1/5
A big red flag is the excessive presence of added sugar. Before using protein shakes, it's important to understand that some of them can contain just as much sugar as a soft drink, causing weight gain and raising the level of blood sugar, and potentially increasing risk of chronic disease if they're used regularly.
2/5
Check the ingredients for any artificial sweeteners, preservatives, artificial colours or possibly flavours. Some additives are safe in small, regular amounts; but large amounts in a short period of time may not be healthy. The ideal protein shake will contain a few simple, and easy to understand ingredients that have not required much processing.
3/5
The main purpose of a protein shake is to provide protein, but some products contain surprisingly little protein while being loaded with calories from fats and carbohydrates. Always check the nutrition label. A quality protein shake should provide a good amount of protein relative to its calorie content,
4/5
Use protein powders containing maltodextrin, hashing claims and gums or foods that are cheap to thicken into the mixture to improve texture or lower manufacturing expenses. The ingredients in the above are not necessarily toxic, but they do contribute little and can lead to stomach upset in certain individuals. Opt for those that have less of the filler, then you may obtain more of what you're actually paying for.
5/5
It is imperative that not all supplements are tested for purity and quality. Protein powders that don't have third-party guarantees could misrepresent the protein content or even contain contaminants, such as heavy metals. Search for products that have undergone independent testing by qualified organisations, this will give you added assurance of product quality and safety.
