Protein Testing at Bulk Nutrients
Pure. Tested. Proven.
At Bulk Nutrients, we believe supplements should do exactly what they promise. When you pick up a bag of protein, you should have complete confidence that every scoop delivers the nutrition stated on the label.
Quality and accuracy are non-negotiable for us. From the moment raw ingredients arrive to the final product reaching your hands, our focus is on making sure what’s inside the pack is exactly what we say it is.
Trust matters. It’s not enough to make claims; you deserve proof. And that’s where our dedication to transparency sets us apart.
Our Testing - Two Ways We Keep It Honest
We prove our quality and transparency in two key ways: through regular independent lab testing, and by offering a free customer testing service.
Together, they reassure you that what’s on the label is exactly what’s in the bag.
Independent Lab Testing
Every month, we send a rotating selection of our proteins to the National Measurement Institute (NMI) — Australia’s largest, government-run, NATA-accredited lab. The NMI measures protein percentage using the international gold-standard Kjeldahl method, the same process dairies and raw ingredient manufacturers rely on worldwide.
Alongside this, we also run our own microbiological safety checks in-house to ensure every product meets strict food safety standards.
By rotating across our full range, we ensure consistent coverage. Over time, this builds a clear, ongoing picture of accuracy across all our proteins.
The results are published exactly as NMI reports them — product name, batch number, flavour, and use-by date included — so you can match them to the product you’re holding. We never edit or inflate numbers. What you see is what you scoop.
Free Customer Protein Testing Service
We believe everyone deserves proof — not just promises. That’s why we’re the only supplement company in Australia that offers a free protein testing service.
Through this service, you can have any protein you’ve purchased — ours or another brand — tested independently by the NMI. The results come straight from their lab, not from us, so you know they’re completely unbiased.
We cover the cost of the testing because transparency isn’t something we just talk about — it’s something we actively support. For you, it means peace of mind that what’s on the label is exactly what’s in your bag.
Why it Matters
Protein testing is about more than numbers on a panel — it’s about trust, accountability, and confidence.
When you choose Bulk Nutrients, you know:
- Every claim is backed by independent lab results and published openly.
- You have the power to test products yourself and see the same results we do.
- Transparency isn’t an option — it’s a standard we’ve lived by for over a decade.
Our goal is simple: to give you complete confidence in every scoop and to raise the bar for honesty in the supplement industry.
We know you might have questions about how our testing works, what the results mean, and what happens if a product doesn’t meet its label claim. That’s why we’ve pulled together these FAQs — to give you clear, honest answers.
Independent Lab Testing FAQ
How does lab testing set Bulk Nutrients apart?
Protein testing is part of who we are. We’ve been sending our proteins to the NMI for independent analysis since 2010 and publishing every report online.
- Consistent & ongoing – At least four products are tested every month.
- Total transparency – Reports include product name, flavour, batch number, and use-by date so you can match them to what’s in your bag.
- Proven track record – Over a decade of continuous testing and publishing shows our commitment to openness and accuracy.
For us, lab testing isn’t just about proving label claims — it’s about giving you complete peace of mind.
How are protein lab tests conducted at Bulk Nutrients?
Our process is designed to be accurate and traceable from production to publication:
- Sample selection – Our Quality Assurance Manager randomly selects a finished product bag and seals a 60 g sample.
- Recording details – Batch, flavour, and production information is logged.
- Sending to the lab – Samples are posted to the NMI, a NATA-accredited government laboratory.
- Independent analysis – The NMI uses the Kjeldahl method to measure nitrogen, then applies a conversion factor to calculate protein content.
- Retention samples – Both the NMI and Bulk Nutrients keep backup samples for any retesting if needed.
The result is a precise, independent measurement published exactly as the lab reports it.
Why is "as is" the correct way to display the results?
We always report results as is, meaning they reflect the protein exactly as you receive it, including natural moisture, fats, and carbs.
