Unboxed: 8 healthy protein powders with clean ingredients
Consumers are demanding nutrient-dense, clean-label protein powders with superfood ingredients.
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NB Pure and Earthy Andy have collaborated on a nutrient-dense, super protein with a gut-friendly focus. The ingredients are comparable to those typically found in multiple daily supplements while also containing nine essential amino acids, chia seeds and pea protein. The product offers improved digestibility thanks to prebiotics, probiotics and a digestive enzyme blend.
This nutrient-rich SKU is a supercharged powerhouse of greens, fruits and adaptogens containing 18 grams of complete protein. This unique blend contains organic rice, pea, hemp and spirulina, which delivers a whole amino acid spectrum. It is free from gums, stevia, soy and hexane. The product is entirely plastic-free, as the provided scoop is made from naturally fallen palm sheaths and is completely biodegradable and compostable. This protein powder is organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Gluten-free, Certified Vegan and the brand is a Certified B Corporation.
Four Sigmatic has launched a new flavor SKU in its line of powerful superfood blends that contain 18 grams of pure plant proteins and 1,500 milligrams of seven functional mushrooms. The creamy cacao flavor is packed with sustainable, organic superfoods such as chia, pumpkin protein, hemp protein powder and coconut protein. We love that this immune-supporting protein contains adaptogens without fillers, grains, gums or stevia. It is USDA Certified Organic and free of gluten, gums, fillers and soy.
This pure protein powder blend is innovative and unconventional. It contains 20 grams of protein from sustainable plants and high-quality salmon. It also contains probiotics, coconut MCTs and olive leaf for an immunity boost. It is Non-GMO Project Verified, Informed Choice Certified and Friend of the Sea Certified, and the company is a Certified B Corp. Additionally, it is free from dairy, soy and peanuts. Garden of Life is particularly noteworthy because it is Certified Carbon Neutral by Carbonfund.org.
Big Bold Health’s Advanced Protein Shake is a low-glycemic-index food product low in sodium and saturated fatty acids. It features phytonutrients, prebiotic fiber, more than 20 vitamins and minerals, and cocoa polyphenols for optimal antioxidant protection. The vanilla flavor offers 17 grams of vegetable-based amino acids. We love that it contains a unique compound called 2-HOBA—found naturally in buckwheat seeds—that helps boost the immune system and provides muscle support. It is gluten free, cholesterol free and non-GMO.
This premium protein blend is made with five ingredients: chocho, organic cacao powder, organic coconut blossom nectar, sea salt and organic monk fruit extract. It has 20 grams of whole food plant protein and 7 grams of fiber. An Adean legume, chocho is high in fiber, with 9/9 essential amino acids. This highly sustainable crop also pulls nitrogen into the soil, improving its health and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It's also packed with calcium, vitamin E and fiber. The protein blend is free of gluten, dairy, fillers, lectin and soy. In addition, Mikuna is a Certified B Corporation.
This superfood protein smoothie mix is based on Andean lupin (bean) protein, which is blended with wild Andean blueberry concentrate and quinoa hydrolyzed protein. Sweetened with stevia extract, this four-ingredient smoothie mix provides 11 grams of protein per serving and is gluten free, soy free, dairy free and non-GMO.
Packed with incredible nutritious value, this protein shake blend designed for weight loss contains 21 vitamins and minerals, nine essential amino acids and 25 grams of non-GMO, plant-based protein. This diabetic-friendly creamy blend is soy free, gluten free, dairy free, cholesterol free, Certified Vegan and non-GMO.
Packed with incredible nutritious value, this protein shake blend designed for weight loss contains 21 vitamins and minerals, nine essential amino acids and 25 grams of non-GMO, plant-based protein. This diabetic-friendly creamy blend is soy free, gluten free, dairy free, cholesterol free, Certified Vegan and non-GMO.
Data recently published in the Nutrition Business Journal Sports Nutrition and Weight Management Report 2022 indicates that protein powders are expected to top $7 billion in sales in 2022.
Driving this growth are natural product consumers and, in particular, self-identified organic consumers, of whom 86% are paying attention to protein in their diets—the largest of any demographic group—according to a recent consumer survey from New Hope Network.
These consumers and others are consciously making healthy choices and opting for protein powders that are high quality, clean label, grass-fed and plant based.
Innovation and nutrition
Over the last couple years, protein powder sales have risen, with consumers focused on products with noteworthy innovations and nutrient-rich ingredients. Clean-label and sustainably sourced protein choices—such as superfood nuts, seeds, legumes and sustainable animal proteins&mdsh;are particularly important to consumers seeking more of this essential macronutrient. Innovative and unique ingredients include chocho, a legume and superfood from the Andes that is packed with protein, vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids. Salmon protein is another new(er)-to-market ingredient, fulfilling consumer demand for more sustainably sourced animal proteins.
Consumers are increasingly supporting healthy protein powders that are unsweetened, low sugar or sugar free, as well as those with quality attributes such as USDA Organic certification.
Here are a few healthy, clean protein powders for retailers to keep on their radar.
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