. I will talk to my Arbonne consultant about the ingredients and if I don’t get any response then I will request you.

        Thank you

      3. The shakes do not contain any corn. The main protein is pea protein.

        The fiber product we have does use corn as the ingredient in the Fibersol. However, Arbonne regularly audits the raw materials and finished products to ensure no GMOs.

      4. Marla,
        Do you mean the list of ingredients? It may be too long to post here, is there a way I can message you?

    2. If you check out the ingredients listed on the Boost website, you will see it is loaded with 27 g of sugar, no dietary fiber, artificial flavors, vegetable oil, soy protein isolates, etc. Ensure is a little bit better with their new 25 G protein drink with 5 g of sugar and 3 g of dietary fiber. Still contains articial flavors, etc. Soy protein has been found to be less-absorbent in the body than whey or casein. Easy to research ingredients, but you have to know what you are reading. There is no regulation over nutritional supplements of any kind, and most “certified organic” are 95% organic! and only 5% of their products are actually tested. (Per USDA agricultural website). Also, soil is only required to “rest” for 36 months. Environmental toxins are still around from decades ago, and plants are a major source of heavy metals in our food supply, organic or not. Wwww.small farms.oregonstate.edu. (it is important that we have appropriate references for our opinions and facts.)

  2. Whenever I have a Shakeology shake, I get a pounding headache and feel bloated – that can’t be good! Done with that!!

      1. Some people will have a reaction to Shakeology at first because of the 70+ super food ingredients in it. For many, reducing the serving size to half will help them get used to Shakeology within a week or two. I haven’t heard of bloating before. Feeling gassy yes, but that’s mainly because of the Prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes in it. Once your digestive system balances out, you’ll become regular and the gassy feeling will decrease.

    1. Not me, I love shakeology and it has actually gotten rid of my vertigo. I drink it every single day. I have no problems and my energy levels are very high. I also have lost my sugar cravings. Amen to that too.

      1. I love my shakeology as well. I used to have major bathroom issues (tmi) and not anymore. I’ve been drinking them for over 2 years now with zero issues. I also lost 50 pounds and have kept it off. I’m lost without my daily shake.

  3. Gosh…brilliant article/reading!

    What about Forever Living’s Vanilla and Chocolate shake?

    1. HA! Thats cute. As if “Herb”a”life” voluntarily gave up millions a year to replace their GMO Soy with non-GMO. One or two products sure, but don’t go saying “for the record “Herb”a”life” is non GMO Soy (as a whole)

      GMO isn’t even half their problem, they have a ton of crap in their ingredients no human being should ingest, especially those labeled “Health” Coach.

    2. If you believe that you’re a fool … all their products in the USA are made from GMO products …

      1. Hello,

        I have done the research and I am no fool! Louie be my guest call Herbalife yourself!

    3. What research have you done??? If they use non-GMO soy then why do they only have ONE non-GM ingredient product??? …. Do you know that 90% of Soy and Corn are GMO in the United States. Lastly …. IF they used non-GMO soy (which they do not) wouldn’t that be a main selling point and stamped all over the label. YOU HAVE NO CLUE WHAT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT!!!!

      1. Look if there is no complaints about it and people have been taking
        this product for years and no problem then they are doing something
        right. Like I said call Herbalife bring it to there attention if you know
        what your talking about!

      2. Look people have taken Herbalife for years and no problem. So since
        you think you know what you are talking about call them and they
        will set you straight. Have a nice day!

    4. Trisha, not all of their products are non-gmo. I did call them bc I read a certificate saying so but it was only for the European market (which is crappy). I also asked why would they only release a non gmo HM and not a protein to go with it…dumb!

      1. Rainie,

        Thank you for jumping in and proving my point. Herbalife has these “Health Coaches” brain washed they believe anything their upline tells them. Honestly how healthy can something be if you can’t pronounce or spell 80% of the ingredients.

