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.
Hi Food Babe,
I am curious about Stevia…I noticed that it is one of the ingredients in your #1 protein powder. My sister-in-law recently told me she found out that raw whole stevia leaf is actually very toxic and studies have shown animals that have consumed it had cases of birth abnormalities. I wish I had the actual resource to share. I would LOVE to hear your thoughts! Thanks!
What about The Organic Whey http://theorganicwhey.com/ I haven’t tried it yet but have wanted to.
I’ve tried this and think it is great, and great ingredients, but wanted to know what food babe thought.
Glad to hear you like it. I would like to hear what Food Babe thinks too.
I love The Organic Whey!! What do you think?
Where can I send you information on another shake that I would highly recommend you try? Thanks
Biotrust Protein
– 100% All-Natural, Hormone-Free
– No Artificial Colors, Sweeteners or Flavors
– Time-Released Four-Protein Blend
– Only 4g of Net Carbs Per Serving!
http://biotrust.com/Shop.asp?p=LowCarb
I like BioTrust too. Have you checked it out, FoodBabe?
Would you consider looking into Juice Plus’ Complete Shake mix? I would like to know how you think it stacks up. Thanks.
I have been using the Xyngular line of supplemeents for almost 2 years now. I would be interested in your evaluation of the products. While using them I have lost 80+ pounds, my hemaglobin A1c has gone from 6.0 to 5.2, so I am no longer a borderline diabetic. I have noticed a great increase in my health & my energy levels. My mom started using the products 10 months ago and has been able to stop taking all of her diabetes medications and she has lost ove 70 lbs. I am interested in what you think of this line of products. Thanks!
I agree with Lana. I’d love to email you the ingredient info and some information on the newly formulated Juice Plus Complete Shake mix. It has a variety of vegetable based protein and other fruits and veggies! Just let me know!
I did a 30 day raw food challenge back in August and started using Garden Of Life. I still continue to use the protein. I like the vanilla and chocolate. It mixes well even without a blender. The Raw Meal is very filling.
I have used all protein powders sold on Dr. Mercola’s website and have been very pleased.
I just checked this out on Dr. M’s website… looks awesome, but expensive. ouch.
I have used Sun Warrior Warrior Blend Raw Plant-Based Complete Protein Powder ~ Vanilla ~ in the past. Additionally, I have also used Vitamin Shoppe’s Soy-Free Vegetable Protein. I wonder what your research reveals about these products. I typically try to avoid soy products. Thank you for sharing this information!
I’ve started using Arbonne protein shake powder b/c it has vegan ingredients. I know that vegan does not equal health though. Would love your thoughts on this: http://www.arbonnemarketing.com/PK/dl/pk/2069_us_eng.pdf
Arbonne has many icky ingredients in it!!!
Sue i would like to know what “icky” ingredients you think are in Arbonne vegan protein powder?
sorry Sara… stupid auto correct
Hey everybody…Arbonne ingredients consist of fructose, sucrose, stevia (which many people think is fine – i’m on the fence but maybe because I hate the taste), sunflower oil, soy lecithin, cornstarch, and the worst offender…canola oil. Also, the “gums” are hard on a lot of people’s tummies. Sunflower oil would depend on the heating process. Corn & soy are difficult for many people to digest and are just cheap fillers. Canola is GMO and isn’t even food. Fructose and artificial sugars have few redeeming qualities. I guess I’m a “real food” girl, so that’s where some of my issue lies as well. Not against protein powders – but some are certainly better than others and I don’t like companies who claim to be something they aren’t. I say this all with love. Honestly 🙂
Sara not sure where you are getting your info on the Arbonne protein, have you seen the actual package? There is no soy in it!
I would be interested in what you think about Arbonne as I have a friend that sells it and wanted me to try it out. I do not care for Stevia and that is what they use to sweeten it. Pros’ and Con’s??? Thanks!
Amy, I like the taste. I blend a banana (sometimes frozen) and use almond or soy milk instead of water and it comes out like a thick yummy milkshake. Ask your friend for a single serving packet to try. I don’t care for stevia in coffee’s etc but I don’t notice it in the shake.
