Are Protein Drinks Considered Processed?

November 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the NOVA food classification system, which is widely used globally, many protein powders and subsequent protein drinks are classified as ultra-processed foods. Understanding the different levels of food processing is key to answering the question: are protein drinks considered processed? The answer varies depending on the specific product and its ingredients.

Quick Summary

Protein drinks range from minimally to ultra-processed, depending on manufacturing. Most commercial protein powders involve extensive extraction processes, making them ultra-processed. Added ingredients like sweeteners, emulsifiers, and flavorings further increase their processed nature. Consumers should examine labels to determine processing levels, which impact nutritional value.

Key Points

Categorization: Most protein drinks are considered ultra-processed, largely due to industrial extraction and added ingredients like sweeteners and emulsifiers.
Processing Spectrum: The term 'processed' covers a range from minimally altered foods to complex industrial products; commercial protein drinks generally fall on the more intensely processed end.
Nutrient Content: Isolating protein removes other natural nutrients like fiber and healthy fats found in whole foods.
Additives: Common additives such as artificial sweeteners, gums, and flavorings further classify these drinks as ultra-processed.
Homemade vs. Commercial: Homemade protein shakes using whole foods are minimally processed and offer greater control over ingredients and nutrient profile.
Regulation Concerns: As dietary supplements, protein powders lack the same strict FDA regulation as conventional foods, making third-party testing important.
Informed Choices: Reading labels for a shorter, cleaner ingredient list and looking for third-party certifications are key for making healthier protein drink choices.

Understanding the Spectrum of Processed Foods

To determine if protein drinks are processed, it is important to first understand the different levels of food processing. Processing is a broad term that can range from simple actions like cutting and washing to complex industrial formulations. The NOVA classification system categorizes foods into four groups based on the extent and purpose of their processing.

The NOVA Classification System

Group 1: Unprocessed or minimally processed foods. These are foods altered only slightly for convenience or storage, like roasted nuts or frozen vegetables. They retain their natural nutritional profile.
Group 2: Processed culinary ingredients. This includes items derived from Group 1 foods, such as oils, flour, or sugar, that are used in cooking but not typically consumed alone.
Group 3: Processed foods. Simple processed foods are made by combining items from Groups 1 and 2, like canned vegetables with salt or cheese.
Group 4: Ultra-processed food and drink products. These are industrial formulations made with many ingredients, including those not typically found in a home kitchen, such as preservatives, emulsifiers, artificial flavors, and protein isolates.

How Protein Drinks Fit into the Processed Framework

Most commercial protein drinks and powders fall squarely into the ultra-processed category. The manufacturing process for extracting protein isolates from sources like whey (milk) or plants (peas, soy) is complex and alters the food's natural state significantly. This extensive processing is a core reason they are categorized as ultra-processed.

For example, to create whey protein powder, liquid whey (a byproduct of cheese making) undergoes multiple filtration steps to remove fats and lactose, followed by evaporation and spray-drying to create a powder. Plant-based proteins, like pea protein, are extracted using water or enzymes, followed by filtration and drying. The isolation of protein removes many other beneficial nutrients, such as fiber and healthy fats, naturally present in whole food sources.

The Role of Additives

Beyond the base protein powder, many commercial protein drinks contain a host of other additives. These ingredients are included to improve flavor, texture, and shelf life. Common additives include:

Artificial sweeteners: Such as sucralose or stevia, used to sweeten the product without adding calories.
Natural and artificial flavors: Used to create a wide variety of taste profiles.
Emulsifiers and gums: Like lecithin or xanthan gum, which prevent ingredients from separating and create a smoother, thicker texture.

These additives contribute to the ultra-processed nature of the drink. While not all additives are harmful, high intake of ultra-processed foods has been linked to potential health issues. Consumers should be aware of these additional ingredients and their potential impact on overall health, especially with frequent consumption.

