Heart & Soil Protein Powder Review
Heart & Soil has been one of my go-to’s for high-quality, animal-based supplements.
If you have been looking for a grass-fed whey protein to help reach your protein goals, i'‘m sharing everything you need to know!
Over the last couple of weeks, I have been sharing my experience trying some of Heart & Soil’s most popular products. From organ supplements to collagen, and today it’s all about their protein.
Since beginning my nutrition journey back in 2019, I have been much more mindful of my protein intake. One of my favorite convenient options is a high-quality protein powder. That said, I have tried a lot of them over the years. Some taste overly artificial, some are loaded with gums and fillers, and others leave me feeling bloated and uncomfortable afterward.
Today, I’m sharing everything you need to know about Heart & Soil Protein Grass-Fed Whey Protein if you have been curious about trying it out for yourself.
What is Heart & Soil?
Heart & Soil is a wellness and supplement company founded by Dr. Paul Saladino. The brand focuses on animal-based nutrition and creating products made from nutrient-dense, high-quality ingredients.
Unlike many conventional supplement brands that rely heavily on synthetic vitamins and ultra-processed ingredients, Heart & Soil prioritizes whole-food sourcing. Their product line includes organ supplements, colostrum, collagen, and now protein powders designed to support energy, recovery, muscle growth, and overall wellness.
One thing I appreciate about the brand is its emphasis on ingredient transparency. Many protein powders on the market contain long ingredient lists with fillers, seed oils, artificial sweeteners, stabilizers, and gums. Heart & Soil keeps things straightforward and simple. As someone who has prioritized ancestral eating over the last few years, this brand has been such a great fit and has given me a lot of ingredient reassurance.
What are the Benefits of Whey Protein Powder?
Protein is one of the most important macronutrients for supporting overall health. It plays a major role in:
Hormone production andblood sugar balance
Satiety and appetite regulation
Immune system support
Healthy skin, hair, and nails
And while whole-food protein sources should absolutely be the foundation of a healthy diet, protein powder can be an incredibly convenient tool for busy lifestyles. There is just something so simple about mixing a scoop of protein into a smoothie vs cooking up a steak — which believe me, i’m a big fan of too😅
As a mom, health coach, and someone who often needs quick nutrition between school pickups, workouts, work, and life, I genuinely appreciate having easy options on hand.
Whey protein in particular is considered one of the highest-quality protein sources because it contains all nine essential amino acids and is especially rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which help support muscle recovery and protein synthesis.
It is also highly bioavailable, meaning your body can absorb and utilize it efficiently.
Should My Protein Powder Be Grass-Fed?
In my opinion: ideally, yes.
Grass-fed whey protein comes from cows that are primarily raised on pasture and grass rather than grain-heavy feedlots. While protein is protein at the end of the day, sourcing does matter to me personally when it comes to animal products.
Grass-fed dairy products are often associated with:
Higher omega-3 fatty acid content
More CLA (conjugated linoleic acid)
Better animal welfare practices
More sustainable farming practices
When I am investing in a supplement that I use regularly, I prefer prioritizing quality ingredients whenever possible.
At the end of the day, I will always recommend whole food nutrition— regardless of the sourcing— instead of ultra-processed alternatives. Overall, grass-fed and pasture-raised products are inherently higher quality and something I personally prioritize, but I think there is some nuance depending on your personal goals, convictions, and budget.
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What Makes Heart & Soil Protein Different?
I’ve really enjoyed Heart & Soil products, knowing they are purely sourced and high-quality. And not only are they just saying that (looking at you, supplement industry), but they actually have the third-party testing to verify the purity and quality 👏
Over the last few years, people have started looking for this in their supplements, and I think it is such an important standard.
Another thing that really sets them apart from other supplement companies is their commitment to minimizing plastics as much as possible. Even the scoop inside of the protein is plastic-free. For someone who is trying to intentionally minimize plastic exposure in my life, this was a big standout!
My Experience Taking Heart & Soil Protein Powder
Okay, so now what you are probably really curious about— what was my experience taking Heart & Soil Protein Powder??
I tested the Unflavored Whey Protein version, which is usually my preference for supplements. I also sampled the Animal-Based Protein powder, which includes collagen and colostrum. I also recruited my husband along for this testing series so we could get his opinion, too!
While my husband is perfectly happy chugging protein powder mixed with water, I personally cannot do it. I much prefer blending mine into a smoothie for a mid-morning snack or post-workout meal.
