Food Babe Family - Header

The Healthiest Protein Powders On the Market

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…

    1. 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!
    2. 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.)
    3. 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.

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.

1,868 responses to “The Healthiest Protein Powders On the Market

  1. I think #3 is a good one, especially if you make shakes. I’ve ordered #3 many times. Hemp, unlike some other plant proteins is nearly a “complete protein.” That’s important to know, because an incomplete protein is of no use. I like to mix my hemp powder with some banana, carrots, water, and some berries. Makes a beautiful morning drink :). See more vegan protein powders here: http://proteinpowderforvegans.com/

    1. I really need a meal replacement I can mix in the car after excerising. I had ordered 310 nutrition and thought I had finally hit the jack pot on an organic, healthy, meal replacement drink that actually tasted good enough to consume. I began to do more research and was dissapointed with a few questionable ingredients used for thickeners in 310. The taste was adequate and actually did keep me full without the highs and lows of other shakes.
      Now I remain clueless. I have started a eating plan and need a easy,safe shake to drink right after excerise. I live pretty far away to rush home to make my own. Any help from any of you all would be greatly appreciated.

      1. Although it’s not a powder, Organic Valley has 2 ready to consume protein shakes available: Fuel (for pre and post workout) and Balance (breakfast/snack for moms on the go). Organic, gluten free, GMO free, milk from organic grass fed cows.

      2. I use Vega One – mix with water – It dissolves great after a few shakes.
        Check it out and see if it meets your requirements.

    2. I was seriously considering the hemp powder until I read that it contains Inilin. I’ve read the pros & cons & that has changed my mind until I learn more about the facts/possibility of leaky gut from Inulin intake.

      1. Hi, you did explain eunogh. I will like to know more about the subject if hemp protein contains or not the leaky gut? Thanks

    1. Hey everyone!
      I see you’re looking for a vegan, gluten free wellness product Please check out this amazing Functional Food It’s called Zeal for life. Difference being a Functional Food must target a specific health benefit. Zeal is GRS. (General Recognized Safer than anything else we(FDA) give you. We have scientific studies about Abponectin -fat hormone that is beneficial against chronic diseases. Our Stabalized Rice Bran is the key, an excellent source of fiber, polyphenols, abponectin and is vegan It’s also the most dense, ‘function food’ on the Planet! No One else, or Company can use this Stabalized Rice Bran as used by Zurvita. There is a patent. Well, we have a tropial dream flavor that tastes greaatt!! i’m not vegan or glueten free and also enjoy wild berry and bold grape! Please Check out my site and try this life changing product!!
      Nella

      NellaBella.ZealForLife.com
      [email protected]

    2. Hey everyone!
      I see some of you are looking for a vegan, gluten free wellness product Please check out this amazing Functional Food It’s called Zeal for life. Difference being a Functional Food must target a specific health benefit. Zeal is GRS. (General Recognized Safer than anything else we(FDA) give you. We have scientific studies about Abponectin -fat hormone that is beneficial against chronic diseases. Our Stabalized Rice Bran is the key, an excellent source of fiber, polyphenols, abponectin and is vegan It’s also the most dense, ‘function food’ on the Planet! No One else, or Company can use this Stabalized Rice Bran as used by Zurvita. There is a patent. Well, we have a tropial dream flavor that tastes greaatt!! i’m not vegan or glueten free and also enjoy wild berry and bold grape! Please Check out my site and try this life changing product!!
      Nella

      NellaBella.ZealForLife.com
      [email protected]

  2. Has anyone tried or know if the garden of life raw fit is good? It is vegan, gluten free, dairy free, soy free, usda organic, and non gmo verified. Thanks!

      1. But their lead levels are no more than you would get in a single daily serving of vegetables. So unless you’re giving up veggies too, the powder should be fine.

      2. Tammy how do you know what there levels consist of? When reading the article they stated that they where not pulling there product as of yet however, supposedly correcting this issue? has there been an update on their third party investigation for testing yet?

  3. What are your thoughts on Orgain Organic Protein plant based powder? Everything I’ve read about it, it’s great, but would love your thoughts on this product. I too, will not do artificial anything and certainly avoiding GMOs!

    1. I’m curious about the Orgain Organic Protein plant based powder as Wendy noted also. Please give us your thoughts. I wonder about the fact that it contains “Natural Flavors” (what’s that?) and Stevia. Seems like everything else looks heathy.

      1. Natural Flavors is a legal name food producers are allowed to use for MSG (monosodium glutamate). Do a search for Dr. Blaylock and MSG to find all the ‘legal’ terms the industry is allowed to use to poison our foods.