I’d say a con in the price…
I don’t know enough about their Protein Matrix Blend to say if it’s bad. Sara above says there are many icky ingredients but I don’t know what they are as nothing I see seems unusual, other than the use of natural flavoring. I’m no scientist though! Sara, if you have more info on what is considered “icky” I’d be interested in an expanded explanation.
I’d also like to know about the Arbonne shake. I like the taste and had a pharmacist and chiropractor tell me what an excellent product it is.
It is an excellent product! I have heard from a nutrition expert who has to be extremely careful with what she eats because of her personal health challenges, as well as a doctor, who both think Arbonne’s protein is awesome. Combined with the fiber and digestive enzymes from Arbonne it can make a world of difference in people’s lives. I myself have lost 20 pounds by using these combined with clean eating and I’ll never look back!
Arbonne powders have corn starch as a filler…I was grossed out when I saw that…not healthy at all.
Have you ever tried Vega Sport? I buy it at Mom’s Organic and really like the taste. I am curious what you think of it and how it compares to the ones you mentioned above.
Thanks,
Lynn
I had also been using a gnc brand and looked around. I found Vega protein powders to be a great tasting plant based protein powder.
I am also curious about your thoughts on the Vega product Vani! I have read and follow Brendan Brazier’s Thrive Diet (he is the creator of the Vega products) & have always wondered if his products truly practice what he preaches (or really hoping that they do follow his practices!!), complete whole food plant based organic diet… he is someone that I admire as an athlete myself!
i’m curious about the stevia as well. i know they process the heck out of it for it to become a calorie-free sweetener, but i’ve never too much about the actual plant. i’m assuming that it’s the actual leaf in the powder?
I was also going to ask about Dr Mercola…especially the Miracle Whey. He stresses whey protein concentrate, as opposed to isolate. Earlier comments in this thread have reported the opposite! These things get very confusing…
I was wondering your thoughts on Natural Factors brand Whey Protein. I have been using it for a while because it looked better than a lot of the other brands I’ve seen. No added sugar, artificial sweetners and GMO free. I’m guess because it’s not certified organic – it wouldn’t be on your list? Just curious on your thoughts.
My husband likes both Sun Warriror and Plant Fusion protein powder and they are both plant based…have you heard of them?
You are absolutely right about the hemp protein. Healthy but… takes some getting used to the taste, to put it nicely. lol 🙂 I buy their hemp seeds ( still strong tasting if you use a lot or don’t have the right blend of things to mix it with ) and blend it with almond butter ( I do miss my peanut butter but avoiding the aflatoxins ) and banana, carob powder, organic romaine lettuce, organic vanilla extract, organic chia seeds, organic coconut oil, sea salt and liquid stevia to taste. I’ll have to check out one of these formulas. They seem much more friendly to my budget. I’m about to have to switch to eggs much more often otherwise at this point. lol. Thanks for sharing!!
You should also look into a protein powder called Perfect Fit! It’s all natural, organic, GMO free, raw brown rice protein powder. It look one or two tries getting used to rice protein vs. whey protein, but I find it delicious! And I’m glad to know I’m putting natural ingredients into my body.
Check it out! http://perfectfitprotein.com/
I think you should take a look at my all in one protein powder. It includes everything with nothing artificial and no GMO’s. Thanks.
I don’t see my comment that I thought I posted. I see you are getting bombarded by comments asking questions on certain products. I use Defense Nutrition’s Organic Warrior Whey, plain and add Garden of Life Raw Organic Green super food in the chocolate flavor. We are raw milk drinkers in our household. Just curious what you think of these two products. Also, what are your thoughts on the book Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon and Mary Enig?
The product is called “Basic Trainein” by AMNutrition. Blows away any other products on the market….
We have been using Mix1 and Jay Robb. You didn’t cover either and I would like to know what you think of them. Thanks!
I have been using Vega One and am curious what you think of it. I love it because of the taste, and therefore ease of use – I just throw in coconut milk and a banana and I’m set. I do notice however that most ingredients are not listed as organic 🙁 but they are plant based.
Thanks!
