Is Warrior Protein Powder Safe? An In-Depth Safety Analysis

December 4, 2025 •

4 min read

According to recent studies by organizations like the Clean Label Project, many protein powders have been found to contain heavy metals. This raises the important question for consumers: is Warrior protein powder safe? This guide examines the available evidence on brand standards, testing, and potential concerns.

Quick Summary

An analysis of Warrior protein powder's safety, including an evaluation of company sourcing, third-party testing claims, manufacturing quality, and potential concerns like heavy metal contamination or digestive issues.

Key Points

Two Brands, Two Answers: The safety of "Warrior" protein depends on whether you mean the plant-based Sunwarrior or the UK-based Warrior, as their testing and sourcing differ.
Sunwarrior is Independently Tested: Sunwarrior's plant-based protein is tested for heavy metals by an ISO-certified, third-party lab, with the company stating levels are within safety standards.
UK Warrior is GMP Certified: The UK-based Warrior brand emphasizes its GMP-certified production facility, indicating high manufacturing standards, but specific third-party testing data for their protein is less public.
Plant-Based Powders Need Scrutiny: All plant-based proteins, including Sunwarrior, can contain trace heavy metals from the soil, especially in chocolate flavors.
Third-Party Certification is Key: For either brand, looking for seals from organizations like NSF or Informed Sport provides the most assurance of a product's safety and purity.
Know Your Sensitivities: Potential side effects like digestive issues depend on the protein source (whey vs. plant) and individual tolerance, not just the brand.

Understanding the 'Warrior' Brand Landscape

When asking, "Is Warrior protein powder safe?" it's crucial to first distinguish between the two prominent brands often associated with the name: Sunwarrior (known for its plant-based protein, including the 'Warrior Blend') and the UK-based Warrior (a sports nutrition brand from KBF Enterprises). The safety profile and testing methods differ between these two distinct companies, and a thorough investigation of both is necessary for a complete understanding.

The Sunwarrior 'Warrior Blend' Protein

Sunwarrior is a major player in the plant-based protein market with a strong emphasis on clean, organic ingredients. Their Warrior Blend is a popular product made from a mix of pea, hemp, and goji berry proteins.

Third-Party Testing: A key indicator of a supplement's safety is third-party testing. Sunwarrior states their products undergo independent, third-party testing at an ISO-certified lab (ARL Bio Pharma) for heavy metals. While their products may not carry an official third-party seal like NSF Certified for Sport, the company website offers transparent information regarding their testing practices, which aligns with good safety practices.
Heavy Metal Concerns: Like many plant-based proteins, Sunwarrior's products contain trace amounts of naturally occurring heavy metals absorbed from the soil. However, the company asserts these levels are consistently below FDA, EU, and WHO safety standards. They also claim their products are non-GMO and USDA certified organic, which helps ensure ingredient quality.
Allergen and Digestion Profile: The Warrior Blend is vegan, dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free, making it a good option for those with common food allergies or sensitivities. Its plant-based nature can be gentler on the digestive system compared to some whey products, though individuals may still experience issues like gas or bloating.

The UK Warrior Protein

The UK-based Warrior, made by KBF Enterprises, also produces a range of sports nutrition supplements, including protein powder. Their safety claims rely on different standards.

Manufacturing and Certification: The company emphasizes that its products are made in-house at a UK facility that is GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certified. This certification demonstrates a commitment to quality control during the manufacturing process, ensuring products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards.
Third-Party Testing: While a Men's Health UK review noted third-party testing for their creatine product, citing standards that exceed Informed Sport requirements, general information about independent lab testing for their protein powders is less publicly available online. Consumers should inquire directly with the company for specific test results or look for third-party certification seals on the product packaging.
Customer Service Concerns: It's worth noting that some customer reviews on platforms like Trustpilot have mentioned issues related to customer service, delivery, and refunds. While these don't directly reflect on product safety, they can affect the overall brand experience.

Potential Risks and How to Mitigate Them

Regardless of the brand, consumers should be aware of general protein powder risks. As a 2025 Clean Label Project study found, certain types of powders, particularly plant-based and chocolate-flavored, are more susceptible to heavy metal contamination.

