Years ago, I started adding a very delicious vanilla whey protein to my smoothies that I got from GNC. I was religious about using this one brand, and when they suddenly discontinued it, I became outraged! I called every GNC in town searching high and low for it. It was the best tasting whey protein on the market and I didn’t want to go on a hunt for another kind. Well… long story short, I got to the bottom of why they discontinued it – the health department found rat droppings in samples of the protein at the manufacturing plant! WHAT. I’d been drinking rat droppings for all those years? @#$%&%&*^%^$$!
Needless to say, I have never looked at protein powders the same again. I research the heck out of them before I ever consider putting them in my body.
The key to finding a high quality protein powder is figuring out the right questions to ask…. Is it organic and free of pesticides? Is it GMO free? How is it processed? Does the processing retain its nutritional quality, vitamins and minerals? Does it contain artificial or refined sugars? Do they have heavy metals?
Yes…I said heavy metals. Consumer Reports conducted an eye-opening investigation that revealed that several popular highly processed protein powders like Myoplex, Muscle Milk, Designer Whey and GNC brand all contained arsenic, cadmium, and lead. Yikes.
This is just another reason why it is incredibly important to know what you are buying, where it is from and how it is produced.
So today…I want to share with you my Food Babe approved list of protein powders that are free of pesticides, GMOs, all those nasty chemicals and other grossities…
- Organic Plant Protein Superfood 30 Shake ($39.99 from Nutiva for 18 servings) – Nutiva’s shake is made from certified organic whole food plant proteins – no processed whey or isolated soy and contains 20 grams of protein per serving! This shake is a blend of organic pea, pumpkin, sunflower, chia, hemp and sacha inchi proteins, along with 30 superfoods including reishi mushroom, baobab, moringa, kale, hawthorn berry, purple corn, sea buckthorn, kelp and cinnamon. It also tastes amazing, despite having no fake flavors, nasty chemical additives, and only 2g of sugar per serving. Unlike other protein manufacturers that never tell you what’s in their “natural” or “organic” flavors, Nutiva uses an organic flavor where they actually list what’s in it – vs. hiding it! All of these ingredients are ORGANIC too – so they are not using Roundup-Ready GMO corn and they use all organic ingredients to make the carriers for the flavors! This is a huge deal – not just with transparency, but the high level quality of each ingredient they choose. Also note – the sugars in the product come mostly from plants and fruits – not added sugar or stevia (which I think makes most protein powders taste kinda too sweet and some nasty!) I’m so happy that Nutiva formulated the BEST plant protein powder out there!
- Tera’s Organic Whey ($25 from Amazon for 12 servings) – There’s a lot of controversy about whether or not to consume whey within the health food community and from what I have researched – the benefits of consuming whey are valid for muscle building, muscle recovery and weight management. It just depends on what kind of whey you get and from where. You either you can pick low quality heat processed alkalinity stripping whey protein isolate – or you can pick cold processed whole food whey concentrate made from organic fed cows not treated with growth hormones or antibiotics. Tera’s whey is actually made in small batches and takes considerable care in how the whey is processed. Tera’s whey also comes in some very delicious flavors like blueberry and coffee that are real food based – not loaded with ambiguous “natural flavors.”(One caveat, I’d like to mention – if you decide to go with a whey protein, it’s crucial to maintain a diet high in other plant-based foods. This whey, although a good product that retains its nutritional profile, can be acid forming in large quantities just like a diet with an over emphasis on meat and dairy. Remember keeping your body alkaline is key to avoiding disease and eating a diet full of plant based foods is the only way to keep it that way.)
- Nutiva’s Hemp Protein – ($21.99 for 30 servings) – The ingredient label of this very nutritional protein supplement has one beautiful ingredient “organic hemp seeds.” This protein powder may not be for everyone, because the taste is definitely something to get used to. But when combined with the right tasty ingredients like fruit, raw cacao and/or almond butter, it can be very appetizing. Finding the right balance of hemp protein to additional ingredients is the key to enjoying this rich in Omega 3 fatty acid supplement.
I’d love to know if you have tried any of these before or found any protein powders you like better. Please leave a comment and let me (and others) know.
Bottoms up!
Vani
Updated 08/25/2016 to include new Nutiva protein powder and remove others I no longer use because they contain stevia and gums.