Nicole
Great chart and info! Have been using the IsaLean and IsaLean Pro shakes from Isagenix for last five years as part of their program. Uses the same whey as Michael Colgan determined was the best back in the 90’s — Undenatured whey concentrate from happy New Zealand cows — only milked in season, no antibiotics, no hormones, beyond US organic standards, pasture grazing — have done a lot of comparisons and while cant say is the best, have not found an equal. No artificial sweeteners or ingredients — made by the genuis formulator John Anderson as a no-compromise product. Tastes fabo too — my six year old has one every day for last five years — demands hers first! Amazing stuff! Love to share!
We have also been using Jay Robb. First the whey protein and ow the egg with. I am curious to see what you think. I also use the Garden of Life in my smoothies but my hubby doesn’t care for it and I do prefer the Jay Robb if I drink it plain.
Thank you for everything you do to keep us informed!
Sorry for all the typos! My cat is helping me!
Thanks for the great article! We’re a distributor for Garden of Life and love their stuff. However, I have found protein powder nirvana in the form of Immortal Machine from David Wolfe’s Longevity Warehouse. It tastes incredible and has quite a nutritional profile.
I’m happy to have found your website. Great stuff!!
Immortal Machine has a very good ingredient list, but it costs approx. $40 for a one pound container and only has 11 servings. Plus it only has 12 grms of protein per serving,. Sunwarrior Warrior Blend is my protein of choice for smoothies, which has almost 20 grms per serving, and 40 servings per 2.2 lb bag. I amp it up with some raw almond butter or brazil nuts, along with coconut milk, organic frozen blueberries (Costco – $9-$10 for 3 lb. bag), freshly ground golden flaxseed or chia seeds, organic spinich or kale, and ice cubes. Great morning breakfast.
I also really like Healthforce Nutritionals. Vega is WAY to expensive (15 servings at a cost between $60-$70 per container). Gardon of Life is darn near impossible to choke down. Thick and chalky. Gross
I like the Garden of Life Raw but do not add banana to it to sweeten it up. Blllllllkkkkkkk!!!! You can not let this shake sit. You have to drink it quickly as it thickens rather quickly. I squeeze a little fresh orange juice into it and that helps the taste. It would not win any awards on taste but it is chocked full of good stuff!
I just looked at the ingreients again on the Jay Robb and it is not organic, contains “natural flavor” and lecithin which is soy…thinking probably from GMO soy…we will be switching to something else!
We use Garden of Life and we love it. We mix it with almond milk, DHA oil, strawberries and bananas. Very tasty.
Hemp seed contains edestin, a plasma protein. The only natural source for this protein which our body USES and NEEDS is the hemp seed. Does anybody ever wonder why hemp is illegal? It is a miracle plant. Medicine, fuel, paper, clothes, build with it, the uses are endless. EVERYONE should use hemp in their diet.
It is illegal because of a very old law that is of course outdated and meaningless in the current world. Hemp seeds and Hemp EVERYTHING are so good for the body and the planet. Call your Representatives to tell them you support Hemp for our country!
Actually it is illegal because of big oil and big pharma. Among other things. Calling your representative will do nothing.
I like Rockin Wellness http://rockinwellness.com/pages/rwinfo
nonGMO, Organic, Raw Superfoods and Omegas, NonIrradiated; Ingredients Cacao, Goji, Maca, Hulled Hemp Seed, Chia, Flaxseed, Lecithin, Green Tea, Yerba Mate, Vegan Probiotics with small amounts of Brown Rice Protein, Stevia, Guar Bean, Banana, (less than 2 grams) organic sugar cane.
I LOVE Rockin Wellness!! It isn’t a protein powder per se though, very low in protein….6 grams per scoop….which is fine by me, I am way too acidic after years of eating high protein and if I need/want more protein I just add a scoop of the Sunwarrior powder in it, which gives me the added protein and starch I need sometimes.
I love your website and all the invaluable information I have learned. I keep telling everyone about your site so much, i feel like i am on your team ; ). Thanks so much for your voice and great articles!
Any info on Sun Warrior raw protein and warrior blend?
