Sustainable protein, it is possible!

Disclosure – This assessment of protein beverages is based on our own internal review only.

Let’s be honest: how a company approaches sustainability is a big deal. So big, in fact, that it has changed the way consumers purchase the products they use. “82% percent of consumers say that sustainability is more top of mind now than it was before COVID-19.”¹ Being a conscious shopper means that you are mindful and intentional with your purchases. In a recent survey, “78% said that big businesses have a role to play in helping to fight climate change.” ¹ We believe that businesses of all sizes have a significant role to play in stopping the degradation of our environment, and we want to encourage all companies to start doing better.

We did some research into a few of our competitors to see how they are integrating sustainability into their products and business practices. Keep reading to find out how they did!

One large brand that many of you may have heard of before is based in Illinois. It has an appealing design aesthetic and uses whey protein isolate in its beverage. What was missing from this company’s website was any mention of sustainability. In fact, after looking more closely, I saw a few things that were quite unsustainable. First, this beverage is packaged in a plastic bottle. Plastic bottles are made from oil and gas, have higher emissions during manufacture, and are statistically less likely to be recycled.² In addition, the origin of the whey protein isolate is not mentioned. Whey protein isolate from the United States more often than not contains growth hormones and antibiotics that are given to the cows. The New Zealand company, Fonterra, produces whey protein isolate that comes from cows that are on pasture over 300 days per year. Additionally, Fonterra’s protein comes from farms that have a carbon footprint of 1/3 the global average and from farms that prioritize animal welfare and health. TATU is proud to get our whey protein isolate from Fonterra.

Another large brand based in North Carolina makes a variety of protein products. This company also uses a plastic bottle and does not mention the origin of its whey protein isolate. But the main concern (from our perspective) is in the ingredient panel. The ingredients in the clear protein beverage include Red 40, Blue 1, and sucralose. According to the Cleveland Clinic, Red 40 is made from petroleum and linked to hyperactivity and ADHD.² Red 40 also contains benzene, which is a known cancer causing agent.³ Sucralose is an artificial sweetener, which many experts agree needs to be much more closely studied. Multiple studies indicate that sucralose is a high-risk ingredient for obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.⁴

At TATU, we are experts in climate finance and sustainability. We used our passion for climate stewardship and expertise to create TATU Protein Water as a responsible product that minimizes its environmental footprint. We built our business on the fundamentals of sustainability and best green business practices. We use an aluminum can to package our beverage because it is the most sustainable option. We use New Zealand based whey protein isolate because it comes from pastured cows. And we use clean and simple ingredients, not dyes and artificial sweeteners.

As a conscientious shopper, you can choose where you spend your money. You can spend your money on products that are created sustainably, with companies who care about the environment, and align your values with the foods and beverages you consume. Companies of all sizes need to step up and play a much larger role in slowing climate change. Consumers can demand this by spending money mindfully on visibly sustainable products.

1. https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/consumer-packaged-goods/sustainable-sourcing-for-consumer-brands-with-google-cloud

2. https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/containers-and-packaging-product-specific

3. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/red-dye-40/#:~:text=Red%20dye%2040%2C%20made%20from,ADHD%20or%20hyperactivity%20in%20children.

4. https://www.health.com/sucralose-7496152