Methodology

Do You Actually Need Protein Powder?

Francesco Zen, founder of ZTraining · Last updated 20 June 2026

Why protein powder isn't the automatic default

A wave of recent testing across protein powders has turned up heavy metals and other unhealthy ingredients in most products tested, not a fringe minority. That alone is reason enough to treat protein powder as one option rather than the obvious choice.

What's worth using instead

EAA is generally the better recommendation, more versatile and easier on digestion than most protein powders. If protein powder is still the preferred route, quality matters significantly, something like Kyowa-grade amino acids represents a meaningfully higher standard than a typical mass-market tub.

He built Mr Z, an AI coach trained on his methodology to bring the same approach to a wider audience.