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Protein Powders

Find the best protein powders containing whey, casein, pea, egg, hemp, and peanut proteins, and see how much sodium, carbs, fats, and calories are really in popular brands. Learn to choose one that is high quality without contamination, and low cost, with the right dose for maintaining muscle, and best for meal replacement.

Protein Powders Review

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CL Answer

Does consuming casein protein, like in Greek yogurt, increase the risk of prostate cancer?

Find out if consuming casein protein, found in Greek yogurt and other dairy products, increases the risk of prostate cancer.

Greek Yogurt

CL Answer

Is Greek yogurt a good source of protein?

Find out if Greek yogurt is a good source of protein, how much protein it contains, and what type of protein it contains..

Greek yogurt as a good source of protein? --  container of Oikos Greek yogurt

Clinical Update

7/06/2019

Casein Peptides for Better Sleep?

People with difficulty sleeping were given a casein hydrolysate to see if it would help them sleep. Find out if it worked in the Casein section of the Protein Powders, Drinks and Shakes Review. Also see our Top Picks among casein and other protein products.

Product Review

Olive Leaf Extract Supplements Review

Learn What Olive Leaf Does and the Best Brands

Product Review

Lion's Mane and Chaga Supplements Review

Read Labels Carefully -- Many Can Mislead

Lion's Mane and Chaga Supplements tested by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

Electrolytes & Sports Drinks Review

See Which Sports Drinks, Powders, and Pills Deliver the Right Electrolytes

Product Review

Lavender and Tea Tree Essential Oils Review

Oils Tested for Authenticity and Purity

CL Answer

What is the best protein supplement for vegetarians and vegans?

Find out which protein supplements for vegetarians and vegans are best, including those made from whey, casein, soy, rice, pea, and hemp. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Protein Powder Scoop

Clinical Update

5/15/2018

Casein at Night?

It has been suggested that casein protein be taken at bedtime because it is absorbed relatively slowly, providing a more continuous supply of amino acids throughout the night to maintain muscle. A study recently put this theory to the test. See the results in the Casein section of the Protein Powders Review. Also see our Top Picks among products.

CL Answer

Is it true that I need to drink more water or increase calcium intake when supplementing with protein powder?

Find out if protein supplements, powders and shakes can cause dehydration or bone loss, and whether you need to drink more water or increase your calcium intake when taking protein supplements. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

CL Answer

Do collagen supplements impact cholesterol levels or reduce risk factors for atherosclerosis?

Collagen has been studied for its effects on cholesterol levels and atherosclerosis risk factors, but its effects are still not clear.

Collagen powder and collagen pills

Product Review

Choline and Lecithin Supplements Review (Including Phosphatidylcholine, CDP-Choline, and Alpha-GPC)

Choose the Best Choline Supplement. Find Out How Much Choline Popular Supplements Really Provide.

Product Review

Cranberry Juices and Supplements Review

CL's Tests Show Which Cranberry Juices and Supplements Are Best and Cost the Least

Product Review

Digestive Enzyme Supplements Review

Big Differences in Strength Found Among Digestive Enzyme Supplements. CL Tests Reveal Which Are Best.

Clinical Update

6/17/2020

Whey vs. Casein vs. Neither

A study among elderly men engaged in strength training compared the effects of supplementing with whey protein, casein protein, or neither. Learn what the study showed in the What It Does section of the Protein Powders Review. Also see our Top Picks among protein powders.

CL Answer

What’s the Best Way to Get High-Quality Protein from Food?

Find out the best way to get high-quality protein from animal or plant-based food instead of supplements.

Examples of foods that are good sources of protein

Product Review

L-Lysine Supplements Review

Read L-Lysine Labels Carefully. Some Can Fool You.

CL Answer

Do essential amino acid (EAA) supplements help build muscle better than dietary protein or protein supplements?

Comparison of essential amino acids vs dietary protein and protein supplements for building muscle.

Hands holding essential amino acid capsules and protein powder

Clinical Update

3/28/2023

Protein For Faster Improvement?

