Since the jury is still out regarding heavy metals here is our list of the best vegan protein powders…
An alternative way for many vegans to get protein has often been by way of protein powders. However, a 2018 study conducted by the Clean Label Project, a non-profit organization that examines labeling safety issues, has totally disrupted this market. The Clean Label Project found that “approximately 75 per cent of plant-based protein powders had measurable levels of lead. In addition to lead, the plant-based powders contained mercury, cadmium and arsenic.” Plant-based proteins may have higher contamination levels because the plants are especially prone to absorbing heavy metals from soil, says Sean Callan, Ph.D., a neuroscientist and director of operations at Ellipse Analytics, the lab that tested the protein products. Because of this many are now shying away from vegan protein powders.
However, NSF quickly challenged the Clean Label Project’s claim. NSF reported, “These heavy metals and others are naturally occurring in the earth’s crust and its soil. As a result, heavy metals are detectable in many plant-based foods and plant-based supplement ingredients. Finding detectable levels of heavy metals in plant-based products is not a surprise and is not evidence of a health risk. It simply means the laboratory instrumentation is sophisticated enough to detect these elements.”
NSF also cited the Clean Label Project’s lack of transparency. Specifically, the Clean Label Project did not adhere to any peer reviews, methodologies are unknown, there is no data, their rating system is subjective and they are not accredited. Taking all of this into consideration Melissa Piercell, ND, says that plant-based protein powder in moderation should be fine. That said, here are some recommended vegan protein powders.
Earth Chimp
Earth Chimp Vegan Protein Powder has some of the cleanest ingredients on the market. It is unsweetened so you avoid the weird aftertaste of stevia that several other brands have. Best of all it’s tummy friendly armed with a dynamic probiotic and digestive enzyme blend. The con is that it’s not very flavorful. However, this is easily remedied. Earth Chimp Vegan Protein Powder pairs well with many other things such as macha, fruit and nut milks.
KOS
Next is KOS Vegan Protein Powder. It’s made in the U.S.A. and is USDA organic. It comes in a 2.6 lb container, which is equivalent to 30 servings. It is made of 100% non-GMO Pea, Flax Seed, Quinoa, Pumpkin Seed and Chia Seed Protein. It is sweetened with organic agave, organic coconut sugar, organic stevia and monk fruit. This provides for the perfect amount of sweetness. It has a super smooth texture and the price is reasonable for the goodness that you are getting.
Orgain Organic
Third is Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein Powder. The protein is sourced from pea, brown rice and chia seeds. It is soy free, kosher, non GMO and carrageenan free. It is sweetened with organic stevia. What set’s Orgain apart from the others is their products being primarily USDA organic. So if that is something that is important to you give this brand a try.
Ultimately, the hunt continues for a heavy metal free plant based protein powder, which may or may not ever be discovered. Living on a planet that is composed of the very thing that we seek to avoid may be an impossibility. Given the fact that the very food that we eat is harvested from the soil of this giant rock that we call Earth heavy metals may just be a fact of life. After all, we’ve all got to eat don’t we? Humans, like the consumable animals that many humans eat, ingest these heavy metal ‘contaminated’ plants. In that regard, it wouldn’t be surprising to find out that all vegan and non-vegan food contained heavy metals.
Since the jury is still out regarding heavy metals what are your choices for the best vegan protein powders?