  4. I love that you said that eating healthy is far better than meal replacing! I am interested to hear your thoughts on Juice Plus Complete Shakes, you should add it to your Healthy Protein powder list! 🙂

    1. I agree, I’d like to know more about Juice Plus Complete Shakes. I was looking at Juice Plus because I want whole nutrition and was told that it was GMO free and has the NSF rating. Can you tell me more? Like what’s REALLY in it?

      1. I take jp and I’m currently doing the shakes if you want more info you can check out the websites. I have one based off the shakes its brandiklein.transform30.com or brandiklein.juiceplus.com for juice plus info in general
        Its been about two weeks that I’ve been doing them and besides weight loss my skin is way better, I work in a fairy cooler my the cold dry air was constantly making me breakout but I haven’t had a single zit in a week, my gums have quit bleeding when I floss and the sleep improvement is an awesome bonus. I also have more energy to chase my 2 yr around. This incorporates real while food and exercise and water by far the best shake I’ve tried so far

      2. To Kristen- We (JP) partner with small to mid sized farmers who have agreed to abide by JP stringent guidelines for growing which includes being non-GMO. We check on the crops several times throughout the year to ensure that the non-GMO seeds we provide are being used and that the crops are free from heavy metals, mold, mildew, pesticides, herbicides, etc.. JP complete is super clean.

        Juice Plus+ Complete is a whole food based powdered drink mix that provides balanced nutrition in every scoop. Juice Plus+ Complete is made from all non-GMO ingredients and is 100% plant-based. It’s gluten free; it’s low in fat; it contains no cholesterol, artificial flavors, artificial colors, or preservatives.
        Get in touch if you want to know more-www.maryleeblackwell.juiceplus.com

        Ingredients (French Vanilla)
        Proprietary Protein Blend [Low Processed Soy Protein, Chickpea Powder, Pea Protein, Tofu Powder
        (soybeans, calcium sulfate), Rice Protein], Natural Sweetener Blend (organic evaporated cane juice,
        fructooligosaccharides, fructose, monkfruit extract, stevia), Proprietary Fiber Blend [Natural Gums
        (arabic and guar), Corn Fiber, Plant Cellulose, Inulin (from dahlia, chicory, and artichoke), Soy Fiber,
        Rice Bran, Apple Fiber, Pectin], Natural Flavor, Calcium (as citrate, phosphate, carbonate, ascorbate),
        Carrageenan, Proprietary Juice Powder Blend (pumpkin powder, pomegranate powder, spirulina
        powder, yucca powder), Salt, Ancient Grain Blend (broccoli sprout, alfalfa sprout, radish sprout,
        organic amaranth, organic quinoa, organic millet), Natural Enzyme Blend, rice maltodextrin,
        cornstarch, niacinamide, vitamin D₂, soy lecithin,

      3. Mary Lee I have an allergy to raw pumpkin seeds and pumpkin powder is made from the seeds ground up. Do you know what the concentration of pumpkin powder is in the JPEG complete? I do use the JP capsules and really like them.

  5. What’s In Vi-Shape?

    Tri-sorb protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals, digestive enzymes, calcium and more to promote nutritional wellness- fibersol and maltodextrin as well

    Non-GMO soy protein isolate supports heart-health

    Whey protein isolate and super-concentrated whey protein hydrolysate helps control hunger and support lean muscle

  6. Hi Vani, Do you know anything about PLEXUS supplements and their “Plexus Slim” product? I know lots of people who seem to love these products and I was curious if they are safe or junk? (They aren’t cheap!) Looking at their ingredient list, they don’t seem to have anything crazy in them, and even some things that I’ve seen in Dr. Mercola’s shakes and supplements, but I was curious if you’ve investigated these at all? Help!!

    1. My doc was actually the one to recommend Plexus to me. While the Plexus Slim (health supplement) product is not a meal replacement, the 96 shake supplement is a great on the go option as a support product but not necessary for the Slim to work.