I have been using IT WORKS! Ultimate PROFIT Advanced Superfood Nutrition. It is GF, hormone & BSE free, no sugar added with high bioavailability and BCAA. We make not only smoothies but brownies too…
I have been using Isagenix Isalean Protien. Organic undenatured whey protein from New Zeland. 98% bioavailable. No chemicals , no GMO’s. Available in either 24g or 36g of awesome protein joined with live active enzymes , probiotics, vitamins. & minerals to create a wonderfully nutritious superfood that fuels you for hours! I will NEVER look elsewhere…i have found the BEST!
Also available in vegan made from Pea & hemp protein.
I agree the Isagenix Products are processed well and taste good, but they contain a lot of Niacin and B vitamins which can lead to nerve and liver damage.
I just purchased the Isgenix System, which includes the Whey protein powder. After following the program for one week – which includes two protein shakes per day – I developed peripheral neuropathy as a result of vitamin B toxicity (overdose of Niacin and vitamin B). The Isagenix products do not come with any warnings or information about vitamin B toxicity. For me, this completely undermines the company’s claim to be a leader in nutritional health.
I would just be warmed about Isagenix, the possibility for vitamin B toxicity. I will never use their products again.
I would not worry about high levels of B vitamins as they are water soluble. Perhaps you could have some mild symptoms if you were over-supplementing with a B complex or specific B vitamin while drinking this shake. As long as you have a high enough water intake and monitor your supplements you should be fine. 🙂
Hey Andrea!
I wanted to chime in with Purium Health Products too. They are 100% organic, non-GMO superfood goodness with a 60-day money back, no questions asked guarantee! (a good number of products are vegan)
They also sell the 10 day Celebrity transformation pack, where you lose 5-15 lbs in just 10 days. I’ve only done it once (on my second, as I type), and I lost 12lbs of stubborn fat. It was pretty wonderful.
Hope this helps anyone on the quest for superior health!
<3 Jackie
http://www.mypurium.com/jaxie
It Works = bad: GMO, soy protein, maltodextrine, whey protein isolates, antibiotics, rBGH
My understanding is that Shakeology and ViSalus ar not vegan, not 100% certified organic, contain GMOs, and are not soy free. Shakeology is also not 100% dairy free and ViSalus contains artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners.
I’ve read that Shakeology has some vegan options but visalus does not.
Visalus is non-GMO; it is vegetarian but not vegan; the isoflavones have been removed from the soy.
Shakeology does have vegan but both shakeology & visalus have chemicals 🙁
What chemicals are in Shakeology? Can you share any links from reputable resources?
What chemicals? My understanding is there are no chemicals in shakeology and it comes in two vegan formulas chocolate and tropical strawberry which are pure plant based. http://JohnKSwanson.com
Every thing is made up of chemicals so I’m not sure what you mean by your comment. Food Babe doesn’t like it because 2 of the ingredients are not certified organic; and she doesn’t like that is sweetened with Non-GMO fructose and stevia blend. Here is a link to the nutrition facts for the regular chocolate flavor. There are also vegan formulas available too. http://images.beachbody.com/tbb/shakeology/PDFs/Chocolate/shakeology_supplement_facts_chocolate.pdf
I used to use Visalus and just didn’t feel that great on it. Too many artificial chemicals. :((
I have since found ISAGENIX and LOVE it! ISAGENIX is very CLEAN and HEALTHY. No chemicals , no GMO’s. Organic undenatured whey protein from New Zeland. 98% bioavailable. Available in either 24g or 36g of CLEAN protein. It is joined with live active enzymes , probiotics, vitamins. & minerals to create a nutritious superfood. Great for weight loss, athletes, and/or those wanting a healthier lifestyle free of chemicals!! Many Gluten-free options as well. 🙂 LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!
Arbonne uses pea protein, not whey, and is vegan certified.
Arbonne products are also non- GMO.
What do you think of rockin wellness?
