What is the best clean protein powder?
If you are looking for the best clean protein powder, you have come to the right place. Learn more about clean ingredient protein powder so you can easily and safely meet your protein needs. This article was written by Jack Schrupp & Brittany Adelman, RDN.
Learn about clean protein powder
What is protein powder?
Protein powder is a concentrated form of dietary protein in powder form. Common types are whey, pea, and egg white protein powder.
Protein powder can be used to make protein shakes, or added to smoothies, oatmeal, and other recipes for an easy protein boost. Although different people use protein powder to achieve different wellness goals, they all use it for the same basic reason: to increase their protein intake.
What is “clean” protein powder?
In the context of nutrition, “clean” refers to foods and beverages that are as close to nature as possible, meaning they have undergone little to no processing. A banana is a perfect example of clean food – you cannot get closer to nature than a banana. A Coke, on the other hand, is not clean. Coca Cola cannot be found in nature, nor does it look remotely like anything that can.
If you want to “eat clean,” avoid packaged and processed foods, and focus on cooking meals from scratch using fresh ingredients. The more your plate consists of foods you could gather, harvest, or hunt, the better.
Now, I know what you are thinking – if I cannot eat packaged and processed foods, then how am I supposed to use protein powder? This is a fair question, because protein powder is undeniably a packed, processed food. In fact, most protein powders require a lot of processing to make because most dietary protein sources do not contain enough protein by weight to be used as a protein supplement. They must, it follows, be chemically and/or mechanically stripped of their fats, carbs, etc. – becoming something we call a protein concentrate or isolate.
Just because protein powder is packaged and processed does not mean it is off limits, however, it simply means it should only be used as a dietary supplement. In other words, you should try to get as much of your dietary protein intake as possible from foods like eggs, fish, legumes, meat, nuts, and seeds, and only use protein powder to fill in nutritional gaps. People with busy lifestyles and dietary restrictions, for example, often use protein powder this way.
It is worth noting that some protein sources are much less processed than others, and therefore more compatible with clean eating. Some protein powders also have much cleaner ingredient lists. Keep reading to learn more.
What is the best clean ingredient protein powder?
First of all, be wary of brands that claim to make clean protein powders. If a company has come out and said their products are clean, they probably have something to hide. Take, for example, the company Clean Simple Eats. Its best-selling protein powder contains xylitol (a sugar alcohol), natural flavors (which contain added solvents, preservatives, etc.), and xanthan gum (a thickener). None of these ingredients are clean, not even close. Here is a list of the most common food additives in protein powder:
acacia fiber, acacia gum, acesulfame potassium, artificial flavors, ascorbic acid, aspartame, calcium carbonate, carrageenan, cellulose gum, dextrin, dicalcium phosphate, dipotassium phosphate, erythritol, gellan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, inulin, locust bean gum, maltodextrin, mono- and diglycerides, ‘natural’ flavors, rice bran extract, rice dextrin, rice hulls, rosemary extract, silica, silicon dioxide, sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate, soluble corn fiber, soy lecithin, sucralose, sunflower lecithin, tocopherols, tricalcium phosphate, xanthan gum, xylitol, zinc oxide
A clean protein powder must be made with a short list of simple ingredients. It cannot contain gums, lecithin, or any other food additives. It should also be made with whole food protein sources, not protein concentrates or isolates. Not only do ingredients like these look less like real food, but they are also often stripped of their non protein components using chemical agents like hexane, trace amounts of which can remain in your protein powder.
The only protein sources that qualify as clean are collagen, egg whites, and hemp, and nuts (almond, walnut, etc.). These protein sources undergo much less processing than other protein sources (peas, soy, whey, etc.), which is why you will never find the words “concentrate” or “isolate” on the ingredient list of a collagen, egg white, hemp, or nut protein powder.
Remember that once you have picked a clean protein source, you must then make sure that it is additive-free. Unfortunately, very few protein powders meet these criteria. Use our protein powder search tool to see for yourself.
What is the best clean vegan protein powder?
Believe it or not, vegan protein powders tend to be the worst when it comes to using clean ingredients. Because plant protein concentrates and isolates are so chalky and hard to mix, vegan protein powder companies use lots of emulsifiers and thickeners. If you want a clean vegan protein powder, you must read the ingredient list closely.
And do not let words like “organic” and “plant-based” lull you into a false sense of security. Just because a product is organic does not mean that it is good for you.
drink wholesome is the best clean protein powder
One of the reasons why we make the best clean protein powder is that we do not use any food additives whatsoever.
our ingredients:
egg whites, coconut, cocoa, monk fruit
the alternative:
Protein Matrix Comprised of (Whey Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Isolate, Calcium Caseinate, Micellar Casein, Milk Protein Isolate, Egg Albumen, Glutamine Peptides), Polydextrose, Sunflower Creamer (Sunflower Oil, Corn Syrup Solids, Sodium Caseinate, Mono- and Diglycerides, Dipotassium Phosphate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Soy Lecithin, Tocopherols), Natural and Artificial Flavor, MCT Powder (Medium Chain Triglycerides, Nonfat Dry Milk, Disodium Phosphate, Silicon Dioxide), Lecithin, Cellulose Gum, Salt, Yellow 5, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, Papain, Bromelain
Food additives are hard to digest and feed gut bacteria, which release gas as they eat. As you might imagine, too much intestinal gas can cause bloating, flatulence, and stomach pain. Partially digested food additives also cause your colon to absorb too much water, leading to diarrhea.
