Why Clean Protein Powders Matter
Discover the benefits of clean protein powders for busy moms. Learn why choosing non-toxic options like Equip and Be Well supports intentional, healthy living for you and your family.
As a mom of three energetic boys, my life is anything but slow. From sports practices, grocery runs to work deadlines, most of my days are go-go-go. And like many moms out there, I’m always looking for ways to make healthy living more efficient, sustainable, and filled with enough protein—not just for myself but for my family too.
That’s why complete protein powders have become a staple in my kitchen. They’re quick, versatile, and a lifesaver when there’s no time to whip up a full meal. But not all protein powders are created equal, and after doing my research and tuning into my values around intentional, non-toxic living, I knew that “clean” protein was the only way to go.
So what exactly does “clean” mean when it comes to protein powders, and why should it matter to you? And what brands are truly walking the walk? Let’s dive because the best protein powder for our family is a great option for some many people, especially those of you, like us, who have dietary restrictions. I know you’ll find the best choice for the best clean protein powder options for your family after reading through this post!
What Does “Clean” Protein Powder Really Mean?
In a market flooded with supplements that promise muscle gain, weight loss, or meal replacement, the term “clean” can sometimes get lost in translation. It has become an important word across all fields, but the meaning has been greenwashed to the point of questioning what does it actually even mean? But to me—and to many health-conscious consumers—“clean” means a product that’s free from harmful additives, artificial ingredients, unnecessary fillers, synthetic sweeteners, and heavy metals. Clean has third-party testing, transparency, and is free from harmful ingredients.
A clean protein powder should align with whole food values along with that was stated above. It should be made with high-quality, minimally processed ingredients and sourced in a way that supports health, sustainability, and transparency.
Here’s what I Personally Look for in a Clean Protein Powder
- No artificial sweeteners like sucralose or aspartame
- No synthetic additives or preservatives
- Non-GMO ingredients
- No soy or dairy (unless grass-fed and clearly labeled)
- No gums, thickeners, or fillers
- Heavy metal testing results available or claimed
- Sourced from real food or whole food ingredients
Why is this so important? Because our bodies deserve better. Especially as women and mothers, we carry so much—not just emotionally and mentally, but also physically. Every meal or snack is a chance to nourish ourselves in a way that fuels and protects our health long-term.
The Importance of Clean Protein in a Busy Lifestyle
If you’re a mom like me, you’re likely multitasking every moment of the day. While protein-rich meals are essential for maintaining energy, muscle mass, and satiety, they’re not always easy to prepare when you’re juggling carpool duty, meal prep, laundry, and a never-ending to-do list.
That’s where clean protein powders come in. They offer a simple, fast, and nourishing option that supports:
- Sustained energy throughout the day
- Muscle recovery after workouts (or, let’s be real, after chasing toddlers)
- Balanced blood sugar to avoid energy crashes
- Healthy hair, skin, and nails (because let’s not forget about ourselves!)
- A convenient way to meet daily protein goals, especially if you’re plant-based, dairy-free, or gluten-free
But it only works if what you’re putting in your body is as clean as it is convenient.
My Journey Toward Cleaner Living
Choosing clean protein powders is part of a larger lifestyle choice for me. A few years ago, I started shifting my home and my family’s habits to be more intentional and less toxic. I swapped out chemical-laden cleaners for natural ones, chose organic produce whenever possible, and began reading labels with a detective’s eye.
It started with my kids—wanting to give them the best possible start—but it evolved into a way of life. Now, I care just as much about what I put in my smoothies as I do about what’s in my laundry detergent. Our bodies are constantly interacting with the products we use and the food we eat. Clean, nourishing food is a powerful way to take back control of our health and well-being.
Meet Equip: Whole Food Protein That Works for Busy Moms
One of the first clean protein powders I fell in love with was from Equip. You may have heard of this protein powder recently as it is one of the most popular protein powder brands I have been hearing people talk about. Their Prime Protein powder is unlike any other I’ve tried—and I’ve tried a lot of protein products!
