Before I get to my Biotrust Low Carb Protein Powder reviews, I want to tell you a quick story.
Back in the mid-90’s, I was a skinny punk teenager with aspirations of “bulking up.” I bought the cheapest protein powder I could find, which at the time meant I alternated between three brands: Optimum Nutrition, Designer Protein, and EAS.
I didn’t care what was in them … I just wanted more protein while I listened to GNR on my Discman and did nothing but bench presses and curls.
Thankfully today I’m just a little more discerning in how I choose protein powders and workout regimens.
Anyways, there’s a point to my story …
One of the founders of Biotrust worked for EAS before starting his own company. As a fellow entrepreneur, I admire how he’s been able to grow his brand. Heck, I’ve read stuff from almost every one of the people on Biotrust’s “Fitness Team,” so these guys clearly have great networking skills.
However …
Despite their boasts of top-notch quality assurance and science-backed nutrition, some of the ingredients Biotrust uses in its protein powders may have some side effects, according to research studies I’ll point out below.
In this review, I’m going to analyze the ingredients Biotrust puts in its products along with their nutrition facts labels. I’ll share some clinical studies about these ingredients.
First a disclaimer: This review is my opinion and based on my interpretation of Biotrust’s nutrition facts and ingredients list.
Biotrust Low Carb Protein Powder Reviews
Biotrust sells 6 flavors of its low carb protein: chocolate, vanilla, cafe mocha, strawberry banana, peach mango, and chocolate peanut butter.
They have an impressive network of people promoting their product, a fully staffed Science Team, and lots of high quality marketing materials.
However, I have concerns about some of their ingredients …
Researching Plant Protein Powders?
CLICK HERE to get our FREE Google Sheet comparing 25+ brands by nutrition, ingredients, and cost.
Ingredients and Nutrition Facts
First, here’s a look at the nutrition facts panels and ingredient lists for all Biotrust protein powders. Below I’ll tell you which ingredients are red flags (hint: it’s most of them).
Red Flag Ingredients in BioTrust Proteins
Sunflower Creamer and Lecithin
Lecithins are gummy substances left behind as a byproduct of the oil extraction of certain plants (usually soybeans or sunflowers).
The problem with these, aside from the heavy processing they undergo from their natural food state, is they’re high in inflammatory Omega-6 fatty acids. A diet high in Omega-6 fatty acids and low in Omega-3 fatty acids can lead to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Natural Flavors
Here’s what scientists at the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) say about so-called “natural” flavors:
Flavors are used almost exclusively in junk foods. Their use indicates that the real thing (often fruit) has been left out. Companies keep the identity of artificial (and natural) flavorings a deep secret and are not required to list them on food labels. That secrecy is unfortunate, because some people may be sensitive to certain flavoring ingredients, such as MSG or HVP, and vegetarians and others may not want to consume flavors that are derived from animals.
These “natural” flavors can contain hundreds of different chemicals and preservatives … and large food companies like BioTrust don’t have to reveal any of them. It’s no wonder flavors are now the 4th most common ingredient on processed food labels, behind water, salt, and sugar.
Sugar Alcohols
Sugar alcohols are types of carbohydrate that are widely used as sweeteners.
Biotrust uses a lab-made product marketed as “all natural” called Swerve, which is a combination of the sugar alcohol erythritol and oligosaccharides.
While the makers of Swerve cite one small study that showed erythritol didn’t cause as many GI issues as another popular sugar alcohol, xylitol, the fact of the matter is your body cannot break down any sugar alcohols.
Researchers have also found that erythritol is a potent insecticide.
For those reasons, if you have any GI issues whatsoever, I recommend avoiding products with sugar alcohols.
Gums
Gums are additives used to thicken foods. BioTrust uses several different types (inulin, xanthan, arabic, guar).
The problem with many gums is that your body can’t absorb and digest them, which may lead to gut health issues.
Xanthan gum, in particular, can cause unpleasant side effects like gas and bloating. People who are exposed to xanthan gum powder might also experience flu-like symptoms, nose and throat irritation, and lung problems.
Proteins
Biotrust likes to tout the superiority of its dairy-based protein blend:
And while we still include whey protein concentrate at a 25% ratio due to a number of its unique properties, we also include the more expensive, exotic proteins in our blend like slow-digesting Micellar Casein (the cream of the crop of all proteins), Whey Protein Isolate, and Milk Protein Concentrate at the same 25% ratio, to give you exactly what we’re telling you we’re giving you.
I have a few things to say about that …
First, if dairy works for you, great. For many people though, using milk-based proteins like whey can do more harm than good.
Second, casein is not “exotic” and is definitely not the “cream of the crop” of proteins.
A research review published by the University of Michigan had this to say:
Some, though not all, preliminary research has suggested that diets high in milk products, and therefore high in casein, might be associated with increased risk of type 1 diabetes and heart disease.
And this:
Animal and preliminary human research has also suggested that some types of casein protein might be associated with increased risk or severity of autism.
And this:
Animal research has suggested that a diet high in casein protein (but not a diet with similar amounts of plant proteins) might increase cancer risk.
Non-Organic Ingredients in BioTrust Low Carb
All of the non-organic ingredients in BioTrust proteins concern me because non-organic ingredients may be sprayed with pesticides and other chemicals.
If want to read more about why I recommend choosing a protein powder with all organic ingredients, check out this study.
Review Summary: Can You Trust BioTrust Protein Powders for Quality Ingredients?
BioTrust talks a big game:
We’re much more concerned about delivering only the highest-quality product to you as a consumer than we are about profiting from “cheap” production methods that don’t serve you and your best interest.
BioTrust Low Carb is made with natural ingredients. That means you won’t find any artificial colors, flavors, and most importantly artificial sweeteners in our protein… ever.
And as a former marketer myself, I’ll be the first to admit BioTrust has great marketing and an impressive team of ambassadors and advisers that no doubt have helped propel their success.
However …
I think they’re missing the most important part: a great product.
Low Carb Protein Powder has”natural” flavors, fillers, and gums.
Plus, they use zero organic ingredients, so there’s a chance your BioTrust shakes may include a steady dose of pesticides and other chemicals.
Hiring expensive scientists to produce and promote your product doesn’t make your product better.
In my (obviously biased) opinion, you can get an organic protein powder with none of the additives, fillers, gums, and “flavors” for the same price.