Methodology
Do You Actually Need Protein Powder?
Francesco Zen, founder of ZTraining · Last updated June 20, 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.
Related: EAA correction: fixing incomplete protein · EAA vs BCAA, which is better?
Francesco Zen is the founder of ZTraining and ZLIFE, with 18 years of coaching experience working with executives across the UK, US, and UAE. He built Mr Z, an AI coach trained on his methodology to bring the same approach to a wider audience.