    2. Here’s from the Plexus website…
      Answer: Maltodextrin and fructose are both commonly used fillers. There are many variations of these two ingredients. The maltodextrin variation we use is among the lowest glycemic index available. We use it rather than other fillers because it does not adversely affect the taste of the product. Over the years, some product companies have put taste on a back burner when it came to the formulation. Even though some people do acquire a taste for these products, most do not. We have seen many drinks that are very healthy but people stop taking them because they can’t gag them down day after day. We have seen drinks that taste fabulous but have extremely high glycemic indices, thus the taste deters from the product’s health benefits. Plexus Slim strikes the balance between tasting good and refreshing while still carrying a relatively low glycemic index.

      Hope that helps concerning the maltodextrin issue at least.

  7. I am shocked at all the people that are promoting the isagenix products! There are NUMEROUS synthetic vitamins in these, not to mention “natural flavors” and fructose! Here is the ingredients in just the isalean vanilla meal replacement shake. UMMM NO THANKS!!
    Ingredients: Exclusive Myo-IsaLean ComplexTM [whey protein concentrate (undenatured), milk protein concentrate (undenatured), low-heat nonfat
    dry milk], isomaltooligosaccharide powder, fructose, sunflower (Helianthus annuus) oil powder, natural flavors, olive (Olea europaea) oil powder, flax (Linum usitatissimum) seed powder, xanthan gum, tapioca maltodextrin, medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil powder, cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) powder, Ionic AlfalfaTM, magnesium oxide, tricalcium phosphate, potassium citrate, magnesium citrate, apple (Malus pumila)
    juice powder, sea salt, 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, vitamin E succinate, copper amino acid chelate, vitamin A (beta carotene), stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) leaf extract, 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)
    Contains milk ingredients.

    1. I don’t sell Isagenix. But I do use their products. As someone with extreme, chronic depression and severe anxiety, I’m not very good at eating proper meals and losing weight is extremely difficult for me. Isagenix has been a lifesaver and the only thing that has helped me shed pounds. I feel great on their products and my cholesterol is down, my anxiety is controlled better and I just feel good. So I’ll keep using it.

    2. I just wanted to note that bananas and most fruits we eat have fructose. Just because it is listed in Isagenix does not make it bad. If you do research on what most of those ingredients are and what they do for your body, you would be amazed at how good they are. I have recently started taking the products and will never give it up. They have literally changed my life and how I feel. As a bonus I am losing weight! Isagenix is all about getting rid of the toxins and helping you to be healthier.

      1. There’s a difference in processed fructose and any sugar found in fruits.

      1. I love Isagenix! The fructose is from organic beets and organic green apples. The whey is from New Zealand grass fed cows. There is nothing like it on the planet! I’ve lost 40+ lbs! dropped my body fat percentage a lot and no longer need to take blood pressure meds. Putting these products in my body have helped me gain lean muscle and lose fat. I can’t wait to see the results when I start working out! Right now, I just walk a few times per week. Oh … And I have been able to retire my husband. Ummmm … Yes, please!

      2. Gus – lesliemaltz.isagenix.com I’d be happy to show you how amazing these products and what they can do for your health and body.

    3. The fructose is from completely natural sources, and something I LOVE about Isagenix is that they are NOT promoting “low cal” products…because natural sugar in a balanced diet is good for you! It is all just…food! I have lost the last 5 kilos that I could never shed, but that wasn’t why I went on the products…have more energy and a whole lot less stress…even as a single mum with 3 kids 🙂

    4. Oh, and there is a vegan alternative, now too…for those wanting to avoid milk products because of intolerance or lifestyle 🙂 I normally shy well away from these ‘programs’…actually, I got bullied into it by my mum, who lost 18kgs and looks about 10 years younger than she did 6 months ago…she saw how much I was struggling after being recently divorced…now I seriously wouldn’t be without them..

