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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.


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 "?" 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. Paul says

    I also feel that due to a lack of information this report is extremely flawed. First you try to scare people into believing that all whey protein isolate is bad. The fact is it depends on the method of isolation used. The production of WPI is accomplished by one of two processes:
    1) Ion exchange (IE), followed by concentration and spray drying, or
    2) Microfiltration followed by ultrafiltration (MF/UF) and subsequent spray drying.
    Ion exchange using chemicals to isolate the protein being the bad way.

    I also happen to know that Shakeology does not contain rbGH. Having spoken with one of the creators of the product about the sourcing of the ingredients. In the same discussion I found that there are no GMO's used.

    Lastly I see no listing of any processed sugar in the Shakeology ingredients.

    I respect that your ultimate goal is to help others get healthy. That is my goal as well. I don't think spreading uninformed opinions about things that may help others improve their health is the best way to help.

  2. Anna says

    Just for my information please how do you know Shakeology has RBGH? I read the ingredients list and it has natural Protein from Brown Rice

  3. Lisa says

    I'm wondering what you think of the Arbonne protein mix. I know it's not listed but that's what I use. I know they are gluten, dairy, whey, soy free with no artificial colors sweeteners or dyes but I'm wondering if you know about some of the other things.

  4. Gina says

    I am looking right now trying to find out the same question. I have the best shake product out there with NO WHEY OR SOY in it with my company but my friend is joining Zija. They make it very hard to read their website and you are right...they don't list all the ingredients. In fact what I saw at the end of their product statement was AND MORE.. What is AND MORE ????

    • Dude - Duder - Duderino says

      Gina; what is the name of the shake product and where is it available?

  5. Beth Wade says

    Just wondering if anyone has ever heard of Zija and what your feelings are? I am skeptical since the ingredient list says, Zija proprietary mix, as one of the ingredients?? What is that about? How do you know what is really in it?

  6. Timea says

    Hello,
    Just wanted to comment that the information on the chart is not correct. VEGA is the cleanest product on the market and this is what I have got from them when I questioned them about your chart and GMO in their products.

    Hi there,

    Thanks for the email and your questions!
    You are right – it is the cleanest. Vega does not contain any GMO ingredients. We are in the process right now of getting our official certification through the non GMO project, however these things take time. That is why you don’t see anything on the label yet in regards to Non GMO. A few of our products are already certified and up on the non-GMO project website, but ones like the protein and Vega one, that have many many ingredients take longer to certify.

    Hopefully that helps!

    In health,

    Andrea Gnys
    Product Advisor and Education Support

    T 604.945.3133 x 336 | T 1.866.839.8863 | F 604.945.3233
    E [email protected] | myvega.com

    *Vega's Product Support Team is happy to assist you with information about our products. If you require medical advice or information please contact a heath care professional. Please remember the information contained in this email message is for informational purposes only. The statements in this email have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

  7. Tidbit says

    Can I just say...how can a chart, reflecting factual ingredient content, be biased? Hmmm...not sure.

    Thanks for shedding some much-needed light on this topic! People don't understand the importance of reading labels! (Especially on products that have that 'too-good-to-be-true' sound to them. Not all that glitters is gold.) I'm a 100% supporter of another protein powder not mentioned, made by UNI KEY Health Systems. They have a whey protein powder and a plant-based powder. Both with an ingredient list you can count on one hand, and can pronounce/have heard of. NO soy. (Another major issue I have with other protein powders. Soy is awful, people! Alittle hormone imbalance with your smoothie? I'll pass.)

    Anyway, look into UNI KEY's protein powders to try if you're interested and conscious of what you put in your body: http://www.unikeyhealth.com/category/s?keyword=protein+powder

  8. Tim Macdonald says

    Where are your sources...POOR IRRESPONSIBLE JOURNALISM on your part!!!!

