100 Days of Real Food

menu icon
subscribe
search icon
×

Food Babe Investigates: Is Your Protein Shake Safe?

This is a guest post from Vani Hari (a.k.a. The Food Babe) and New York Times Best Selling author. You can read more about her take on the food industry in her second book, Feeding You Lies!

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.

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.


Want to Save this Recipe?

Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you'll get great new recipes from us every week!

Save Recipe

 "?" indicates protein supplement has not been tested or proven to have that specific ingredient

GET INFORMED

We've discussed GMO's here, Artificial Colors here, Carrageenan here, Antibiotics here, and rBGH 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 and if you don't know why - please read up on those past posts to learn more.

NOT CERTIFIED ORGANIC

I should also mention that none of the protein brands listed here (Body by Vi, Slim Fast, Designer Whey, EAS Myoplex, Shakeology, Special K, Ensure, Isogen, Pure Protein, Herbalife, Atkins, Gatorade Recovery, Vega, and Muscle Milk) are certified organic nor are they Non-GMO project certified. 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 - 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 leeches calcium and other vital minerals from your body.

Maltodextrin

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 a substance like "fibersol" that, for instance, is in the Body by Vi Shakes. This fibersol 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. This toxic sugar substitute can be found in EAS Myoplex, Isogen, Pure Protein, Atkins, and Muscle Milk.

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 that are not included in this list but marketed under generic or store brand names including the one by Gatorade called "Recover."

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 nut butter based smoothie like Lisa's PB & J Smoothie 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 when possible 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 Warrior Food Extreme, Tera’s Organic Whey, Nutiva’s Hemp Protein, and Garden of Life Raw) 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  - visit this post on FoodBabe.com to find out the protein powders that I personally buy and occasionally use in my smoothies.

Comments have been closed on this article, which was written by Vani Hari. If you have a question or comment you can reach her at http://FoodBabe.com.

More Real Food Defined

About Vani Hari

Named as one of the “Most Influential People on the Internet” by Time magazine, Vani Hari is a food activist, New York Times best-selling author of The Food Babe Way, and co-founder of Truvani. For most of her life, Vani ate whatever she wanted—candy, soda, fast food, processed food—until her typical American diet landed her where that diet typically does, in a hospital. Despite her successful career in corporate consulting, Hari decided that health had to become a priority. Her newfound goal drove her to investigate what is really in our food, how it is grown, and what chemicals are used in its production. The more she learned, the more she changed and the better she felt.

Encouraged by her friends and family, Hari started a blog called foodbabe.com and has led campaigns against food giants like Kraft, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Subway, and General Mills that have attracted more than 500,000 signatures and led to the removal of several controversial ingredients used by these companies. Hari’s drive to change the food system inspired the creation of her new company, called Truvani, where she produces real food without added chemicals, products without toxins, and labels without lies. Hari has been profiled in The New York Times and USA Today and has appeared on Good Morning America, CNN, The Dr. Oz Show, The Doctors, and NPR. She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband, Finley, and daughter, Harley.

Comments

  1. Becky says

    Arbonne protein shakes are 100% vegan and do not contain whey, soy, additives, colors, etc. I was appalled when I learned what was actually in the Herbalife shakes!!

  2. l says

    the information about the body by vi shakes are not correct!!!

  3. Stacy Sutherland says

    I am interested in what you think of the Advocare Protein powders and any other Advocare product. I saw another post from Sue asking the same thing, so I apologize if you answered it and I missed it somewhere.

    • Emer says

      Stacy,

      Advocare uses artificial sweeteners, as well as soy in some of their products. This is from their PRO 20 protein powder ingredient list (I've just included the not good for you ingredients):

      'maltodextrin, sucrose,....natural and artificial flavors, ....sucralose, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate'

      I scanned through some of the other products and ingredient listings - soy protein isolate, corn syrup, more artificial sweeteners and preservatives. Not the best listing of ingredients! Hope that helps.:-)

  4. Michelle says

    What about ARBONNE? 100% vegan. I'm hoping they are on your good (not naughty) list because I've been drinking their protein shakes for over 5 years now...daily!

