I get a lot of questions about protein shakes and powders. Many of you want to know if I drink them, which brands I recommend, what types of protein are the best, which ones to avoid…etc.
The truth is that most protein powders on the market are filled with highly processed denatured proteins, preservatives, GMOs, and tons of additives. Many are so expensive but also at the same time can be some of the lowest quality foods you can buy!
Let me give you an example of a protein shake that I would NEVER buy...
EAS Soy Protein Powder: Soy Protein Isolate, Fructose, Cocoa Powder (Processed with Alkali), Natural & Artificial Flavor, and Soy Lecithin.
This protein powder is not certified organic or non-GMO project verified – so it can contain GMO ingredients. The soy likely comes from "Roundup Ready" soybeans (a GMO) that is engineered to be doused with Monsanto's herbicide glyphosate. The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer deemed glyphosate "probably carcinogenic" – This is definitely not something you should be supplementing your diet with!
Besides being GMO, I avoid soy protein because when soy is isolated to just its protein state it becomes denatured and can cause hormonal disruptions. It also endures an extreme amount of chemical processing to become "isolated" - so it is not what I consider real food.
Here's another popular one I wouldn't buy...
IsoPure Zero Carb Protein (Vanilla): Ion Exchange Whey [Milk] Protein Isolate, Microfiltered Whey [Milk] Protein Isolate, Vitamin/Mineral/Amino Acid Blend, (Taurine, Potassium [As Potassium Chloride], Chloride [As Potassium And Sodium Chloride], Calcium [As Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate], Phosphorus [As Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate], L-Glutamine, Magnesium [As Magnesium Oxide], Vitamin C [As Ascorbic Acid], Vitamin E [As DL-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate], Niacin, Zinc [As Zinc Sulfate Dihydrate], Vitamin A [As Palmitate], Pantothenic Acid [As D-Calcium Pantothenate], Vitamin B6 [As Pyridoxine Hydrochloride], Copper [As Amino Acid Chelate], Manganese [As Manganese Sulfate Dihydrate], Riboflavin, Thiamin [As Thiamin Hydrochloride], Folic Acid, Biotin, Iodide [As Potassium Iodide], Chromium [As Amino Acid Chelate], Vitamin K, Molybdenum [As Amino Acid Chelate], Selenium [As Amino Acid Chelate], Vitamin B12), Soy Lecithin, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Xanthan Gum, Sucralose.
This artificially flavored protein powder is made from whey protein that is not certified organic, so it likely comes from cows that were raised on GMOs, growth hormones, antibiotics and other drugs. It also contains the artificial sweetener sucralose (Splenda) which is strongly linked to leukemia. The Center for Science in the Public Interest says sucralose is not safe and should be avoided.
This next protein powder seems pretty clean, but I still wouldn't buy it…
Vega One Nutritional Shake (French Vanilla): Pea protein, whole flaxseed (micro-milled), organic acacia gum (naturally occurring fiber), hemp protein, SaviSeedTM (sacha inchi) protein, organic gelatinized maca root, organic broccoli, inulin (from chicory root), organic spirulina, organic kale, organic marine algae calcium, fruit & vegetable blend (spinach, broccoli, carrot, beet, tomato, apple, cranberry, orange, blueberry and/or bilberry, strawberry, shiitake mushroom), chlorella vulgaris (cracked whole cell), papaya extract, probiotics (bacillus coagulans [provides 1 billion cfu/serving]), antioxidant fruit blend (grape seed extract, organic pomegranate, açai, mangosteen, organic goji, organic maqui), Contains 2 percent or less of: natural vanilla flavor, natural caramel flavor, stevia extract, citric acid.
This shake is not certified organic, including the first two ingredients, which means that they may have been treated with synthetic pesticides. Roundup is also used as a desiccant (drying agent) on some non-organic peas and flaxseed crops. Since I try to avoid these chemicals, I choose certified organic foods whenever possible! This powder is also sweetened with stevia extract (instead of whole stevia leaf), which goes through a chemical-laden process.
You can still supplement with protein and avoid heavily processed protein powders like these!
I typically prefer to make protein smoothies from scratch with real nutrient-dense foods - but this is not always the most convenient option. I realize there are times when you just need to whip up a quick protein shake and run out the door or want something while traveling - without worrying about poisoning yourself with unnecessary chemicals!
That's what I love about Nutiva's brand new protein powder: Organic Plant Protein Superfood 30 Shake.
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 natural occuring sugar per serving.
I really want you to be able to try this without breaking the bank. Since Nutiva is one of my favorite organic brands and a long-time Food Babe partner, I worked with them to create an inexpensive bundle that includes this protein powder.
Get a bundle that includes THREE of my favorite Nutiva products for $39.99 if you visit them here within the next 24 hours! This also includes FREE SHIPPING!
- One 21.6oz jar Vanilla OR Chocolate Organic Plant Protein Superfood 30 Shake
- One 13oz. jar Organic Classic Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
- One 29oz. jar Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
This bundle is worth over $80, so it's like getting two products for free!
When I posted a picture of Nutiva's new Chocolate Hazelnut Spread on my Instagram page recently, so many of you were excited and couldn't wait to pick up a jar! Now's your chance to get it basically free! This is a healthier replacement for Nutella - with 40% less sugar and made with all sustainable and organic ingredients. It's organic and delicious with fresh strawberries!
I use Nutiva's Organic Virgin Coconut Oil in my kitchen all the time for baking and sautéing vegetables, so this is one staple that I always keep well stocked in my house. It also makes a great natural moisturizer!
I know that you'll love all three of these products.
The founder of Nutiva, John Roulac, is a great friend and mentor of mine. He is also an amazing food activist. I'm on board with his mission to create a safer food system and that is why I am thrilled Nutiva supports the work we do here at FoodBabe.com.
To get the special deal on this bundle, please remember this is a 24-hour sale and expires tomorrow Friday, August 26th at 8pm EST/5pm PST!
Pick up your bundle for the special price of $39.99 with free shipping here.
Xo,
Vani
P.S. This savings is so incredible not to share and is for Food Babe & Friends – so feel free to send this deal to anyone you like!
P.P.S. Still confused on protein powders? Remember, if your protein powder is not certified organic, it's not worth putting it in your body - especially on a regular basis. Period.
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