My chiropractor swears by Metagenics products – I use UltraMeal. She said they are GNP certified, and she and her family use their stuff. I trust her – she’s a personal trainer, certified nutritionist, and she sells her stuff at cost – she’s not trying to make a profit. What do you know about them?
What about Jay Robb? It tastes great, and I have researched it–appears to have clean ingredients. What do you think?
I use the Garden of Life, with almond milk, raw cacao, and banana and find it tasty. My 10 year old likes it, too, I give her half servings and my 2 year old drinks 2oz and thinks it’s great!
I was wondering if you have any info on if these products are “clean” and by that I mean would they pass athletic drug testing at the NCAA level. Some, like muscle milk add a certification so athletes know they are using products that are safe. Supplements and drug testing can get very complicated if products are produced on unclean machines. My son is looking for a non dairy clean protein mix.
Look at Pro Peptide. Cross contamination of banned substances have never been proven, it’s what drug cheats use as an excuse for getting caught
Let me clarify, I’m saying Pro Peptide is excellent.
You should look into Herbalife’s 24 line. EVERY batch is tested and approved with the BSCG (banned substance control group) label on it. Most companies only test 1 put of every 20,000 batches! We have a complete line for the 24 hour athlete and its all natural! We had 50 Olympic athletes on the products in London. You can email me if you want more information [email protected]
I use Sunwarrior Vanilla Warrior Blend as well and it does not have any of the ingredients Food Babe mentioned and it tastes really good. I love it.
rawpower.com
The best protein powder I have found yet!
My fave is the vanilla, but it comes in original and chocolate.
They also have many other high quality raw, vegan and healthy alternative snacks, supplements and food!
I’m so glad to see this post! I’ve been looking for new protien powder products and have decided on Sun Warrior. I was hoping it would of been in the five that you listed. I have used different ones and I wanted to get away from soy protien (Herbal Life).
I will check back on this post since so many of us are interested in this topic.
Sorry……….didn’t see earlier posts about Sun Warrior.
Thanks for your post…….good to know:)
What about Herba LIfe products?
They use soy and corn in their products that is not organic which means it is GMO!
I use Nature’s Plus – Spiru-Tein Energy Meal Strawberry and Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein along with chia seeds, flax seeds and organic rice bran.
Sequel…myvega.com…makes their Vega Protein Powder using hemp protein, vegetables, fruit, herbs, enzymes…and I think Stevia. It is available at Whole foods and their website along with protein/energy bars.
How about VEGA? http://myvega.com/
I am just wondering if you have ever looked at Orgain protein shakes.
Cold pasteurized milk (micellar casein & whey) with some egg white powder added. CNP Pro Peptide
what are your thoughts on Arbonne’s Protein Powder? I drink an Arbonne protein shake each morning and really enjoy it. But I’m a little concerned about it now after hearing about your findings in some protein powders!! Id love to hear your thoughts on it.
https://www.arbonne.com/shop_online/showitem.asp?ProductId=2069&menuId=268&withLinks=1
Have you looked at the IsaLean Shake by Isagenix? Soy Free, Gluten Free, low glycemic, Organic UNdenatured Whey Protein. From cows in New Zealand that are grass-fed and only milked according to season. No Hormones, No Antibiotics (exceeds USDA organic standards). I like knowing exactly where this whey protein is coming from! A milk protein concentrate vs. calcium caseinate as a source of protein. Increased amounts of lactase make it easy to digest even for my husband & others who are lactose intolerant. 24 grams of protein, 240 calories & the perfect balance of fat, carbs, fiber for a meal replacement. Thanks for the information on the toxins in some of these shakes – scary but good information for people because there are so many out there! Like your site!
I like the Garden of Life powder. I can’t eat soy and am going on an elimination diet including dairy, so this will be a great option for me. If I can eat dairy again, I may try the organic whey…. Thanks for the info!
We use Sunwarrior brand and love it!
What about Sun Warrior Raw Protein? I’ve been using it for a long time.
Another thing, also check out Boku Super Protein. 25 grams of vegan protein per serving. Wheat, gluten, dairy, soy and GMO free