Do You Buy Protein Powders? Here’s How You Can Check the Authenticity

If you are a regular gym-goer or someone attempting to lead a healthy life, you have likely either purchased or planning to buy protein powders. From whey isolate to mass gainers and plant proteins, these have become a part of most Indian fitness regimes.

However, the catch is: the Indian market is filled to the brim with counterfeit or adulterated protein powder. From immoral sellers on e-com sites to neighbourhood outlets peddling cut-price offers, most people end up purchasing products which are either expired, counterfeit, or worse, harmful. So, how do you safeguard your health and your money?

Let's understand the schematics so you can verify the protein powder you are purchasing is genuine.

Effective Ways to Check Authenticity of Your Protein Powder

There are several products in the market, and since India offers a large scale of customers, it is normal to find bad quality products marketed as good. However, when it comes to your health, you cannot compromise, and you must have proper knowledge to identify which one is misleading.

So, here is how you can do it:

1. Never Make Unauthorised Sellers Your Alternate

This is your line of defence. Many buyers opt for online platforms to buy their protein powders due to several benefits, such as discounts or fast delivery. So, what you need to do is ensure the brand is authorised or if the vendor has the validity from the brand. Most legitimate supplement brands such as Optimum Nutrition, MuscleBlaze, GNC, or MyProtein maintain a list of official distributors or retail partners on their websites.

FYI: While buying online, use verified websites such as Amazon (only "Fulfilled by Amazon" sellers), Flipkart (Assured badge), HealthKart, or a company website itself. These platforms have a compliance agreement with different brands to deliver quality products to customers. This will help you identify sugar-free protein powder and other categories more easily.

1. Inspect the Product for a Legit Importer Sticker

Several global brands do not have production facilities in India, so their products are imported. Check for the importer label on the box or container. Some of the popular importers in India are:

• Bright Commodities (for Optimum Nutrition)
• Paradise Nutrition
• Glentra
• Kar Enterprises

The sticker must include the importer's name, address, FSSAI license number, and MRP. Moreover, it should clearly state all this information on the sticker for better visibility and inspection.

1. Check the Product Through Brand’s QR Code or Official Apps

Most companies now offer QR codes or scratch codes that you can check on their app or website. Since customers complain about not having the transparent knowledge about the product, these codes provide them with all the information in one scan.

For instance:

• MuscleBlaze gives the "MB Authenticity" app. Here, you scan the QR code on the jar to confirm its authenticity, or if it is a sugar free protein powder.
• HealthKart protein jars typically have a scratch-off code on the seal that can be checked.

FYI: If the app indicates "invalid or an error, don't ignore it. Raise a complaint right away and avoid consuming the product."

1. Analyse the Product Packaging Carefully

Packaging doesn’t just contain the information related to manufacturing and expiry date, but it has a lot of details that can help you know the product properly. Counterfeit supplements may appear authentic, but closer inspection will reveal telltale signs:

• Poor-quality printing
• Spelling errors in labels
• Lacking expiry date or batch number
• Worn-out text or unreadable logos

FYI: Genuine products have clean packaging and professionally printed information. It is best if you leave the product if you have doubts about it.

Final Thoughts

The best investment that always yields positive results is your health. It’s more powerful than the share market and with proper care, it never deteriorates. However, you need to develop your understanding before you buy protein powders.

With much competition in the market and to increase profits, counterfeiting the product is becoming normal in India for higher sales. Therefore, you must follow the above steps to avoid getting a false product for your diet.