  9. Robert Rosenkranz says

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  10. Rob Beaudreault says

    This chart is very misleading & biased towards the particular products you endorse. While no product is perfect for everyone I am a bit disappointed in the way you played with wording and '?' marks to make other products appear inferior. Your products appear solid...allow them to stand on their own.
    Thanks for the positive message & proactive mission you have on your site overall, however! I feel you just missed the mark of professional journalism on this 1 entry. Blessings to you!!!

  11. Marcia B says

    Food babe is an idiot.

  12. Kristen says

    Good article, except for the fact that most of the data that you provided is inaccurate and you did not do enough research. Just because a product is not certified Non-GMO, does not necessarily mean that it has GMO ingredients. Being certified Non-GMO is an extensive process and very expensive. That cost would be passed on to the buyer. If a product is already inexpensive, then either they are falsely advertising that they are certified Non-GMO OR the ingredients that they contain are of super poor quality. I will not name names of which products that you blatantly falsely lied about, in order to discredit the others and promote your own product, but you need to do your research as should everyone else before posting this slander.

  13. Michelle K says

    I actually love your site and I think it's great, but I am 100% sure you have not done your full research here and I'm a bit disappointed as you have many followers. I'm not even going to mention which shake above is incorrect, because if one is wrong who knows about the others! Feel free to private message me if you would like to learn the facts!

  15. lisa sulsenti says

    I am confused. I get that Sun Warrior is superior in it's raw ingredients, but Vega has 9 products that are NON-GMO certified, so why group them with companies that are pure junk? Can you share the reasoning behind that? Thanks.

    • Alissabeth says

      I can only find some bars and a complete nutrition powder that are non-gmo. Where are you seeing 9 products and can you share which ones?

  16. ruth says

    thank you so much for posting this. i was just about to order some body by vi or shakeology as soon as i could afford it. but i'm pregnant and really concerned about what i'm putting into my body. and i was looking at tera's whey and it seemed clean to me so i'm so happy it is on your approved list and a tad more affordable. thanks!

    • Tasha says

      Please do your own research in the Shakeology. The Beachbody company uses only Fair Trade, non GMO products. Visit http://www.shakeology.com to see for yourself, all the information you need is in the PDF of the nutrition label. As for affordability, it is only about $3-$4 a glass, a day.
      Thank You.

    • Amber says

      And Body by VI is less than $2 a shake. And doctors have even starting prescribing it to pregnant women!!

  17. Heather says

    I love this comparison but with all due respect, the information is not accurate for ViSalus (Body By Vi). We will start with just the very first thing you have checked....GMO's. It has none! I don't really feel this was fair to report.

  18. Holly says

    Hi!

    Thank you so much for this post! I did a LOT of research to find the best protein powder. I landed on Tera's Whey because of all the reasons stated above. Also, only 5 ingredients! I make a breakfast smoothie once per week and am so happy you agree that it achieves the real food test. I am prepping for a 100 day challenge and am happy that I can continue to use this product. Again, thank you!

  19. Dean says

    I have made my own protein shake using non gmo tofu. Foodbabe, do I need to avoid tofu because it is soy. There is also the calcium sulfate which can't be good.

  20. Debra says

    I just discovered your sites and am enjoying your info and advice. just checked out the habits to start New Year's with, and put my lemon, water and cayenne on the kitchen counter. I would love to try the Warrior Protein powder in the give away! I have been vegan for 2 years. Thank you!

  21. Gayle says

    I plan to try Sun warrior products ASAP. I make a protein smoothie daily and am horrified what I unknowingly am putting in my body. Thanks so much for the information!

  22. cloudbird bonin says

    There are other cold-processed whey concentrate products out there, from safe sources. One is Progressive's Harmonized Protein from New Zealand pasture-fed NON-GMO Cows...Also, One World Whey is excellent & cold-processed. I have found Terra's Whey too often tastes VERY rancid, and has way too much Stevia.

  23. Linda colley says

    Hey there just love your products it been part of my routine everyday....thank you iv told all my friends about you and they now use your product....your so awesome!!!!!

  24. Chris says

    The sun warrior protein powder has glutamic acid. I'm allergic the msg. I do I need to be concerned about glutamic acid?

