Protein powders are a pretty convenient way to increase your protein intake. The problem is that not all of them have a clean list of ingredients.
We’ve sorted all of that out for you.
Every protein powder on this list must meet all of the following “clean” criteria:
- No artificial sweeteners or other ingredients
- Fully disclosed ingredient label
- No added sugar
- At least one of the following:
- Publicly shares 3rd party certificates of analysis (COA) for their products
- Participates in a 3rd party testing program like Informed Sport, Informed Choice, Informed Protein, or Clean Label Project
- Has a mechanism for easily looking up the COA for a product’s lot number
If a protein powder doesn’t meet all of the above criteria, you won’t see it on this list.
If you’ve been in search of the best clean protein powder, you’ve probably heard the buzz about how 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate by Transparent Labs leads the pack. It’s third-party tested for banned substances & heavy metals, free of artificial ingredients, and certified by Informed Choice to be accurately labeled.
If you want a clean whey protein powder, this is one of the best. But if you’re a vegan or seeking a more specific protein source, we’ve got some great alternative recommendations for you too.
If you're looking for a high quality, clean protein powder, Transparent Labs' 100% Grass Fed Whey Isolate is an excellent choice.
With a slew of delicious flavors and a totally transparent, clean label, this is a premium product.
Discount code:
LV10 = 10% off at Transparent Labs
In this guide, we’ll explore the protein powder world to spotlight the top-notch options that prioritize clean ingredients and exceptional quality.
Table of Contents
- 1 Best Clean Protein Powders
- 1.1 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate – Transparent Labs
- 1.2 Essential Protein – Ritual
- 1.3 Vegan Protein Powder – Promix
- 1.4 Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides – Promix
- 1.5 Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder – Naked Nutrition
- 1.6 Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder – AGN Roots
- 1.7 Naked Egg – Naked Nutrition
- 1.8 Pasture Raised Whey Protein Powder – Puori
- 2 Our Clean Protein Powder Criteria for this List
- 3 What Is A Clean Protein Powder?
- 4 How To Successfully Buy Clean Protein Powder
- 5 FAQs
- 6 Final Thoughts
Best Clean Protein Powders
- 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate – Transparent Labs
- Essential Protein – Ritual
- Vegan Protein Powder – Promix
- Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides – Promix
- Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder – Naked Nutrition
- Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder – AGN Roots
- Naked Egg Protein Powder – Naked Nutrition
- Pasture Raised Whey Protein Powder – Puori
100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate – Transparent Labs
If you're looking for a high quality, clean protein powder, Transparent Labs' 100% Grass Fed Whey Isolate is an excellent choice.
With a slew of delicious flavors and a totally transparent, clean label, this is a premium product.
Discount code:
LV10 = 10% off at Transparent Labs
In the ever-expanding global protein supplement market, finding the best clean protein powder can be a difficult task. Well, that’s until you come across Transparent Labs’ 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate. This product stands as a beacon of transparency, especially when it comes to heavy metal contamination, hence the name “Transparent Labs”.
Every purchase is backed by the confidence that Transparent Labs publishes COAs for all their products directly on their website. This commitment to clarity is also bolstered by its certification from Informed Choice, ensuring that its products are free from banned substances.
With no artificial ingredients in sight and sweetened only with stevia leaf extract, it’s a pure choice for those seeking muscle growth without compromise.
Dive into its key ingredients and you’ll find a lean profile, not to mention a whopping 28 grams of protein per serving. The primary protein source? Premium whey isolate. Trust us, when it comes to grass-fed protein powders, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Key Ingredients:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Protein source: Whey isolate
- Sweetener: Stevia leaf extract
Essential Protein – Ritual
Never forget to stock up on protein powder again with Essential Protein from Ritual! After subscribing, you'll receive your monthly supply of protein powder so you're always hitting your nutrition goals. Recognized as one of the best protein powders without artificial sweeteners.
When whey doesn’t cut it for you, plant-based protein powders are a good alternative. Ritual’s Essential Protein emerges as one of the very best in this regard. It’s made from organic pea protein and offers all the essential amino acids, ensuring a complete amino acid profile that rivals even the best whey protein options.
What sets it apart? Its commitment to purity. Ritual ensures rigorous testing for heavy metals and banned substances, proudly aligning with the Informed Protein testing program and securing certification from Informed Sport. Their dedication doesn’t stop there…
As it says on Ritual’s site, their suppliers undergo meticulous qualification, ensuring ingredients meet strict standards for identity, purity, strength, and composition. This rigorous approach guarantees that their products go above and beyond when testing for heavy metals, microbes, allergens, and other potential contaminants.
