Protein
Whey, casein, plant-based — tested for purity, heavy metals, and amino acid profiles. Protein supplements that meet the standard.
We buy every product ourselves. Lab-tested and blind-studied. Our methodology
56 Reviews
AGN Roots
Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
Arguably the most certified grass-fed whey on the market: A Greener World (Entire Life on Pasture), Informed Sport, Informed Protein, ASPCA Shop With Your Heart, Truly Grass-Fed, Mindful Award (2021-2
Transparent Labs
Organic Vegan Protein
Alongside Ritual, best transparency practices in plant protein. Public lot-matched COAs with Informed Choice certification. Organic, minimal ingredients, no gums. Contains brown rice protein which car
Raw Organic Whey
USDA Organic Grass-Fed Whey Protein
The purest possible whey — literally ONE ingredient (organic whey protein concentrate). USDA Organic. No lecithin means worse mixability but zero additives. Flash pasteurized, cold-processed, no acid
Transparent Labs
100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
The transparency benchmark for whey protein. Every ingredient listed with exact mg amounts. Public COAs with lot matching. Informed Choice + Informed Protein dual certified. 88% protein by weight (hig
Momentous
Essential Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
The gold standard for third-party testing in protein powder — period. NSF Certified for Sport + Informed Sport dual certification is unmatched. Every batch COAs published via Light Labs. CR 2025 verif
NOW Sports
Whey Protein Isolate
50+ year supplement company with their own manufacturing and in-house ISO-accredited lab. NPA A-rated GMP (highest manufacturing certification). Informed Sport every-batch testing is excellent. Unflav
Levels
Grass-Fed Whey Protein
Excellent value for a clean grass-fed protein. Clean Label Project Purity Award. No artificial anything — no gums, no soy, stevia + monk fruit only. Sunflower lecithin. Cold-processed/undenatured to p
Ascent
Native Fuel Whey Protein
'Native whey' is extracted directly from milk (not cheese byproduct) — preserves more bioactive proteins. Informed Sport certified. No artificial sweeteners, no gums, sunflower lecithin. Certified Glu
Naked Nutrition
Naked Pea Protein
The purist's choice — unflavored version is literally one ingredient (yellow pea protein). NSF Certified, 27g protein from a 30g scoop (excellent protein density), mechanically extracted with no chemi
Ritual
Essential Protein Daily Shake
Gold standard for transparency in plant protein. Public lot-matched COAs, Clean Label Project certified, and verified safe by Consumer Reports. Uses PURIS regeneratively farmed peas. Adds L-Methionine
Promix
Grass-Fed Whey Protein
Strong transparency play — lot-specific COAs, no gums, no artificial sweeteners, no natural flavors. Cold-processed, acid-free, unbleached. Differentiates on 'what's NOT in it.' The unflavored version
Natural Force
Organic Grass-Fed Whey Protein
The strongest organic option in whey protein. USDA Organic + A2 protein from heritage breed Jersey cows in California. Only 3 ingredients in vanilla (whey, organic vanilla, organic monk fruit). No gum
BulkSupplements
Whey Protein Isolate 90%
The pure value play — cheapest isolate in the entire roundup at bulk pricing. Unflavored only. 90% protein by weight (27g from 30g) is excellent. The Ellipse Analytics 'A' grade is reassuring for heav
Dymatize
ISO100 Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate
One of the cleanest whey proteins from a heavy metals standpoint — #2 in Consumer Reports, dual verified by CLP. True hydrolyzed isolate (pre-digested for fast absorption). No gums. Very low carb/fat/
Equip Foods
Prime Protein (Grass-Fed Beef Isolate)
The leading beef protein isolate. Strong for paleo/carnivore audiences who can't do dairy or plant. Clean formulation — no gums, no lecithin, minimal ingredients. Contains naturally occurring collagen
Antler Farms
New Zealand Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
New Zealand sourcing is a genuine differentiator — NZ has some of the strictest dairy standards globally. Cold-processed, undenatured. Verified no amino spiking via independent COA (10/10 score). Only
Kaged
Whey Protein Isolate
Strong Informed Sport certification and full amino acid profile disclosure. Includes ProHydrolase digestive enzyme (250mg) for better absorption — clinically studied. No gums, sunflower lecithin. The
Truvani
Organic Plant-Based Protein
Clean formulation — no gums, no natural flavors, monk fruit sweetener, organic. Passed Consumer Reports testing but barely (0.46 ug lead, just under 0.5 ug threshold). The big contradiction: markets h
Naked Nutrition
Naked Whey
The ultimate minimalist protein — unflavored version is literally 1 ingredient (whey protein concentrate). Grass-fed, hormone-free, no additives. NSF certified facility. Good value at $1.00/serving. T
Ora Organic
So Lean & So Clean Organic Protein
Solid mid-range option: organic, no gums, 22g protein, includes digestive enzymes (amylase, protease, lipase, cellulase, lactase). Uses sacha inchi as a third protein source — unique in the category.
