Is Protein Powder Ultra-Processed?

With the spotlight firmly on ultra-processed foods (UPFs), protein powders are coming under more and more scrutiny. So, what exactly makes a protein powder ultra-processed? And how do you choose a protein powder that’s made with minimal processing, rather than commercial shortcuts?

Most foods are processed in some way and that’s not always a bad thing. But, there’s a spectrum. At one end, minimal processing can include techniques such as cold-pressing, drying, milling, fermenting and non-chemical nutrient extraction - all methods that can retain the natural integrity of whole ingredients. At the other end, ultra-processing involves industrial extraction, chemical solvents and the use of additives. Think emulsifiers, gums, artificial flavourings, sweeteners, preservatives, and synthetic vitamins. These are usually added for texture, a moreish flavour, longer shelf life and cost efficiency.

Protein powders sit somewhere along this scale. Some are made with care. Others are made on a mass scale to mimic a dessert and maximise profit.

So, which protein powders are ultra-processed?

Many protein powders are considered ultra-processed under the NOVA classification system, typically because the original structure of the food is altered during manufacturing.

The intensity of processing depends on the type of protein and how it's extracted. To add flavour and consistency, many brands add sweeteners, artificial flavourings, emulsifiers and other additives, all of which bring no nutritional value and may actually be harmful to our bodies long term.

But not all protein powders are made in the same way, and not all processing is bad.

The real difference lies in intent and process: is the protein powder built for nutrition, or built for flavour and shelf life? Is it crafted to support the body, or engineered for cost and convenience?

We believe in a "less is more" approach, with just three organic plant proteins in our Naked Blend, processed using methods such as cold-milling and fermentation to preserve their natural benefits. There are no sweeteners, no emulsifiers, no synthetic fortification and no chemicals.

What is a clean protein powder?

A clean protein powder is made with a nutrient-first approach, rather than being made to taste like dessert or to sit on a shelf for years.

Instead, your protein powder should:

Use as few ingredients as possible
Be free from emulsifiers, lecithins, gums, sweeteners, artificial flavourings
Retain naturally occurring fibre and micronutrients from ingredients without the need for synthetic fortification
Be processed gently. Proteins shouldn’t be stripped, chemically extracted and rebuilt. Beware of proteins such as soy isolates; these are usually solvent extracted. GMO free is best.

Our rule of thumb? If an ingredient doesn't sound natural or you wouldn’t find it in your kitchen cupboard, your body probably doesn’t need it.

And while the word “clean” is often thrown around, the best way to know you’re getting a genuinely clean protein powder is to look for certified organic.

Why organic protein powder is the safest option.

If you're after a genuinely clean ingredient protein powder, organic certification is the best place to start, especially when it’s accredited by the Soil Association.

Plenty of so-called “organic” US brands are making their way into the UK via platforms such as Healf, but not all organic stamps are created equal. The USDA (America’s department of agriculture) allows over 1,600 more chemicals than the UK’s Soil Association, including a wider range of emulsifiers, synthetic additives and engineered ingredients. These simply wouldn’t pass in the UK.

The Soil Association organic stamp guarantees:

No artificial additives, including flavourings or emulsifiers
Strict rules on sweeteners, keeping things closer to real food
No chemical solvents used in extraction
No GMOs, pesticides or chemical fertilisers in the ingredients
Full traceability and independent checks from seed to shelf

Unlike vague “natural” claims or products with a token organic ingredient, full certification covers the entire journey - from farming methods and processing techniques to the finished blend. It’s a sign of something made with care, not shortcuts.

For peace of mind, go organic. It’s the simplest way to know what you’re really putting into your body.

Look for a protein powder without sweeteners

Sweeteners are often added to protein powders to improve flavour without adding calories. But, they can come with compromises.

Artificial sweeteners have been linked to:

Digestive issues, bloating or cramping
Disruption of the gut microbiota, the community of microbes in your gut that influence health and digestion.
Altered taste perception and increased cravings
Blood sugar spikes or insulin response in some individuals

Choosing a sweetener-free protein powder helps you avoid these side effects and keeps the focus on real, body-friendly nutrition.

And what about a protein powder with sugar?

Sugar isn't the enemy, especially when it’s paired with protein in balanced amounts. Our bodies are designed to recognise, digest and use sugar, particularly when it's part of a whole-food recipe. Simple carbohydrates, also known as simple sugars, play a key role in:

Replenishing glycogen stores post-exercise. Glycogen is stored energy in the form of glucose, or sugar.
Supporting muscle recovery and protein absorption
Fuelling the brain

If you’re chasing the lowest-calorie protein powder, you’ll likely end up with a heavily processed powder packed with artificial workarounds. But nutrient-dense, balanced calories are what the body really needs, especially if you’re active or recovering from illness. A little natural sugar in your protein powder isn’t something to avoid; in our view it’s a more body-friendly choice than sweeteners.

Choose an Emulsifier-Free Protein Powder

Emulsifiers are added to improve texture and mixability, to give a protein shake that thicker milkshake appeal. However, they add nothing nutritionally and may even disrupt gut health in some people.

Common emulsifiers include:

Soy or sunflower lecithin
Xanthan or guar gum, Gum Acacia, Acacia Fibre
Glycerol monostearate
Carrageenan
Mono- and Diglycerides

Non UPF Protein Powders: What to Look For

	Clean Protein Powder	Ultra-Processed Protein Powder
Organic (Soil Association Certified)	✓	✗
Free from any sweeteners	✓	✗
Free from gums and emulsifiers	✓	✗
Solvent-free protein extraction	✓	✗
Short, recognisable ingredient list	✓	✗
Naturally nutrient-dense (not fortified)	✓	✗
Third party tested and certified	✓	✗

BodyMe: Choosing a Clean Protein Powder

We make BodyMe Naked Protein with just three organic plant proteins:

Hemp - cold-pressed, de-shelled and milled
Pea - solvent-free extraction and gentle drying
Brown rice - fermented and filtered to retain nutrition

No sweeteners. No gums. No artificial flavours. No fortification. Just real, complete protein naturally occurring fibre, iron, magnesium and zinc, as well as over 25g of clean plant-based protein per serving.

It’s Soil Association certified organic and third-party tested for over 600 contaminants, including heavy metals, GMOs and pesticides.

If you are looking for a body friendly protein shake with a dash of digestion friendly raw cane sugar and zero sweeteners or emulsifiers, then try our Protein Shake range.

Final Thought

Not all protein powders are ultra-processed, but sadly, many are.

The difference comes down to purpose. A natural protein powder made from real, nutrient rich, organic ingredients, minimal processing and no additives is built to support your body. A powder designed to mimic a dessert is probably doing something else entirely.

At BodyMe, we keep it simple. No shortcuts: just real, nutrient-dense protein, made properly.