Best Protein Powders & Shakes? ConsumerLab Finds 29% Have Inaccurate Labels

White Plains, NY, April 30, 2026 — Protein powders and ready-to-drink shakes are a convenient way to get more protein, but new testing by ConsumerLab.com shows that some consumers may also get more cholesterol, sodium, or sugar than they bargained for.

In its latest tests of popular protein supplements, ConsumerLab found that nearly one-third (29%) of the products tested failed to meet quality standards because they contained more cholesterol, sodium, or sugar than listed on the label.

Key Findings:

• Unexpected cholesterol, sodium, and sugar: Although all protein powders and shakes contained their listed amounts of protein, 6 out of 21 products ConsumerLab selected for testing failed and were Not Approved because they contained significantly more cholesterol, sodium, or sugar than claimed. These issues were confirmed through testing in a second independent laboratory.
• Most products passed quality standards: 15 products were Approved based on testing, as were 8 additional products that passed the same testing through ConsumerLab’s voluntary Quality Certification Program.
• Protein with fewer calories is possible: Some products had as many as 200 Calories per 20 grams of protein, while others provided the same amount of protein with just 80 to 90 Calories. To reduce calories, choose an isolate – just be aware that with plant protein isolates, you’ll sacrifice fiber.
• Heavy metals caution: No product exceeded general safety limits for heavy metals such as lead. However, 6 products slightly exceeded California Proposition 65 warning levels for potential reproductive harm if used regularly by pregnant women or young children.
• Cost does not reflect quality: The cost per serving ranged from about $1 to $3, but a higher price did not guarantee better quality.

ConsumerLab’s Top Picks

Among products that passed all tests of quality and were Approved, ConsumerLab selected Top Picks based on quality, ingredients, taste, calories, and value for the following categories:

Whey protein

Casein protein

Milk protein combinations

Milk protein combinations (shakes)

Casein, Whey + Egg protein combination

Plant protein combinations

Pea protein

Hemp protein

Access the Full Report:

ConsumerLab’s full Protein Powders and Shakes Review is now available online to ConsumerLab.com members – currently over 100,000 individual subscribers and thousands more with access through libraries, schools, and medical centers.

The Protein Powders and Shakes Review includes test results and comparisons for 21 protein powders and shakes selected for testing by ConsumerLab: Ascent 100% Whey - Chocolate, Clean Simple Eats Protein Powder - Chocolate Brownie Batter, Flavcity All-In-One Protein Smoothie Powder - Vanilla Cream, Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein - Plant-Based - Unflavored, Isopure Zero Carb Protein Powder Drink Mix - Unflavored, Just Ingredients Protein Powder - French Vanilla, Kirkland Signature [Costco] Whey Protein - Creamy Chocolate Flavored, Levels Grass Fed Whey Protein - Vanilla Bean, Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Yeah! - Unsweetened, Naked Whey - Vanilla Flavored, NorCal Organic Pea Protein, NOW Sports Pea Protein, Nutricost Casein Protein - Vanilla, Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate - Unflavored, Optimum Nutrition [ON] Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein - Double Rich Chocolate, Orgain Organic Protein - Vanilla Bean Flavored, Premier Protein - Chocolate, Sunwarrior Protein Warrior Blend - Unflavored Unsweetened, Thorne Whey Protein Isolate - Vanilla Flavored, Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed - Milk Chocolate, Truvani Plant Based Protein - Vanilla. Eight additional products passed the same testing and were Approved through CL's voluntary Quality Certification Program: GNC AMP Pure Isolate - Chocolate Frosting, GNC AMP Sustained Protein Blend - Cinnamon Toast, GNC AMP Wheybolic - Chocolate Fudge, GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340 - Vanilla Ice Cream, GNC Pro Performance 100% Whey - Chocolate Supreme, GNC Total Lean Lean Shake 25 - French Vanilla, GNC Total Lean Lean Shake 25 - Vanilla Bean, and USANA Active Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate.

As discussed in the Review, protein powders and shakes are a staple for many athletes, as well as for meal replacement and for people dieting, and for older adults who may need to increase their protein intake to help guard against age-related muscle loss. While consuming extra protein may help to maintain muscle, as explained in the review, it has not been shown to build muscle or increase strength unless combined with resistance exercise. The review also discusses the clinical evidence for other uses, such as helping to control blood sugar levels, how much protein is needed daily based on age and activity level, the pros and cons of different protein sources, and the best time to take protein supplements for maximum benefit, as well as potential side effects and safety

A video explaining ConsumerLab’s findings and offering expert tips for selecting and using apple cider vinegar is available for free.

Founded in 1999, ConsumerLab.com is a leading provider of consumer information and independent evaluations of products that affect health and nutrition. It has tested and reviewed over 7,000 products and has published Product Reviews covering nearly every popular category of dietary supplements and health foods.

Membership to ConsumerLab.com is available online and provides immediate access to continually updated reviews of nearly every popular type of dietary supplement and health food, answers to reader questions, and product recalls and warnings. ConsumerLab also provides independent product testing through its voluntary Quality Certification Program. The company is privately held and based in New York. It has no ownership from, or interest in, companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell consumer products.

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