Some labs use dry basis, which removes moisture to inflate protein content. While it looks higher on paper, it isn’t FSANZ-compliant and doesn’t reflect what you’re actually consuming.
If we used dry basis, our proteins would appear 4–6% higher. Instead, we stick to as is because it’s accurate, honest, and compliant.
How regular are the tests?
We test part of our range every month, rotating through products and flavours so the whole lineup is regularly checked. If we change suppliers, testing frequency increases to confirm the new supply meets our standards.
Beyond protein percentage, we also run microbiological and safety testing to ensure every product meets strict health regulations.
How do I know the results you publish are accurate?
We’ve built an extensive history of protein lab testing over many years, with every product tested clearly identified by name, flavour, batch number, and use-by date.
All testing is done using the same industry-standard method, at the same NATA-accredited, government-run lab — the NMI. This means results are consistent, reliable, and independently verified.
And we don’t just ask you to take our word for it — anyone can send a protein sample directly to NMI for testing. Read our Customer Protein Testing FAQs below to find out more.
Why don’t the results always match the specs on the label?
Nearly all of our tests come in within 3% of our claimed specs, which we consider highly accurate. On the rare occasion results fall outside, we investigate immediately — checking raw ingredients, updating labels, or working with suppliers.
Minor differences can occur due to supplier changes, recipe tweaks, or seasonal variation in raw materials.
Our labels show a best-case figure, so it’s rare for test results to exceed what’s printed. If a recipe change impacts the nutritional panel, we update labels promptly.
How do your amino acid tables fit in?
Amino acid tables are provided by raw material manufacturers. They’re usually based on 100 g of pure protein, not 100 g of protein powder (which is typically 75–90% protein).
These tables are averages, not batch-specific, and are best used to compare protein types, not brands. For example:
- Whey proteins are naturally higher in BCAAs than plant proteins.
- Collagen contains much more glycine than other proteins.
Once you’ve chosen your protein type, amino acid levels scale with total protein. For example, if our WPI has 3% more protein than another brand, it will also have about 3% more leucine, valine, and other amino acids.
Customer Protein Testing FAQs
How do I get my protein tested?
Send an email to us at proteintest@bulknutrients.com.au.
We’ll reply with all the forms you need to fill in. Send these, along with a carefully packaged sample of your protein (approximately 30g), directly to the NMI.
You only pay the postage cost — we cover the testing fee.
Is the testing unbiased if Bulk Nutrients pays for it?
When you use our free testing service, your sample goes directly to the NMI — Australia’s largest, most trusted, and NATA-accredited government laboratory. Because the NMI handles the entire process, the results are completely independent and unbiased.
Our only role is covering the cost, so you can have any protein tested without paying a cent for the analysis.
How long does it take to get the results?
Once the NMI receives your sample, you’ll usually have your results within 14 days.
The NMI emails the results to us, and we forward them straight to you. If you'd prefer to receive the results directly from the NMI, just let us know before you send your sample to the laboratory so your email address can be added to the paperwork.
How do I know my protein is tested accurately?
Because your sample goes directly from you to the NMI, you’re in control of the whole process. Only you open the product to take the sample — no one else handles it along the way.
The NMI records every sample they receive and will note if anything appears tampered with during transit. This way, you can trust that the result you get is a true and accurate reflection of the protein you sent.
Why do I have to sign a declaration?
The declaration simply confirms that the sample you’re sending to the lab is the same product you purchased. Think of it like signing a “non-dangerous goods” declaration when posting a parcel.
Bulk Nutrients funds these tests so we can better understand the protein market and help customers verify the accuracy of what they’ve bought. The declaration protects everyone involved — including you, us, and the lab — by preventing tampered samples from entering the process.
Can I test free samples or products I didn’t buy?
The NMI will only test protein that you’ve personally purchased. That’s because they need to be sure the product hasn’t been opened or tampered with before you take your sample.
For the same reason, the NMI can’t test products you’ve been given by someone else, even if they’re unopened.
