6 Quick Ways To Identify Fake Protein Powder at Home

By Yashika Goel
01 Jul 2025, 17:00 IST

Consuming adulterated powders can do more harm than good. Protein powder is a fitness supplement that helps in muscle building. It helps boost energy during intense workouts. Here are some easy tricks to check for fake protein powder at home.

Check the packaging

Read the ingredients label for purity and quality. Check the certification label like NSI certified or FSSAI approved.

Mixing test

Real protein dissolves smoothly in water and milk with little to no lumps. Fake protein powder leaves lumps and residue at the bottom.

Smell and taste test

Authentic protein powder has a natural smell of chocolate, vanilla. Fake protein powder has a strange odour and a bitter, chalky taste.

heat test

Combine a tablespoon of protein powder with water and heat it in a pan. Real protein powder curdles, while fake protein powder burns or remains the same.

Iodine test

Mix a small amount of protein powder with a few drops of iodine solution. If it turns blue-black, it contains starch, indicating it may be fake.

Foam test

Shake protein powder in the shaker. Light foam, which quickly settles down, is real whey. Poor-quality powder creates too much foam.

Information Credits

These tips are shared by Dietitian Dt Priyanka Bandal, a senior dietician at Manipal Hospital, Baner, Pune, in an exclusive interview with the editorial team of HerZindagi.