    5. I saw your ingredient list and I’m not sure what it was in there that you didn’t like. It’s undenatured whey from grass-fed cows. Umm. YES! It’s mostly botanical ingredients. What’s wrong with it in your opinion?

  8. what a wonderful service your site provides the public! I would like to honor and thank you for leading the grassroots movement to demand health as a right for everyone, not just the rich. It amazes me that corporations think they have the right to poison people in the name of profit! could you please do the research on the two new vegan formulas of Shakeology? If their vegan formula does not contain animal whey protein it would seem they would not contain rbgh or heavy metals? that would leave their only crime as refined sugar, not too bad?

    1. Did you get a response on the Vegan Shakeology? There is definitely NO GMO in this shake. Over 70 Amazing Ingredients… The best shake you will find in North America! Super high in Whole Foods! You could live off this shake… 🙂

      1. TY for responding to my post! I have not received a response from foodbabe yet, I know it is a lot to ask for answers to every little question out there, and I hate that I don’t have the resources to find out on my own! Shakeology certainly has a wonderful spin. I just wanted some facts beyond the sales pitch. Hope it is all true! Thank you again, candace

      2. Sorry to tell you but Shakeology is made with GMO products. Nothing on Shakeology.com mentions Non-GMO anywhere. Can you find it on their site for me??? Stop telling people its the healthiest shake in North America when it is clearly NOT

      3. To Louie,
        No where on Shakeology.com does it mention that it IS made with GMO products. Team Beachbody has officially stated the following about Shakeology and GMO: “They are not certified GMO-Free. However, special care has been taken in the formulation of all supplements to exclude GMO based ingredients such as soy, canola and corn. The supplier is required to provide documentation to Beachbody on their position on GMO ingredients. The possibility of obtaining a third party certification is currently being evaluated for Shakeology.” Find out what else Food Babe blew out of proportion about Shakeology here: http://www.onesteptoweightloss.com/shakeology-review-response

    1. I want to follow this thread. I drank a bode chocolate shake and had an allergic reaction to it. My symptoms were nausea, diarrhea, nose swelled shut and ears popped and a rash. The nasal swelling went down with Benadryl and the rash hung around for 24 hours. The only food allergy I have is MSG which causes cramps and diarrhea 30 min after consumption last about an hour then gone. I notice natural flavor is high up on ingredients list….could MSG be in a protein shake??

      1. I think they have to list MSG if it’s in the ingredients. I have been drinking Vemma bod-e for over a year now…one a day. I feel good on it and love the taste, but now I’m worried that it might not be healthy. I hope food babe can let us know. Judy, I’m sorry you had such a bad reaction.

    1. I am also interested in hearing the response on juice plus. Please let me know when food babe answers.

    2. We (JP) partner with small to mid sized farmers who have agreed to abide by JP stringent guidelines for growing which includes being non-GMO. We check on the crops several times throughout the year to ensure that the non-GMO seeds we provide are being used and that the crops are free from heavy metals, mold, mildew, pesticides, herbicides, etc.. JP complete is super clean.

      Juice Plus+ Complete is a whole food based powdered drink mix that provides balanced nutrition in every scoop. Juice Plus+ Complete is made from all non-GMO ingredients and is 100% plant-based. It’s gluten free; it’s low in fat; it contains no cholesterol, artificial flavors, artificial colors, or preservatives.
      Get in touch if you want to know more-www.maryleeblackwell.juiceplus.com

