The One About Protein Fear: It’s Not What You Think

The Protein Powder Problem

Protein powders have become a multi-billion-dollar industry, marketed as the ultimate nutritional fix for muscle growth, weight loss, and overall health. But are they as safe as we’re led to believe?

A recently published Delish article highlighted findings from the Clean Label Project, exposing concerning levels of heavy metals in protein powders. The study tested 160 products across 70 brands and found that 47% exceeded safety thresholds for contaminants like arsenic, lead, and cadmium. Even organic and plant-based powders—often assumed to be the safest—contained some of the highest levels of toxins.

This revelation isn’t surprising. Highly processed protein products often strip away real nutrition while concentrating contaminants. That’s why at The Plant Five, we’ve always believed in something different: whole, unprocessed foods provide the best fuel for the body—without the risks hidden in supplements.

The Chase for Protein: A Fad We Don’t Follow

Protein is rarely a limiting factor in the diet of someone eating whole, fresh, plant-based foods. Yet, it has been marketed as a "scarcity nutrient", leading many to overconsume it—often in highly processed, unnatural forms.

We don’t chase protein quantities. Instead, we focus on:

• Completeness – Eating a variety of whole, natural foods to meet all nutritional needs.

• Purity – Prioritizing unprocessed, toxin-free fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and sprouts.

• Balance – Supporting overall health by nourishing the body as a whole, rather than hyper-fixating on macronutrients.

Rather than worrying about protein grams per meal, we ask: “How clean, complete, and life-giving is the food I’m eating?”

When we eat whole plant foods, we’re not just getting protein—we’re also getting fiber, hydration, natural sugars, and a synergy of nutrients that work together far better than isolated protein ever could.

Toxins in Your Protein? The Truth Behind Powders

The Clean Label Project study uncovered some disturbing truths about protein powders:

1. Soil Contamination – Many plants used for protein powders are grown in soil high in heavy metals, which the plants absorb.

2. Processing Strips Nutrients – When foods are broken down into powders, they lose many of their natural co-factors that aid digestion and absorption.

3. Industry Regulations Are Weak – Unlike whole foods, protein powders are not well-regulated, meaning companies don’t always disclose what’s really inside.

We believe that nutrient density should come from nature, not a lab. That’s why we steer clear of highly processed powders and supplements and focus on eating foods in their whole, natural state.

Protein Clarity: Why Whole Foods Win Every Time

Heavy metal contamination isn’t the only issue with protein powders. The very concept of isolating protein from food is flawed—it’s not how the body was designed to absorb nutrients.

Instead of protein powders, we focus on:

• Fruits – Bananas, mangoes, papayas, and figs provide natural amino acids without toxic additives.

• Sprouts – Broccoli, lentil, and mung bean sprouts offer enzymes, minerals, and bioavailable protein.

• Nuts and Seeds – Chia seeds, hemp seeds, and walnuts deliver protein, omega-3s, and fiber.

• Greens – Spinach, kale, and other leafy vegetables supply chlorophyll, minerals, and protein in a form the body actually uses.

• Legumes – Chickpeas, lentils, and sprouted peas provide slow-burning energy and muscle support.

This isn’t just about hitting protein targets—it’s about real nourishment.

I can never forget finding that first tub of my once favorite complete protein supplement in Canada while on tour. I was so impressed with the vegan triathlete founder and convinced (because at the time it was true) I was getting the best of the best in those early years of the brand.

But just like they sold the company, and it became a shell of what it once was—far less clean—the years also changed me. I started to see that we’ve gotten a lot wrong about this protein treadmill we’ve been placed on. It’s all been by design.

We’re not all bodybuilders, and not even bodybuilders need as much protein as we’re told to believe. That’s when I stopped chasing protein and focused on completeness, not consumption.

Did you know? The average person already gets more than enough protein without powders—but no one is talking about overconsumption risks.

Let’s Rethink Protein Fear

The obsession with protein has been fueled by marketing, not science. The fear of “not getting enough” has led people to overconsume processed sources of protein at the expense of overall health. We believe:

1. Protein is just one piece of the puzzle – Whole foods provide a natural balance of macronutrients, not just isolated protein.

2. More protein doesn’t mean better health – Excess protein can burden the liver and kidneys while contributing to inflammation.

3. Purity matters more than grams – What’s the point of eating “high protein” if it comes loaded with toxins?

The Clean Label Project findings validate what we already knew: chasing high protein numbers—especially through processed powders—isn’t worth the trade-offs.

Moving Toward Simplicity and Purity

We advocate for minimal supplementation and a return to simplicity. Instead of buying into the “more is better” mindset, we emphasize:

• Eating whole, living foods – The body thrives on natural, unprocessed nutrition.

• Trusting plants to provide what we need – There’s no need to micromanage protein intake when you’re eating a variety of fresh, unaltered foods.

• Avoiding artificial “health” trends – True health doesn’t come from a supplement aisle; it comes from what grows in nature.

We are not missing anything. The food industry just made us believe we are.

The Final Scoop

Protein powders may promise convenience, but they come with hidden dangers and unnecessary complexity. The Clean Label Project’s findings confirm what we’ve always believed: whole, raw, unprocessed foods are the cleanest, safest, and most nourishing option.

We don’t chase protein, we chase completeness at The Plant Five. If you’re ready to ditch protein fear, the noise, powders, and other supplements and embrace whole-food nutrition, we’re here to guide the way.

Because simplicity, not fear, is the foundation of true wellness.

For a deeper dive into the Clean Label Project’s findings, check out the full article on Delish.