  5. Maribeth says

    Great info. I'm interested if you have every tried or tested Arbonne Essentials protein shake mix. I'd be very interested to see how they "shake" out. ;)
    Thanks

  6. Judy Griffin says

    Great research. I never touch any of these. Is Isogen abbreviated for Isogenix. I know a lot of people who consume that one. Who knew rbgh was in so many. I thought that was limited to dairy.

    Great site & resource as well I have been organizing a Real Food Revitalizer for my clients because I think this is the source of our Health Crisis in this country.

  7. Sue says

    Still waiting on responses to other protein shakes. My husband is really getting into these shakes and I'm concerned. Advocare and Shaklee specifically. Thank you!

    • Krista Silver says

      Hi, I found this ultra pure protein shake that has nothing in it.
      I add my own stevia and berries. IT is the purest out there and I get it from a supplier I know in the area. If you would like info on it, contact me at my email: [email protected]

      Spreading the good news when I find good, clean, conscious products!

      -Krista

  8. Tanya says

    Amazing...sometimes I talk with our RD at work who is over the WIC program. She gives me advice from time to time. she totally does not believe in protein powders at all. She told me there are too many other healthy ways of getting healthy protein in diet.
    I do like soy but I see now why whenever I read a cookbook or magazine they always say get organic soy. Thank you.

  9. Pamela says

    Curious about sun warrior's brand of protein powder- can please you provide any insight on this one?

  10. Andrea Merrigan says

    Thanks for the information. My hubby loves his unhealthy protein shake, someday I hope to convince him he does not need this!

    I have shared this article on my Weekend Wanderings post today.

  11. Sue says

    Can you please comment on ADVOCARE and SHAKLEE protein shakes? I'm thinking of becoming a distributor, but really want to understand the ingredients and getting a little overwhelmed with all the information. Thank you!

  12. Michelle says

    Absolutely ADORE "Garden of Life". Their "Raw Meal" is amazing AND I know that what I'm putting in my body is great for me. The taste might leave a little to be desired, but all around great product. Thanks for putting it on the list!

  13. Kelly says

    I use the Maximized Living protein powder. I know it is milk based, but from cows that are not treated with antibiotics etc.

  14. Critical Reader says

    I just don't get that post about protein shakes. It says, they are unnecessary anyway because a regular diet provides you with plenty of proteins. They are also highly processed, contain mostly >5 ingredients and are therefore not in agreement with the rules of 100daysofrealfood as described in the "Real Food Defined" section. However, as the "health conscious crowd" is so fond of them the principles are thrown over board and voila, an article that boils down to a very black and white approach with the bottom line, that as long as you buy certified organic and watch out for some "bad" ingredients you are fine.

    Why some ingredients (soy protein, whey protein isolate, maltodextrin) are banned I don't really understand, because I have a very hard time making sense out of Food-Babe-(Pseudo)-Science. I would highly recommend for Food Babe to get a basic chemistry or biology book to at least understand the very basic science (e.g. what is an amino acid, what is a protein, the dose makes the poison etc.).

    The most informative part of Food Babe's post is a link to a very interesting Consumer Reports article, which raises several interesting aspects, like:
    *Are protein shakes really necessary or even harmful given the artificially huge amounts of protein you are adding to your body?
    *Food supplements in general are very poorly regulated in the US.
    *The amount of heavy metals tested demonstrates that there are some real food safety issues.

    I personally stay away from Protein Shakes & Co, and I strongly believe that the only way to a healthy, fit body is moderate exercise and a balanced diet.

  15. Amy Kozik says

    I had not read your previous comments about shakeology specifically. I apologize as you had already made a reply. Thank you again for all your time and effort of keeping us informed. I will continue drinking my shakeology but I will also continue to share your blog as much as possible and read it religiously as I highly respect your work.

