The right protein powder can provide a range of health benefits, from improved muscle mass and better bone health to enhanced immunity. We’ll compare two leading brands: Alani Protein Powder and Nuzest Clean Lean Protein, so you can make an informed purchase decision.
Protein is an essential part of a healthy diet, and the most common protein sources are meat, poultry, fish, and dairy. Whether you want to add extra protein for hard workouts at the gym or want to supplement your nutritional needs for a vegetarian or vegan diet, protein powders are an excellent option. Health-conscious consumers lean toward plant-based protein powder products with clean, easily digestible, and allergen-free ingredients for the best benefits. We review two leading protein powders – Alani Protein Powder and Nuzest Clean Lean Protein – on several criteria.
You May Also Like:
Ritual Protein Powder vs Healthy Truth Protein Powder
FINDING THE BEST PROTEIN POWDER FOR SENSITIVE STOMACH: 5 TOP BRANDS REVIEWED
Alani Protein Powder vs Nuzest Clean Lean Protein:
Protein sources
Alani Protein Powder contains a blend of protein from three different sources: pea protein isolate, watermelon seed protein, and organic pumpkin seed protein. While all three proteins in Alani Protein Powder are natural plant-based ingredients, not all protein sources provide the same quality of nutrients or digestibility. “Complete proteins” include all nine essential amino acids: phenylalanine, isoleucine, leucine, histidine, lysine, methionine, tryptophan, valine, and threonine. Although pumpkin seed protein contains all nine essential amino acids, it is low in methionine and tryptophan, making it an incomplete protein. Furthermore, for people with food sensitivities, pumpkin seed protein and watermelon seed protein can cause digestive upset.
Nuzest Clean Lean Protein uses only one plant-based protein source: pea protein isolate. Unlike many other plant-based proteins, pea protein is a complete protein that offers the benefits of a meat-based protein source without drawbacks like high fat and cholesterol. People who tend to get gassy or bloated from green peas should know that pea protein isolate comes from golden field peas – the same variety commonly used in split pea soup. This pea is mild in flavor and packed with vitamins and minerals. According to researchers at the Cleveland Clinic, pea protein is easily digestible and unlikely to cause inflammation, even for people with IBD or food sensitivities.
While both products are excellent supplemental protein sources for a more balanced amino acid profile and superior digestibility, Nuzest Clean Lean Protein has a clear advantage over Alani Protein Powder.
Alani Protein Powder vs Nuzest Clean Lean Protein:
Additional ingredients
Alani Protein Powder has a lengthy list of ingredients, most healthy and naturally sourced. However, guar gum – an emulsifier and thickening agent and xanthan gum – a thickening or stabilizing agent – can trigger digestive upset. Additionally, silicon dioxide – used to prevent clumping – can lead to gastrointestinal inflammation. Finally, Alani uses sucralose, an artificial sweetener that, although generally regarded as safe, is still very controversial, with much research indicating negative health benefits.
In contrast, Nuzest Clean Lean Protein contains no gum additives, silicon dioxide, or artificial ingredients. Instead, it has a short list of ingredients that includes only pea protein isolate, natural flavorings, and thaumatin, a protein extract sweetener from the West African Katemfe fruit. It is the only sweet protein approved by both the FDA and the European Commission.
While Alani Protein Powder and Nuzest Clean Lea Protein are vegan and gluten-free, Alani Protein Powder has an allergy warning as it is “manufactured in a facility which may also process milk, soy, wheat, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish.” On the other hand, according to Nuzest’s website, Clean Lean Protein “is regularly tested for safe microbial activity, heavy metals, pesticides, and common allergens” and is manufactured in a facility with strict gluten-free protocols.
Comparing the ingredients found in Alani Protein Powder and Nuzest Clean Lean Protein, Nuzest comes out ahead as a cleaner and healthier product with no additive ingredients or potential for cross-contamination with common allergens.
Alani Protein Powder vs Nuzest Clean Lean Protein:
Nutritional labels
Each serving of Alani Protein Powder is 110 calories, while a serving of Nuzest Clean Lean Protein is slightly lower at 100 calories. Alani Protein Powder has 17 grams of protein per serving, about 15% less than Nuzest’s 20 grams. Both products have little sugar, but people limiting sugar consumption should note that Alani Protein Powder contains 1 gram of sugar per serving. At the same time, Nuzest Clean Lean Protein has zero. Alani Protein Powder also has 6 grams of carbohydrates per serving, compared to Nuzest Clean Lean Protein’s 1 gram per serving.
While the nutritional labels of Alani Protein Powder and Nuzest Clean Lean Protein are similar, Nuzest has a definite edge over Alani Protein Powder regarding low-calorie, low-sugar, low-carbohydrate protein intake.
Alani Protein Powder vs Nuzest Clean Lean Protein:
Consumer reviews
Both Alani Protein Powder and Nuzest Clean Lean Protein have excellent Amazon reviews. Still, with 4.3 stars and an “Amazon’s Choice” designation, Nuzest Clean Lean Protein surpasses Alani Protein Powder’s 3.8-star rating. In addition, while both products have many 5-star reviews on Amazon, Alani Protein Powder has about double the 1-star reviews of Nuzest Clean Lean Protein, with comments citing a chalky flavor, artificial taste, and clumpy consistency.
Many Amazon reviewers have also commented on the variety of flavors available: Nuzest Clean Lean Protein offers five flavor choices, while Alani Protein Powder only provides two.
According to Amazon reviews, Nuzest is again the clear winner in taste and clean ingredients.
Alani Protein Powder vs Nuzest Clean Lean Protein:
Final words
In a head-to-head comparison, Nuzest Clean Lean Protein outperforms Alani Protein Powder in categories ranging from taste and flavor variety to healthy all-natural ingredients and digestibility. Besides, Nuzest Clean Lean Protein is safer for people with food sensitivities or allergies. In conclusion, if you’re looking for a balanced plant-based protein supplement that tastes great, is easily digestible, and contains clean ingredients, Nuzest Clean Lean Protein comes out ahead of Alani Protein Powder.
For further research:
Harvard Health Publishing: Harvard Medical School: Do You Eat Enough Protein?
Cleveland Clinic: Everything You Should Know About Pea Protein
Colorado State University, Kendall Reagan Nutrition Center: Plant Based Protein
Nutrients Journal, National Library of Medicine: Animal versus Plant Protein in Supporting Lean Mass and Muscle Strength
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
