container.appendChild(ins); "[It] is also paleo-approved, keto-friendly, gluten-free, and made with only 1 gram of sugar per serving," says Manaker. Whether on social media or on the news, the issue of industrial and environmental contaminants in the news is a daily phenomenon. Primal Kitchen's products are known for using only a handful of ingredients, which can provide you with peace of mind as you consume. 5. This protein powder uses a blend of pea, rice, cranberry, hemp, and sacha inchi protein. Its also formulated with several strains of probiotics, which are a form of beneficial bacteria that have been shown to support immunity and digestive health (15). Eating moderate amounts of protein throughout the day may also help prevent muscle loss in older adults (22). Arbonne's protein powder also contains thickening agents, which have been known to cause gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. The product recommendations in this post are recommendations by the writer and/or expert(s) The Garden of Life Protein Powder has been previously recalled for Salmonella contamination. Specific Sunwarrior products that tested extremely poorly are: -Sunwarrior Classic Plus Chocolate Sprouted & Fermented Plant-Based Protein The chocolate flavor will give you 22g of protein per serving. When choosing the type you want to try, make sure to look at the ingredients label to see how much added sugar, saturated fat, or sodium is used. Protein Powder for Sensitive Stomachs: Our inclusive plant . The additives arent harmful, they just help the powder to mix more easily. The highest vegan protein sources include lentils, millet, quinoa, peas, chickpeas, and beans. . Last updated: January 4, 2023Cacao powders considered: 26Hours of research: 43Experts reviewed: 6Scientific papers referenced: 12. Though the original supplement is made with whey and casein, the company also offers a vegan version, which is made from pea protein and brown rice protein. So you want a protein powder without heavy metals? This ensures your muscles get the nutrition they need to recover and perform. Broomfield, CO 80038-0873. "Organic and free of any additives, Sprout Living's Epic Protein Powder is suitable for most dietary needs," says Greene. It also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and all nine essential amino acids. The rating system appears to be more subjective as opposed to scientific. Skin reactions are also possible. The maximum limits for them in dietary supplements proposed by the U.S. Pharmacopeia are: arsenic (inorganic), 15 micrograms (g) per day; cadmium, 5 g; lead, 10 g; mercury, 15 g. The only other ingredient that is questionable is soy lecithin. New Study of Protein Powders from Clean Label Project Finds Elevated Levels of Heavy Metals and BPA in 53 Leading Brands The new independent study shows lead, BPA, mercury, cadmium and arsenic are present in top-selling nutritional protein powder supplement products. The flavored varieties are sweetened with stevia. It contains 20 grams of protein per serving, making it an ideal source of protein to stimulate muscle growth and repair after putting in some miles on the track or treadmill. PlantFusion Complete Plant-Based Pea Protein Powder The highest levels of cadmium in food were found in spinach, lettuce, and other leafy vegetables; also in potatoes, grains, peanuts, soy, and sunflower seeds, according to the CDC. It has a subtle vanilla flavor and is naturally sweetened with monk fruit. Their focus is on including levels of pesticides, plasticizers such as BPA, and heavy metals in the information given to customers. 1,5 cups of yellow split peas So its great for anyone with digestive troubles. Heavy metals are naturally occurring in the environment and found in whole foods. The Unflavored version is free of added sugar and contains just one ingredient: whey protein concentrate. 1/2 cup of quinoa Exposure to heavy metals can result in reduced mental function, lower energy levels and damage to organs. These are limits are between 20-50 times higher than those set by the Prop 65 laws set in California. One scoop provides 18 grams of protein from vegan sources including pea, hemp, chia, pumpkin, and coconut protein, and it is sweetened with organic maple syrup and monk fruit," says Sydney Greene MS, RDN. Looking for protein powders with either of these certifications can help assure you that you're using a clean product. These heavy metals have been linked to cancer, brain damage, & reproductive issues. The Native Blend protein is derived from grass-fed cows that have never been treated with growth hormones. Now, I know what you're thinking. Foods to . Therefore, chocolate flavored protein powders may be contaminated with it. Its formulated with just three simple ingredients: It also provides 50 g of protein per serving and a hearty dose of complex