Did taking a protein supplement lead to faster improvement in walking speed among older men and women than exercise alone? Find out what a recent study showed in the Building and maintaining muscle mass section of our Protein Supplements Review.

Also see our Top Pick among protein supplements (including whey, casein, pea, and soy).

Clinical Update

10/23/2021

How Good Is Pea Protein?

How does the amino acid quality and digestibility of pea protein compare to casein? Find out what a new study showed in the ConsumerTips section of our Protein Supplements Review, which also explains the differences between whey, soy, rice, and other sources of protein. Also see our Top Picks among protein powders, including our Top Pick for pea protein.

Clinical Update

1/11/2022

Soy Versus Whey Protein

Can soy protein help increase muscle mass and strength as well as the same amount of whey protein? See what a recent study showed in the Soy section of our Protein Powders and Drinks Review, which includes comparisons of whey, casein, soy, rice, pea and other forms of protein. Also see our Top Picks among protein supplements.

Product Review

Aloe Juices, Gels, and Supplements Review

How Much Aloe is Really in Aloe Products? Find Out and See Our Top Picks.

Product Review

PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) Supplements Review

Learn What PQQ Does and Which PQQ Supplements are Best

News Release

June 30, 2022

Best Protein Shakes & Drinks According to ConsumerLab Tests. Lead, Excess Sodium Found in Some

White Plains, New York, June 30, 2022 — Consumers may get more sodium, fat, calories, or even lead, than they bargained for from some protein supplements, according to recent ConsumerLab tests of over 20 popular protein powders and shakes.

Product Review

NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) Supplements Review

Choose the Best N-Acetyl Cysteine Supplement. See Our Tests of Popular NAC Supplements and Top Picks for Quality and Value.

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) supplements tested by ConsumerLab.com

CL Answer

Which supplements or OTC medications help reduce flatulence (gas), and are there any that make it worse?

Find out which supplements may help reduce flatulence (gas), and learn which supplements or foods may worsen symptoms of flatulence.

Older woman sitting on her bed and holding her stomach due to gas and bloating

News Release

January 03, 2019

ConsumerLab Tests Reveal the Best Protein Powders, Shakes and Drinks -- 20% of Protein Powders and Drinks Fail CL's Tests of Quality

White Plains, New York, January 3, 2019 — Combined with resistance exercise, protein supplements can help athletes build muscle and older people prevent muscle loss. They can also help people with diabetes maintain blood sugar levels when consumed as part of a low-calorie diet.

Product Review

Bone Broth Review

Find the Best Bone Broth. Find Out How Much Collagen and Sodium Is Really In Popular Bone Broths.

Bone Broth Supplements Reviewed by Consumerlab.com

Product Review

Plant-Based Milks Review (Almond, Cashew, Coconut, Flax, Hemp, Macadamia, Oat, Pea, and Soy)

Find the Best Non-Dairy Milk Alternative. ConsumerLab Tests Reveal What's Really In Plant-Based Milks.

Plant Based Milks reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

Echinacea Supplements Review

Many Echinacea Supplements Fail CL's Tests. Make Sure You Know What You're Getting!

Echinacea supplements reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

NAD Booster Supplements Review (NAD+/NADH, Nicotinamide Riboside, and NMN)

How Important Is Boosting NAD+ Levels? Find Out and Learn How Booster Supplements Compare.

NAD Boosters (NAD+/NADH, Nicotinamide Ribose, and NMN)

Product Review

Iron Supplements Review (Iron Pills, Liquids and Chews)

See Which Iron Supplements Are CL's Top Picks for Different Needs

News Release

June 15, 2016

28% of Protein Powders and Drinks Fail ConsumerLab.com's Tests of Quality

White Plains, New York, June 15, 2016 — Protein powders and drinks can help build and maintain muscle when combined with exercise and can also help with blood sugar control. However, recent ConsumerLab.

News Release

June 11, 2013

31% of Protein Powders and Drinks Fail Tests by ConsumerLab.com

White Plains, New York — June 11, 2013 — What's really in a scoop of "protein powder"? sIn some products, a lot less protein or a lot more carbohydrates than you would expect, and perhaps even a serving of something you don't want -- lead. That's according to recent tests by ConsumerLab.