KOS
Organic Plant-Based Protein
Mixed bag. Passed Consumer Reports lead testing (good) but independent testing found PFOA — a PFAS 'forever chemical' — in some flavors (bad). Batch COAs available via lot number lookup, which is bett
Legion Athletics
Whey+
Founded by Mike Matthews (fitness author). Truly Grass-Fed certified (95% grass diet, 250 pasture days) — one of the few brands with a verified grass-fed certification standard. Labdoor certified with
Muscle Milk
Genuine Protein Powder
NSF Certified for Sport is a genuine positive — one of few mass-market brands with top-tier certification. 32g protein is among the highest. But the ingredient list reads like a chemistry experiment:
Rule One
R1 Protein Whey Isolate
Clean macro profile (110 cal, 25g protein, 0.5g fat, 2g carb) from 100% isolate sources (WPI + hydrolyzed WPI). Informed Choice certified. Own manufacturing facility. No gums. A 'Naturally Flavored' v
Vega
Sport Premium Protein (Performance Protein + Recovery)
The paradox brand: NSF Certified for Sport (the gold standard) yet STILL fails heavy metals testing. This is the most important editorial data point in the entire plant protein category — it proves th
Jacked Factory
Authentic ISO (Grass-Fed Whey Isolate)
Good value grass-fed isolate with solid independent test results (Ellipse Analytics top 10%). No gums, no soy. But no formal third-party certification (NSF/Informed Sport/Choice), contains sucralose a
Drink Wholesome
Egg White Protein Powder
The 'nothing added' protein — literally just egg whites and real food ingredients. No gums, no natural flavors, no lecithin, no sweeteners beyond monk fruit. Spray-dried egg whites from eggs broken <2
Sprout Living
Epic Protein Organic Plant Protein + Superfoods
The minimalist's choice — cleanest ingredient list in the plant protein category. No gums, no fillers, no natural flavors, no sweeteners (unflavored). BRC-certified facility (highest food safety level
Sunwarrior
Warrior Blend Organic Protein
Organic with an interesting protein source combo (pea + hemp + goji). No rice protein = lower inherent heavy metal risk, which is a smart formulation choice. However, only 17g protein per serving is b
Manitoba Harvest
Hemp Yeah! Max Protein
The hemp specialist. Unique nutritional profile with omega-3 and omega-6 (4.5g per serving) and fiber — no other protein source offers this. BRC-certified facility (highest food safety). Certified B C
Orgain
Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder
One of the most popular plant proteins on Amazon (80K+ reviews) but troubled by heavy metals. Failed Consumer Reports testing at 143% over Prop 65 limit and faces Prop 65 legal action. No third-party
Isopure
Zero/Low Carb Whey Protein Isolate
Unique in the market for including a full vitamin/mineral blend (25+ micronutrients) alongside the protein — more of a meal replacement approach. Zero Carb version is truly 0 carb. CLP Clean 16 Purity
Garden of Life
Raw Organic Protein
Once a gold standard in organic supplements, now facing serious credibility issues. Active class action lawsuit over lead contamination. Consumer Reports found 564% over Prop 65 lead limit in Sport Or
Raw Nutrition / CBUM
Itholate Protein
Best of the influencer brands. Informed Protein certification is legitimate and separates this from Alani Nu, Bloom, Ryse, and Huge. But 'grass-fed' claim lacks independent certification (no A Greener
Cellucor
Cor-Performance Whey
Budget-friendly from the C4 pre-workout brand. Decent macro profile, Informed Choice on the Isolate version. Non-detect for heavy metals on Clean Protein List. Contains wheat (unusual for whey protein
Body Fortress
Super Advanced Whey Protein
Cheapest option that passed heavy metals testing ($0.67/serving, CLP non-detectable). But the protein spiking lawsuit is devastating — if true, 21.5g actual vs 30g claimed means consumers get 28% less
Four Sigmatic
Organic Plant-Based Protein with Mushrooms
The functional mushroom play — 7 mushroom extracts + adaptogens + probiotics make this more of a 'wellness shake' than a pure protein powder. No gums or natural flavors is good. The problem: $4/servin
Nuzest
Clean Lean Protein
Clean formulation: no gums, no lecithin, 98% digestibility. Uses thaumatin as sweetener — a unique protein-based natural sweetener from West African Katemfe fruit, unlike anything else in the category
Ghost
Ghost Vegan Protein V2
The lifestyle/hype brand of plant protein. Licensed flavors (Oreo, Chips Ahoy), bold branding, social media-driven. The problem: zero third-party testing, no COAs, no heavy metals data, artificial swe
PlantFusion
Complete Protein
Notable for proactively removing brown rice protein due to heavy metal concerns — one of the few brands to publicly acknowledge and act on this issue. Uses artichoke, sprouted amaranth, sprouted quino
MyProtein
Impact Whey Protein
The budget king — often cheapest per serving during frequent sales. Europe's #1 sports nutrition brand. But: Prop 65 settlement ($198K) for lead, no heavy metals testing data, soy lecithin in some fla
