Protein powder is always a hot topic with my clients. Most of them have been using their favorite brand for years…..and they think it’s healthy based on the tag line or marketing campaign. What we need to focus on is the ingredients. First and most important, is it organic? Is it sweetened and if so what is it sweetened with? How is it processed? Is the company ethical?
Sadly, most protein powders are filled with highly processed ingredients, GMO proteins, preservatives, artificial flavors & colors and refined sugars. Many companies are also using low quality ingredients, which is why it so important to know the company, their ethics and where they are sourcing the ingredients.
Why is organic so important? If a protein powder is not certified organic it most likely contains GMO ingredients, GMO’s (genetically modified organisms) are organisms whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. This is a process that “does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination”. Basically these plants or vegetables are made in a lab, not by nature. They most likely are also engineered to endure being doused in chemicals like Monsanto’s herbicide glyphosate. The World Health Organization’s internal agency for research on cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans”. I absolutely would not recommend consuming that, especially on a daily basis!
Even if the protein powder is labeled non-GMO, there is a huge difference between organic and non-GMO ingredients. Non-GMO ingredients can still contain synthetic pesticides and herbicides. These chemicals are absorbed into the food and then into our bodies once we eat them.
Almost every protein powder I have reviewed is sweetened. My recent reviews are all sweetened with stevia. Stevia in its most natural form of whole leaf extract is the only type I recommend. However, most products are using stevia extract which is created through a chemical-laden process that could take up to 40-steps to create. To put this in perspective, you can make stevia at home using stevia leafs and vodka in about 5 steps! On a side note, most store bought packet stevia’s first ingredient is Erythritol, Dextrose, or even Organic Agave Inulin. It should be Whole Stevia Leaf Extract and you can buy the one I use from Sweet Leaf on Amazon.
Soooo, what products have my seal of approval? These two! They are both organic, plant based protein powders without stevia. They are sustainably sourced and the companies are committed to bringing you the highest quality ingredients (hence the price tag!). Bonus, they both have vanilla and chocolate flavors.
I love this brand, all of their products and everything they stand for. Personally this is the brand I have used for years (between the plant based protein and their hemp option) Both the chocolate and vanilla flavors are delicious. Extra bonus is that they included bifidobacterium longum in their blend which is a probiotic. Side note, if you bake you really should check out their organic coconut sugar, organic coconut flour and organic shortening!
I am a huge fan of Foodbabe (aka Vani Hari) who launched the Truvani brand and released this new protein powder. She has been a food activist for years and pours hours of research into what’s in our food and educates the public on the good & bad ingredients we are potentially digesting. There are only 6 of the highest quality ingredients in this protein. The only downside to this option is the price. Since she is a small company with limited manufacturing right now it is double the price of the Nutiva. If you have the funds or use protein powder randomly I would highly recommend this option.
If you’re a lover of protein powder, make sure you read the ingredient label so you know what is going into your body. And if you do not have the time to do all the research try one of my recommendations.
Best,
Angelina
Very Berry Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients:
1 Scoop Vanilla Plant Based Protein Powder
1 Cup of Frozen Organic Berries
1 Tablespoon Chia Seeds
1 Cup of Organic Spinach or Kale (optional)
1.5 Cups of Water
Instructions:
Blend and enjoy!
Chunky Monkey Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients:
1 Scoop Chocolate Plant Based Protein Powder
1 Frozen Organic Banana
1 Tablespoon Almond Butter or Peanut Butter
1 Tablespoon Flax Seed Oil
1 Cup of Organic Spinach or Kale (optional)
1.5 Cups of Water
Instructions:
Blend and enjoy!
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