    2. Hi all,

      Kinda late to the party, but I thought I would share my experience with Orgain protein powder since I just finished my first container. Short answer: it’s great! Longer Answer: it mixes up very well in my smoothies (I don’t put it straight into water or milk, so I can’t say about clumps there, but other reviewers claim that it is clump-free!) and has a very nice flavor. It is not chalky at all, something I’m sure we’ve all experienced with natural/vegan protein powders. It has a complete amino acid profile and is high in fiber.

      Here is some of the nutrition information: Protein: 21g (42%), Iron 15%, Dietary Fiber 5g (20%), Sugars 1g, Calcium 4%.

      Here is the list of ingredients: Orgain Organic Protein Blend TM (Organic Brown Rice Protein, Organic Chia Seed, Organic Hemp Protein, Organic Pea Protein), Organic Creamer Base TM (Organic Acacia Gum, Organic High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Organic Inulin, Organic Rice Dextrins, Organic Rice Bran Extract, Organic Rosemary Extract), Organic Erythritol, Organic Cocoa, Organic Natural Flavors, Organic Guar Gum, Xantham Gum, Organic Acaia Gum, Sea Salt, Organic Stevia, Monkfruit Extract.

      I would also like to point out something about natural flavors as some of the other commentors are trying to say that MSG can be masquerading as a natural flavor. This is simply false; MSG must be labelled by its common name to be easily recognized by the consumer. Usually natural flavors are part of a brand secret recipe, whose function is flavoring, not nutritional, so companies can get around exposing their money maker by labeling their flavors as flavor. This is not to be disingenuous, rather, it is to protect their livelihoods. If you’ve ever tried to sell anything on Etsy, you know what a pain in the ass those copycats are…

      Here is the FDA link about natural flavors and MSG (scroll down to section 5 for MSG specifically): http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/cfrsearch.cfm?fr=101.22

      Anyways, I recommend Orgain–it’s very tasty, organic, and has a complete amino acid profile. Try it if you like!

      1. Callie
        MSG is hidden in food under many names including natural flavor. Being that I have severe allergy to MSG and have reacted to foods listing natural flavor prior to speaking to the company and learning it is indeed legal for them to add MSG using the title natural flavor.

  4. Hi Vani,
    I know you are a fan of beachbody workouts and I am wondering what you think of their shakeology product? And how it would compare with your number 1 & 2 protein powder shakes?
    Thanks!
    Maria

    1. I have several friends pushing this on me, but from what I have read it isn’t all cracked up to up to what they pitch – would love to get your feedback too.

      1. I am also curious to hear your review Vani on Shakeology and also on Vega One All In One (which is comparable to Shakeology minus it doesn’t contain MSM and Vega One has only 1gr of sugar vs 6gr of sugar like Shakeology. Please let us know. I want to consume the right protein powder not junk. 🙂 THANKS!

    2. I would like to know too because I currently drink it everyday. It’s hard to find unbiased info on it. Thank you.

  5. Hi! I am looking at all these protein shakes. Alot if them are made of rice. I have backed off from rice because of the arsenic levels in rice. Do you believe that arsenic levels in rice ate dangerous to humans? How would I tell if the whey in my protein drink is ok?

  6. This is by far my favorite. I trust what goes into my body when consuming his products. Its tasty and I have experienced wonderful life changing results. He also has other fantastic products. In searching through the web. I have not found anything that remotely compares. I have looked but have always came back here. His story is also amazing. I recommend anyone looking for the real deal out there to try his product.

      1. I believe he only carries the chocolate silk now. It was a lot more popular then the vanilla. It tastes fantastic and I personally used it for a meal replacement since I had a hard time eating breakfast in the morning anyways.

      1. Oops, I apologize I thought I attached the link to his site.
        Here it is: http://thepeopleschemist.com/whey-advanced/
        He used to be a chemist and worked for big pharma. I own his book about over the counter natural cures. It has changed my life. I have personally tried his products and they as well have made me feel like a different person. He offers free healthy recipes and advice. Definitely worth checking out. Surf around on his site and see for yourself. Hope you like it.

    1. I looked at the People’s Chemist site, interesting. There is a huge problem for me, information is there on some of the ingredients and the amount of protein and such per 30 grams, but NO WHERE on the site, nor ordering does it have a number of servings or SIZE of the container. I’m interested but cannot put my hard earned money towards a product that does not tell me EXACTLY how much I’m getting.