carbs, making it a good option for people trying to gain weight or those who may have difficulty meeting their nutritional needs through food sources alone. So to be safe, choose pea or hemp protein over rice if whey, casein or egg is not an option. However, it does contain coconut, which some people may need to avoid. var container = document.getElementById(slotId); You can toast the grains and legumes before grinding them up if you struggle to digest them raw. They will happily provide you with the test results if you contact them. Steer clear if you have a soy allergy. Hopefully, they are as close as you can get too heavy metal-free protein powders. You can look at the infographic of our study here and read the full white paper of our study here. They conducted tests on the most popular protein powders to check for heavy metals and other contaminants.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'nutritionlunatic_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_5',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-nutritionlunatic_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); According to their video, they found the following: Another valid point that Clean Label makes is that people often have multiple servings per day. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. -Garden Of Life Organic Shake & Meal Replacement Chocolate Cacao Raw Organic Meal. Each serving contains 25g of protein. Just keep in mind that its only available in one flavor, so it may not be as versatile as other protein powders. The powder also contains probiotics for better digestive health. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take any medications that could be affected by protein powders, talk with a healthcare professional before using one. Because of this pollution, it is important to periodically detox yourself from heavy metals. The simple truth is that there are detectable levels of heavy metals in all the plant foods we eat. Buy Ora Organic Vegan Protein Powder - 21g Plant Based Protein Powder . Garden of Life SPORT Certified Grass Fed Whey is our top pick because it's NSF Certified for Sport and Informed Choice Certified and provides 24 grams of high-quality whey protein. Sunwarrior is willing to provide test results if you get in touch with them. Additionally, look for a powder that is low in sugar and contains no artificial sweeteners or flavors. While protein powder can provide many health benefits, not all of these are created equal. Teras Whey received a 4.3 star rating and the seventh place on the Clean Label Project list. xhr.send(payload); ", This powder also fits a paleo, keto, dairy-free, or gluten-free eating pattern, and according to the Be Well By Kelly website, it is "carefully sourced and precisely formulated. Nick Meyer is a journalist who's been published in the Detroit Free Press, Dallas Morning News and several other outlets. Although it is more costly than other protein powders, each Gainful subscription includes personalized nutrition and fitness advice, along with access to a registered dietitian. Specific Vega products that tested extremely poorly are: -Vega One Plant-Based Mocha All-In-One Shake For this reason, its especially important to choose a product that is third-party tested or certified whenever possible. The products are labeled as using grass-fed milk, non-GMO, free of hormones, pesticides, or chemicals. We conform to all safety and quality measures, including rigorous California Prop 65 standards. Johns Killer Protein has a variety of grass-fed or grass and oat-fed whey protein options. The Warrior Blend is made from a blend of yellow split pea protein, hemp protein, and goji berry. Cadmium: 59.8 ppb. Our proteins are the cleanest, most thoroughly tested, third-party inspected and certified products available on the market. ins.style.height = container.attributes.ezah.value + 'px'; The biggest four are arsenic, lead, mercury and cadmium, with lead having the highest levels of metal in them. According to reviewers, it mixes very easily and doesnt have a chalky aftertaste like many other protein powders on the market, so it can be a great addition to your post-workout protein shake. Half of protein powders tested also tested high for BPA or bisphenol A. BPA is an industrial chemical used in making some plastics. "It is a little higher in carbohydrates due to plant-based protein typically containing other macronutrients. While the Chocolate flavor can be used in smoothies and desserts, Vital Protein Collagen Peptides Unflavored powder is even more versatile, as you can also add it to savory foods like soups. Sunwarrior - Warrior Blend 9. Heres a quick look at how our top picks compare: Keep in mind that protein powder should not be used to replace healthy sources of protein in your diet because high protein foods also provide other valuable nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. When purchasing any product, it is important to look for BPA-free on the packaging label. We tested 134 of the top-selling protein powders for how clean they were. It has been shown to improve nutritional status, immune function, and body composition during chemotherapy (17, 18). (The information on the methodology of the study can be found here). Last, but certainly not least, the Vega Protein Made Simple powder is a great choice for those who want a fully vegan and flavor-packed powder to throw into their smoothie. You may want to have one large portion or several small portions of protein per day. Cadmium can end up in the soil and water and then be absorbed by plants. Although KOS organic plant-based protein powder costs $37 for 30 servings, it isn't the most expensive option given the high calibre and amount of its constituents. . You can see all the lab results here. While the vast number of protein powders on the market can make the task of choosing one daunting, it also means there are probably several options that will be a good fit for you. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. You'll also want to decide between a plant-based powder, with the most common type being made from pea protein, or an animal product protein powder, with the most common being made from whey. Alternatively, if youre actively managing your blood sugar levels, you may want to avoid products with added sugars. According to a recent study done by the Clean Label Project, there is a possibility that the protein powder you mix into your smoothies could contain heavy metals like lead or cadmium,. "This powder also contains erythritol, which is a sugar alcohol providing some of the sweetness," explains Goodson. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat. if(ffid == 2){ With 18 grams of protein per servings, this protein powders hits recovery from all angles.". They also have whey and casein protein blends available. I love the Vegan chocolate cereal milk. You can find the latest heavy metal levels on their site. Naked Pea Protein consists of just one ingredient. Turmeric reduces inflammation. This protein powder gets high marks for its formulation, with reviewers on Amazon noting that its easy to mix and has a mild flavor that works well when combined with other ingredients. Researchers have identified that significant exposure to at least 23 different environmental metals (called "heavy metals") can contribute to acute or chronic toxicity. ", "Vital Performance Recover is the best of both worlds in that it provides 20 grams of collagen peptides that support the health of components rich in connective tissue, like muscles, tendons, bones, and joints, as well as 5 grams of branched chain amino acids to help muscle protein synthesis after exercise," says Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD author of The Sports Nutrition Playbook and member of our Expert Medical Board. Particularly scientists. These toxins are stored in our fat and bones. According to Callan, "That probably has more to do with these products being plant-based than being organic." RELATED: The Best High-Protein Foods for a Faster Metabolism. Collagen powders, whey protein powders, and plant-based protein powders to name a few are all subject to this scrutiny of heavy metals. There are also questions about who funded the studies. The biggest risk of heavy metal toxicity is working with metal every day and eating food grown in soil contaminated by mines or these types of factories. You may see the label on this protein powder and feel hesitant about consuming "grass-fed beef powder." Bottom 5 protein powders, averaged: Arsenic: 13.1 ppb. But looking at multiple reputable sources for information is the best way to go. For example, this blend of pea protein, brown rice protein, and chia seed protein likely accounts for most of the carbohydrates," Goodson continues. Johns Killer Protein tests each brand for heavy metals. "Made with only one (the unflavored option) or three ingredients (chocolate and vanilla flavors), this protein powder is full of the nutrients you want without any fillers, sugars, or additives. -Vega Chocolate Protein & Greens window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId, 'stat_source_id', 44); So while the heavy metals in one serving is fine, two or three servings may be too much. Consuming protein powder as a supplement can be beneficial for those who are working out, and for those who aren't. The brands online quiz collects information about your health goals, lifestyle habits, exercise routine, and dietary restrictions and recommends a protein powder designed to fit your needs. Experts say these protein powders are the healthiest and best-tasting choices you can make. Get the best food tips and diet advice Last year, the Clean