  25. Donna Hernandez says

    Just realized I commented on the wrong website. Sorry, will go to food babe.

  26. Donna Hernandez says

    Grea read!!! I love sharing you info on FB.
    Have you heard of Pure Encapsulation 1 (800) 753-2277. They have a Pure Lean vegan protein shake. Not the same as Pure Lean. Would love for you to research them. Also Greens First 1 (866) 410-1818 sells a Dream Protein with whey and I would love to know if they are full of it as well.

  27. Rachel says

    Disappointed in your research! Shakeology offers 2 vegan flavors, which therefore do NOT have whey nor rgbh. Also, there is no refined sugar in Shakeology. Check out Darin Olien's website (www.darinolien.com) to learn more.

  28. Natalie says

    Any info on J robs protein powder??

  29. Emily says

    I would love to try this protein powder!

  30. vicki says

    Are rice based protien shakes safe at all? Now that we know ALL rice is full of arsenic, even organic, wouldn't that alone make it toxic, especially since it is used is so frequently is such high concentration in protien powders? What's wrong w/just adding spirulina as the protien in a shake?

  32. Fernanda Litt says

    I work with only one company - a small, family owned healthfoods company, based out of Southern California.

    The owners ARE the manufacturers - and they formulate products for over 200 different companies.

    Many health food experts know them as Organic By Nature: http://www.organicbynature.com/

    Purium's protein shakes (LOVE Supermeal and Power Shake) are based on Spirulina and contain no GMOs or manmade ingredients whatsoever:

    http://www.phporder.com/AllProducts.aspx?ID=healthyeating

  33. Shaina says

    I've scanned through your comments to see if you already addressed this one, sorry if I missed it! I have recently started buying Nature's Life Healthy Veg pure plant protein. I'm a little uncomfortable with the ingredients since it is not an organic product... Purified Pea Protein Isolate, Rice Protein, Hemp Protein, Organic Chia Seeds, Natural Vanilla with other natural flavors, Xylitol, Malitol Powder and FOS Blend. I am suspicious of the "natural flavors", worried the xylitol may be gmo derived and have no idea what FOS blend is. Any input on this product?

  34. Winona Kuligowski says

    Products that are labeled zero calories are not that promising. It's true. There are no calories in them but to make them taste as good as they are, substitutes are added. Artificial sweeteners that come with side effects are included in the ingredients. They have to be, to redeem the flavor. Otherwise, the products will end up too awful to be a delight.You'd think you're in the right track with artificial sweeteners. With no calories, you can say goodbye to some extra pounds in your system. You feel as if you're doing alright. Well, you're not. Truth be told, if you intend on losing weight through these empty calories, you are kidding yourself. Not only do they not have any dieting advantage, they, also, puncture your body with other effects.^

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  35. Rayford Nadelson says

    Products that are labeled zero calories are not that promising. It's true. There are no calories in them but to make them taste as good as they are, substitutes are added. Artificial sweeteners that come with side effects are included in the ingredients. They have to be, to redeem the flavor. Otherwise, the products will end up too awful to be a delight.You'd think you're in the right track with artificial sweeteners. With no calories, you can say goodbye to some extra pounds in your system. You feel as if you're doing alright. Well, you're not. Truth be told, if you intend on losing weight through these empty calories, you are kidding yourself. Not only do they not have any dieting advantage, they, also, puncture your body with other effects.*

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  36. James says

    i read the title of this article and you had me a little scared, but thankfully i have long since switched to organic hemp so no worries in the world =)

  37. Heather says

    This is great information! Thank you! Question: what is your opinion on Vega protein powder (purchased on their website or at whole foods). Thanks!

  38. Kellie says

    Have you looked at Shaklee's 180 Energizing Smoothies? They are non GMO, low glycemic index, low sugar, and balanced carbs, fiber, fat, and protein.

    24 grams of hunger fighting protein *
    6 grams of fiber
    Powered by Leucine (to maintain lean muscle)
    23 vitamins and minerals
    Non-GMO soy protein
    Low glycemic.
    No artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives added
    Gluten free, lactose free