I use the Garden of Life Raw Organic Green Superfood w/cacao and Plant Fusion vanilla bean mixed together (add flax meal, chia seeds and hemp seeds and water) – this is my lunch most days 🙂
I start each day with Garden of Life Raw Organic Superfood w/cacao as well. Here is my recipe:
2 cups of filtered water
One scoop of Garden of Life Raw Organic Superfood w/cacao
One tbsp Now Brewers Yeast
Two tbsp raw almonds soaked
One Medjool date pitted
One tbsp coconut palm sugar
One banana
One tsp chia seeds
One tsp hemp seeds
One tsp bee pollen
One tbsp raw cacao nibs
One tsp maca powder
Eight filtered water ice cubes
Blend in a high power blender and enjoy
What do you mix all of that in and what setting Sandra?
I use a Vitamix and blend for 30 seconds on high. When berries are in season, I substitute the banana with some berries of personal choice.
Garden of Life Raw Meal isn’t bad, however it contains Folic Acid, the chemically man made version of Folate. Try Vega One (contains folate, gmo free, vegan, no artificial flavors sweeteners or colors). if you do your research on it and find they had a recall, it was only because the FDA found naturally occuring antibiotics in some of their powders. Everything should be fine now, especially considering you can buy it online.
You should look into Prime 90 protein from Zija. Plant based, all natural, organic, hala and kosher certified. The protein comes from the moringa tree and is the only one that contains live enzymes.
Zija does claim to have Organic Moringa in their products but does not make any claims concering all the additional additves.
Why doesn’t Vega make the cut?
I was wondering the same thing.
Check out this one: http://www.wholefoodsrevolution.com/nikken. Kenzen Vital Balance is the healthiest replacement I’ve found anywhere with so many amazing benefits including cognitive help and probiotics and lacking all those things we don’t want to be putting in our bodies. And it tastes great!
Dr. Mercola sells a great one!
I like RAW fit protein and also Warrior’s blend
What do you think of protein powder products from Herbalife?
I use Nutiva Raw Shelled Hemp Seed. Very high in protein and a great price per serving with Amazon Prime. The taste is excellent and perfect for our breakfast smoothies. The kids love it and so do I!
Vani- my nutritionist recommnends ‘Designs for Health’ Pea Protein powder. Heard of it?
I have an account with Designs for Health and thoroughly questioned the company about their products before trying them or recommending them to my clients. Both the Peatein and the Dairy-free Paleomeal which is made with the pea protein are clean choices and both are non-GMO and vegan. I also appreciate that they require someone to be a licensed professional to have an account with them and provide excellent training to their account holders, rather than being a multi-level marketing company that allows anyone to become a “health expert” to make money.
Awesome! Thank you!
I can only speak for Beachbody coaches because that’s what I am, but we do NOT ever claim to be, nor does the company claim to make us “health experts.” We are not that and encouraged not to act as if we are. We act as fitness & health mentors and just offer support to people who choose to undertake a workout program or drink Shakeology. Just wanted to clarify that.
Try Arbonne protein powder. They are dairy free, glutin free, vegan certified,. There are no GMO, Afrifical flavors, surfers or colors. I love it and I lost 10 pounds in two weeks while using Arbonne!
Vega got recalled by the FDA:
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm374392.htm
I’m happy to see that the protein powder we’re using in our family is your number three pick! We use Nutiva’s raw hemp seed as well. 🙂
Sun warrior, warrior blend. I have only tried vanilla.
What about sunwarrior?! Much better tasting and easier to mix than these, also non gmo vegan etc
I’ve tried the warrior blends protein powder and I thought it tasted awful. I love shakeology vanilla. I thought I had read every possible thing about it so I’m shocked to find out it is not organic. Not sure I would change though. Thanks for this article.
I love the Vanilla Shakeology too! It is so versatile! I just tried chia seeds, almond milk, plump frozen blueberries and a tbsp. of peanut butter in my Magic Bullet..! WOW! (got that idea from Food Network commercial). It was Smooth, Thick, Very filling and surprisingly Tastey. I had it for breakfast and wasn’t hungry again until afternoon snack!
Kathy and Barb Duncan…new Strawberry flavor is being released January 13.
Shakeology: Refined sugar, whey protein isolate, rBGH
I LOVE Isagenix Isalean Protien and I have tried many! ISAGENIX is very CLEAN and HEALTHY. No chemicals , no GMO’s. Organic undenatured whey protein from New Zeland. 98% bioavailable. Available in either 24g or 36g of awesome protein joined with live active enzymes , probiotics, vitamins. & minerals to create a nutritious superfood that works. Great for weight loss, athletes, and/or those wanting to just change to a healthier lifestyle!! Many Gluten-free options as well. 🙂 LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!