  16. Judie says

    @ Shakeology...lots of good buzz, however have any allergies like grass, etc?? beware...took a few days to get it out my system. I had a full allergy rx to this product.

  17. Amy Kozik says

    That you for always having such good information for us! I love 100 Days of real food, I love food babe!!! You guys always rock and I love that you care about getting all the right information out there. I must also let you know that I am a beachbody coach so I was very surprised to find shakeology on your list. Naturally this concerned me greatly so I e-mailed the department that deals with ingredients.
    Here is the response I got and would gladly like to know if you have a response as their information conflicts with yours.

    "Hello Amy,

    Thank you for contacting Team Beachbody Customer Relations.

    I am happy to help you with this information.

    Please be aware that we make every effort to source non-GMO ingredients for Shakeology but many times this information is not readily available. Until we can guarantee with certainty the non-GMO status of all ingredients, a non-GMO claim will not be possible. We are evaluating the situation currently and hope to make a certified non-GMO claim on the product in the future. Also, please be informed that our Shakeology is rbGH free. However, Shakeology has adaptogens like Maca, Astragalus and Ashawaganda that may help the endocrine system regulate hormonal requirements that the body needs.

    Further to your email regarding Refined Sugar, there is no artificial sweetener added in Shakeology. The sugar content for each Shakeology flavor comes from a wide variety of ingredients as per below:

    Chocolate: Fructose, Whey Protein, Acerola Cherry, Pomegranate, Camu-Camu, Apple Pectin Fiber, Bilberrry, Goji Berry, Blueberry, Açai, Citrus Bioflavanoids, Rose Hips, Grape Seed, Yacon Root, Chocolate

    Greenberry: Fructose, Whey Protein, Acerola Cherry, Pomegranate, Camu-Camu, Apple Pectin Fiber, Bilberry, Goji berry, Blueberry, Açai, Citrus Bioflavanoids, Rose Hips, Banana Powder, Carrot Powder, Orange Powder, Pineapple Powder, Raspberry Powder, Strawberry Powder, Grape Seed, Yacon Root, Stawberry and Raspberry Flavors

    Tropical Strawberry: Coconut Flower Nectar, Acerola Cherry, Pomegranate, Camu-Camu, Apple Pectin Fiber, Bilberry, Goji Berry, Blueberry, Açai, Citrus Bioflavanoids, Rose Hips, Grape Seed, Yacon Root, Strawberry Apple Pectin, Banana, Pineapple, Papaya, Natural Flavors (strawberry, banana, pineapple), Beet Juice Powder, Natural Sweetener (Erythritol, Oligosaccharides)

    Thank you for your patience."

    Also because of the vast list of ingredients, shakeology is not just considered a "protein shake". It is a very dense macro and micro-nutrient meal replacement shake.

    Thank you again for your time and all you do to keep us informed!

  18. Bonnie says

    I have wanted to try the Garden of Life, but found "Living Harvest TEMPT Hemp Protein". I drink the vanilla spice formula w/a banana after my workouts. It has helped get more protein into my body while I try to lean out & build way more muscle. I was unable to get enough protein until I started supplementing. (bodybuilding not just light weights & cardio, intense heavy lifting & intense cardio 6 days/week)

    Soy Free, Non-GMO, Non-dairy, Vegan, Organic
    10g protein per serving
    Raw, cold milled minimally processed
    Ingredients: organic cold milled hemp protein, organic unrefined whole cane sugar, organic cinnamon & organic vanilla bean.

    A total of 7g sugar.

    It tastes really delicious too. I am intrigued by the BeachBody stuff. I will look into that too. I have to do non-dairy & I thought this one was pretty good bc it was all organic & contains few ingredients. I am curious if I am missing something since this product wasn't included in the chart?

  19. Leah says

    Nutrilite protein shakes!! These are actually truly healthy...and organic!

