What is the healthiest protein powder

[lookinup4]

 What is the best/healthiest protein powder.   I want to add to my yogurt, oatmeal and smoothies. I am over 50 and I need to add protein to my diet.   I am not a big meat lover.   I am very active.   I walk/jog, pilates, ballet bar, gym, light weight lifting.

Thank you!

[dancingdeer · Accepted solution]

Hi - I really like Jay Robb Protein Powder.  They have a variety of flavors and either whey (dairy based), or egg white protein.  I cannot eat dairy, so I use the egg white version.  I also like the vanilla flavor but there are strawberry, chocolate, etc. as well.

It is fairly spendy, though.  If you're looking for a more inexpenisve powder, and can handle dairy, you can find a good whey powder at Whole Foods, that is their own store label.  

[lookinup4]

Thank you!   I will try the Jay Robb!   I saw it on Amazon site!

Thanks again!

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@dancingdeer wrote:

Hi - I really like Jay Robb Protein Powder.  They have a variety of flavors and either whey (dairy based), or egg white protein.  I cannot eat dairy, so I use the egg white version.  I also like the vanilla flavor but there are strawberry, chocolate, etc. as well.

It is fairly spendy, though.  If you're looking for a more inexpenisve powder, and can handle dairy, you can find a good whey powder at Whole Foods, that is their own store label.  

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[dancingdeer]

You're welcome!  

[TandemWalker]

Do you really need a protein boost?  The following article from WebMD offers some interesting insights on the subject. The advertising and marketing pros out there are very good at creating a need when in fact there is none, except for a minority of people. Just a thought.http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/lifestyle-guide-11/protein-powder

[WendyB]

Good Article @TandemWalker Thanks!

[CourtB]

I like Eat The Bear Whey Protein powder. It comes in 6 flavors. I use cinnamon bun flavor in my oatmeal. And ice cream sandwich added to unsweetened almond milk for a shake.

[TandemWalker]

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@WendyB wrote:

Good Article @TandemWalker Thanks!

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Thank you. It's amazing how successful the markeing gurus are at creating needs. The last time I went to my local Costco store, there was a whole 8' tall display of one of those products on sale, and people were competing to grap them. Unbelievable, really! I think those supplements, like all supplements, are indeed very good - but only for those who need them, and that's the catch!

[SunsetRunner]

I occasionally make a protein shake as a meal replacement if I'm bored with what we have in the house or just want something different.  I use Dymatize Gourmet since it is a combination of whey and casien.  I mix it with Almond Milk and a bunch of berries and a little coconut oil to add some fat into the mix.  Like TandemWalker I would question whether you "need" a protein supplement if you are eating a balanced diet with a reasonable amount of protein from other sources but the Dymatize french vanilla is pretty good, mixes easily and can probably be found at your local Mall.

[slysam]

By healthiest, what do you mean? The issues I've heard of with packaged protein powder is mainly that they tend to contain some chemicals that are potentially toxic in large enough doses (some more or less than others) like arsenic and lead. These are present in small quantities in a lot of food, but more concentrated in protein powders.  Some might have sugars and flavoring you don't need, but there are some that are unflavored. Consumer Reports did a report comparing the arsenic/lead/etc in different brands so if you can find that article at a library it might help find the powder with less of these. I use to use protein powder quite often, but really rarely use it anymore. I will sometimes use it to boost a smoothie, but generally feel it is less risky to just eat whole foods that contain protein. Here's a link to Consumer Reports, not sure if it contains the full study: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/04/protein-drinks/index.htm

[shrinkingjen]

My nutritionist gave me innate response vegan protein.   It is not dairy based, which I like and is 23g/protein per scoop and tastes great. It does contain stevia for sweetness which I am not a HUGE fan of. You can order in on amazon for around $29