Overall, we had a great experience with both! Thankfully, they blend really easily and have a fairly neutral flavor profile compared to many whey proteins I have tried.
I’ve been mixing it with:
Frozen berries or banana
milk or water
Nut butter and chia seeds for some healthy fats
And honestly? It works beautifully in smoothies because it does not overpower everything else. Some protein powders have that intense chalky or artificial aftertaste that immediately gives away the fact that there is protein powder hiding in your drink. This one is much milder.
I also noticed that it felt gentler on my digestion than some whey products I’ve used in the past. I personally did not experience bloating or indigestion afterward, which is a huge plus for me.
Unflavored Protein Powder: Why I Actually Prefer It
I know flavored protein powders are incredibly popular, but I personally keep coming back to unflavored options. I love that they are more versatile and can be used in a wide variety of things. I’ve mixed Heart & Soill Unflavored Whey Protein into pancake mix for my kiddos, yogurt bowls, and smoothies.
You can also just customize the flavor and sweetness yourself! I can easily add some cacao powder or a splash of vanilla to match what I want. It gives you much more flexibility than being locked into an overpowering vanilla or chocolate flavor.
I’ve mostly been using this in protein smoothies for a post-workout snack. Usually, I’m really good about cooking breakfast in the morning, but this has also been a great option for when I’m trying to get out of the house quickly.
The ingredient list on that Unflavored Whey Protein though 👏👏
Animal-Based Protein
This is honestly one of the most unique protein powders I have tried, and what really sets it apart from many other products on the market.
Not only does this powder contain high-quality grass-fed whey protein, but it also includes:
Collagen peptides
Colostrum
Those are actually two supplements I have taken consistently for years, so having all three combined into one scoop feels incredibly convenient.
Collagen can support healthy skin, joints, hair, nails, and connective tissue, while colostrum is often used to support gut health, immune function, and recovery.
Instead of juggling three separate containers every morning, this combines them into one simple option. All the busy health nerds said AMEN 👏
I also appreciate that the formula aligns well with a more animal-based or ancestral approach to nutrition while still being practical for everyday life. Overall, 10/10. It is unflavored and can be mixed into just about anything. Personally, I avoid mixing it into any baked goods because I do not want to denature any of the good things in the colostrum, since I know high-heat can make colostrum less effective 🤷🏻♀️
Pros and Cons of Heart & Soil Protein Powder
Anytime I review anything, I want to give you a thorough review, that means also including my not-so-favorite things so that you know what to expect.
Pros
Grass-fed whey protein with high- quality sourcing and third-party testing to verify 👏 Honestly, you’re not going to find sourcing or testing any higher
Unique product line— seriously, I’m still thinking how smart their Animal-Based Whey Protein is. This was the first time I took a “blended” product and I will definitely be incorporating it into my supplement routine from here on.
Minimal ingredients and no artificial sweeteners 👏 While I haven’t personally tried the Chocolate Sea Salt Whey protein (although it’s on my list to get once I finish what I currently have), I love that it uses whole foods for flavoring!
Blends well and has a neutral flavor
Gentle on digestion— my husband and I have tried protein powders in the past
Cons
More expensive than conventional protein powders
They have a limited flavor selection, currently only offering Chocolate sea salt and unflavored.
Not ideal for dairy sensitivities
Animal-based approach may not fit all dietary preferences
A plastic-free container and plastic-free scoop?! Good work Heart & Soil, good work.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I have genuinely enjoyed using Heart & Soil Protein Powder.
What stands out most to me is the ingredient quality and the convenience of combining whey protein, collagen, and colostrum into one product. It feels thoughtfully formulated without a bunch of unnecessary fillers or artificial ingredients.
If you are looking for a cleaner protein powder option that aligns with a more whole-food or animal-based lifestyle, I do think this one is worth checking out.
Will it replace every protein powder on the market? No. And if you prefer very sweet dessert-like flavors, this probably will not be your favorite.
But if you appreciate simple ingredients, quality sourcing, and functional nutrition, I can absolutely see why this product has gained so much popularity.
As always, remember that supplements are meant to supplement a nutrient-dense diet — not replace it. Prioritizing balanced meals, adequate protein intake, movement, sleep, and stress management will always be the foundation of long-term wellness.
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Heart & Soil Protein— one of my favorite high-quality protein options 👏