How do I determine a protein supplement with fillers

[dest0]

I've read a while back on the different brands, and how cheaper brands use "fillers" into their protein, that could be categorized as protein when they're not..

I'm interested to know how to differentiate if I'm buying a new brand of protein powder whether it's legit or it's got unnecessary substances.

Note: Please don't recommend a protein brand, I'm just curious as to which substances are categorized as fillers.

[SLynn46]

Usually, whenever you see Taurine and Glycine (along with some other amino acids) listed in the ingredients panel they are considered to be "fillers" or "protein/amino spiking".

[forevertwink]

could a company still spike even if they dont list ingredients like taurine, glycine, etc? would be the shadiest of shady but you never know...

[DGarcia519]

You could just look for a brand with 3rd party testing verification. There are a few products that have added aminos, but these are not counted towards to total protein content so would not be considered spiked.

[forevertwink]

for a brand that provides lab results...is it a one time thing where we assume they randomly pull a tub from production or do they continually test it randomly to ensure quality? ive seen a lot of posts on stack3d where this or that brand will provide a test but never know if its a continual thing or a one time test. if a third party governs this id trust it more

[dest0]

You could just look for a brand with 3rd party testing verification. There are a few products that have added aminos, but these are not counted towards to total protein content so would not be considered spiked.

Can you please elaborate? Is this a verification sign on the tub or what do you mean by that?

[HeavenBeyond]

Can you please elaborate? Is this a verification sign on the tub or what do you mean by that?

There are quite a few companies that have had 3rd party testing done on their protein. You have to do a little bit of research to find the information, it's not directly on the product itself. Some brands that have 3rd party testing: Cellucor, Blue Star, PES, XF, CL, BPI (which now has the Chromadex seal on the tub), and SAN to name a few.

[dest0]

There are quite a few companies that have had 3rd party testing done on their protein. You have to do a little bit of research to find the information, it's not directly on the product itself. Some brands that have 3rd party testing: Cellucor, Blue Star, PES, XF, CL, BPI (which now has the Chromadex seal on the tub), and SAN to name a few.

Ah okay, I wasn't aware of that, thank you.

[dest0]

Anything besides Taurine and Glycine to look out for?

[DGarcia519]

There are quite a few companies that have had 3rd party testing done on their protein. You have to do a little bit of research to find the information, it's not directly on the product itself. Some brands that have 3rd party testing: Cellucor, Blue Star, PES, XF, CL, BPI (which now has the Chromadex seal on the tub), and SAN to name a few.

This.

BPI is the only company I can think of that puts the certification seal right on the tub. I also believe it's a continual process where random a tub (or tubs?) are selected out of each batch, but not 100% sure. A rep could chime in on that though.

[HeavenBeyond]

could a company still spike even if they dont list ingredients like taurine, glycine, etc? would be the shadiest of shady but you never know...

Yes, more often than you think.

[TheFugitive]

Buy from a reputable brand. Ask if the can provide test results

[DGarcia519]

Anything besides Taurine and Glycine to look out for?

Any that say they have added aminos (BCAA's even) could be spiking. That said it's not always the case. For example, I know Blue Star Whey-Smooth has added BCAA's but they are not counted towards the total protein content. Same with PES Select and the added luecine peptides.

[HeavenBeyond]

Anything besides Taurine and Glycine to look out for?

Creatine.

Here is an article on Price Plow:

https://blog.priceplow.com/protein-s...o-acid-spiking

[DGarcia519]

Yes, more often than you think.

Sad truth

Buy from a reputable brand. Ask if the can provide test results

Good advice. Most reputable companies will provide a test for customers on request even if they do not have a seal on the product.

[MAXXv]

[TheFugitive]

This.

BPI is the only company I can think of that puts the certification seal right on the tub. I also believe it's a continual process where random a tub (or tubs?) are selected out of each batch, but not 100% sure. A rep could chime in on that though.

You are correct sir. Every step of the manufacturing process is tested and it is continuous with every batch

[dest0]

Solid advice in this thread, I also read on maltodexrin and dextrose..

So I guess the wise thing to do is to do your homework before buying, and stick to a brand you're comfortable with.

Thanks for the quick and helpful response as usual fellas

[DGarcia519]

Solid advice in this thread, I also read on maltodexrin and dextrose..

So I guess the wise thing to do is to do your homework before buying, and stick to a brand you're comfortable with.

Thanks for the quick and helpful response as usual fellas

The maltodextrin thing can be a bit over hyped. 5g of carbs in most cases is not going to make or break a diet. Just be conscious of the amount.

