The nutrition facts on NP must be wrong for Optimum in that case since it still lists artificial flavors in the ingredients.
I'm less concerned about sweeteners than I am about flavors. To me the best and healthiest sweetener is unrefined cane sugar, or no sweetener at all (in which case I'd use honey). I just don't like a lot of synthetic flavoring in my drinks.
I've found some other options but they aren't carried by NP.
Has anyone ever heard of "Pure Nutrition"? Their ingredient profile is awesome: Microfiltered Whey Protein Isolate, Lo Han Guo Fruit Concentrate, natural Vanilla Flavor, Stevia Extract. That's it... no gums, dextrose, preservatives, fillers, or other crap. 26 grams of protein per serving. It's a bit pricey at $37 for a 2lb tub (30 servings) at the store where I see it, but I don't mind paying more for quality/healthfulness.
Other options that I've found are:
MRM All Natural Gainer - 38g of protein/servering, and around $50 for 30 servings (each 3.3lb container has 12 servings). Ingredient profile is decent although there's maltodextrin and fructose in there which I'm not crazy about. Still no artificial crap, some Omega-3 Oils, and good multi-species protein blend. They also have all natural whey and egg protein options.
Dymatize All Natural Elite Whey - Has anyone tried this? I know Dymatize is a better-known name but I can't rememer if feedback about their protein has generally been good for bad. The price is super-low ($35 for 68 servings!!!) and the ingredients look clean and pretty solid, although it's purely whey with no egg or casein.
Iron-Tek Essential Natural 100% Protein
- I don't have time to write an individual evaluation now. Here's what they say about it: Contains a blend of whey protein concentrate, milk protein concentrate (micellar casein), ultra-filtered/micro-filtered (UF/MF) whey protein isolate, including naturally occurring peptide fractions: alpha-lactalbumin, immmunoglobulins and lactoferrin. Our protein is rapidly assimilated and contains minimum levels of carbohydrate and fat. It's instantized so that it mixes easily without a blender. Essential Natural 100% Protein has a high biological value and a complete amino acid profile rich in branched chain amino acids. Plus, it has high nitrogen retention and increases glutathione production in the body.
It also looks like they have a solid Amino Acid profile but I'm not expert.
Bioplex -All Natural Pure WPI - These guys win the prize for shortes ingredient list. Just Whey Protein Isolate (from Milk) and Natural Flavors. That's it!
Progressive Nutritional Therapies Harmonized Protein - Sounds Very interesting. Here's the info:
Protein has long been a staple of the bodybuilder's diet. It supports and repairs muscle tissue, enhances metabolic activity, and is used as a fuel source. Whey protein and its incredible benefits has been extensively evaluated, but much less thought has been given to optimizing the quality and purity of protein supplements.
The Individual Proteins
Harmonized Protein™ features a synergistic blend of five high quality, New Zealand sourced proteins. Individually, each of the five proteins provide unique benefits: Whey Protein Concentrate has perfectly balanced protein micro fractions and offers exceptional immune support, Whey Protein Isolate has an unsurpassed biological value, Milk Protein Isolate offers prolonged availability of the naturally occurring amino acid cysteine which enhances the production of glutathione, Colostrum is an excellent source of immunoglobulins and supports the production of growth hormones, and Lactoferrin combats free radical damage.
Imported from New Zealand
New Zealand has an outstanding international reputation for sustainable agricultural practices. The cattle that produce the milk used to create these unique proteins graze in open pastures and are raised without the use of hormones, including rBGH. New Zealand proteins are considered to be the cleanest and purest in the world. They do not contain antibiotics and are routinely screened for over 250 agricultural and chemical contaminants including pesticides, fertilizers and PCB's.
Complementary Co-Factors
While the beneficial properties of the protein are obvious, we are limited by our body's ability to digest, absorb and make use of the protein that we consume. Supplying our bodies with the right nutrients is of little benefit if we are unable to effectively extract and utilize them.
Harmonized Protein™ is fortified with a blend of co-factors specifically designed to assist and improve the entire absorption process. It's a multi-stage strategy that begins with a group of proteolytic enzymes that improve the breakdown of protein during the early stages of digestion. This is followed by the addition of K-R-Alpha Lipoic Acid (the most stable and effective form) which mimics the effects of insulin and assists the transport of protein from the bloodstream into human cells.
In Harmony
Harmonized Protein™ also contains Betula Pubescens and Zea Mays, two botanical extracts that have historically been used to support liver and kidney function, the two primary organs responsible for the processing and utilization of protein. The goal by enhancing liver and kidney function is to maximize protein absorption, minimize digestive loss, and ensure overall compatibility. Organic Mineralized Sea Vegetables as well as Organic Flax Seed Oil have also been included for their added nutritional value.
Harmonized Protein™ is available in three all natural flavors: chocolate, vanilla and unflavored. It is best taken between meals as a high protein snack, immediately following exercise, or along with a meal to increase the protein content and nutritional value.
From cattle raised without the use of hormones, including rBGH
Fortified with a complete array of complementary support nutrients
Contains no artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners
This is all I have time for now. I'll try and keep updating this. Maybe this thread can become a definitive list of NATURAL protein supplements. In fact, NP may want to think about a new product category specifically for NATURAL products (i.e. no artificial ingredients). This would be a great criteria to be able to search by.
