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Sourcing Playbook
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Clean Label Protein Powder

Complete sourcing guide for Clean Label Protein Powder including supplier directory, FOB pricing, product specifications, and market validation.

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FOB Price Range

$2.62 - $213.75

Verified Suppliers

3

Sourcing Strategies

2

Product Preview

AI-generated product visualizations for Clean Label Protein Powder

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Sourcing Playbook: Wholesale Sourcing Overview for Clean Label Protein Powder

A quick preview of supplier standards, production requirements, and sourcing intelligence from our verified network.

High-density nylon or PU faux leather with reinforced bar-tack stitching
Low-VOC materials, factory airs out products 48 hours before packing
Smooth vegan PU with durable, non-fading finish
Value: 500–1,000 pcs/style, $2.62-$76.95 FOB, 25–35 days
Premium: 200–500 pcs/style, $42.16-$213.75 FOB, 30–45 days
Custom labels/prints may add 7–14 days
Verify label + packaging compliance before ordering
Compare pre-production samples to references
Consider 3rd-party inspection for first-time suppliers

Factory Intelligence

Verified suppliers with years of experience and quality strengths

3 suppliers foundAvg. Response: 1%Avg. Years: 0+
SupplierImagesTierYearsResponseFavoritesKey StrengthsProduct ExpertiseShop RatingsContact
Guangzhou Muhua Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province
Tier 55+0.76%2.8k
Good Dispute
Compound Health ProductsDog Health SupplementsProtein Powder Amino Acids
Quality
3.7
Returns
2.7
Logistics
2.4
Consult
1.5
Dispute
4.0
Overall
3.5
View contact
Guangzhou Yihua Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, No. 9 Science and Technology Innovation Center, Room 206
Tier 55+0.73%3.2k
Good Dispute
Compound Health ProductsProtein Powder Amino AcidsGummies
Quality
3.0
Returns
2.7
Logistics
2.1
Consult
2.0
Dispute
4.0
Overall
3.5
View contact
Pruijian (Guangzhou) Health Technology Co., Ltd.
Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province
Tier 55+0.7%43
Excellent QualityLow ReturnsGood DisputeGood Service
Compound Health ProductsProtein Powder Amino Acids
Quality
5.0
Returns
4.3
Logistics
3.3
Consult
4.0
Dispute
5.0
Overall
4.0
View contact

Supplier Intelligence for Clean Label Protein Powder

0 verified suppliers across 9 manufacturing hubs

Clusters9
Suppliers0
Super Factories0

Average Ratings Across All Suppliers

0.0

Quality

0.0

Logistics

0.0

Returns

0.0

Disputes

0.0

Support

0.0

Overall

Regional Price Comparison

FOB pricing by manufacturing cluster, compare costs across regions

RegionSuppliersMin FOBAvg FOBMax FOB
Guangzhou, Guangdong11¥0¥3¥12
Fuyang, Anhui6¥0¥2¥9
Binzhou, Shandong2¥0¥7¥21
Shenzhen, Guangdong1¥20¥20¥20
Jining, Shandong1¥11¥11¥11
Foshan, Guangdong1¥1¥1¥1

Cluster Intelligence

China's protein powder manufacturing is concentrated in key provinces. Guangdong, particularly Guangzhou, stands out as the largest hub with a wide variety of suppliers and is noted for innovation in alternative proteins. Shandong province emerges as a specialized center for plant-based ingredients, while Anhui, Fuyang offers a notable cluster for cost-competitive sourcing.

Guangdong, Guangzhou

Best For: Sourcing a diverse range of protein types, including innovative plant-based options and finished consumer-ready powders. Ideal for buyers looking for both scale and product development partners.

Why Strong: This is the largest concentration of suppliers in the dataset. The province is recognized as an innovation hub for alternative and plant-based proteins, and the wide price spectrum in Guangzhou sugges...

⚠️ The wide variation in offerings and pricing requires careful vetting of suppliers to match specific quality and formulation needs. Higher-end innovati...

Anhui, Fuyang

Best For: Cost-effective sourcing of foundational protein powders. Suitable for buyers prioritizing competitive pricing for bulk ingredients.

Why Strong: Represents the second-largest cluster of suppliers found in the data. This region demonstrates a capacity for production with pricing that appears competitive, suggesting a focus on efficient manufact...

⚠️ May have a more limited range of specialized or innovative protein types compared to the primary hubs in Guangdong or Shandong.