I live the Jukce Plus Complete! It is non gmo soy and great taste.
Of the ones you recommend I have only tried Tera. My opinion? Tastes a little too earth, a little bit like dirt
I like Vega Sport which is plant based, dairy/gluten&soy free and no added sugars. It’s delicious!
I have been using Isagenix Isalean Protien. Organic undenatured whey protein from New Zeland. (Also available in vegan made from pea & hemp protein) 98% bioavailable. No chemicals , no GMO’s. Available in either 24g or 36g of awesome protein joined with live active enzymes , probiotics, vitamins. & minerals to create a wonderfully nutritious superfood that fuels you for hours! I will NEVER look elsewhere…i have found the BEST!
Another high quality non GMO protein powder is by UNIKEY
https://secure.thehealthychef.com/shop/product/organic-pea-protein
I love this organic pea protein. Alkalising for my system to. They also do a great organic green superfoods powder.
The Sunwarrior products use a rice protein powder from Axiom technologies which GMO contaminated Rice and its loaded with Roundup/Glyphosate. Sine the husk of the rice is used as the protein source.. the husk is the most contaminated with roundup.. Sunwarrior is a very dangerous product and can damage your health and wreak havoc with your hormones.
I was wondering if you could share your source? I specifically bought sunwarrior because it is raw, vegan protein that contains no gluten, soy, dairy, or gmo’s.
Thank you for doing all the work for us! Question, I believe all of these are mixes, I buy a brand from Costco that are individually packaged ready to
Go drinks. I do like the results and love the convenience factor but assume they aren’t good for me. Have you done any research on the individual drinks?
I have used many brands in the past. I too started researching all available companies. In the end I have found Isagenix to have the best quality and business practices out there. No compromise. It is all that I recommend.
So glad to see mine made the list:) I use the Raw Protein (Chocolate) in my smoothies:) it is very good. Thank you for keeping us informed!
My husband & I have been using Garden of Life Raw for about 1 year. We make our breakfast shake with the chocolate flavor, almond milk, organic ginger root & organic cinnamon! It is very good, as well as, healthy!
Like a few others, I would also like to know why Shakeology didn’t make your list. Because it is a complete meal, rather than just a protein drink? Thanks again for your investigational work!
Thank you for the protein information! Can you recommend the best vitamin/mineral supplement for adults and children? Also, the best prebiotic/probiotic supplement as well? Thank you!
I have an incredible probiotic ….. http://www.healthblessings.myqivana.com click on join and get the wholesale price. It is “trisphere coated” meaning it has 3 layers of coating to protect the probiotic from getting attacked from the acid and the bile in your body and actually gets DELIVERED to your small intestines – 1 billion guaranteed. The best!!! Many people with IBS, Chrons, Diverticulitus, etc. getting amazing results!
Can you tell me if you have reviewed any of Dr. Mercola’s protein powders?
I LOVE Juice Plus complete! Better than organic, no toxins, metals, chemicals, humanely and ethically resourced, NSF certified (Olympic athletes allowed to take) non GMO minimal processing, live sprouted enzymes superfoods vegan GF whole food based and is by far the BEST tasting, seriously like cake. Got rid of a cravings and lots of energy. Changed my unhealthy dads life. Can only get from distrib, check it out at http://www.Delaney.juiceplus.com
I use Qivana’s METABOLIQ shake http://www.qivanaproducts.com – 98% organic protein from New Zealand, has stevia and raw cane sugar in it – comes in vanilla and chocolate and is absolutely delicious! CORRECTS METABOLISM and was designed by Dr. Donald K. Layman, who has over 100 peer reviews, has designed the WORLD’S ONLY System designed to correct while you maintain your lean body mass, build muscle, and burn fat. Many people, including myself LOVE it and it has helped changed their lives drastically. I’d love to hear your thoughts. I admire your work!
If there is anyone interested, go to http://www.healthblessings.myqivana.com and click join and become a preferred customer at wholesale prices.
Have you checked out Svelt, Jarrow, and Orgain products? I’d love your take on these.
You should look into Perfect Fit Protein. Vegan, non gmo, gluten and dairy free, organic & DELICIOUS.
I agree, look into Perfect Fit Protein for Mandy & I!
