Which protein shakes are third party tested?

January 9, 2026 •

3 min read

According to a study by the Clean Label Project, some protein powders can contain heavy metals like arsenic and lead. This is why many health-conscious consumers and athletes ask, which protein shakes are third party tested? Trusting a certified, independent body to verify product contents is crucial for safety and performance.

Quick Summary

Review protein shakes from top brands that undergo rigorous third-party testing for purity, banned substances, and ingredient accuracy, ensuring consumer safety.

Key Points

Look for Logos: Always check for certification logos like NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Sport on product labels to confirm third-party testing.
Understand Certifiers: NSF Certified for Sport tests for banned substances, while Clean Label Project tests for heavy metals and contaminants.
Verify Product Batches: Many certifiers, such as NSF, allow you to look up specific product batches on their websites for verification.
Choose Based on Needs: Athletes subject to drug testing should prioritize products with Informed Sport or NSF Certified for Sport badges.
Both Whey and Plant-Based Options Exist: Third-party testing is not limited to whey protein; many vegan options, like those from Vega and Ora Organic, are also certified.
Quality Doesn't Require Compromise: Brands like Transparent Labs and Momentous offer clean formulas alongside third-party certification.

Understanding Third-Party Testing Certifications

Choosing a certified protein shake is crucial for ensuring product safety and quality. Unlike food products, dietary supplements are not required to be FDA-approved before hitting the market. This makes independent, third-party testing a vital safeguard for consumers, especially athletes subject to drug testing. Here are some of the most respected certification programs:

NSF Certified for Sport®

NSF International is a globally recognized, independent third-party organization that tests and certifies dietary supplements. The NSF Certified for Sport® program ensures products are free of more than 290 banned substances and contaminants. This certification is highly sought after by professional athletes and anyone prioritizing purity. Brands like Momentous, Klean Athlete, and BioSteel offer NSF-certified protein products.

Informed Sport / Informed Choice

Informed Sport is a global quality assurance program for sports nutrition products. It independently tests supplements for a wide range of substances prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The program also audits manufacturing facilities. The Informed Choice badge is similar, focusing on supplement products themselves. Myprotein and Optimum Nutrition are among the brands with Informed Sport certified protein products.

Clean Label Project

This non-profit organization focuses on transparent consumer data, testing products for industrial and environmental contaminants like heavy metals and pesticides. They use a star rating system to help consumers find cleaner products. For example, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard has received a Clean Label Project certification for certain flavors.

Top Third-Party Tested Protein Powders

Whey-Based Options

Several whey protein options have earned third-party certifications, offering peace of mind alongside high-quality protein:

Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate: Informed certified and third-party tested, Transparent Labs is known for its high-protein, minimal-ingredient formulas.
Legion Whey+: Tested by Labdoor, this grass-fed whey protein isolate is free of artificial sweeteners and fillers.
NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate: Carries both Informed Sport and NSF Certified for Sport logos, ensuring it is a clean and reliable option.
Momentous Essential Grass-Fed Whey: A popular choice among athletes, it holds both Informed Sport and NSF Certified for Sport certifications.
Thorne Whey Protein Isolate: Praised by athletes and reviewers for its clean, certified formula and bioavailable whey protein.

Plant-Based Options

For those seeking plant-based nutrition, several brands offer third-party tested vegan protein powders:

Ora Organic Daily Superfood Plant Protein: This organic option is tested by several independent labs and provides a nutritional boost with added superfoods.
Vega Sport: NSF Certified for Sport, ensuring this plant-based protein is tested for banned substances and suitable for competitive athletes.
Naked Pea: This Informed Choice certified pea protein is a simple, no-frills vegan option that is also third-party tested.
Garden of Life SPORT Organic Plant-Based Protein: Specifically designed for athletes, this vegan protein is third-party certified.

Comparison of Third-Party Tested Protein Shakes


Feature	Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey	Naked Pea	Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard	Momentous Essential Grass-Fed Whey
Protein per Serving	28 g	25 g	24 g	20 g
Protein Source	Grass-Fed Whey Isolate	Pea Protein	Whey Isolate, Concentrate, Hydrolysate	Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
Certifications	Informed Sport	Informed Choice	Clean Label Project (Select Flavors), Informed Sport	Informed Sport, NSF Certified for Sport
Sweeteners	Stevia	None Added	Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium	Stevia (Select Flavors)
Unique Feature	Minimal ingredients	Single-ingredient unflavored option	Wide availability and flavor selection	ProHydrolase enzyme blend for digestion

How to Choose a Third-Party Tested Shake

Identify your needs: Are you a competitive athlete needing a banned-substance-free formula (NSF, Informed Sport)? Are you concerned about contaminants and heavy metals (Clean Label Project)? Or do you just want general quality assurance?
Check the label: Always look for the certification logo directly on the product packaging. Certification bodies require companies to display the marks clearly.
Research the certifier: Reputable organizations provide batch-level lookup tools on their websites, allowing you to confirm a specific product's testing status. For example, you can verify NSF-certified products on their site. Visit the NSF website for more information on the certification process.
Consider your protein source: Third-party testing is available for both whey and plant-based protein, so your dietary preferences do not limit your options for safety.

Conclusion

For ultimate peace of mind, understanding which protein shakes are third party tested is an essential part of being a discerning consumer. Choosing a protein powder certified by reputable organizations like NSF, Informed Sport, or the Clean Label Project offers crucial protection against contaminants and banned substances. By prioritizing products with clear certification marks on their labels, you can confidently fuel your body with a supplement that is independently verified for quality and purity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Third-party testing means an independent organization, not the manufacturer, has tested a protein shake to verify its contents, purity, and ensure it is free from contaminants and banned substances.

Third-party testing is important because the FDA does not approve dietary supplements before they are sold, meaning that relying on independent labs is the best way to confirm a product's safety and quality.

Look for certifications from well-known organizations such as NSF Certified for Sport, Informed Sport/Informed Choice, and the Clean Label Project.

Certified protein shakes may sometimes carry a slightly higher price due to the cost of testing and certification, but many brands offer competitive pricing for certified products.

Yes, many vegan protein powders are third-party tested, including those from brands like Ora Organic, Naked Pea, and Vega Sport.

While in-house testing is a good practice, it lacks the independent verification that third-party testing provides. For maximum assurance, especially for athletes, independent certification is preferred.

You can find lists of certified products on the websites of certification organizations like NSF International, Informed Sport, and the Clean Label Project.