  20. Lorri says

    Just FYI, I have never seen any credible evidence that too much acidity in the body causes any health problem. Although often quoted I believe the realm of alkaline and acidity in the body is still defined as a pseudo-science. At one point, I did spend some time being concerned about this but then realized I was unable to find any credible evidence that I should be.

  21. Janie says

    While I appreciate all the comments about Shakeology. I think there is some confusion here. What Food Babe is saying is that the apple and spinach are not organic which means they could/probably are sprayed with pesticides. While there is no nutrient difference between organic and conventional, if they are using conventional apples and spinach then the drinker is ingesting pesticides, not losing nutrients. If Beachbody was using ingredients that are pesticide-free but not organic then they should say that on the label. I don't think she's making a personal attack on anyone nor is she saying the drink is completely horrendous. She's just pointing out some things that may be of concern to some people (including myself). Thanks for doing all this research. I will now have a guideline of what to tell my friends when they ask me questions about protein powders! :)

    • Deb says

      I agree with you! BB people are getting upset and I don't see why. READ the entire article, people

  22. Shirley Blank says

    Read Wheat Belly, that's another area that would open your eyes to our American Diet. Things are just not like they were when our Grandparents were around, wish they were but they just aren't.

  23. tiffany says

    i drink shakeology and actually drink the vegan formula... they changed quite a few things about that one which includes no whey protein, which means it would not have the growth hormone rbGH, and is sweetened with exotic fruits and stevia only. no fructose. thank you so much for this chart, as i get asked often what meal replacements/protein shakes are good. this is so helpful!

  24. Zoe says

    I bet Vani had no idea her post would turn into a multipage thread of advertisements for Beachbody. Am I the only one left in the US that isn't a coach or distributor? I feel so ignorant because I had never even heard of this company or brand. ;-)

    My goal is to eat real food and to me that means I know what it is, where it came from, and I cooked or "processed" it myself. I use Michael Pollan's philosophy of whether my grandmother would recognize it as food and how many ingredients are on the label, assuming there is a label. If I showed my grandparents a bucket of protein powder, they'd have no idea what to do with it nor be able to pronounce the long list of ingredients. That tells me all I need to know. I don't care where or how the ingredients were cultivated and obtained. I just know there are too many of them and I need a degree in science to understand their origin and purpose which means I'm not consuming it.

    If I told my mother or grandmother that I needed more protein in my diet, they scramble me a couple of eggs and serve it to me with some peanut butter toast and a glass of milk. I use the same food philosophy with my own children and an athletic, weight-lifting husband but I substitute local farm fresh eggs, milk from local pastured cows, whole wheat bread, and the least modified peanut butter I can. I want to know where my food came from and I want be able to identify it on first sight. If I can't do those things, I'm not eating it. Anyone remember the Rules?

    • Amy says

      Well said!

    • Michelle says

      Completely agree.

    • Tiffany says

      Love your post Zoe! But honestly that is part of the beauty of Shakeology...it IS all real food!! Some you may not have heard of or be able to pronounce but look it up and you will love the benefits of each ingredient!! No degree needed! Their origin is nature and their purpose is health! These are foods that have been used around the world for centuries for preventative medicine and health and well being in general! I definitely understand clean eating and wanting to make all your own food, believe me...but it is often hard to get ALL the nutrients we need even doing that. And that is what Shakeology is about! It is literally the "healthiest meal of the day"!! It is not a protein powder or just a bag of powder...it is a meal...great for those on the go or for people who want to sneak in a super healthy snack!! All the ingredients are harvested at their peak and freeze dried to preserve freshness and nutritional value. It is then ground to a powder. Again I understand what you are saying and I am of the same mind...and I feel that no food group should ever be eliminated from a diet (Atkins and the like)...BUT there is nothing wrong with adding something SOOOOO beneficial! I can't ever see myself NOT drinking Shakeology!! :)

    • Critical Reader says

      Zoe, thanks for that post. I absolutely second it.

      I always understood this homepage as a guide back to a "real" diet, cooking from scratch, staying away from processed food, etc. and was VERY surprised to see an article about which protein shake to choose. Is there a higher processed food on the market than a protein shake?