Regularly eating certain food additives can also alter the composition and function of your gut microbiome – the collection of microorganisms living in your gut. This can lead to gut dysbiosis, or an imbalance in your gut microbiota, which contributes to wide range of chronic diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), obesity, type 1 diabetes, and colorectal cancer.
Another reason why we make the best clean ingredient protein powder is that we do not use dairy-based proteins like whey and casein. Whey and casein, which are byproducts of cheese and yogurt production, resist digestion and tend to cause digestive issues.
A final reason why we make the best clean protein powder is that we do not use protein concentrates or isolates. Nearly all other protein powders are made from one or both of these protein sources, which look nothing like real food.
Instead of using protein concentrates or isolates, we make clean protein powder and with whole foods like collagen, egg whites, and almonds. Protein sources like these are easy to digest and absorb. They also each bring a unique set of digestive benefits to the table.
Collagen can reduce bloating and improve digestive symptoms. Almonds are rich in prebiotic fiber and improve the composition of your gut microbiome. Egg whites are alkaline, meaning they balance the pH levels in your gut, and promote the growth of good gut bacteria.
Our customers experience fewer digestive issues with our protein powders than with any other type of protein supplement. Order samples to see for yourself.
Who would benefit from a clean protein powder?
Wondering if clean protein powder is right for you? While using a clean protein powder can benefit most people, it is especially true if you fall into one of the following groups:
– Athletes and fitness enthusiasts: Hitting the gym? Clean protein powder provides a convenient and effective way for athletes and gym-goers to ensure muscle recovery and growth after workouts.
– Individuals with dietary restrictions: People with dietary restrictions and food allergies can benefit from adding clean protein powder to their diet.
– Vegans and vegetarians: Struggling to meet your protein requirements? Clean plant-based protein powders can help you fill in the gaps!
– Busy professionals: Skipping lunch during the work day? Clean protein powder can be a convenient option for busy professionals who need a quick and nutritious meal or snack.
– Seniors: Many older adults need to eat extra protein to prevent age-related muscle loss. Clean protein powder can be a convenient way for them to boost their protein intake, especially if they have difficulty chewing or swallowing solid foods.
– Individuals focused on weight management: Protein is the most satiating (filling) nutrient, which means adding clean protein powder to your diet can help curb cravings and prevent overeating. –
– Pregnant and nursing women: Pregnant and nursing women require additional protein to support the growth and development of their babies. If you are an expecting or breastfeeding mother, clean protein powder can be a convenient way to meet your increased protein needs.
– Individuals recovering from surgery: Patients recovering from surgery or illness need extra protein to support tissue repair and healing. Clean protein powder can provide a convenient and easily digestible source of protein during recovery.
– Individuals with digestive issues: Clean protein powders can help people with digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) meet their daily protein needs.
– Individuals who care about ingredients: With clean protein powder, you know exactly what you are putting into your body.
In short, clean protein powder is a powerful nutritional tool that can help a wide range of people meet their protein needs without causing side effects or complications.
What are the advantages of using a clean protein powder?
Clean protein powder is not just a dietary supplement; it can also be a catalyst in your health and wellness journey. Here is a closer look at some lesser-known benefits of consistently using clean protein powder:
– Enhanced nutrient absorption: Clean protein powders, particularly those made from whole food protein sources, contain vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients that work synergistically to enhance protein absorption and utilization, ensuring you get the most out of every scoop.
– Gut health support: Clean protein powders, especially those high in fiber, support your gut health, contributing to better digestion.
– Blood sugar control: Clean protein powders, especially ones with minimal added sugars, can help stabilize your blood sugar levels and prevent spikes and crashes throughout the day.
– Improved skin, hair, and nail health: Clean protein powders, especially clean collagen protein powders, can promote healthy skin, hair, and nails from the inside out.
– Inflammation reduction: Millions of people struggle with chronic inflammation, which is linked to a wide range of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, and metabolic syndrome. In light of these concerns, it is crucial to consider what you are putting into your body, and how it might be contributing to inflammation. Protein powders full of food additives, for example, can be significant drivers of inflammation.
Add clean protein powder to your diet today to jumpstart your wellness journey. As you just learned, increasing your protein intake is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to improving your health.
How to find the right clean protein powder for you? Tips from a dietitian
New to protein powder? Here are a registered dietitian’s top tips for choosing the right protein powder:
– Be mindful of dietary restrictions. When selecting a clean protein powder, consider your dietary preferences and any food sensitivities or allergies you may have. Options collagen and hemp protein powder are both excellent choices for individuals seeking allergen-free protein sources.
– Check the ingredients list. Read the ingredients list twice to ensure that your protein powder is truly clean and free from additives.
– Experiment with different flavors and recipes. Get creative with your clean protein powder and experiment with different flavors and recipes. Keeping your diet fun and delicious is an important part of achieving your long-term health goals.
– Add fiber. Increase the nutritional value of your protein shakes by adding fiber-rich ingredients like dark leafy greens and fresh fruit.
– Listen to your body. Pay attention to how your body responds to protein powder and adjust your intake accordingly. Some individuals may find that they need more or less protein depending on their activity level, dietary preferences, and overall health goals.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you choose the right protein powder, and get the most out of every scoop.
★★★★★
simple and delicious
“I have PCOS and have a really hard time losing weight. I’m on a low-carb, high protein diet, but I don’t eat enough protein most days. I started using protein powder, but all the ones I tried upset my stomach, until I found this one. I add it to everything. It’s simple and easy to digest.” – Eva
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. drink wholesome is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
