Counterfeit sports supplements are a growing concern in the fitness industry, and Myprotein products, being highly popular, are often targeted. Consuming fake supplements poses significant health risks, as they may contain cheap fillers, heavy metals, or undisclosed banned substances. Therefore, understanding how to verify your purchase is essential for your safety and investment. Fortunately, Myprotein has implemented several measures, along with some practical tests you can perform, to help you confirm the legitimacy of your product.
Why Authenticity Matters
Beyond the financial loss of purchasing a fake product, the real danger lies in what you might be consuming. Counterfeit supplements may not contain the advertised ingredients or nutritional values, rendering them ineffective for your fitness goals. More alarmingly, they can be harmful. In some regions, counterfeit protein has been found to contain ingredients that can cause liver damage, kidney issues, or other serious health complications. A genuine Myprotein product, by contrast, undergoes rigorous third-party testing with organisations like Informed Choice and Informed Sport to ensure it is free from banned substances and contaminants.
The Official Myprotein Verification Method
The most reliable way to check the authenticity of a Myprotein product is by using the official verification system. For newer packaging, particularly in specific markets like India and the UK, this process is streamlined.
Step-by-step verification
- Locate the sticker: On the back of the pouch or tub, find the unique authentication sticker. On some products, this will be a scratch panel.
- Scan the QR code: Use your smartphone's camera to scan the QR code printed on the sticker. This code should direct you to the official Myprotein product verification webpage.
- Enter the unique code: If there's no QR code, or as a secondary check, scratch the panel to reveal the unique code. Manually enter this code on the website linked by the QR code or the main Myprotein site's authenticity page.
- Confirm authenticity: The website will process the code and confirm if the product is genuine or a potential fake. Some regions have a verification page accessible through the country-specific Myprotein website.
How to Spot Fake Myprotein Packaging
Before even opening the product, a careful inspection of the packaging can reveal crucial clues. Counterfeiters often overlook subtle details that distinguish real products from fakes.
- Print and Graphics Quality: Authentic Myprotein products have high-resolution printing with clear, sharp text. Be wary of packaging with blurry text, smudged logos, or inconsistent colours compared to official product images.
- Seal Integrity: An intact and properly sealed product is critical. Counterfeit supplements often have broken, re-glued, or poorly manufactured seals. Check for an unbroken foil or cardboard seal under the lid or inside the pouch.
- Label Information: Inspect the label for any spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, or inconsistent fonts. Legitimate products will have accurate information, including batch numbers, manufacturing dates, and expiration dates printed clearly.
- Packaging Material: The feel of the material can also be a tell-tale sign. Myprotein uses high-quality, sturdy packaging. Fakes may feel flimsy or cheaply made.
Physical Inspection: Powder Tests
Once you have opened the product, the powder itself offers another layer of verification. These are less definitive than the official code check but can raise immediate red flags.
Mixability Test
Mix a scoop of the protein powder with water or milk. Genuine, high-quality whey protein dissolves smoothly within about 30 seconds, leaving minimal clumps or residue. A fake product, made with cheap fillers, may dissolve too quickly (like sugar) or, conversely, leave behind a significant amount of residue or stubborn clumps.
Smell and Taste Test
Take note of the product's smell and taste. Authentic Myprotein products have a consistent, pleasant flavour profile. An unusual chemical, sour, or overly sweet artificial smell or taste can indicate a fake product.
Solubility Test (Boiling Water)
A more advanced home test involves hot water. Add a spoonful of the powder to a cup of boiling water. Real whey protein will coagulate and form a semi-solid or solid mass, like cottage cheese. If the powder dissolves completely or fails to coagulate, it is highly likely to be fake.
Avoiding Counterfeit Products
The single best defense is prevention. By being a savvy consumer, you can avoid the risks associated with fake supplements.
Price and Seller Comparison
If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Extremely low prices, especially from unknown third-party sellers on online marketplaces, are a strong indicator of a counterfeit product. Always compare prices with the official Myprotein website and buy directly from there or from an authorised retailer listed on their site.
Comparison of Authentic vs. Fake Myprotein
| Feature | Authentic Myprotein Product | Fake Myprotein Product |
|---|---|---|
| Verification | Verified via official QR code or scratch panel on Myprotein's website. | Verification code is fake, invalid, or absent. |
| Packaging Quality | High-quality, durable packaging with clear, sharp printing and correct branding. | Flimsy, poor-quality material with blurry images, spelling errors, or off-colour printing. |
| Seals | Inner and outer seals are intact, professionally applied, and show no signs of tampering. | Seals may be broken, re-glued, or completely absent. |
| Powder Texture | Finely milled powder that mixes smoothly with minimal clumping. | Coarse, gritty, or excessively clumpy powder. |
| Mixability | Dissolves easily in water within seconds, leaving little residue. | Poor mixability, leaving residue, clumps, or a greasy film. |
| Taste and Smell | Consistent, pleasant flavour profile as expected; neutral smell for unflavoured options. | Chemical, bitter, sour, or excessively artificial taste and smell. |
| Price | Standard market rate, with occasional genuine promotions. | Unusually low or heavily discounted prices from unverified sellers. |
| Source | Purchased directly from Myprotein.com or authorised retailers. | Purchased from unknown or unofficial online marketplaces. |
Conclusion: Your Health is the Priority
Checking for counterfeit Myprotein products is a proactive step to protect your health and ensure you are getting the nutritional support you paid for. The easiest and most reliable method is to use the official QR code or scratch panel for online verification. Additionally, inspecting the packaging and performing simple physical tests on the powder can help confirm its authenticity. Always purchase from the official website or trusted distributors to avoid the risk of fake supplements. Your health and fitness journey depend on the quality of your fuel, so never compromise on the authenticity of your supplements. For more information on their commitment to quality, visit the official Myprotein Quality Assurance page.
