Update 2/14/20. Unjury protein, touted as a medical quality protein supplement, was something I not aware of until someone asked me about it in a comment in another review. Unlike most supplement companies, Unjury is mostly marketed to those with health issues, like weight loss surgery, cancer, etc., who are needing a boost in protein intake. Since I'd not heard of them before and given their slant towards helping those with medical issues, I became interested. Is Unjury the best protein? That will be the focus of this review. Also, read the protein bar review.
What Does Unjury Mean?
I had no idea what Unjury meant, so I called the company. I was told Unjury is a play on the word injury. The idea is that when we get better nutrition, we become un-injured. Get it, Unjury = uninjured.
Unjury Protein Nutrition
Unjury has several different protein bars, powders, and drinks. They also have bariatric vitamins (for those after weight loss surgery) and there is even a chicken soup flavored protein too.
To get an idea of the protein and other nutrients in Unjury I decided to compare their Chocolate Splendor protein powder to their Rich Chocolate flavor ready-to-drink beverage. Here is how they stack up to each other:
| Unjury Chocolate 1 scoop (31g) | Unjury Rich Chocolate Ready To Drink (8.5 mg) |
|---|---|
| Calories 110 | Calories 110 |
| Total fat 0.5g | Total fat 1.5g |
| Saturated fat 0g | Saturated fat 1g |
| Trans fat 0g | Trans fat 0g |
| Cholesterol 0mg | Cholesterol 20 mg |
| Sodium 100 mg | Sodium 180 mg |
| Potassium 240 mg | Potassium 30 mg |
| Total carbs 4 g | Total carbs 2 g |
| Dietary fiber 1g | Dietary fiber 0g |
| Sugars 2g | Total sugars 2g |
| Protein 21g | Protein 20 g |
As can be seen from the table, both protein supplements are pretty similar to each other. A few differences between them that some might find significant is the sweeteners and protein.
| Chocolate Spender Powder | Rich Chocolate RTD | |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Whey protein isolate | Milk protein isolate |
| Sweetener | Fructose, Acesulfame potassium, Sucralose, | Acesulfame potassium & Sucralose |
From this table, it can be seen that Unjury Chocolate Splendor protein powder uses whey protein isolate while the Rich Chocolate ready to drink version uses milk protein isolate. What's the difference? In a nutshell:
- Whey protein isolate contains only whey protein
- Milk protein isolate has all of the different milk proteins (whey, casein, etc.)
While in the fitness world, whey protein is often said to be “best,” it should be remembered, that milk is more than just whey protein. The argument can be made that milk protein isolate might be better because it provides a better spectrum of milk proteins.
But, for most people, which is better is mostly a personal choice. Both are fine sources of protein.
I advise those with medical issues to avoid protein supplements that get their protein from collagen. Collagen, while popular, does not have the same quality as whey protein or milk protein. Sticking with either whey protein or milk protein isolate supplements are a better choice in my opinion.
Another difference between the two supplements is that the protein powder contains fructose while the ready-to-drink beverage does not. I know some might not like fructose (fruit sugar) because it can increase triglycerides. But, if this is the only fructose one is eating, it might not be a big deal.
Also, let's remember that fructose helps things taste good too. This can be important for those with medical problems where lack of appetite, coupled with poor nutrition may be a factor in how quickly someone gets better. In other words, the better something tastes, the more likely we are to eat/drink it.
Who Makes Unjury Protein
The company is called Prosynthesis Laboratories Inc. The product website is Unjury.com. The company was founded by a woman named Martha who was a registered dietitian, holding a MS in clinical nutrition. I called the company to inquire why her last name was not given. It was then I learned she had passed away and her husband was now in charge of the business. Out of respect for the family, I did not pry further.
The company address is: 45975 Nokes Blvd Ste 170 Sterling, VA, 20166. This address corresponds to what looks like an industrial park containing several other businesses. I don't think this is where the supplements are made. This may be a satellite office.
I thought the website was helpful, offering recipes on how to add extra protein into the diet as well as allowing people to download a protein tracker to chart how much they are consuming. The blog on the website also has some useful information too.
Where To Buy Unjury?