      IMHO, protein shakes are absolutely superfluous and about the biggest scam of the traditional and alternative/organic/vegan "health" industry. I do not understand where this fairy tale comes from that a protein shake a day is going to improve your health or is needed to replenish carbohydrates/proteins/etc. after exercising.

  25. Kate says

    Just want to thank you ladies for doing this research. I was so glad to see Garden of Life on the list, though I don't do any protein shakes I do have to take a temporary iron supplement and GOL was my choice, but I plan to go off them soon and I'm working hard to get all my nurtrients from Real Food. MLM folks don't want to here their product isn't as great as they thought, but accept, learn, remove and move on. I think they are worried about there bottom dollar and these shakes are triple the money of GOL. Why spend more for less?

  26. Lindsay says

    What about egg white protein powders?

  27. Rita says

    Isagenix shakes? Here's a clip from their webpage.

    They contain 24 grams of high-quality
    undenatured protein from New Zealand
    that exceeds USDA organic standards..

    Our whey protein has low lactose levels and
    active enzymes for easier digestion.
    Our shakes are low in saturated fat and
    sodium and cholesterol, and have added
    enzymes that break down carbohydrates,
    proteins and fats to maximize the absorption
    of key nutrients.
    Our shakes contain only natural ingredients
    with no hydrogenated oils, fillers, artificial
    flavors or artificial sweeteners.

    • Dominique says

      I would be very interested to hear about isagenix shakes too!

      • Emily says

        Isagenix shakes are absolutely one of the few shakes that contain low-heat processed whey and absolutely no junk ingredients. I have heard many testimonies from people who were otherwise eating healthy, whole foods, who had greater results in working out and developing muscle after getting on the shakes.

        If you're interested in more info, feel free to click my name above, which is linked to one of my blogs, and you can contact me from there. :)

  28. Nic says

    Very interested in hearing your thoughts on Arbonne's Meal Replacement Protein Shakes. I'm interested in giving them a try as in my research I am finding them to be better than most out there. Thanks so much for doing all the "leg" work for us with this article.

    • Jennifer says

      Me too! I use them and the only adverse reaction I had to them is that they might have a bit too much sugar for our family. But otherwise they have been a staple breakfast for us for years. We add spinach blueberries and a nut butter.

      • Nic says

        They have organic sugar can in them so it is something that tastes very different from refined sugar and may come across as tasting sweeter.

  29. Kathryn says

    What about the Medifast shakes? Are they healthy to drink?

  30. elizabeth says

    I use Nutribiotic Organic plain rice protein powder occasionally like it.

  31. Julie says

    As a psychologist, certified personal trainer and health coach it is disappointing and disheartening to see someone publish something like this without doing proper research. I am a woman and professional who lives and breathes by science...truth. I can only comment on your Shakeology discussion. As a Team Beachbody coach and customer I drink Shakeology everyday. I have reduced my blood pressure and cholesterol levels to normal in 4 months. I am off all medications for these problems. I have increased energy, focus and concentration. I see improved mood and frustration tolerance. I also lost 15 pounds and reduced my body fat % to 17%. I am active but always have been...Shakeology has been my ticket to another chance and a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer. I won't repeat the amazing comments from other Team Beachbody coaches as to the excellence and purity of the ingredients in Shakeology. If one does the proper research then they already know its nutrient density and what it does and does not contain.

    Team Beachbody has already responded to the "organic" question..."We've put every effort into making sure these ingredients don't contain pesticides, aren't destroyed in processing, are produced using the best of fair trade practices, and have many of the benefits of what is considered "organic." So you might ask, "Why isn't Shakeology 'certified organic'?" The experience of our development team has shown that sometimes certified organic doesn't necessarily translate to higher quality. Certifying something can simply jack up the price, especially with ingredients of this quality and quantity. So we decided to focus on making sure the quality and integrity of the product lives up to the promise, without asking you to pay the premium it would cost for us to say it with a stamp of approval from a certification lab."