For those with a sweet tooth, Ritual has innovatively used fermented sugarcane (Reb-m) and organic monk fruit extract as natural sweeteners, ensuring that this plant-based protein powder remains sugar-free. No soy, gluten, major allergens, sugar, stevia, or sugar alcohols, all in a convenient subscription-based model, so you won’t have to keep on running back to the store.
We’d particularly recommend this if you’ve been looking at lactose-free protein powder options.
Key Ingredients:
- Calories: 115
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Protein source: Organic pea protein
- Sweetener: Organic Monk fruit extract, fermented sugarcane (Reb-M)
Vegan Protein Powder – Promix
Squeaky clean vegan protein powder made from organic Canadian yellow peas.
Contains no hormones, GMOs, fillers, glyphosate, gums, glutes, soy, antibiotics, etc.
Promix’s Vegan Protein Powder is a standout among organic protein powders. It’s meticulously crafted from organic yellow pea protein isolate and is complemented with organic brown rice protein, giving you a solid 25 grams of protein per serving. Like many of the other options on this list, what truly sets it apart from ordinary protein powders is how committed Promix is to transparency.
With Promix, you’re not just buying a product; you’re investing in trust. By simply looking up the lot number of your purchase on their website, you can access detailed test results, ensuring you know exactly what you’re putting in your mouth. If, for any reason, the test results don’t align with your expectations, Promix offers a generous 90-day return policy.
The brand’s dedication to natural ingredients shines through, with no sugar or artificial components in sight. Instead, the subtle sweetness you’ll taste comes from monk fruit, offering something that’s clean and delightful. There are lots of choices out there but Promix’s Vegan Protein Powder stands tall, showing the rest what quality and transparency really mean.
Key Ingredients:
- Calories: 115
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Protein source: Organic pea protein powder, brown rice protein powder
- Sweetener: Monk fruit, coconut sugar
Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides – Promix
No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you, it’s another Promix product. Why? Promix’s Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides is a symbol of purity in the world of collagen protein powder. Whether you prefer the untainted essence of the unflavored variant or a hint of natural sweetness in the flavored version, Promix has you covered.
The unflavored option boasts a very clean ingredient list, with collagen peptides standing as the only component. For those who like a bit of flavor in their protein shake, organic coconut sugar offers a subtle, natural sweetness without the pitfalls of artificial additives. Promix’s commitment goes beyond just ingredients.
This product tells you exactly what you’re putting in your body. Like with their Vegan Protein Powder, you can easily access comprehensive test results, and if those results don’t meet your standards, there’s a 90-day return window, showing you how confident they are in their product.
With no artificial ingredients and a focus on raw, natural components, this option stands apart from typical milk protein options. Dive into a tub of Promix’s Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides; trust us, you can’t go wrong with it!
Key Ingredients:
- Calories: 80
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Protein source: Grass-fed hydrolyzed Brazilian collagen peptides
- Sweetener: Unsweetened (unflavored), organic coconut sugar (flavored)
Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder – Naked Nutrition
Naked Nutrition’s Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder is more than just a supplement; it’s a commitment to clean, high-quality nutrition. In the supplement market, transparency can often be a luxury, but Naked Nutrition goes against the narrative, offering full transparency.
They openly share their heavy metal testing results right on the product page, showcasing impressively low levels:
- Arsenic at under 0.3 micrograms per serving.
- Cadmium and lead both at under 0.15 micrograms per serving.
- Mercury at under 0.15 micrograms per serving.
This dedication to clarity is further shown by their participation in the Informed Choice testing program, so what’s inside the tub is exactly what’s promised on the label. The brand’s commitment doesn’t end at testing. Take a long look at the ingredient list and you’ll find a refreshing absence of artificial ingredients and sweeteners, as well as a nice 25 grams of protein per serving.
Instead, all the sweetness that graces your taste buds comes from organic coconut sugar, a natural and healthier alternative. With Naked Nutrition’s Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder, you’re not just fueling your body; you’re making an informed choice for purity and excellence.
Key Ingredients:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Protein source: Whey concentrate
- Sweetener: Unsweetened
Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder – AGN Roots
AGN Roots' Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is for anyone seeking a clean protein powder without compromise.
Verified by the 3rd party group Informed Protein, this protein powder is certified to be free of any banned substances or adulterants. It's also tested for heavy-metals.
AGN Roots’ Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder is a masterclass in simplicity and transparency. The product’s certification by both Informed Sport and Informed Protein says a lot about its quality and adherence to clean standards.
It’s another protein powder that takes a minimalist approach, plus it has no sugar or artificial sweeteners, offering you a clean protein experience. The ingredient list is refreshingly short, featuring only whey isolate and non-GMO sunflower lecithin. This dedication to simplicity ensures that you’re consuming a product free from unnecessary additives, focusing solely on high-quality protein.
