Myprotein’s Official Stance on Fillers and Quality Assurance
Myprotein has publicly and emphatically addressed concerns regarding fillers and amino spiking, a practice where cheap amino acids are added to artificially inflate protein content. The company states that integrity is a core value and they employ advanced quality control techniques to ensure their products deliver what is promised on the label. This commitment is backed by certifications from independent organizations, providing an extra layer of consumer trust.
Third-Party Certifications: Your Guarantee of Purity
To substantiate their claims, Myprotein submits its products to independent third-party testing. Key certifications include:
- Informed Protein: This program, run by global testing authority LGC, certifies that products meet strict criteria for true protein content, meaning they are free from amino spiking and fillers. The certification also covers product purity and manufacturing standards.
- Informed Sport: For many of their products, particularly within the 'THE' range, Myprotein obtains Informed Sport certification. This means every batch is tested for banned substances, which is critical for athletes.
These certifications confirm that what is listed on the ingredients panel accurately reflects what is in the tub, assuring consumers that they are not paying for cheap additives instead of quality protein.
Decoding the 'Fillers' in Protein Powder
Not all ingredients other than the protein source are necessarily negative. The term 'filler' can be misleading, as some additives serve a functional purpose. However, many protein powders on the market do contain cheap fillers that add bulk and reduce the quality of the product.
Functional Additives vs. Cheap Fillers
It is crucial for consumers to distinguish between legitimate, functional additives and deceptive fillers that manufacturers use to cut costs. Myprotein's ingredient lists for products like Impact Whey Protein show a small number of functional ingredients alongside the core protein source.
- Lecithin: Myprotein's Impact Whey Protein lists soy or sunflower lecithin as an emulsifier. This is a functional ingredient added to improve mixability, preventing clumps. In small, necessary amounts, this is not considered a cheap filler, though some companies use excessive amounts to bulk up their product.
- Gums: Thickeners like guar gum can be used to improve the texture and consistency of a protein shake. While a functional ingredient, overuse can be a sign of a cheaper product. Myprotein's Impact Whey Protein lists guar gum.
- Artificial Sweeteners and Flavoring Agents: Sucralose and natural or artificial flavors are added to improve taste. In a transparent product, these are clearly listed. In less reputable brands, they might mask the low quality of the protein.
Common Cheap Fillers to Avoid
By contrast, cheap, non-functional fillers offer little to no nutritional value and are simply used to increase product volume. Consumers should be wary of these on ingredient lists:
- Maltodextrin: A highly processed carbohydrate used to bulk up powders and increase volume. It can spike blood sugar and dilutes the protein content.
- Inulin: A type of fiber used to increase product weight. While fiber is beneficial, its inclusion in high amounts in a protein supplement is often a cost-saving measure.
- Corn Syrup Solids: A processed sugar derivative that adds empty calories and unnecessary carbohydrates.
- Amino Spiking: The most insidious practice, involving adding cheap amino acids like glycine or taurine to inflate the reported protein content based on nitrogen testing, deceiving consumers about the true protein quality.
Myprotein vs. a Generic Brand: A Comparison
To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison of Myprotein's typical whey product against a hypothetical generic, lower-quality brand.
| Feature | Myprotein (e.g., Impact Whey Protein) | Generic/Low-Quality Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | High-quality whey protein concentrate/isolate. | Potentially lower grade whey mixed with milk solids or fillers. |
| Transparency | Clear ingredient list with specified sources and quantities. | Vague ingredient descriptors, 'proprietary blends' common. |
| Third-Party Cert. | Informed Protein, Informed Sport certified on relevant products. | Often lacks independent certification, or uses less rigorous testing. |
| Fillers | Uses functional additives like lecithin for mixability; claims no cheap fillers or spiking. | May use inexpensive fillers like maltodextrin or inulin to bulk up volume. |
| Price | Competitive pricing based on ingredient quality and purity. | Unusually low price, often a red flag for cheap fillers or spiking. |
How to Vet a Protein Powder: Actionable Steps for Consumers
As a consumer, you have the power to make informed decisions and avoid falling for deceptive practices. Here is how to ensure you are getting a quality product:
- Read the Ingredient Label: The ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. Ensure the main protein source (e.g., whey protein isolate) is at the very top. Look for a short, simple ingredient list with minimal additives.
- Check the Protein-to-Serving Ratio: Compare the grams of protein per serving against the total serving size. If a 30g scoop contains only 20g of protein, question what makes up the other 10g.
- Look for Third-Party Certifications: Search for logos from reputable third-party testing organizations like Informed-Sport, NSF, or Informed Protein. These indicate that the product has been tested for banned substances and label accuracy.
- Be Wary of Unusually Low Prices: While everyone appreciates a good deal, an exceptionally low price for a product can sometimes indicate that cheaper ingredients have been used. High-quality, pure protein is not cheap to produce.
- Watch for Amino Spiking Clues: Avoid products that list individual amino acids like glycine, taurine, or glutamine separately on the ingredient list, especially if they appear high up on the list. These are often used to manipulate protein tests.
Conclusion
Based on their public statements, quality assurance protocols, and independent third-party certifications, Myprotein does not use fillers in the deceptive sense. The brand actively works to ensure its protein content is accurate and free from common shortcuts like amino spiking. While they utilize some functional additives for purposes like mixability and flavour, these are clearly disclosed and are distinct from cheap bulking agents. For the discerning consumer, the presence of certifications like Informed Protein and Informed Sport is a reliable indicator of a company's commitment to quality and transparency. Ultimately, staying informed and checking labels remains the most powerful tool for ensuring your protein powder supports your health and fitness goals. You can find more information about supplement ingredients and quality from independent sources like Informed Sport.