Shandong, Binzhou

Best For: Sourcing specific plant-based proteins like pea protein at the ingredient level. Excellent for buyers formulating clean-label, vegetarian, or vegan products.

Why Strong: Represents the cluster in a province known as a major center for plant-based protein manufacturing, especially pea protein. This specialization aligns directly with the demand for clean-label and vega...

⚠️ Suppliers in this region may be more focused on primary ingredient processing rather than complex, multi-ingredient finished product formulation.

Verified Suppliers

Top-tier verified manufacturers with quality ratings and capabilities

CompanyTierYearsQualityLogistics
Guangzhou Muhua Pharmaceutical...TIER 50+3.72.4
Guangzhou Yihua Pharmaceutical...TIER 50+3.02.1
Pruijian (Guangzhou) Health Te...TIER 50+5.03.3
Supplier
Yrs
Rating
Actions

Tip: Click on a supplier row to see detailed ratings breakdown. Ratings above 4.0 indicate reliable suppliers.

Pricing levers and strategies to cut down production cost for Clean Label Protein Powder

The most significant cost driver is the primary protein source (e.g., Isolate vs. Concentrate). To manage costs effectively, start by selecting the appropriate protein grade for your target segment, then simplify the formula by removing expensive functional additives, and finally, optimize packaging from premium tubs to value-oriented pouches.

Confidence: High
Pricing LeverCost ImpactQuality RiskMOQ ImpactLead TimeNotes
Switch protein source from Isolate (WPI) to Concentrate (WPC-80)↓ HighMedium- None- NoneIncreases lactose/fat content. Affects 'premium' positioning but is ideal for value segment.
Remove functional additives (e.g., Collagen, Probiotics)↓ Medium–HighLow- None↓ LowSimplifies the formula. Can be offered as a separate, lower-priced product tier.
Switch from flavored to unflavored↓ Low–MediumLow↓ Low↓ LowEliminates flavor development costs and appeals to purists and the bulk/value segment.
Change packaging from rigid tubs to stand-up pouches↓ MediumMedium- None- NoneReduces material cost and shipping weight/volume, but can be perceived as less premium.
Use a plant-based blend (Pea/Rice) instead of Whey Isolate↓ MediumMedium- None- NoneCost-effective vegan option, but sensory profile (taste/texture) must be carefully managed.
Increase MOQ (e.g., from 100 to 500+ units)↓ MediumLow↑ High- NoneUnlocks significant price breaks on raw materials, blending, and packaging.
Simplify packaging print from full-color to a 1-2 color applied label↓ LowLow↓ Medium↓ LowReduces printing plate costs and is more economical for smaller batches.

Key Takeaways

  • Protein source purity (WPI vs. WPC) and origin (Grass-Fed) are the largest cost factors.
  • Functional additives like collagen and probiotics can significantly increase the per-unit cost.
  • Packaging format (rigid tub vs. flexible pouch) and size directly impact material and shipping costs.
  • Flavoring and sweetening systems add complexity and cost compared to unflavored versions.

Ready to formulate your perfect protein powder? Submit a sourcing request with your target specs and we'll connect you with certified suppliers that fit your budget and brand vision.

Clean Label Protein Powder quality risks and defects to look out for

The most critical risks are failing to meet the protein content claimed on the label (protein spiking), microbial or heavy metal contamination, and poor sensory experience (taste, mixability). These issues can destroy brand credibility and lead to regulatory action.

Confidence: High

Protein content mismatch ('Protein Spiking')

Root Cause

Adulteration with cheap, non-protein nitrogen sources (e.g., glycine, taurine) to inflate protein test results.

What to Specify / Ask Supplier

Require a full amino acid profile on the Certificate of Analysis (CoA), not just a total nitrogen (Kjeldahl) test. State that third-party verification is required.

QC Check (What "Good" Looks Like)

Send a sample from each production batch to an independent lab to verify the protein content and amino acid profile against the label claim.

Contamination (Heavy Metals, Microbial)

Root Cause

Low-quality raw materials; non-GMP certified production environment.

What to Specify / Ask Supplier

Require supplier to hold GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certification. Demand a CoA for every batch with results for heavy metals, yeast, mold, and bacteria.

QC Check (What "Good" Looks Like)

Review the CoA to ensure all values are within acceptable limits (e.g., Lead <1 ppm). Periodically validate with third-party testing.

Poor mixability and texture (clumping, gritty feel)

Root Cause

Lack of or improper use of an emulsifier (lecithin); poor powder agglomeration/instantization process.

