Santa Cruz Paleo Whey Protein Powder Peanut Butter Cup

Santa Cruz Paleo
Scout Pick Seed oil free Lab tested
95 Excellent
$37.99 · 20 servings · 1.2 lb · $1.98 / ounce
View on Amazon · $37.99
Verified Amazon match

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 5
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by Santa Cruz Paleo
Category Protein Powders
Summary

Santa Cruz Paleo Whey Protein Powder in Peanut Butter Cup: whey protein isolate with natural flavors, alkalized cocoa, Himalayan pink salt, organic cacao, organic peanut butter powder and monk fruit extract, with no artificial sweeteners or gums. Contains milk, peanuts and tree nuts.

Contaminants 4

Source: Anresco Laboratories

Lead
not detected
Not detected

Not detected — below the laboratory's detection limit. This is the strictest possible result: no measurable amount was found. No safe level of lead exposure exists per CDC, AAP, and WHO; this product passes the strictest screen.

Independent third-party lab testing (Anresco Laboratories, ICP-MS Method MF-CHEM-16, sample dated March 17, 2026) reported lead as None Detected — below the lab's detection limit of 0.001 ppm (1 ppb).

Cadmium
not detected
Not detected

Not detected — below the laboratory's detection limit. This is the strictest possible result: no measurable amount was found. Cadmium is an IARC Group 1 carcinogen; non-detect status is the cleanest possible result.

Independent third-party lab testing (Anresco Laboratories, ICP-MS, March 17, 2026) reported cadmium as None Detected — below the lab's detection limit of 0.001 ppm (1 ppb).

Arsenic
<0.004 ppm
Not detected

Not detected — below the laboratory's detection limit. This is the strictest possible result: no measurable amount was found.

Independent third-party lab testing (Anresco Laboratories, ICP-MS, March 17, 2026) reported arsenic below the lab's quantification limit of 0.004 ppm (4 ppb) — functionally trace. Arsenic is an IARC Group 1 carcinogen; this whey-source result is dramatically cleaner than every plant protein in the 2024 Consumer Reports survey.

Mercury
not detected
Not detected

Not detected — below the laboratory's detection limit. This is the strictest possible result: no measurable amount was found. Non-detect status is the cleanest possible result.

Independent third-party lab testing (Anresco Laboratories, ICP-MS, March 17, 2026) reported mercury as None Detected — below the lab's detection limit of 0.001 ppm (1 ppb).

Key ingredients 7

Whey Protein Isolate
Very Good

Whey protein isolate is a high-quality protein source with a complete amino acid profile, making it excellent for muscle repair and growth. It is processed to remove most fats and lactose, enhancing its protein content. Compared to other protein sources, it is rapidly absorbed and highly bioavailable.

Benefits

Provides essential amino acids necessary for muscle recovery and growth.

See more about Whey Protein Isolate →
Himalayan Pink Salt
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Risks

Excessive consumption can contribute to high sodium intake, which may affect blood pressure.

Benefits

Contains trace minerals that can contribute to overall mineral intake, though in small amounts.

See more about Himalayan Pink Salt →
Organic Cacao Powder
Good

Organic cacao powder is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, which can support heart health and reduce inflammation. Being organic, it is less likely to contain pesticide residues. It provides a natural source of magnesium and iron.

Benefits

Rich in antioxidants and minerals, supporting cardiovascular health and reducing inflammation.

See more about Organic Cacao Powder →
Organic Peanut Butter Powder
Good

Organic peanut butter powder is a concentrated source of protein and healthy fats, with reduced fat content compared to regular peanut butter. Being organic, it is less likely to contain pesticide residues. It provides a good source of plant-based protein and fiber.

Risks

Potential allergen for individuals with peanut allergies.

Benefits

Provides plant-based protein and healthy fats, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety.

See more about Organic Peanut Butter Powder →
Monk Fruit Extract
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Benefits

Provides sweetness without calories, making it suitable for low-sugar diets.

See more about Monk Fruit Extract →
Alkalized Cocoa Powder
Neutral

Alkalized cocoa powder is treated to reduce acidity, which can alter its antioxidant content. While it provides flavor, the alkalization process can reduce beneficial polyphenols. It is generally considered a neutral ingredient in terms of health impact.

Risks

Potential reduction in antioxidant content due to processing.

Benefits

Provides chocolate flavor with minimal impact on overall health.

See more about Alkalized Cocoa Powder →
Natural Flavors
Bad

Natural flavors are often used to enhance taste but can be a catch-all term for a variety of substances, some of which may not be disclosed. The lack of transparency can be concerning for those with allergies or sensitivities. They are less desirable compared to whole food flavorings due to potential processing and additives.

Risks

Potential for undisclosed allergens or sensitivities due to lack of transparency.

See more about Natural Flavors →

Processing

Group 1 · Minimally processed

Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods

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Amazon pricing & content

Amazon price as of . Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

Santa Cruz Paleo Whey Protein Powder Peanut Butter Cup

Common questions

Is Santa Cruz Paleo Whey Protein Powder Peanut Butter Cup healthy?

Santa Cruz Paleo Whey Protein Powder Peanut Butter Cup scores 95/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the stronger scores in Scout's catalog. Santa Cruz Paleo Whey Protein Powder in Peanut Butter Cup: whey protein isolate with natural flavors, alkalized cocoa, Himalayan pink salt, organic cacao, organic peanut butter powder and monk fruit extract, with no artificial sweeteners or gums.

Does Santa Cruz Paleo Whey Protein Powder Peanut Butter Cup contain seed oils?

No — Scout's ingredient analysis marks Santa Cruz Paleo Whey Protein Powder Peanut Butter Cup as seed-oil free.

Has Santa Cruz Paleo Whey Protein Powder Peanut Butter Cup been lab-tested?

Yes. Santa Cruz Paleo Whey Protein Powder Peanut Butter Cup carries an independent laboratory panel from Anresco Laboratories covering 4 contaminants (including Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic) — the full results are on this page.

How processed is Santa Cruz Paleo Whey Protein Powder Peanut Butter Cup?

Santa Cruz Paleo Whey Protein Powder Peanut Butter Cup is NOVA Group 1: Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods.

How does Santa Cruz Paleo Whey Protein Powder Peanut Butter Cup compare to other protein powders?

Santa Cruz Paleo Whey Protein Powder Peanut Butter Cup ranks #3 of 57 protein powders in Scout's independent rankings. The current top score in the category is Heart & Soil Grass Fed Whey Protein at 96/100.

Which ingredients drive Santa Cruz Paleo Whey Protein Powder Peanut Butter Cup's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Whey Protein Isolate, Himalayan Pink Salt, Organic Cacao Powder count in its favor; Natural Flavors is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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