What Sets Equip Apart?
Equip was created by a functional medicine doctor who wanted to provide real food solutions for real life. Their protein powder is made from just a few ingredients: grass-fed beef isolate, cocoa or vanilla (depending on flavor) or unflavored protein powder, and stevia for a touch of sweetness. That’s it. And before you say “Wait… beef?”—hear me out. This isn’t a meat shake. Prime Protein is made from hydrolyzed beef isolate, meaning all the connective tissue, collagen, and protein is extracted without the fat, taste, or texture of actual beef. What you get is a smooth, easy-to-digest powder that delivers 21 grams of protein per scoop—along with the added bonus of collagen.
Why I Love It:
- Clean ingredients (as few as 3 per flavor)
- Dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free
- Sourced from grass-fed cows
- Tastes amazing in smoothies or baked goods
- Helps me sneak extra protein into my kids’ diets too with the unflavored option!
As a mom always looking for ways to “do more with less,” Equip checks every box. It’s easy to toss into a blender with almond milk, a banana, and some nut butter for a breakfast I can drink in the car, and easily mixes just with water in a shaker bottle. And it keeps me full for hours–a high-quality protein powder I can count on!
Be Well: Plant-Based or Grass Fed Beef Isolate Protein That Feels Like a Treat
If you’re looking for another option, Be Well by Kelly is a protein powder I wholeheartedly recommend that offers both the beef isolate and the planted based options. Created by holistic nutritionist Kelly LeVeque, Be Well protein is designed with her famous “Fab Four” framework in mind: protein, fat, fiber, and greens.
What Makes Be Well Special?
Be Well protein powder is made from organic pea protein or grass fed beef isolate, and it’s sweet taste comes from monk fruit—no sugar alcohols, no artificial flavors, no fillers–and comes in a variety of flavors.
But the best part? It tastes amazing. A lot of proteins can be chalky or bitter. Not this one. Be Well is incredibly smooth, lightly sweet, and easy to blend. Whether I’m in the mood for a green smoothie or post-workout protein shakes, it hits the spot every time and is a good option for a plant-based or beef isolate protein powder.
Why I’m Obsessed:
- Organic, non-GMO pea protein or grass fed beef isolate
- Simple ingredient list and natural ingredients
- Low carb, keto and paleo-friendly
- No gums, thickeners, or artificial sweeteners
- Mom-approved taste and texture
I love that Be Well supports muscle maintenance and blood sugar balance without any of the junk that most protein powders sneak in. I love that they use fewer ingredients while still being a great addition to It’s my go-to when I want something light but nourishing, and I always feel good giving it to my kids too.
Equip vs. Be Well: Which One Should You Choose?
Honestly, I use both—and here’s why.
Equip is my go-to when I want a little extra oomph, especially on strength training days or when I’m feeling run down. The added collagen from the beef protein is amazing for joints, skin, and hair—something every busy mom can appreciate. It also bakes really well, so I use it in muffins, pancakes, and even protein bites for the kids. (use code hensrudehome for a discount!)
Be Well is what I turn to when I want something plant-based usually, though I regularly use their grass-fed beef protein isolate as well. Love that Be Well is ideal for smoothies or afternoon pick-me-ups. I love that I don’t have to worry about gut irritation or added sugar in this powder form.
Both are clean. Both are delicious. And both are tools that help me live the intentional, toxin-conscious lifestyle I strive for.
How I Incorporate Protein Powder into My Daily Life
In case you’re wondering how a busy mom like me actually uses protein powder day to day, here’s a peek into how I work it into my routine:
- Morning: Smoothie with Equip Vanilla, frozen banana, almond milk, spinach, and almond butter. Quick, energizing, and satisfying. Perfect after a workout or before a busy morning of errands.
- Midday Snack: Be Well Chocolate Protein blended with oat milk and a handful of frozen cherries. It feels like a treat but doesn’t spike my blood sugar. The protein content is perfect!