      Ingredients (French Vanilla)
      Proprietary Protein Blend [Low Processed Soy Protein, Chickpea Powder, Pea Protein, Tofu Powder
      (soybeans, calcium sulfate), Rice Protein], Natural Sweetener Blend (organic evaporated cane juice,
      fructooligosaccharides, fructose, monkfruit extract, stevia), Proprietary Fiber Blend [Natural Gums
      (arabic and guar), Corn Fiber, Plant Cellulose, Inulin (from dahlia, chicory, and artichoke), Soy Fiber,
      Rice Bran, Apple Fiber, Pectin], Natural Flavor, Calcium (as citrate, phosphate, carbonate, ascorbate),
      Carrageenan, Proprietary Juice Powder Blend (pumpkin powder, pomegranate powder, spirulina
      powder, yucca powder), Salt, Ancient Grain Blend (broccoli sprout, alfalfa sprout, radish sprout,
      organic amaranth, organic quinoa, organic millet), Natural Enzyme Blend, rice maltodextrin,
      cornstarch, niacinamide, vitamin D₂, soy lecithin,

  9. All of you might want to check out the Unjury web site. They sell medical grade protein in different flavors. I also think it is important to check the PDCAAS score of protein powders. Unjury has a score of 100.

  10. Hi I started taking the Thrive supplements and meal replacement shakes about 6 weeks ago. These are non GMO, gluten free and suppose to be all natural, would you mind checking them out, there is a pdf on their website with the info, I wasn’t sure how to attach it. Also you take on the product if you have already tried it
    would be much appreciated. Thanks so much.

  11. You mention EAS Myoplex. Would the same be true for EAS Lean 15 or EAS 100% Whey Protein?

  12. I drink on occasion Green Foods True Vitality. I never trust a book by its cover. Of course this container states GF, no dairy, soy or Gmo’s. Food babe can you help?

  13. I’ve been drinking EAS Advantage Edge for a year and I suddenly had an allergic reaction after drinking one from new case I just purchased. Within 20 min I started sneezing eyes itchy and my throat started swelling and eyes blew up also. I took Benadryl but it got worse & went to hospital. Took 5 hours on steroid IV along with Prilosec & oxygen to get me home. Has anyone else experienced this? Why now after basically one shake a day?

  14. Hi FoodBabe, I was propositioned on twitter on whether Id be interested in selling juice plus shakes or capsules. I told the sender I wasn’t interested because I figured it was a scam or the product was crap. But I was thinking I could at least listen to their offer to see if it sounds like a scam. But most importantly, I don’t want any part of bringing a bad product to market that is billed as health food. Are you familiar with the juice plus brand? If so, can you offer me your comments on the integrity of the product? If you say there is anything wrong with it, I won’t waste my time. If you give the product your blessing, I will engage the sender to see what they have to offer. I trust your word, after all, you are the food babe. Thanks

  15. 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!

  16. My Essante Organics shake is good and only full of real food. Nothing to hide and nothing nasty. Plus it’s organic,toxic free, wild crafted,ph balanced, and GMO free. People for sure need to take a hard look at what is in ALL of their products from food to skin care to house hold cleaners. There is a lot out there that could be killing you. This is a sad truth. Thanks for your effort on this food babe!

  17. Hi Vanni,
    I follow you on Facebook and find all of your articles incredibly helpful and informative. I’m a personal trainer and am probably one if the few trainers that DOES NOT recommend fad shakes to my clients. I promote eating real food. My question to you is what is your opinion on this NEW VISI product that is now hitting like a storm. I know people who sold Body By Vi and now they are selling Visi. Just want your input on this one. Thanks!!

    1. Christina,

      Whats so WAY off base … please post a link where you can show me you’re right …. you must be in love with their GMO products … Also any product that has a WARNING to keep out of the rech of children IS NOT SAFE!!!! … but thanks for playing, MORON

  18. I have been taking vishakes for 3 months. Do they affect mens sperm since it has Soy?

  19. Help. Has anyone seen any info from Food Babe on the protein powder called “The Virgin Diet”? I have been desperate to replace my body by Vii and tried lots of healthy alternatives. This one actually tastes really good. Thanks for any info.