What to Specify / Ask Supplier

Specify the use of an instantizing agent (e.g., sunflower lecithin for a 'soy-free' claim). Request and approve a pre-production sample for sensory evaluation.

QC Check (What "Good" Looks Like)

Shake one scoop in a shaker cup with water for 20-30 seconds. A good product dissolves completely with no clumps or gritty residue at the bottom.

Inconsistent or off-flavors

Root Cause

Batch-to-batch variation in flavorings/sweeteners; raw material degradation (e.g., oxidized whey).

What to Specify / Ask Supplier

Establish an approved 'golden sample' for taste, color, and aroma. Specify that all production must match this standard within an agreed tolerance.

QC Check (What "Good" Looks Like)

Conduct a sensory panel test on a sample from the new batch, comparing it directly against the retained golden sample.

Packaging seal failure

Root Cause

Incorrect heat sealing parameters; poor quality pouch material; powder contamination in the seal area.

What to Specify / Ask Supplier

Specify pouch material thickness and barrier layers. Ask about their seal integrity testing procedures (e.g., pressure decay test).

QC Check (What "Good" Looks Like)

Visually inspect the seal for uniformity. Squeeze the sealed pouch firmly; there should be no air leakage.

Unsubstantiated claims ('Grass-Fed', 'Organic')

Root Cause

Marketing claims made without a verified, traceable supply chain.

What to Specify / Ask Supplier

Require all supporting documentation and valid certificates for any premium claims (e.g., USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verification, Grass-Fed certification).

QC Check (What "Good" Looks Like)

Verify the certificate numbers and validity with the issuing organizations directly.

Don't leave quality to chance. Source with us and receive a comprehensive QC checklist and CoA verification process to ensure your protein powder is safe, pure, and effective.

Ready to Start Sourcing?

Use this data to create your product specifications, reach out to suppliers, and validate your pricing strategy. Start with small sample orders to test quality.

Product Examples from 1688

Real product samples with pricing, MOQ, and supplier ratings

ProductTitleMOQPrice (CNY)Price (USD)
Sale QuantityHow many units sold
OrdersHow many orders in Alibaba/1688
RatingTiered PricingKey FeaturesLinkAction
Foreign Trade Cross-border Export WHEY PROTRIN POWDER Protein Powder Vanilla Flavor Super Factory OEM

Foreign Trade Cross-border Export WHEY PROTRIN POWDER Protein Powder Vanilla Flavor Super Factory OEM

1¥42.00$37.8053102.3
  • 1-99: ¥42.00
  • 100-499: ¥41.00
  • 500-: ¥40.00
See PackagingSee PackagingSee Packaging
Source Item

Sourcing Strategies

Choose from 2 pricing strategies based on your target market

Sourcing Clean Label Protein Powder: Quality Checklist & Import Guide

This sourcing playbook provides actionable guidance for importing Clean Label Protein Powderproducts. Our data-driven approach combines supplier intelligence with market validation to help you make informed purchasing decisions and minimize sourcing risks.

Pre-Order Quality Checklist

  • Request and evaluate product samples
  • Verify factory certifications and audit reports
  • Confirm sizing specifications with measurement charts
  • Review care instructions and labeling requirements
  • Agree on defect tolerance and QC process

📋 Documentation Requirements

  • HS code classification for customs
  • Commercial invoice and packing list
  • Certificate of Origin (COO)
  • Care label compliance documentation
  • Test reports (as required by product type)

🚢 Sea Freight

  • Transit: 25-35 days to US ports
  • Cost-effective for bulk orders over $3,000
  • Include moisture protection for textiles

✈️ Air Freight

  • Transit: 5-7 days door-to-door
  • Best for samples and urgent orders
  • Higher cost per kg but faster to market

Related Archetypes in Protein Powder

Frequently Asked Questions

What payment terms are typical for first orders?

First orders typically require 30-50% deposit with balance before shipment (T/T). As relationships develop, suppliers may offer 30/70 splits or even open terms for established buyers. Letter of Credit (L/C) is available for larger orders but involves additional fees.

How do I handle quality issues after receiving goods?

Document issues with photos immediately upon receipt. Most suppliers offer replacement or credit for legitimate defects within agreed AQL limits. Having clear quality specifications in your purchase order strengthens your position in disputes.

Should I use a third-party inspection service?

Third-party inspection is recommended for first orders and orders over $10,000. Services like SGS or Bureau Veritas cost $200-400 per inspection and can prevent costly quality issues. Pre-shipment inspection is most common; in-line inspection adds additional assurance.