      1. The amount you get is 2 pounds, if you go down the product it says 2 lbs, one month supply. I absolutely love this stuff, as does my husband. I have looked for equivalent and have failed to find any. This contains no artificial sugars or ingredients of any kind. No soy and is not whey concentrate. I have not seen any other product that meets these guidelines. If anyone knows of any I would love to know of a cheaper but yet meets all these requirments, I would love to check it out.

      2. I do see on the label of this product that it contains Aspartic acid which is another name for the artificial sweetener that causes cancer. I may be wrong. But looking it up the definition did say it is also under the name of aspartame. If this is not the case and I am wrong please let me know. It otherwise looks really good.

  7. Hi there,

    I just wanted to bring to your attention that I clicked on the link to the article about Garden of Life. They’ve changed the article and updated it. Garden of Life has agreed to do their own testing and has agreed to make sure the metals are below a certain level.

    1. Hey Kelle,

      Do it state when the testing will be completed or any other alternatives regarding the allegations? I read in Natural News that they plan to have the reports resolved by July 2015- I don’t plan on using it until they have follow up reports. Please keep me informed

  8. I believe Arbonne’s protein shake measures up to these! tastes great too. GMO free, rice, pea and cranberry. 20 grams of protein. it is 3.7 cents per gram per container, but that’s the retail price. you can get it much cheaper through a distributor who knows about good deals! I look forward to drinking mine every day! contact me for more information. [email protected]

  9. Food babe,
    I just reviewed the information from the site you mentioned and Warrior Food doesn’t show much difference in heavy metal content from Garden of Life products– it has less arsenic but otherwise is comparable to Garden… Are there different types of Warrior food?

    1. Regarding Natural News’s “study,” they don’t say why they picked these two companies to scrutinize, Garden of Life and SunWarrior. Looking at their “Forensic Food Lab” page, they’ve got 17 protein powders they’ve rated, but the reader can’t SEE the results without divulging their email address (Strike #1).

      Strike #2 – take a look at the “Promoted Content” in the right sidebar: “Testosterone Booster Takes GNC by Storm,” “New Multi-Vitamin Stops Grey Hair” (widely-discredited product Get Away Gray, with catalase), “New GNC Probiotic Melts Fat Like Butter” … Hellow!!! This little group of offerings does not promote confidence in Mike Adams or his Natural News site!

      Strike #3 – I don’t know. Maybe he’s a great guy. Or maybe he’s just out to create importance for himself and make a buck.

      http://www.naturalnews.com/043759_Garden_of_Life_RAW_Protein_heavy_metals.html

  10. Thank you for posting about this. I found sucralose is in the powder I’m using. So i have since thrown it out. Have you heard of Orgain? Costco carries it.

    1. Costco used to carry Orgain, but my local Costco says it is listed as Out of Stock and likely won’t be reordered. Bummer!

  11. Food Babe – check out the brand http://www.aloha.com – they have one of the cleanest proteins on the market! Plus use code “nature” to get 10% off your first order. Would love to see what you think of their protein.

  12. We all seem to have a favorite protein shake here is the one I use siselean and why.
    No heavy metals , lactose is removed it has a high-end protein they utilizes Micellar casein bonded with calcium ions and whey protein concentrates (this means that they are natural, highly purified, and super filtered at low temperatures to save and concentrate the effective properties within them). They contain an exquisite array of highly potent natural peptides and polypeptides offering spectacular, unparalleled support for fat burning, lean tissue building, and appetite control.
    You can find it at http://www.nowtoxicfree.com

  13. After trying many different proteins, I still love Garden of life products, and it’s the only protein I can get the kids behind, since they are gluten, vegan ect free. Love the taste, and loaded with all vitamins, minerals, and pro-bionics, plus the formula for taking your body to an alkaline state.

    1. New to protein/meal replacement shakes, I was pretty excited about Garden of Life Raw Meal, but then I heard about their heavy metal problem. Is that a concern for you?

      1. I find it hard to believe that only Garden of Life and SunWarrior have naturally-occuring heavy metals. There’s something fishy about this.

        I just discovered G of L’s Raw Protein, and I LOVE it, love the ingredients, love the taste, love the way it makes me feel.

  14. Since this report was published back in 2012, can you give an update on the BEST protein powders out there?

    I am also curious to hear your review Vani on Shakeology and also on Vega One All In One (which is comparable to Shakeology minus it doesn’t contain MSM and Vega One has only 1gr of sugar vs 6gr of sugar like Shakeology. Please let us know. I want to consume the right protein powder not junk. 🙂 THANKS!