I would love to see you do research into Proteinfactory.com they have great proteins and some of the, are suppose to be go free and some are organic. But I would love to see what you come up with
Bio trust has a great low carb powder that tastes great! Check it out: http://www.biotrust.com. Great company with great products. It Works is good too Andrea. 🙂
I use Body by vi….it gluten free, lactose free, non gmo, low sodium, low fat, low sugar (less than 1gram), it tastes good, you can make over 90 recipes with the mix and it affordable!!!!!! I’ve lost the weight I wanted to lose and now I take it to maintain my weight and for the nutrition. Love this product and I recommend it to anyone looking for a healthy solution to lose weight! Check out the website:
http://www.sharingiscaring.bodybyvi.com
What do you know about the JuicePlus complete product?
Complete Shakes from Juice Plus must be a well kept secret, because they should totally be on this list. Non-GMO, natural sweetners, whole foods, dairy and gluten free! There are five differnt sources of plant protien. More affordable than many on this list. Check them out! staceyhastings.juiceplus.com
Thanks for the post, its really helpful!
Everyone is one here talking “claims” like non-GMO, organic, soy-free, grass-fed, etc. But guess what? NONE of these claims really matter if the protein’s original conformation (structure) was destroyed/denatured during the processing. Yes, a clean source (non-GMO, rGBH hormone-free, truly pasture-fed) is also critical, but even the best source can be destroyed nutritionally, especially when it comes to the incredible immune components found in fresh raw whey (Immunoglobulin G IgG, Lactoferrin Lf, glutamalcysteine, etc). Since the FDA does not currently regulate or define the claim “non-denatured”, any company can say this even if the final product is only 1 % non-denatured. The PROOF of true quality is found in the final product’s test results. Yet, hardly any company is willing or interested in showing you their actual final product’s test results. Why? It would reveal how their so-called “incredible quality” protein has been virtually destroyed during the processing. Sure it might be non-GMO and Organic, but it’s DEAD! If you truly want the best, demand PROOF of the final product’s test results. Otherwise, you could be buying the “best quality” DEAD protein on the market. That’s why I personally spent two years developing Action Whey with BioCysteine3. I encourage you to take a look: http://www.LivingWhey.com P.S. Whatever you do, please do not consume ANY kind of protein that is an “Isolate”….ever! But even when a concentrate or whole protein is used, demand proof of quality… don’t fall victim to the claim game.
I am surprised no one mentioned “One World Whey” so far. I used Isagenix for years, but I like One World Whey better. http://www.oneworldwhey.com
Just wanted to follow up on my comment. I just read an article from Mike Adams at Natural News. Here is a link to the article: http://www.naturalnews.com/043617_One_World_Whey_clean_protein_heavy_metals_lab_tests.html
No wonder I like One World Whey so much!!!
Has anyone looked into where the ingredients for these superfoods are being grown? The recent radiation cloud/shower from Japan on California could be harvested into many organic fields now….How will we know?
I was thinking of trying to sources products from Chile or elsewhere.
Thoughts? Suggestions? I have a rare muscular disease and found this site today, so I am a newbie in need of true nutritional help for my damaged muscle cells.
Thank you!!
What are your thoughts on pea protein?
I’ve been using The Virgin Diet Protein Shake from JJ Virgin. Non-GMO, organic and free of the foods the most people have an intolerance to. Such as eggs, dairy, grains… Anyone know anything about it?
@ Food Babe
I shared your blog with a friend & she wants to know what’s in the green “shake” you have in the picture. Mind sharing?
Thanks so much!!
I’m using #4 but I find this very gritty. Any suggestions?
Great article. Thanks for posting. I have used the Garden of Life Raw and enjoyed it mixed with frozen fruit. I have been using Isagenix plant based powder which I get online at http://www.andreabidney.isagenix.com
I would love to have you review it as well for your blog. They also have a great whey protein.
I just found out that Vega Sport and Garden of Life purchase some of their ingredients from China. I contacted both companies and I was really disappointed. I really don’t want to consume product from other countries, especially ingredients from polluted ones. I’m very curious what other people think about this situation. Maybe I’m being too overboard, but concerned. Is their a vegan protein powder where all the ingredients come from the USA??? Thank you
Yes…warrior blend!
The best.
I have been on it for two years…nothing better.