Comparing Commercial vs. Homemade Protein Drinks


Feature	Commercial Protein Drinks	Homemade Protein Drinks
Processing Level	Most are ultra-processed due to industrial extraction and added ingredients.	Minimally processed, depending on the ingredients used. Can be completely unprocessed if using whole foods.
Ingredients	Long list of ingredients often including isolates, concentrates, sweeteners, emulsifiers, and flavorings.	Simple, whole food ingredients like milk, yogurt, fruits, vegetables, and a minimal powder if desired.
Nutritional Profile	Primarily provides isolated protein, often lacking the full spectrum of nutrients found in whole foods. May have added vitamins and minerals.	Contains a more complete nutrient profile, including fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins from whole food ingredients.
Regulation	Classified as dietary supplements, which are not regulated by the FDA as strictly as food. Third-party certification is recommended.	Self-made, so the consumer has full control over the quality and source of ingredients.
Convenience	Highly convenient, ready-to-drink or mix quickly.	Requires more preparation time, but offers full control over ingredients and nutrient balance.

Making Healthier Choices

Despite their processed nature, protein drinks can still serve as a useful tool for supplementing a diet, especially for athletes, older adults, or individuals with specific dietary needs. The key is to make informed choices. This includes reading labels carefully to understand the ingredients and opting for third-party tested products to ensure quality and safety.

Tips for Selecting a Healthier Protein Drink:

Read the Ingredient List: Look for products with fewer, simpler ingredients. Avoid those with long lists of unrecognizable additives, artificial flavors, and excessive added sugars.
Choose Minimally Processed Options: Consider products made with organic, cold-pressed, or fermented proteins, which undergo less intense processing.
Look for Third-Party Certification: Certifications like NSF Certified for Sport or Informed-Sport verify that the product has been tested for banned substances and heavy metals.
Consider Making Your Own: A homemade smoothie with whole foods offers the most control. For example, blending Greek yogurt, a banana, and a scoop of a minimally processed protein powder is a great option. For inspiration, see this easy-to-follow recipe for a healthier, less processed shake from a nutritionist on Business Insider.

Conclusion: Navigating the Processed Debate

In summary, the vast majority of commercially produced protein drinks are, by definition, processed, and many fall into the ultra-processed category. This is due to the industrial extraction methods used to isolate protein and the common addition of sweeteners, emulsifiers, and flavorings. However, not all processing is inherently bad, and the level of processing can vary significantly between brands. By understanding the manufacturing process and carefully examining product labels, consumers can make more informed decisions. Choosing minimally processed options, prioritizing third-party certifications, and supplementing with homemade, whole-food-based shakes can help you reap the benefits of added protein while minimizing potential downsides associated with heavy processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, whey protein powder is processed. It is created from liquid whey, a byproduct of cheese production, which undergoes multiple filtration, evaporation, and drying stages to isolate the protein. Concentrates are less processed than isolates, but both involve significant industrial alteration.

Most plant-based protein powders, such as pea or soy protein isolate, are considered ultra-processed because they undergo industrial extraction and refining processes to separate protein from other plant components. However, minimally processed plant protein sources like hemp are also available.

The difference lies in the extent of alteration. Processed foods are simply changed from their natural state (e.g., canned vegetables). Ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations with multiple additives, where the original food is often not recognizable, as is the case with many commercial protein drinks.

Check the ingredient list. Heavily processed protein drinks often have long lists of ingredients, including protein isolates, artificial sweeteners (sucralose, monkfruit), emulsifiers (lecithin), and flavorings. Minimally processed products will have fewer, more recognizable ingredients.

While protein drinks can offer a convenient protein source, potential health risks are associated with high intake of ultra-processed ingredients like excessive sugars, artificial sweeteners, and certain emulsifiers. The long-term effects of frequent consumption are still being studied.

Yes, homemade protein shakes are typically much less processed. By using whole food ingredients like milk, yogurt, fruits, and vegetables, you control the entire process and avoid industrial additives found in commercial products.

Minimally processed options include simple protein powders like egg white protein isolate or certain organic plant proteins that use non-chemical extraction. Making a shake with these powders and whole foods is a minimally processed choice.