    I hope that the folks who read your blog are not misinformed. As a health professional we want to make people healthier and happier not frightened by inaccurate claims.

    • Jessica Britt says

      Exactly, Julie! Well-said. :)

  32. teresa cacucciolo says

    Shakeology does not claim to be 100% organic. They have put every effort into making sure these ingredients don't contain pesticides, aren't destroyed in processing, are produced using the best of fair trade practices. they have many of the benefits of what is considered "organic. But as allot of people are beginning to find out, just because something is listed as "organic" does not mean it is a higher quality. Even Dr. oz, discuses this, that some organic foods can be no better than regular foods. That is what beachbody has come to find when making these shakes. As far as the fructose in the non vegan shakeology, it is a non GMO fructose from beets. It's not controversial at all. It's a low glycemic index fruit sugar that works in the formulation as a transport vehicle for the nutrients and for taste. Unless you were going to eliminate sugar altogether we can't do much better. and if you did that, no one would touch it.

  33. Lindsey says

    I'm glad to see that my all time favorite (& daily breakfast shake) made the cut!! Garden of Life RAW protein powder is the best tasting, leaves me with the most energy & helps me maintain my (breastmilk) supply while attempting to lose weight. I've tried most on your chart before I switched to GoL. Great post :)

  34. Jon says

    What about Dr Mercolas Miracle Whey?

  35. Jennifer says

    I am very pleased to see Garden of Life Raw on the healthy list. I'm a big fan of the GOL products. Founder, Jordan Rubin, has an incredible story and I've heard him personally share his testimony from near death to complete wellness many times.

  36. kristy says

    I just saw Hemp protein shakes at Trader Joe's. Vanilla and chocolate only 3 or 4 ingredients and palm sugar for the sweetener. :)

  37. Jessica Britt says

    * reformulated whey Shakeology

  38. Jessica Britt says

    My coach specifically and personally worked with Beachbody directly to make Vegan Shakeology approved by her. That's why there is not a vitamin label- there are NO synthetic vitamins. That's why it doesn't have fructose. There is no way Beachbody could have every single ingredient certified organic. There are over 70 superfoods in it, alone. The cost would go through the roof. Refer to Seay's comment above. There's a good reason why the ingredients aren't certified organic, but just because they did not go through an organic certification process, does not mean they aren't organic. Beachbody has people there 24/7 who have rejected certain ingredients and whey from going into Shakeology. That process is costly enough. Beachbody also reformulated their why Shakeology. The older versions are no longer made.

  39. carrie says

    This is awesome! I dont use any of these products.I decided to go with Sprouts hormone free antibiotic free whey protein:) Im a lifter,so i do 1 to 2 scoops a day and i do not want all these chemicals!

  40. Jessica Britt says

    I agree with all of the Beachbody Coaches above because I am a Beachbody Caoch, too. We know more than anyone else that Shakeology does not contain any chemicals or artificial ingredients at all whatsoever, period. We coaches also know that Shakeology cannot be compared to a protein shake because it is not a protein shake. Shakeology is the healthiest shake on the market. My coach is earning her PhD in Holistic Nutrition from Hawthorn University, and is probably one of the cleanest and healthiest eaters on the planet - no doubt. I learn so much from her, and since she drinks Shakeology, and after I reviewed it, it's golden in my book.

    • Food Babe says

      Jessica - I agree that the ingredients in Shakeology vegan are light years ahead of other shakes on the market - but they are not 100% organic - the apple and spinach for instance on the label is not labeled organic - the two of the most heavily sprayed plants.

      Additionally - if one chooses the whey version - it has a highly refined sugar - fructose and not guaranteed to be rbgh free.

      • Marilyn says

        I think most people do not realize that sucralose is the generic name for the artificial sweetener Splenda. ViSalus shakes are full of it (among the other awful ingredients).

      • Marilyn says

        Oops...I meant to post this above where Vi shakes were being discussed.