While free samples are usually the same as purchased stock, the NMI only tests products where the purchase and sales channel can be clearly verified. This keeps the testing process accurate, traceable, and fair for everyone.
How is the protein tested?
The NMI uses the industry-standard Kjeldahl Nitrogen test — the same internationally recognised method many companies rely on when setting their nutrition labels.
Here’s how it works:
- Nitrogen measurement – The test determines the total nitrogen content in the sample.
- Protein calculation – That nitrogen value is multiplied by a specific factor to calculate total protein. For dairy proteins, the factor is 6.38.
It’s a precise, repeatable method that’s trusted worldwide — and it’s exactly the same process we use for our own independent monthly testing.
What happens to my sample after testing?
The NMI keeps your sample and all related paperwork on file. This ensures there’s a record if the results are ever questioned and allows you to prove the sample you sent matches the product you have at home — or matches other samples tested.
You should send about 30 g of protein. That’s more than enough for the NMI to run their tests and still have a little left over, without you losing much of the product you purchased.
How close should the results be to the label?
At Bulk Nutrients, our products are almost always within 2% of the protein level we claim — but not every company holds themselves to the same standard. While guarantees vary, you may have grounds for a refund if a product is 5–10% below its stated protein content.
If you’re planning to test a protein that wasn’t purchased from us, it’s worth asking the company in advance what their guarantee is. That way, you’ll know exactly where you stand before the results come in.
If my protein tests low, what are my rights?
In Australia, you’re protected by Australian Consumer Law, which ensures the products you buy are fit for purpose and accurately labelled. If you purchased protein believing it to be, for example, 80% or 90% protein, and an independent lab test shows it falls short, you have the right to take action.
Start by emailing the company you purchased from. Most companies have their goods made by other larger contracting companies, so some may not even be aware that their products are out of spec. By letting them know, you’re informing them of an issue and allowing them to respond appropriately.
Many will be willing to offer a refund. If they refuse, you can take the matter further through the ACCC complaints process.
Is there anything else I can do?
With reputable suppliers and good practices, there’s no reason products shouldn’t match their label claims.
If your NMI lab results show your protein is significantly underdosed and you’re not satisfied with the company’s response, you have options:
1. Contact the authorities - Start with the ACCC and your local food authority or council. They’ll want to see proof you’ve already raised the issue with the company, so keep copies of your correspondence.
2. Speak up - You’re within your rights to share your experience with friends, online communities, or forums. Your test is a legitimate, independent result — and by speaking out, you’re helping other consumers make informed choices.
3. Stay informed - Many of the public tests run by the NMI have flagged issues with the same products multiple times. While we don’t make blanket assumptions about the whole industry, it’s important to know what you’re getting — and to choose brands that prove their label claims.
Can this really be happening, aren't there laws to prevent this?
Public testing has uncovered over 120 products from 26 different companies with protein levels that didn’t match their labels.
So why does it keep happening?
- No routine checks – There’s no regular government testing of protein content. In over a decade of our own audits, protein testing has never been part of the process.
- Easy to hide – If a company swaps protein for cheaper fillers like carbohydrates, most customers will never know unless it’s tested.
- Profit incentive – Protein is a low-margin product, so underdosing can dramatically increase profits.
Regulators like the ACCC are aware of the problem, but protein mislabelling isn’t high on the priority list compared to more immediate food safety risks. Change will take time, which is why public testing — and speaking up when something’s wrong — is so important. The louder the squeaky wheel, the more likely it is to get attention.
Latest Bulk Nutrients Lab Test Results
We update this page every month with our most recent NMI results, so you can see exactly how our proteins perform.
From time to time, you might notice a result that’s up to 3% outside our stated specification. This is within our accepted accuracy range and is usually due to natural seasonal variations in milk.
Like most companies, our packaging lists a best-case figure for protein content — but we also publish the actual lab results so you can see how close they are in real life.
You might be interested in our blog Everything you wanted to know about WPI quality but never thought to ask.
