🥛 From whole milk to hydrolysed whey – the protein journey
⚖️ How much protein is actually in that tub?
Many flavoured “90% WPI” products contain only ~81g protein per 100g powder because flavours, gums, and inulin displace protein. Always check “protein per 100g” – not the front label.
Label claim
Real protein per 100g
Reason
WPI90 (flavoured)
81g
Flavours, organic inulin, gum, stevia add mass
WPI (unflavoured)
~89‑93g
No fillers; only sunflower lecithin
WPC (flavoured)
~70‑75g
Lower starting protein + flavour additives
Hydrolysed WPI (unflavoured)
~92‑94g
Minimal processing aids
📦 All whey proteins in Australia
🏆 Rankings by category
🔍 How our Clean Score & rankings work – no secrets
Base score 100, then subtract:
Artificial sweeteners –15 (gut microbiome, WHO IARC)
Artificial colours –20 each (EU child warning)
Carrageenan –15 (gut inflammation)
Gums –5 each (bloating, microbiome)
Maltodextrin –10 (high GI)
Soy lecithin –5 (GMO, hexane)
Ion Exchange –10 (destroys bioactives)
Not grass‑fed –5
Protein density <80g/100g –5
Green 90-100Yellow 70-89Orange 50-69Red <50
📚 Learn the truth – Ingredients we avoid
❌ Artificial Sweeteners
Ingredient (E#)
Why we avoid it
Found in
Sucralose (E955)
Made through selective chlorination of sucrose. 2024-2025 reviews show it can alter gut microbiome composition in laboratory and animal studies. Also environmentally persistent – >90% passes through body unchanged, leading to trace accumulation in waterways.
99% of protein powders and pre/post workout products
Acesulfame K (E950)
200x sweeter than sugar. Recent studies suggest it may alter gut microbiome composition. Human results are limited and mixed.
Most protein powders, especially Gold Standard Whey
Aspartame (E951)
WHO’s IARC classified it in 2023 as “possibly carcinogenic” (uncertainty category). May influence gut-microbiome at high doses.
Used less today, but still in many protein powders
🎨 Artificial Flavours & Colours
Ingredient
Why we avoid it
Found in
Artificial or "Natural" Vanilla
Made from wood pulp by‑products; legally called “natural” even though not from vanilla beans.
Vanilla‑flavoured protein powders
Blue #1 (E133), Blue #2 (E132)
Petroleum‑derived; may contribute to mild behavioural effects in sensitive children (EU warning).
Pre‑workouts, BCAAs (blueberry flavours)
Red #40 (E129)
Petroleum‑derived; EU requires warning “may have adverse effect on activity and attention in children”.
Protein powders, pre‑workouts, berry flavours
Yellow #5 (E102), Yellow #6 (E110)
Can trigger allergic reactions in aspirin‑sensitive individuals; EU warning for child behaviour effects.
Fruity, banana, orange flavoured products
🌿 Gums & Thickeners
Ingredient
Why we avoid it
Found in
Xanthan Gum (E415)
Grown on wheat/corn/soy substrates; at higher intakes causes bloating, flatulence; recent studies show it alters gut microbiome biodiversity.
Many protein powders
Guar Gum (E412)
Highly fermentable; causes digestive discomfort (bloating, gas) in IBS/SIBO sufferers.
Many protein powders
⚡ Stimulants & Testosterone Boosters
Ingredient
Why we avoid it
Found in
Synthetic Caffeine
Rapid absorption causes sharp spike then crash; can lead to dependence, stimulates stress hormones, reduces GABA calming effects.
99% of pre‑workout products
Tribulus Terrestris
No tangible testosterone‑boosting properties; no impact on strength, performance or muscle mass.
"Testosterone booster" products
D‑Aspartic Acid
Failed to demonstrate consistent testosterone increase in healthy men; high doses associated with oxidative stress in animal studies.
"Testosterone booster" products
We will never include these ingredients in our recommended products. All Clean Scores reflect their absence.