  20. Protein shakes have its own pros and cons. I believe that drinking this shake in moderation will have a good outcome in your body but if you use this almost every day, you might feel different side effects. Let’s be more careful with what we take. 🙂

    1. Yes–I would also like to know if anyone has any thoughts on Costco’s Orgain organic vegan based protein powder?

  21. I want to know your thoughts on Juice Plus too! They say that they use all non gmo soy but I am not sure about ingesting soy because of all the estrogen in soy. Thoughts?

    We are actually using the Julian Bakery Primal whey protien shake (grass fed-hormone free,pesticide free, chemical free and undergoes nomina processing) Non GMO, no wheat, gluten or preservatives, at the moment and I just got talked into Juice Plus shakes. I had no idea the amount of soy in them, it makes me nervous.

    1. I’m a three -time breast cancer survivor (33 years) and I’ve been using JP+ for 14 years and the JP+ Complete for as long as it’s been out (10+ years?). M.D. Anderson, one of the top cancer hospitals in the Country, used the JP+ and the JP+ Complete in a gold standard study with a controlled group of ovarian cancer patients. Also, many medical professionals recommend it to their patients, but I personally know of an oncologist in Montgomery, AL who recommends it to his cancer patients.
      The JP+ Complete Protein Powder is a non-GMO, plant protein and has a perfect PDCAAS score of 1.
      If you want more information, let me know.

  22. I’ve been using Shaklee for over 15 years and am a register dietitian. The topic and idea of GMOs terrifies me. After doing some research of my own, I noticed that Shaklee’s 180 protein contains soy lecithin (not the soy protein source which is non-GMO). Soy lecithin is one of the top 20 GMO ingredients which motivated me to call Shaklee product support. The gal on the phone told me that Shaklee products as a whole are not non-GMO and that GMO ingredients are used in some of their products. This is very startling news! I will not be attending conference, but, when u do, please investigate Shaklee’s stand on GMOs.
    Lastly, for clarification, Natural does not mean organic. But, organic does mean non-GMO.

  23. Herbalife has a GMO-free soy shake now – certified to be GMO free, FYI. They also have 3 different shakes that do not contain soy (Allergen-free is a pea/rice/sesame protein and the entire 24-line is whey/cassein based… all NSF approved).

    1. I would like to know this answer also! Vemma Bod-e shakes are delicious, but I want to make sure they are safe.

  24. I use Rainbow Light shakes. They are not made with any allergens, no corn, no soy, no diary. And it’s inexpensive. It has spirulina in it. Great shake and tastes great!!! They are vegan certified and are also part of the non GMO project verification program. 🙂

  25. When I was on a meal replacement diet nearly 5 years ago I lost weight very well but I discovered a lump on my forearm which turned out to be a rare cancer. I have wondered whether my dieting could have caused this. I am now very concerned about processed powdered meal replacements and concerned about protein shakes. I am also concerned that too much protein can damage the body. I wonder if anyone has been diagnosed with cancer after having meal replacement diets.

  26. What do you think of the Vemma Bod-e shakes? can you tell me how their whey protein is processed? ( I have seen several people ask this question but can not find an answer.) Thank you for your help with this.
    diane

  27. I have a question for you. I am using Garden of Life protein powder here in Canada and was wondering if they are healthy, GMO free etc. Would you be interested in looking into that? I would greatly appreciate it.

    Best regards,
    Jaclyn Hill
    Toronto, Canada

  28. I have recently bought Plant Fusion from Whole Foods and it tastes really good. What are your thoughts on this product? Thanks Vani!

  29. What do you know about JJ Virgin Shakes. We love them, but I am not sure if they are gmo free. I think they are free of everything else.
    thanks,

  30. Hi, I’ve just started going to the gym and saw how everyone had their protein shakes in hand. I was thinking about starting to drink protein shakes too your article was really helpful to me, some great info
    Thanks 🙂

  31. Does anyone know if Orgain Protein Powder contains msg? I’m very sensitive to msg (terrible migraines), and bought a large container at Costco – but now see references online to ALL protein shakes containing msg….has me worried.
    Thanks!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

food babe with grocery cart - footer image