But yes, do your homework and try to find a reputable brand. Cheers.

[powercage]

Ultimately you cant without testing

[dest0]

The maltodextrin thing can be a bit over hyped. 5g of carbs in most cases is not going to make or break a diet. Just be conscious of the amount.

But yes, do your homework and try to find a reputable brand. Cheers.

Yeah you're right, I agree.

Ultimately you cant without testing

Word..It's a harsh world we live in.

[VO2Maxima]

Not always as straightforward as reading the label. There are brands that put in freeform aminos but don't count them towards the total protein content, so end up being legit and not spiked (I believe that TSN Whey, Beverly UMP, and XF UP all land in this category, for example). And I'm sure there are brands that are spiked and don't list anything on the label. There are brands out there that are third party tested though (Stack3d tested PES Select and it came in at slightly higher than advertised protein, Blue Star is tested, CL is tested, Cellucor is tested, Dymatize was tested by a competitor website that shall not be named here, BPI/Cutler is ChromaDex certified, MusclePharm is trying to fix its reputation and is now Eurofins certified, though be careful there because while Combat checks out fine, another one of its products meets protein content but is low on leucine, etc). Just some examples...I won't give you recommendations for which of those brands I personally prefer since you specifically said you weren't looking for that, but make sure to do your research.

[DGarcia519]

Not always as straightforward as reading the label. There are brands that put in freeform aminos but don't count them towards the total protein content, so end up being legit and not spiked (I believe that TSN Whey, Beverly UMP, and XF UP all land in this category, for example). And I'm sure there are brands that are spiked and don't list anything on the label. There are brands out there that are third party tested though (Stack3d tested PES Select and it came in at slightly higher than advertised protein, Blue Star is tested, CL is tested, Cellucor is tested, Dymatize was tested by a competitor website that shall not be named here, BPI/Cutler is ChromaDex certified, MusclePharm is trying to fix its reputation and is now Eurofins certified, though be careful there because while Combat checks out fine, another one of its products meets protein content but is low on leucine, etc). Just some examples...I won't give you recommendations for which of those brands I personally prefer since you specifically said you weren't looking for that, but make sure to do your research.

MusclePharm can do all the reputation/brand recovery they want, but considering the number of reputable companies that have never (reportedly) had any problems, I see no reason to give them any of my money. They knowingly ripped off customers for years and are only now fixing it because of the lawsuits/public knowledge of protein spiking. They are not the only brand guilty of this -> MuscleTech Phase8 anyone?

[ajej4780]

I found this video helpful in explaining how to tell if a protein is spiked. I really appreciate all the feedback on this thread too. It has been very informative.

[KillerHooks]

I choose protein powders based on purity and minimal ingredients. Pretty much common sense if you are trying to avoid "fillers".

You said not to recommend a brand but the one I use is sold here, from a big company and it has only one source of whey protein and TWO other ingredients. No filler there.

Whenever people ask this question I say just flip the tub right to the ingredients and make sure there are only proteins listed, some kind of sweetener and flavoring. Nothing more. No added aminos, no creatine etc... I found the quality protein powders have less than 4 ingredients total.

[DGarcia519]

I choose protein powders based on purity and minimal ingredients. Pretty much common sense if you are trying to avoid "fillers".

You said not to recommend a brand but the one I use is sold here, from a big company and it has only one source of whey protein and TWO other ingredients. No filler there.

Whenever people ask this question I say just flip the tub right to the ingredients and make sure there are only proteins listed, some kind of sweetener and flavoring. Nothing more. No added aminos, no creatine etc... I found the quality protein powders have less than 4 ingredients total.

PES Select
Blue Star Whey-Smooth
Xtreme Formulations UP 2.0
All are third party verified for protein content yet all have more than 4 ingredients.

[mdritter]

Only thing I can say is to do your research before buying..look for taurine and glycine, added aminos and creatine all inflate actual protein content...3rd party lab testing is great as well..buy from a reputable company..

[i3oosted]

Dirty Trick #1... this seems to be very important. I went through quite a few old tubs of different brands and some do this and some do not. I hope this is isn't true but I'll be looking for ones that do not do this.

[Misctake7]

Only a select few brands I use that don't have 3rd party testing. But I always check the labels to hopefully spot things listed above. Still don't know for sure it's accurate without the 3rd party test which is unfortunate.

[dest0]

Valuable information from everyone in this thread, it's clear to me now and I hope it's clear to everyone else.

I'll get you guys on R/C =)

Thank you.