Protein powders
Six Star 100% Whey Protein
Score
- Ultra-processed
- Contains non-nutritive sweeteners
- Contains emulsifiers studied for gut effects
Why it scores 50
Six Star 100% Whey Protein scores 50 out of 100 (Okay) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:
- minus 18 points Ultra-processed (NOVA 4): Classified NOVA 4: made with industrial ingredients and additives. Strong
- minus 7.5 points Cellulose gum (carboxymethylcellulose): In a small randomized feeding trial, carboxymethylcellulose modestly increased abdominal discomfort and reduced gut microbiota diversity; in mice it promoted low-grade inflammation. Strong
- minus 7.5 points Carrageenan: In the NutriNet-Santé cohort, higher carrageenan intake was associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes; cause and effect is not established. Strong
Every line of the math is on The Receipt below, with its evidence tier and sources.
Better protein powders
-
Whey protein Jarrow Formulas · 32 oz No non-nutritive sweeteners · No gut-studied emulsifiers Score 81 out of 100 , 31 points higher -
Pasture Raised Goat Whey Protein Concentrate Z Natural Foods Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 100 out of 100 , 50 points higher -
Organic whey protein bourbon vanilla Simply Tera's · 12 oz No gut-studied emulsifiers · No cellulose gum (carboxymethylcellulose) Score 81 out of 100 , 31 points higher -
Whey Protein Isolate Nutricost · 32 oz/2 lb/907 g Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 79 out of 100 , 29 points higher -
Whey Protein True Nutrition Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 100 out of 100 , 50 points higher
The same kind of product, at least 10 points higher, sold in the US. Never paid placements.
The Receipt
100% Whey Protein
Ingredients
- Cellulose gum (carboxymethylcellulose) minus 7.5 points
- Carrageenan minus 7.5 points
- Sucralose minus 7.5 points
- Sunflower lecithin minus 1.5 points
- Vegetable gums (unspecified) minus 1.5 points
Processing
- Ultra-processed (NOVA 4) minus 18 points
- 3 kinds of ultra-processing markers minus 3 points
Nutrition per 100 g
- Saturated fat 3.2 g / 100 g minus 3 points
- Salt 1.2 g / 100 g minus 3 points
- Energy 383 kcal / 100 g minus 2 points
- Protein 63.8 g / 100 g plus 4 points
100 − 50.5 = 49.5 → 50
Nutrition per 100 g
| Energy | 383 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 6.4 g |
| Saturated fat | 3.2 g |
| Trans fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 17 g |
| Sugars | 4.3 g |
| Added sugars | 0 g |
| Fiber | 2.1 g |
| Protein | 63.8 g |
| Salt | 1.2 g |
Serving: 1 scoop (47 g)
Ingredients
- Whey protein concentrate whey protein isolate hydrolyzed whey protein maltodextrin cocoa (processed with alkali) Natural and artificial flavors (not recognized)
- soy
- sunflower lecithin
- salt gum blend (cellulose gum xanthan gum, carrageenan)
- sucralose Acesulfame - potassium (moderate concern)
- zinc oxide
- Cholecalciferol - which is vitamin D3
Label text, as published
Whey protein concentrate whey protein isolate hydrolyzed whey protein maltodextrin cocoa (processed with alkali) Natural and artificial flavors, soy and/or sunflower lecithin, salt gum blend (cellulose gum xanthan gum, carrageenan) calcium carbonate ascorbic acid, sucralose Acesulfame - potassium, zinc oxide, Cholecalciferol - which is vitamin D3.
Allergens and diets
Contains: Soy
Always check the package: recipes change.
More protein powders on GoodSwap
-
Organic Protein Orgain · 43.2 oz (2.7 lb) 1.22 kg Contains non-nutritive sweetenersContains sugar alcoholsContains seed oilsCertified organic Score 89 out of 100 Excellent -
Organic Protein Orgain · 1.2 kg Contains non-nutritive sweetenersContains sugar alcoholsContains seed oilsCertified organic Score 89 out of 100 Excellent -
Protein powder Optimum Nutrition · 80 × 31 g Contains non-nutritive sweetenersContains emulsifiers studied for gut effectsContains artificial flavors Score 83 out of 100 Excellent -
Whey Protein Isolate Unflavored NOW · 1.2 lb/544 g Score 98 out of 100 Excellent -
Organic Protein Protein Powder Orgain · 43.8 oz/2.47 lb/1.2 kg Ultra-processedHigh in saltContains seed oilsCertified organic Score 57 out of 100 Okay -
Protein and Greens Vega · 18.6 oz, 526 g Ultra-processedHigh in saltContains non-nutritive sweeteners Score 61 out of 100 Good
More from Six Star
Sources
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“Relative to control subjects, CMC consumption modestly increased postprandial abdominal discomfort and perturbed gut microbiota composition in a way that reduced its diversity.”
doi.org
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Dietary emulsifiers impact the mouse gut microbiota promoting colitis and metabolic syndrome
“carboxymethylcellulose and polysorbate-80, induced low-grade inflammation and obesity/metabolic syndrome in wild-type hosts and promoted robust colitis in mice predisposed to this disorder.”
doi.org
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“This study found positive associations between risk of CVD and intake of five individual and two groups of food additive emulsifiers widely used in industrial foods.”
doi.org
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“The Panel concluded that there was no need for a numerical ADI and that there would be no safety concern at the reported uses and use levels for the unmodified and modified celluloses”
doi.org
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“We found direct associations between the risk of type 2 diabetes and exposures to various food additive emulsifiers widely used in industrial foods, in a large prospective cohort of French adults.”
doi.org
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Re-evaluation of carrageenan (E 407) and processed Eucheuma seaweed (E 407a) as food additives
“However, the Panel noted uncertainties as regards the chemistry, the exposure assessment and biological and toxicological data.”
doi.org
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Agents Classified by the IARC Monographs, Volumes 1–142 (List of Classifications)
monographs.iarc.who.int
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Personalized microbiome-driven effects of non-nutritive sweeteners on human glucose tolerance
“As groups, each administered NNS distinctly altered stool and oral microbiome and plasma metabolome, whereas saccharin and sucralose significantly impaired glycemic responses.”
doi.org
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“Sucralose-6-acetate significantly increased the expression of genes associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and cancer”
doi.org
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“EFSA’s experts concluded that the sweetener sucralose (E 955) continues to be safe for consumers for its currently authorised uses as a food additive.”
efsa.europa.eu
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WHO advises not to use non-sugar sweeteners for weight control in newly released guideline
“The recommendation is based on the findings of a systematic review of the available evidence which suggests that use of NSS does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children.”
who.int
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Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030
“Limit foods and beverages that include artificial flavors, petroleum-based dyes, artificial preservatives, and low-calorie non-nutritive sweeteners.”
cdn.realfood.gov
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Saturated fatty acid and trans-fatty acid intake for adults and children: WHO guideline
“WHO recommends that adults and children reduce saturated fatty acid intake to 10% of total energy intake (strong recommendation).”
who.int
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“For adults, WHO recommends less than 2000 mg/day of sodium (equivalent to less than 5 g/day salt), or just under a teaspoon.”
who.int
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“Greater exposure to ultra-processed food was associated with a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, especially cardiometabolic, common mental disorder, and mortality outcomes.”
doi.org