Label Project completed a study examining 134 plant-based and animal-based protein powder products from 52 different brands . We carefully source our ingredients and review testing to ensure products conform to our rigid specifications for quality and consistency. RELATED: 5 Protein Powders With the Best Amazon Reviews. Its sweetened with sucralose so the sugar content is low at 2g. Additionally, several reviewers note that its not the best tasting. Each serving will give you 25g of protein. Blend: Mix two scoops into 6-10oz of non-dairy milk, water or your favorite beverage. If you're looking for a plant-based option, Dymatize offers that as well, and this powder is made from a blend of pea, watermelon seed, brown rice, pumpkin seed, and chickpea protein. Nutrition stats per 2-scoop (32.5-g) serving (Vanilla): Ground-Based Nutrition Superfood Protein Powder is organic, unsweetened, and GMO-free. We tested 134 of the top-selling protein powders for how clean they were. Its available in berry, chocolate, mocha, vanilla, and natural flavor. Ora Organic prides themselves on having little to no heavy metals in their protein powder. . Whey protein powders usually contain whey in three forms, depending on how they have been processed: -Vega Sport Plant-Based Vanilla Performance Protein They are a great option for people who are lactose intolerant or follow a vegan diet. The Clean Label Project Certification evaluates products for industrial and environmental toxins and contaminants (like heavy metals, pesticide residues, and plasticizers) that have the long-term potential to adversely affect health and well-being. Finally, some research suggests that taking protein powder before you go to sleep may help your muscles recover overnight (23). Taking Chlorella daily is also a gentle way to slowly detoxify. They have enlisted the help of Clean Label Project to go into the marketplace and randomly purchase and test their products to ensure that they continue to live up to these high standards. -Sunwarrior Classic Plus Natural Sprouted & Fermented Plant-Based Protein. There is also the case of them now selling certified products online. Not to mention Bisphenol A (BPA), a toxin found in some plastic containers depending on that brand's packaging. The main benefit of a homemade protein powder is that its more affordable and you can control what goes into it. Nutrition stats vary as products are customized. But because arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and lead contaminate many foods, it is becoming harder to find all of its sources on our plates. You can also mix protein powder into simple foods such as yogurt, oatmeal, or dips. However, its a bit pricier than other supplements and is sweetened with stevia, which can have an aftertaste that some people may find unpalatable. Nutrition stats per 4-tablespoon (tbsp) 30-g serving: NOW Sports Egg White Protein Powder is free of dairy, so its a good choice if youre lactose intolerant. This study found that virtually all protein powders contained measurable amounts of at least one heavy metal. Mercury can damage the nervous, immune, and digestive systems; it can harm kidneys and lungs. It has many beneficial uses in batteries, electronics, and much more but is toxic to humans. This is why they went for hemp protein. Nutrition stats per 2-scoop 30-gram (g) serving (Unflavored): SFH Pure Whey Protein is noted for its amazing taste, ease of absorption, and ingredient content. A new study shows Protein Powders contain metals like arsenic, mercury, etc. Their three products tested were: Puori PW1 Vanilla Pure Whey Protein ins.id = slotId + '-asloaded'; You can look at the infographic of our study here and read the full white paper of our study here. This is a detailed article about almonds and their health benefits. What Are the Benefits of Drinking Hot Water? Protein powders have become a kitchen staple not only for fitness enthusiasts, but many of us who need or simply like to add extra protein to our daily nutritional smoothies. Other Ways To Get Your Protein In The plant-based powder features raw greens, including kale, broccoli, and spinach, as well as superfoods like spirulina and maca. You can download the test results from their site under the heavy metals section. Sproutein from Sprout Living Sproutein is probably the most nutrient-dense protein you'll ever find. Clean Label Project has seen elevated levels of heavy metals including Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury as well as BPA leaching from packaging into the finished product. © 2023 Copyright Clean Label Project All Rights Reserved, Clean Label Project This may be especially beneficial for people with increased protein needs, those with difficulty meeting their needs through food sources alone, and those with certain dietary restrictions, such as vegans or vegetarians.