How to Verify a Protein Powder's Safety

Here is a list of steps consumers can take to vet their protein powder of choice:

Look for Third-Party Certification: Look for seals from reputable organizations like NSF Certified for Sport, Informed Sport, USP, or ConsumerLab. These certifications confirm that the product has been tested for contaminants and banned substances and contains the ingredients listed on the label.
Research the Brand's Transparency: Reputable brands will be transparent about their sourcing and testing procedures. Check their website for a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for specific product batches.
Check for Heavy Metal Reports: Research recent reports from consumer advocacy groups like the Clean Label Project to see if the brand or product has been flagged for containing high levels of heavy metals.
Read the Ingredients List: Be aware of potential allergens (like dairy in whey or soy in plant-based proteins) and added ingredients like artificial sweeteners or fillers that could cause digestive upset.
Consider Your Own Sensitivities: If you have sensitivities, choosing a vegan or whey protein isolate (which has less lactose) might help reduce digestive issues.

Comparison Table: Sunwarrior vs. UK Warrior


Feature	Sunwarrior 'Warrior Blend'	UK Warrior Protein	Commentary
Protein Source	Vegan (Pea, Hemp, Goji)	Varied (Whey, etc.)	Sunwarrior is suitable for vegans and those with dairy allergies, while UK Warrior offers dairy-based options.
Third-Party Testing	Website claims ISO-certified lab testing for heavy metals	Cited for creatine; less public info for protein	Sunwarrior is more transparent about testing specifics online, though without a widespread seal. Look for specific certifications on UK Warrior protein labels.
Heavy Metal Stance	Acknowledges naturally occurring trace levels, claims below safety limits	No specific public statement found	All plant-based proteins may have trace heavy metals, but Sunwarrior explicitly addresses this.
Allergen Profile	Dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free	Depends on specific product (e.g., whey contains dairy)	Sunwarrior offers a cleaner profile for those with common allergies.
Manufacturing Quality	Blends and packages in-house	GMP-certified production facility	Both brands emphasize a high degree of manufacturing control.
Consumer Reputation	Generally positive, with detailed reviews	Mixed reviews, some customer service issues reported	Consumer experiences suggest a difference in overall brand perception.

Conclusion

Is Warrior protein powder safe? The answer depends on which brand you are referring to. Sunwarrior, with its plant-based Warrior Blend, appears safe for most consumers, backed by in-house third-party heavy metal testing and its certified organic, non-GMO status. The company is transparent about naturally occurring heavy metals in plant-based products, confirming levels remain within safety limits. The UK Warrior, made by KBF Enterprises, also appears safe based on its GMP-certified manufacturing, but consumers should look for specific third-party testing information on their protein products. For either brand, the best practice is to always seek out products with verifiable third-party certification and research any potential sensitivities before consumption. A good resource for researching general supplement safety is the Clean Label Project website, where you can find recent reports on contaminant levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, like many plant-based foods grown in the earth, Sunwarrior's protein contains trace amounts of naturally occurring heavy metals. However, the company claims that third-party lab tests confirm these levels are well below international safety standards.

The UK-based Warrior brand (KBF Enterprises) publicly highlights its GMP-certified manufacturing, which ensures quality control. While one of its products (creatine) was noted as being third-party tested, specific, public information regarding independent lab testing for its protein powder is limited.

Heavy metals like lead and cadmium can enter protein powders through raw ingredients (plants absorb them from the soil), manufacturing processes, or environmental pollution. Studies show plant-based and chocolate-flavored powders can be particularly susceptible.

Neither type is inherently 'safer' without verification. Plant-based proteins may have higher levels of heavy metals from soil, while whey proteins can pose risks for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. Safety depends on the brand's sourcing, transparency, and third-party testing.

Yes, some people experience digestive distress such as bloating, gas, or nausea from protein powders. This can be caused by lactose in milk-based products, specific plant sources (like pea protein), or other additives. Consuming too much protein too quickly can also overwhelm the gut.

Look for a reputable third-party testing seal (e.g., NSF Certified for Sport, Informed Sport) on the label. Check the manufacturer's website for batch-specific test results (Certificate of Analysis). Also, read ingredient lists for allergens and avoid brands with suspiciously low prices or exaggerated claims.

You should always consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplement while pregnant or nursing, or giving it to a child. While some protein is safe, it is best to err on the side of caution due to limited data and potential risks with excessive intake.