CL Answer

Is it better to get vitamins from foods or supplements, and are natural vitamins better than synthetic vitamins?

Learn more about the benefits of getting vitamins from food versus supplements, natural versus synthetic vitamins, and more.

Getting Vitamins and Minerals from Food vs. Supplements -- fruits, vegetables, and a spoon containing supplements on a table

Recalls & Warnings

July 06, 2018

Prescript-Assist Probiotic Recall Expanded

On July 6, 2018, LL's Magnetic Clay, Inc., expanded its original recall of Prescript-Assist, a "broad spectrum probiotic and prebiotic" supplement, because it may contain undeclared almonds, crustaceans, dairy, casein, eggs, and peanuts.

Recalls & Warnings

June 29, 2018

Prescript-Assist Probiotic Recalled

On June 29, 2018, LL's Magnetic Clay, Inc., issued a recall of certain lots of Prescript-Assist, a "broad spectrum probiotic and prebiotic" supplement, because they may contain undeclared almonds, crustaceans, dairy, casein, eggs, and peanuts. 

Recalls & Warnings

August 04, 2015

Whey, Casein and Colostrum Products Recalled

On August 3, 2015, Nutrition Resource Services, Inc. issued a voluntary recall of certain Just Be Natural (JBN) and Gifted Nutrition powders containing whey concentrate, whey isolate, casein, and colostrum because they contain undeclared milk.

Recalls & Warnings

April 19, 2013

Recall: Protein Powder May Have Been Contaminated During Packaging

On March 14, 2013, F.H.G Corporation, dba Integrity Nutraceuticals, issued a voluntary recall of MusclePharm Cookies 'N" Cream Combat Powder and Banana Cream Combat Powder protein powders because they may be contaminated with extraneous materials due to problems on the packaging line.

Recalls & Warnings

September 02, 2015

Antioxidant Supplement Recalled

On August 28, 2015, VRVK Nutraceuticals, LLC, DBA Dr. Venessa's Formulas, issued a voluntary recall of Ultimate Antioxidant Tablets because they may contain the undeclared allergens crustacean shellfish and milk.

News Release

August 20, 2007

ConsumerLab tests products in booming nutrition drink market — most deliver what's promised but extra cholesterol found in some — New report covers drinks and powders for endurance/recovery, body building, meal-replacement and dieting

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — AUGUST 20, 2007 — A new report from ConsumerLab.com finds most nutrition powders, shakes and drinks meet their nutrient claims, but three products — two sports drinks and a meal supplement — contained more cholesterol than claimed.

News Release

April 27, 2005

ConsumerLab.com finds quality of most nutrition powders and drinks high, but identifies five protein powders with excess sodium or cholesterol — Report Now Available Online

WHITE PLAINS, NY — APRIL 27, 2005 — ConsumerLab.com has released its latest report on the quality of nutrition powders, shakes and drinks. These products are used for general nutrition, dieting, and meal-replacement and are frequently used by athletes and bodybuilders.

Recalls & Warnings

February 05, 2014

Maker of Digestive Health Supplement Warned For Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims

On January 22, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to Intensive Nutrition Incorporated, following a facility inspection which found the company's digestive support supplement, Tanalbit, to be adulterated because it was prepared, packed, or held under conditions that violate Current Good ...

Recalls & Warnings

April 16, 2012

Protein Supplement Maker Fails FDA Audit -- Many Products Affected

The FDA sent a Warning Letter (dated April 2, 2012) to Theta Brothers Sports Nutrition, Inc. regarding numerous violations of good manufacturing practices at its Lakewood, New Jersey facility.

Recalls & Warnings

September 19, 2012

FDA Reports Arsenic in Rice Products -- Particularly Brown Rice

On September 19, 2012, the U.S. FDA released results of its testing of nearly 200 samples of rice and rice products, finding appreciable levels in many products, although the amounts in only a few exceed the cancer-warning threshold of the State of California (10 mcg per daily serving).