Each bag comes equipped with a QR code that provides a gateway to lab-testing results. With a simple scan, you’re granted access to detailed insights into the product’s quality and purity.
It might be seen by many as one of the lesser-known brands on this list, but trust us, it doesn’t disappoint.
Key Ingredients:
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Protein source: Grass-fed whey protein isolate
- Sweetener: Unsweetened
Naked Egg – Naked Nutrition
Egg White Protein from Naked Nutrition is a top-shelf pick for anyone seeking a clean, lactose-free protein powder.
For those wanting a break from traditional whey or plant-based options, Naked Nutrition’s Naked Egg is a nice alternative. Sourced from non-GMO chicken eggs, this egg white protein powder is as pure as it gets. Being unflavored, it gives a neutral base, perfect for those who prefer to customize their shakes or recipes. Plus, with no dairy or lactose, it’s a boon for those with specific dietary needs.
Like many of the other protein powders with low heavy metals, Naked openly shares their heavy metal testing results:
- Arsenic at under 0.31 micrograms per serving.
- Cadmium, lead, and mercury are all at under 0.155 micrograms per serving.
Naked also participates in the Informed Choice testing program to give you peace of mind. While egg proteins are generally considered less at risk for heavy metal contamination, Naked Nutrition leaves no stone unturned in ensuring the utmost purity. The ingredient list is minimalist, with no artificial ingredients or sweeteners.
Key Ingredients:
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Protein source: Egg white protein powder
- Sweetener: Unsweetened
Pasture Raised Whey Protein Powder – Puori
Certified clean by the Clean Label Project. Puori regularly uploads certificates of analysis (COA) to provide radical transparency into their manufacturing process.
Puori’s Pasture Raised Whey Protein Powder is another very clean option. Their commitment to quality is evident in their regular COAs, uploaded by the Clean Label Project. These certificates consistently showcase heavy metal levels within the strict limits set by California’s Proposition 65. Remarkably, many of their samples don’t detect any heavy metals at all, showing how good they are at ingredient sourcing.
Their certification and continuous monitoring by the Clean Label Project also show Puori’s level of dedication. Every scoop of this protein powder that is consumed aligns with the highest standards of purity and quality.
Puori’s excellence isn’t just about what’s not in their protein powder; it’s also about the wholesome ingredients they choose. Instead of artificial sweeteners, they opt for coconut palm sugar, offering a natural touch of sweetness. Every ingredient is natural, and the minimal processing ensures that the nutritional integrity of the protein remains intact.
This is one of the ideal protein powders for teens starting supplementation, as it’s clean, trusted, and packed with a nice amount of protein per serving.
Key Ingredients:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 21 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fat: 1.5 g
- Protein source: Whey protein concentrate
- Sweetener: Organic coconut sugar
Our Clean Protein Powder Criteria for this List
Must meet all of the following criteria:
When compiling our list of the best clean protein powders, we set the bar high. It’s not just about the protein content or taste; it’s about the integrity of the ingredients and the transparency of the brand. Here’s our non-negotiable checklist that every protein powder on our list had to meet.
No artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavoring
- Sweeteners: Many protein powders in the market use artificial sweeteners to enhance taste without adding calories. But, these can have potential side effects and don’t align with our definition of clean.
- Colors: Artificial colors are often used to make products more visually appealing. However, they offer no nutritional value and can sometimes cause allergic reactions.
- Flavoring: While they may make a shake taste like your favorite dessert, artificial flavors can be taken from various sources, not all of which are natural or clean.
No added sugar
- Why it matters: Added sugars can quickly turn a health supplement into a calorie bomb. Ingesting too much sugar is linked to various health issues, from weight gain to more severe conditions like diabetes.
- Natural vs. added: It’s important to differentiate between natural sugars found in ingredients and those added for taste. Our criteria focus on eliminating the latter.
Must meet at least one of the following criteria:
In addition to our strict base criteria, we believe in the power of transparency and third-party validation. As we said, it’s key for a product to be free from unwanted additives, but it’s equally crucial for brands to be open about their testing and quality assurance processes. Here’s what we looked for:
Publicly Shared Certificates of Analysis (COAs)
- Importance: A COA is a document issued by an external laboratory that confirms a product meets its product specifications. It can include tests for harmful substances, potency, and more.
- Consumer confidence: Brands that share their COAs are essentially opening their doors to consumers, showing that they have nothing to hide and that they stand by the quality of their products.
Participation in Third-Party Testing Programs
- Examples: Informed Sport, Informed Choice, Informed Protein, and Clean Label Project are some of the reputable third-party testing programs.
- Why it matters: These programs test products for a wide range of substances and ensure that they meet high-quality standards. Participation indicates a brand’s commitment to quality and safety.
