Review: Naked Collagen Protein Powder

Fast, nutritious, delicious—it’s hard to beat a good protein shake, especially when in a hurry, or when you don't feel like cooking or doing dishes. But not all protein powder is created equal: some’s got too much sugar, others have too few vitamins & minerals. Some of it is downright harmful, with artificial sweeteners and toxic thickeners. So it pays to choose your powder wisely.

Which is where Naked Nutrition comes in. All their products are safe & healthy, devoid of additives, fillers, and GMOs, and they've got a range of protein powders to suit individual needs. I chose the zero-carb, low-calorie Collagen Peptides variety, to enjoy all the aforementioned benefits of a protein shake, while also supporting repair of my aging, repeatedly-injured joints. It's also good for the skin, bones, and connective tissue—which more than amply overcomes any taste deficiency. Which there is, given the lack of sugar and artificial sweeteners. The stuff doesn't taste bad, just lacks that sweet, milkshake-like flavor I've grown accustomed to.

The consistency also takes some getting used to; lacking thickener, it's grainier than the flour-like quality of other powders. That's a clear improvement when mixing with coffee or making a smoothie, but for a classic protein shake with milk or water, I make up for both texture and taste by adding a few spoonfuls of organic yogurt and all-natural peanut butter—and voila, I've got my milkshake back. Who says you can't have your cake and eat it, too?