The supplement aisle is loaded with flashy packaging and big promises but how do you know what’s actually inside that tub of protein powder? This article helps you decode the fine print, avoid junk ingredients, and make clean, high-performance choices backed by insights from top sports dietitians, third-party testing labs, and Wild Society’s transparent approach.

Claims like “natural,” “clean,” “non-GMO,” or “high-performance” are slapped on everything, but few explain what they actually mean.

So how do you know what you’re really putting in your body?

This article will teach you how to read a supplement label like a professional sports dietitian so you can spot red flags, identify quality, and choose protein that actually fuels you.

Ingredients Tell the Truth

The front of the package tells a story. The back tells the truth.

What You Want to See:

• Whey Protein Isolate or Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides as the first ingredient
• Short, simple ingredient list
• Natural sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia
• Transparent sourcing (e.g., “grass-fed,” “NSF-certified”)

What to Avoid

• Maltodextrin or corn syrup solids
• Artificial flavors or dyes
• Hidden sugars (fructose, glucose, cane juice)
• Proprietary blends (a fancy way to hide quantities)

If a protein powder’s ingredient list is long and full of additives, it may not meet ‘clean label’ standards.

Real Talk from TJ Dillashaw, UFC World Champion & CEO of Wild Society Nutrition

When I was in the UFC, my supplements had to be NSF Certified for Sport. After I retired, I saw how everyday people were getting garbage marketed to them with fancy labels.

That’s why we built Wild Society with radical transparency. You’ll never wonder what’s in the tub. We use the cleanest ingredients possible, and we publish third-party testing to back it up.

You don’t have to be a pro athlete to deserve pro-level products.

The “Clean Label” Trap: What the Industry Doesn’t Tell You

Terms like “clean,” “natural,” or “plant-based” are not regulated by the FDA in the supplement world. Brands can use them however they want.

A 2022 ConsumerLab tests of over 20 popular protein powders and shakes revealed that three products contained far more sodium than listed on the label, including a plant-based protein powder that claimed to contain none. This product was also found to contain more fat and calories than listed, and, most concerningly, was contaminated with lead.

That’s why third-party verification matters.

Look for:

• Informed-Choice
• NSF Certified for Sport
• cGMP-compliant facilities

These certifications are more than marketing. They’re earned.

What Sets Wild Society Apart

• Every Wild Society Nutrition product is:
• Free from artificial colors, fillers, or dyes
• Sourced from grass-fed dairy and beef
• Independently tested for label accuracy

Our two flagship proteins are formulated with

• Grass Fed Whey Protein – 25g of clean protein per scoop
• Grass Fed Collagen Peptide – 20g of clean protein per two servings

And that’s it. No BS.

Which Protein Is Right for You?

Want fast fuel before or after a workout? Go with whey.

Want daily support for your gut, skin, and recovery? Use collagen.

Many people (including our team) use both.

Caveman Eats: Clean Protein in Its Simplest Form

If you want to avoid powders altogether, Caveman Eats Primal Beef Cuts give you:

• 95g protein per pack
• Zero added sugar
• Just beef, salt, and spice
• Shelf-stable, high-quality fuel

Ideal for anyone on the go, and those avoiding sweeteners.

How to Spot a Scam Supplement in 30 Seconds

1. Is there a proprietary blend?

2. Are there artificial sweeteners or colors?

3. Is it more than four to five ingredients long?

4. Can you find lab test results or certifications?

If you answered “yes” to the first three or “no” to the last one, put it back.

Try the Wild Society Clean Protein Stack

• Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate (Vanilla Bean or Chocolate)
• Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides
• Caveman Eats Primal Beef Cuts