Easy Access to COAs Based on Product’s Lot Number
- Consumer-centric approach: Some brands understand the importance of transparency, and because of this, allow consumers to look up the COA for their specific product batch or lot number.
- Peace of mind: This mechanism ensures that you’re not just getting generic information but details specific to the product in your hand.
There’s no shortage of protein supplements, so hopefully, these additional criteria can help you identify brands that go the extra mile in ensuring quality, safety, and transparency.
What Is A Clean Protein Powder?
When it comes to fitness and nutrition, it’s not unusual to hear the term “clean” being thrown around. But, what does it truly mean? To be completely honest, everyone has their own opinion on what clean means, but we see a clean protein powder as one that steers clear of artificial ingredients and added sugars.
Additionally, manufacturers of clean protein powders actively participate in certification or ingredient transparency programs, ensuring that consumers know exactly what they’re consuming.
Common benchmarks for a protein powder to earn the “clean” label include the absence of artificial ingredients, trans fats, pesticides, hormones, and an overload of sugars. But, the landscape of clean protein is evolving. Recently, the spotlight has shifted to the heavy metal content in protein powders.
With rising consumer awareness, many are leaning towards brands that offer transparency through publishing COAs. These certificates validate that the heavy metal content remains within acceptable boundaries.
It’s crucial to understand that the term “clean” in the context of protein powders is somewhat subjective. There isn’t a universally accepted checklist that a product must tick off to be seen as clean. The definition will always vary based on individual preferences and evolving industry standards. As consumers, it’s vital to stay informed and choose products that align with your definition of “clean.”
How To Successfully Buy Clean Protein Powder
Read the ingredient label
When you’re trying to find a suitable protein powder, the ingredient label is your roadmap. It’s the first place to start when determining the quality of a protein powder. Steer clear of added sugars, which can foil your fitness goals. Artificial sweeteners, like sucralose or acesulfame potassium, may seem like a good alternative, but they’re best avoided.
Instead, go for products with organic ingredients. They’re less likely to contain synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Also, a well-rounded protein powder should have a good amount of amino acids, as they’re the building blocks of protein, ensuring that you’re fueling your body right.
Look for third-party testing
In a market flooded with protein supplements, third-party testing is your beacon of trust. Certifications like Certified Choice, Certified Sport, Certified Protein, or Clean Label Project are not just badges; they’re pledges that what’s claimed on the label is genuinely what’s inside the container.
Companies that go the extra mile, like Transparent Labs, make their COAs public. Promix even offers a unique feature: you can look up the COA based on your product’s specific lot number. If the test results don’t match your expectations, they allow returns.
This level of transparency says a lot about a brand’s confidence in its product and also empowers you, the consumer, to make informed decisions
Consider the protein source
The source of your protein powder plays a huge role in its overall quality and purity. Whey and egg protein powders generally have a lower risk of containing heavy metals. On the other hand, plant-derived protein powders, despite offering lots of benefits, may have higher levels of heavy metals due to soil contamination. This doesn’t mean you should avoid them, but it’s important to be informed.
Checking for COAs can tell you about the heavy metal content of specific batches.
FAQs
There’s no universal definition for “clean” protein powder, but we define it as a product that’s free from artificial ingredients and added sugar.
Also, a manufacturer of clean protein powder often participates in certification or ingredient transparency programs, ensuring that consumers are fully aware of what they’re consuming and where the ingredients come from.
Yes, many protein powders have traces of heavy metals. This is because of their main sources like milk, vegetables, or grains.
However, brands like Transparent Labs and Promix provide COAs, which reveal the heavy metal content in their products. This transparency allows consumers to make well-informed choices.
Usually, whey isolate and egg protein powder have less heavy metal exposure compared to plant-derived protein powders.
But, some plant-based options, like Promix or Puori, boast impressively low heavy metal levels. These brands also offer third-party testing results, ensuring consumers can trust the purity of their chosen protein supplement.
Final Thoughts
We’ve given you a lot of clean protein powders to consider, but we can’t shy away from 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate by Transparent Labs being the gold standard. It offers some of the best transparency, especially concerning heavy metal contamination, which is what truly sets it apart. The brand’s commitment to consumer trust is no secret as they publish the COAs for every product!
Plus, its certification as banned substance-free by Informed Choice further cements its position at the top. With no artificial ingredients and sweetening with stevia, this Transparent Labs product is the definition of a clean protein powder. Although Essential Protein by Ritual and Vegan Protein Powder by Promix are strong contenders, Transparent Labs’s offering is a cut above.
Again, the term “clean” is much-debated when it comes to protein powders and there’s no universally accepted definition. However, our outlined criteria, which are rooted in transparency and quality, offer a reliable benchmark. When in doubt, lean on these standards to guide your protein powder choice.