At the time this review was created Unjury protein was not sold at brick and mortar stores like GNC, Vitamin shop, Walmart or Walgreens. The only places I saw it was at Amazon and eBay in addition to its own website of course.
How Much Does It Cost?
Prices often fluctuate over time but when this review was created, here are some prices I saw:
- Chocolate Splendor Protein Container (17 scoops): $22.95
- Unflavored Protein Container (15 scoops): 20.95
- Unflavored Single-Serve Packet: $1.99
The company offers free shipping on orders over $125 and only $6.95 for those under that amount.
There is also a Loyalty Program where people earn points that can be redeemed for discounts on future orders.
Contact Unjury
The company can be directly reached by calling 800-517- 5111. When I called, they were very easy to reach and very helpful with the questions I had.
Does It Contain Soy?
This product contains whey protein isolate (or milk protein isolate) and not soy. That said, the supplement website does mention some products may contain soy lecithin. I think this is most likely for the ready-to-drink shakes and not the powder. The soy lecithin is like added in small amounts to keep the shakes creamy and shelf-stable.
Regardless, any soy present is likely to be very little compared to the main protein used.
What About Allergies?
The website for the product states that “Manufacturing employs practices designed to segregate ingredients on equipment that also processes egg, wheat, peanut, tree nuts, soy, fish and shellfish products.” I take this to mean they take efforts to reduce cross-contamination with ingredients that might cause allergic reactions. I appreciate that. Not all companies say they do this.
For those who might be allergic to peanuts, wheat, etc., I recommend you call the company and ask them about this.
How To Return Unjury
Unjury has a very liberal return policy. Their website states they are happy to accept returns or exchanges – even if the product has already been opened and partially used. You have 6 months from the date of purchase to return supplements.
That is very rare! Compare this to the return policy of Tom Brady's protein.
To return Unjury supplements call them at 800-517-5111 to get a return authorization number. Then you can send it back or exchange your supplement.
Unjury vs. Other Protein Supplements
How does this supplement compare to other protein powders? Here are several popular brands of protein powder side-by-side to help you.
| Calories | Protein | |
|---|---|---|
| Unjury (1 scoop /31g) | 110 | 21g |
| Optimum Nutrition (1 scoop/34g) | 120 | 24g |
| Pure Protein (1 scoop /33g) | 130 | 23g |
| Quest Protein (1 scoop /28g) | 100 | 22g |
| Dytamize Protein (1 scoop 30g) | 110 | 25g |
| Beverly Nutrition Protein (1 scoop /32g) | 130 | 21 |
| Isopure Protein (1 scoop 31g) | 100 | 25 g |
| Met RX (1 scoop /28.5g) | 100 | 22g |
When comparing protein powders to each other, a few things to remember are that:
- A scoop of all most powders will be about the same
- Most scoops are around 28g-30 grams. This is about 1 ounce (28g = 1 oz)
- Most protein powders provide about the same amount of protein per scoop, generally between 16-25 gram range
At the end of the day, the brand you go with is the one that:
- Tastes the best to you
- Is made by a company you trust
- Is priced within your budget
While on the surface, Unjury is not overly expensive compared to other supplements on a price per scoop basis it's a bit more. For example, a container of Chocolate Splender, for example, costs $22.95 and has 17 scoops. Compare this to Optimum Nutrition protein which costs about $28 but provides 29 scoops per container. For some, this may be a consideration.
Is It Covered By Insurance?
Unlike other protein supplements, this Unjury bills itself as a “medical quality protein” that's “recommended at all of America's top hospitals.” This makes me wonder if it might be possible to get insurance to cover the cost.
I saw nothing on the product website that addressed if it was covered by insurance or not. Odds are this might depend on the type of health insurance one had as well as whether a doctor could write a prescription in such a way as to get it covered. When in doubt, I suggest you call the company and ask them about this and what they suggest.
Is Unjury The Best?
Unjury protein is high quality and popular with many individuals especially those with health problems like weight loss surgery, cancer and also older folks too. It's produced by a company that's been in business for a long time. That's good. I feel it's priced competitively with many protein supplements, and not overly expensive. While taste is important and an individual thing, because its protein quality (whey protein isolate and milk protein isolate) is similar to other protein powders, this is good news for those who might want to investigate alternatives.
Here's Unjury Protein on Amazon