BSN
Syntha-6
The 'taste first, macros second' protein. 200 calories and 6g fat per serving makes this more of a meal supplement than a lean protein. 6-protein blend with casein provides sustained release but obscu
Optimum Nutrition
Gold Standard 100% Whey
The industry gold standard by volume — 100K+ Amazon reviews, 15+ flavors, enormous market share. Excellent heavy metals results (non-detect in CR 2025 and CLP top 10%). Informed Choice certified. Full
OWYN
Only What You Need Plant Protein
The standout finding from Consumer Reports: OWYN is the ONLY plant-based protein with lead below detection limits. In a category where 9x more lead than whey is the norm, this is exceptional. Free of
Premier Protein
Whey Protein Powder
Mass-market brand known primarily for RTD shakes (convenience store staple). 30g protein is strong. BarBend independent testing showed A-grades across contaminants and top 10% label accuracy — reassur
Bloom Nutrition
Whey Protein Isolate
TikTok-famous but untested. No third-party certification, no COAs, no amino acid profile, no heavy metals data. Contains maltodextrin, artificial sweeteners, and gums. 22g protein is below average for
Aloha
Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder
Organic, monk fruit sweetened (stevia-free), B Corporation certified. Uses Fair Trade cocoa and coconut. The downsides: only 18g protein, contains brown rice protein (heavy metal risk), xanthan gum, n
Ghost
Ghost Whey Protein
The lifestyle brand protein — marketing-driven, flavor-focused (Chips Ahoy, Nutter Butter, Cinnabon collaborations). Strong social media presence and 4.5 Amazon stars. But from Evident's perspective,
PE Science
Select Protein
Famous for taste but the amino acid transparency issue is a serious editorial concern. Uses PepForm leucine peptides that inflate leucine to 40% (normal is 10-11%) — and refuses to publish amino acid
Alani Nu
Whey Protein
Massive DTC success but substance doesn't match the hype. No third-party testing, no COAs, no amino acid profile, no heavy metals data. Variable protein content (some flavors deliver only 20g despite
SlimFast
High Protein Smoothie Mix
Included for completeness as a mass-market reference point. This is a meal replacement shake, not a protein supplement — 11g sugar, soy protein isolate, maltodextrin, sunflower oil. Only 20g protein a
Huge Supplements
Huge Whey
Generic mid-tier brand with nothing that stands out positively or negatively beyond the usual: no testing, artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, xanthan gum. At $1.40/serving it's not even a valu
Ryse
Loaded Protein
Strong taste ratings (4.6 Amazon) but substance is weak. No third-party testing, no amino profile, carrageenan (the most controversial gum), soy lecithin, artificial sweeteners + flavors. Claims MCT o
Bowmar Nutrition
Whey Protein
Most legal baggage of any brand researched. Class action alleging 60% less protein than labeled. Unpaid supplier lawsuit ($1.3M). Breach of contract suit ($3.7M). Founders convicted in federal poachin
1st Phorm
Level-1
The biggest red flag brand in the whey roundup. Contains FD&C artificial food dyes (Yellow #6, Blue #1, Red #40) — these are banned or restricted in some countries and most 'premium' competitors elimi
MuscleTech
Nitro-Tech
30g protein per serving is highest in the whey roundup, but comes with baggage: 3g creatine added (useful for some, unwanted by others), triple gum blend, soy lecithin, and a 2015 amino spiking settle
In-Depth Guides
How Much Protein Do You Actually Need? The Math Most People Get Wrong
The RDA is 0.8 g/kg. The actual number for active adults is 1.6-2.2 g/kg. The per-meal ceiling for muscle protein synthesis is about 30g. Here is what the research actually says about how much protein you should be eating.
Apr 11, 2026
Plant Protein Has 9x More Lead Than Whey. Here's the Data.
Consumer Reports tested 23 protein powders in 2024. Two-thirds had more lead per serving than safe for daily consumption. Plant-based powders had on average 9x more lead than whey. The wellness narrative does not match the data.
Apr 11, 2026
What's Actually In Your Protein Powder: Spiking, Gums, Carrageenan, and Hidden Sweeteners
Up to half of protein powders are spiked with cheap amino acids that game the nitrogen test. The rest are full of gums, carrageenan, soy lecithin, sucralose, and "natural flavors" — an FDA-permitted umbrella for hundreds of compounds you'll never see on a label.
Apr 11, 2026
Your Protein Powder Is Probably Full of Plastic — Nobody Tests for It
Polyethylene is the dominant polymer in human brains, blood, and arterial plaque. Every protein powder ships in a polyethylene tub with a polyethylene scoop. There is no peer-reviewed study testing what that actually produces. This is why that gap matters.
Apr 11, 2026
Are Protein Powders Healthy? A Science-Backed Review
We reviewed the evidence on protein powders: whey vs plant-based, muscle growth, safety, and heavy metal concerns. Here's what the science says.
Mar 9, 2025