  15. What are your thoughts on the Shakeology line from Beach Body? It’s touted as a super food meal replacement but the price tag makes it unappealing to me, yet the hype around it has me reconsidering. I did try a few samples and could only tolerate the vanilla. I still prefer eating rather than drinking my food, but on those days when you need a grab and go meal I was using Vega. So disappointed to see it has GMO’s *sigh*

    1. Be careful taking a chocolate flavored (sugar) powder and adding more sugar (apple sauce). Remember ‘sugar is sugar’ no matter what form it comes in and eventually Candida points it’s ugly head 🙂 Best

  16. I am looking for a Whey Protein that is safe and does not contain any soy products at all. I am on thryoid hormone and do not want to worry about it interferring with the absorbtion of the hormone. I am on a limited income so a product offers quality, quantity , and choice (I would like it to be unflavored so I can add my own)at the lowest possible price. If someone knows of one I would appreciate to hear about it. I would prefer to go pick it up in a store rather than ordering online and waiting. Thanks in advance.

  17. Hi Vani,

    I’m confused. I’m not sure if I’ve seen “undenatured” on the label Tera’s Whey Protein so I would assume its denatured. Not sure why someone wouldn’t put that on the label because as you say . . . it’s a big deal. Thanks for all you do! 🙂

  18. I recently came across Skoop and really love it! My favorite product is their A-game line – it’s a fruit and veggie drink that you make using the packet and almond milk. They also have a plant-based protein powder called B-strong, it only comes in “Viva-nilla” but it’s the first plant based protien powder I have found that I like!! You can check them out here: https://order.healthyskoop.com/

  19. I have been researching the differences between Shakeology and JuicePlus Complete. The biggest differences I can find are: Shakeology has child/pregnancy warnings, JuicePlus Complete does not, Shakeology is much higher ($4.33 per serving compared to $1.98), Shakeology has GMO’s and JuicePlus does not and Shakeology expects you to have the automatic ordering ($129.00 a month) and JuicePlus does not. I thought some of you might like to know what I have found.

  20. Juice Plus Complete protein powder is amazing! It is gluten free, non-GMO, vegan friendly, low glycemic and high in fiber!

  21. Vani,

    Stumbled upon your website and have been reading for about 15 minutes.
    My eyes and mouth are wide open!!
    I’m a follower as of this moment and will order your book!

    PS: your sing up function isn’t working. Maybe it’s my Fire Fox Browser. Will try in IE.

  22. Do you know anything about Juice Plus Complete protein powder? I have a friend who sells it and was wondering if you would also recommend it?

  23. Hi. Great info. I found your page when looking up a protein powder review. You mentioned that plant based diet is the only way to get there, but lemons work as well. They’re acidic, but become alkaline during the digestive process.

  24. Are Vega One and Shakeology healthy? I will have these daily and want to make sure I am not putting some poison in my body! What does research show about these 2 shakes? I also need one I can blend but also shake on the go and bring traveling.

    Thanks!

  25. what are your thoughts on using creatine? I am using a product by bodybuilding.com called micronized creatine. I take about 5 g three times per day. Thank you, Jim

  26. Hi 🙂 I was just reviewing the encouraged list of protein powders to check out which was best recommended for men and I noticed that the garden of life protein was x’d off. I’ve been taking it for the past month. Should I stop ? :/

  27. I have been drinking Phood (PlantFusion) shakes for a few months now. It is a 100% plant based whole food shake and is free of gluten, dairy, soy, and animal products. I am by no means and expert on this stuff, I just compared some products at my local Clarks Nutritional and chose this one. I’d love your input on whether Phood is actually as good as I think it is. Thanks!

  28. re: I have removed Garden of Life from my approved protein powders due to a recent controversy surrounding new laboratory results released by Consumer Wellness Center Laboratories by Natural News.

    When I clicked the link there’s an update as of Feb 4, 2015 about removing the metals. Looking forward to a new review once this product has been updated in July!

  29. I wish there was a protein shake in the market that didn’t have stevia or agave. Both make me really sick. Do you know of one? Thanks

  30. You still against #4. I use that and used it because it was on the list originally… I clicked on your link and it said it’s now irrelevant….?

  31. I read the response from the company and looked at the charts that show we get just as much or more heavy metal from the veggies from the earth so I am not concerned. I think this might be a case of worrying about the arsenic in an apple pit.

Leave a Reply

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

food babe with grocery cart - footer image