Choosing the best protein powder for your ethical values

The protein powder you mix into your morning smoothie or blend into your pancakes might not initially seem connected to your values. Or perhaps protein supplements do leave you wanting – seeking options that boost your wellbeing, support your muscles and align closely with your principles.

Many of us want to make more conscious, ethical choices when it comes to what we eat – why shouldn’t this extend to every product we consume? Searching for the best protein powder to align with your ethical values takes an awareness of what to look out for. In this post, we'll guide you through exactly how to identify protein powders that echo your values.

What does “ethical” mean in the food industry?

Ethics is a broad-reaching term, covering how we can live a good life, our responsibilities as humans and even questions of right and wrong. In the food industry, it specifically addresses the principles that guide how our food is grown or produced, processed and sold, as laid out by the Food Ethics Council.

This involves more than the food itself, including minimising environmental impact, promoting animal welfare and ensuring fair treatment across production systems.

Ethical certifications and standards

In the UK, you might recognise some of these certifications which signal greater attention has been paid to ethics and sustainability, reducing their negative impact on our world, its people and its animals:

• B Corp - represents social and environmental responsibility.
• The Organic Food Federation - represents organic production methods.
• Soil Association - represents organic production methods.
• Fairtrade - represents a commitment to good working conditions.

Another standard you might recognise from your weekly shop is the Red Tractor. Though it’s claimed that these products adhere to higher farming standards, many investigations have found this is not strictly the case.

Why ethical choices matter in your protein powder

The protein powder industry has grown rapidly and we’re now offered more choice than ever, from numerous forms of whey protein to plant-based protein blends, beef protein or even insect-based protein powders. Choosing a responsibly sourced protein powder is a decision that resonates far beyond personal health, standing for more sustainable production methods and higher animal welfare.

Whether it’s the protein’s source or the ingredients blended for its flavours, protein powders go through a number of channels to get to your shaker. By opting for an ethically engaged protein powder, you can be confident that your health supplements are reducing their impact on the world wherever possible.

How to choose a more ethical protein powder

Opt for organic

The number one way to be sure your protein powder is ethically sourced is by choosing an organic option:

“Organic farmers aim to produce high-quality food, using methods that benefit our whole food system, from people to planet, plant health to animal welfare.” - Soil Association

Organic-certified protein powders will adhere to strict regulations, ensuring higher standards for traceability, welfare and avoidance of herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers. From whey protein to soy protein, organic certification indicates a protein powder that is better for your body and the planet.

In our case, this means all of our whey protein comes from the milk of primarily grass-fed cows (a requirement of our organic certification), who graze freely on spacious green pastures as often as the weather allows.“With organic, it’s all about what can be added to your diet, not taken out,” says Belle Parrish, a registered nutritionist at Balance by Belle.

What’s more, choosing a protein powder with minimal ingredients – such as avoiding artificial sweeteners, flavours, colours and preservatives – can help you feel more confident in ensuring that every ingredient has been sourced ethically.

The protein source

As well as the ethics behind the production of your chosen protein powder, the source of protein you opt for can affect its impact on the planet. At The Organic Protein Co., we know whey protein is a fantastic option because it is, first and foremost, a by-product of the dairy industry.

What does this mean?

Well, when milk - in our case, collected from primarily grass-fed cows - is fermented for cheese production, it’s separated into solid curds and liquid whey. This liquid was traditionally discarded, but can now be turned into a protein-packed powder for us humans. This means whey protein powders don’t create an extra demand for milk, but use existing resources.

For those who follow a plant-based diet, a vegan protein source will be the most aligned with their values. Options like pea and hemp are high in protein without requiring animal products – though, as plants, their amino acid profile is often restricted compared to animal proteins (1).

Pick your packaging

An ethical, sustainability-focused protein powder company should actively aim to reduce their impact on the environment through their packaging strategy. Look out for this on their website, or on their packaging labels.

We’ve conducted extensive research into the topic, finding that the best option (for us, at least) is HDPE plastic pouches. These have a lower overall environmental footprint than paper, glass or bioplastic alternatives, and are recyclable at supermarket carrier bag collection points.

Watch out for claims that paper packaging is automatically the more sustainable option, as research has found that paper bag production can actually result in 4x more greenhouse gases being emitted than regular plastic.

A commitment to transparency

A truly ethical protein powder will be comfortable with transparency, giving its customers the information they need to make an informed decision. Look out for the following when seeking out the best protein powder to match your ethical values:

• How and where is the protein powder made?

• Where do the ingredients come from?

• Have the protein powder and any other ingredients been sourced from farmers and producers who are paid fair wages and work under safe conditions?

• Does the brand share any third-party testing of quality and nutrients?

• Do they have information on social responsibility or charity contributions?

• Does they take steps to minimise their carbon footprint through renewable energy use or carbon offsets?

Power your values with every scoop

As you blend, shake and stir your protein powder, remember that each choice can reach further than your personal health and wellbeing. Choosing a protein powder that aligns with your values means supporting a food system that respects and supports the planet, human and animal welfare, and your journey toward a balanced diet and healthier muscles.