- On the Go: Protein muffins made with Equip Prime Protein (chocolate flavor). Easy to pack in my bag or hand to my kids as we rush to practice.
- Post-Workout: Equip Chocolate shaken with water and a splash of coconut milk. Simple, clean recovery.
Clean protein is more than just a product—it’s part of a rhythm that supports my lifestyle and wellness goals while using whole foods and completing my nutritional value!
Quick Tips for Making the Most of Your Protein Powder
If you’re just starting out with protein powders or looking to simplify how you use them, here are some tried-and-true mom hacks to get the most from your clean protein:
- Prep Smoothie Packs Ahead of Time–Chop up your favorite smoothie ingredients (like bananas, berries, spinach, avocado) and freeze them in reusable bags. In the morning, just dump a pack in the blender, add your protein powder and liquid of choice, and blend. Zero prep time needed.
- Bake with It–Add a scoop of protein to your pancake batter, muffins, waffles, or even oatmeal. Equip’s chocolate and vanilla flavors bake beautifully and add a subtle richness without overpowering sweetness. My boys love chocolate banana protein muffins—and they have no idea they’re loaded with nutrients.
- Stir Into Your Coffee or Overnight Oats–Be Well Vanilla mixes surprisingly well into warm liquids or soft foods. Stir it into your morning coffee for a little added protein boost, or mix it into overnight oats with chia seeds and almond milk for a protein-packed breakfast ready when you wake up.
- Make It a Family Affair–Don’t save your clean protein powder just for yourself! Use it to boost your kids’ morning smoothies or blend it into “milkshakes” with frozen fruit and almond milk. It’s a sneaky way to get more nutrition into their diets—especially during growth spurts or picky eater phases.
How to Choose the Right Protein Powder for Your Family
There are so many protein powders on the market, and it can be overwhelming to choose one—especially when you’re reading labels between sport drop offs. Here’s a quick checklist I use when evaluating a new brand:
- Check the ingredient list – Are the ingredients recognizable? Is it a short list?
- Avoid added sugars and sugar alcohols – These can cause blood sugar spikes or digestive upset.
- Watch for gums and fillers – These include ingredients like xanthan gum or carrageenan, which can cause inflammation.
- Confirm it’s third-party tested – Heavy metal testing is especially important with plant-based proteins.
- Look for clean sourcing – Grass-fed (for animal-based), non-GMO, and organic where possible.
Equip and Be Well both check these boxes, which is why I trust them enough to recommend them to fellow moms and friends without hesitation.
Clean Protein Is a Gift for Moms
Protein powder might seem like a small thing, but it’s actually part of a much bigger picture. Choosing clean, high-quality nutrition sends a powerful message to our kids: that what we put in our bodies matters. It’s not just about avoiding toxins or artificial junk—it’s about choosing wellness, energy, and longevity. It’s about showing up well-fueled and vibrant, even on the days when we’re running on four hours of sleep and a cold cup of coffee.
To all the other busy moms out there who are trying to do their best—to nourish your kids, your home, and yourself—know this: prioritizing clean protein is one of the simplest and most powerful changes you can make for yourself and for your family! It doesn’t have to be complicated. It doesn’t require perfection. But choosing products like Equip (code for discount hensrudehome) and Be Well gives you peace of mind, knowing that you’re fueling your body with ingredients that support energy, vitality, and long-term wellness. Whatever protein powder you choose, I know you have the tools and knowledge to pick what is best for your family! There are many more protein powders and companies out there doing good things with ingredients, sourcing, and transparency!
Remember, intentional living isn’t about doing everything right—it’s about making thoughtful choices that add up over time. Clean protein is one of those choices for me. It helps me show up better for my kids, feel more vibrant in my own skin, and stay connected to the values that matter most. So the next time you’re racing out the door, remember: you can nourish your body on the go—and you deserve to do it in the cleanest, most intentional way possible.
More About Non Toxic Living
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