How to Make a Healthy Smoothie: Top 10 Non-Soy Protein Powders

Posted on Mar 29th 2011 11:00AM by That's Fit Editors

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Provided by Blisstree.com.

I'm a little bit of a smoothie freak. I have at least a smoothie a day, but I always make my own (and encourage you to do the same). The ingredients and sugar in most pre-made smoothies and protein shakes scare me. I use fruits and vegetables in my smoothies, and I do add protein powder. But protein powders can be confusing: You have to pick your source of protein, and I think it's important to look for non-GMO, hormone- and antibiotic-free products. I'm not a fan of soy-based powders because of the concerns with processed soy. (Soy contains plant estrogens called phytoestrogens, so when you process soy into isolates or TVP, you are processing hormones, which may have dangerous health implications. Pure soy like that in edamame doesn't carry this potential risk.) Instead I seek out whey, hemp, brown rice or vegetable-based protein powders; these are much less processed than soy protein isolates, and they're a a far cry from the muscle-head proteins.

Here are my top ten healthy protein powders:

Tera's Whey

Not long ago, it was difficult to find organic whey protein. Tera's whey is fantastic. I love the individual envelopes, which are great for travel. With flavors like acai, bourbon vanilla and wolfberry (a.k.a. goji berry), you'll never tire of these.

Note: Whey proteins aren't vegan (they're dairy based), so choose accordingly if that's an issue.

Available at Whole Foods markets and online at teraswhey.com.

The Organic Whey

This is a great all-purpose whey protein that creates really creamy smoothies. Whey protein is good for your immune system. This powder contains only whey, so there's no aftertaste from sweeteners.

Available online at theorganicwhey.com or amazon.com.

Manitoba Hemp Protein

Hemp isn't necessarily what you think: It's rich in omega-3's and also a group of fats called GLAs, which are important for hormonal balance and healthy skin.

Available online at manitobaharvest.com.

Nutiva HempShake

Nutiva is a great company known for its hemp products and delicious coconut oil. Its HempShake is great particularly in the chocolate flavor mixed with mint extract for a Thin Mint-like smoothie experience.

Available at Whole Foods markets and online at store.nutiva.com.

SoCal Cleanse Detox Powder

SoCal makes a hemp powder with added herbs and spices -- ginger, slippery elm and maca -- that help you debloat to start your day.

Available online at socalcleanse.com.

Vega-Vega

Vega-Vega is a fantastic vegan company that makes bars and shakes. My favorite is the Vega Sport -- it's fantastic after a workout.

Available online at sequelnaturals.com.

Sun Warrior

Sun Warrior's protein powders are raw, vegan and made from brown rice. You wouldn't think of brown rice as a protein source, but the protein is isolated and makes great, natural protein powders. This is very clean and pretty much just ground hemp and vegetables, so it's minimally processed.

Available online at sunwarrior.com.

The Ultimate Meal

This is a protein and supplement in one. It contains protein from brown rice and quinoa, along with powdered greens and vegetables, flax and spirulina.

Available online at ultimatelife.com.

Living Fuel

My clients who use this powder swear by it, saying, "It keeps me so satisfied." I don't doubt it: There's a little bit of everything in here -- from vegetables to small amounts of certain vitamins. This powder really packs a punch.
Available online at livingfuel.com.

Nutribiotic

This is another brown rice powder, and it comes in individual packets, which is great for travel or making smoothies on the go.

Available online at nutribiotic.com.

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

V. Taylor 4-11-2011 @ 5:54AM

Are any of these powders tasteless. We are looking for one to add to my grandsons limited diet. He is autistic and only eats a few things (sensory issues)mainly applesause, Gerber 3rd stage babyfoods, things like that. Won't touch meat. We need to get some protien in his diet and have to be careful that he doesn't taste it or he quites eating. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Never knew there were so many choises.
Thanks

Denise 4-21-2011 @ 11:41PM

Hi V. Taylor:

I certainly can understand wanting to add some protein to your grandson's limited diet.

My favorite of all the non-soy protein powders listed is the Nutribiotic rice protein vanilla.
It also comes in plain - Check out: www . nutribiotic . com
One TBSP (15g) will give 12 grams of protein in 60 calories.
You might be able to purchase some single serving packets through Whole Foods Market, the Vitamin Shoppe or even contact the actual company and see if they could send you a sample.

I'm vegan, so I get my protein through legumes, grains, tofu, nuts, seeds & tempeh.

I was checking online to see if I could find a listing of the protein grams in various grains, and I found the following website: www highproteinfoods . net (sorry, they don't allow links)

You could try cooking up very small amounts of amaranth, quinoa, lentils, etc..., (one at a time), mash up real well, and then add small amounts to his applesauce.
Or, with the plain rice protein powder, you could add some of that to the applesauce as well.

Some supermarkets have bulk bins and you could buy very small amounts until you're sure that your grandson will eat it.

I wish you lots of luck and hope that this info is of some help.

Wishing you and yours much peace,

Denise

CB 6-02-2011 @ 10:25AM

FYI, Tera's Whey has soy letichin. I came here hoping to find true soy-free alternatives. Just might want to let your readers to know to do their research. Soy allergies extend to letichin.