In 2025, clean supplementation isn’t just marketing speak. It’s a movement. From CrossFit Games veterans to Olympic medalists, Australia’s top athletes are shifting away from synthetic, additive-heavy supplements in favour of clean, transparently-formulated alternatives. And one brand at the heart of that movement is True Protein. So what’s driving this shift? And more importantly, should you be making the same move?
The Hidden Risks in Everyday Supplements
Earlier this year, an investigation revealed a sobering truth: more than 35% of sports supplements sampled in Australia contained banned substances not listed on their labels. Source: The Guardian
For professional athletes, that’s not just dangerous. It’s career-ending. But even for everyday users, these hidden ingredients pose real health risks: hormone disruption, liver strain, and unknown interactions with medications or other supplements.
What’s often to blame? Proprietary blends and lack of third-party testing. Many mainstream supplements include vague formulas that mask dosages or hide artificial fillers behind marketing jargon. Consumers are left in the dark, trusting labels that often don’t tell the whole story.
What Makes a Supplement “Clean” in 2025?
While the term “clean” isn’t officially regulated, today’s informed consumers (and athletes) know what to look for:
- Transparent ingredient lists with no proprietary blends
- No artificial colours, sweeteners, or preservatives
- High-quality, often sustainably sourced ingredients
- Third-party testing for banned substances and contaminants
For elite performers like Olympic runner Genevieve Gregson, these standards aren’t just preferences. They’re necessities. “For elite athletes, HASTA approval is so important; we can’t use anything else,” she says. “With True, anytime they release something new, it’s batch-tested, so we know it is safe to use.”
What is HASTA, and Why Does It Matter?
HASTA (Human and Supplement Testing Australia) is the only independent lab in Australia that certifies sports supplements for WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) prohibited substances. To earn the HASTA seal, a product must:
- Be manufactured in facilities that follow strict quality protocols
- Submit full ingredient disclosure and safety data
- Undergo batch-by-batch testing to ensure it’s free from banned substances
This matters because one contaminated batch can lead to failed drug tests, suspensions, or worse. Athletes like CrossFit star Khan Porter (below) trust True Protein not just because it’s clean, but because it’s consistently tested. “They don’t rush a product to market. Everything is refined, tested, and perfected before release.”
True Protein: A Case Study in Clean Supplementation
Founded by brothers Ben (below) and Jamie Kierath, True Protein emerged from a simple mission: to create clean, natural, Australian-made supplements in a market flooded with overly processed alternatives. Their approach was inspired by products Ben encountered during his time in the UK, but refined for the unique needs of the Australian consumer.
What This Means for Everyday Lifters, Runners & Weekend Warriors
You might not be preparing for Paris 2028, but your body still deserves clean fuel. Here’s why making the switch matters:
- Fewer synthetic ingredients means better digestibility and fewer long-term health risks
- Transparent formulas let you track exactly what you’re consuming
- Third-party tested products give peace of mind in a market riddled with under-regulation
- Science-backed blends actually support your goals instead of relying on hype
Whether you’re chasing a PB in your next 10K or simply trying to support recovery after your gym sessions, clean supplements offer a safer, more effective path forward.
True Protein’s success among Australia’s athletic elite isn’t just marketing spin. It’s a signal that the supplement industry is evolving. If Olympians and UFC champions are demanding clean, batch-tested, scientifically-formulated products, why shouldn’t you?
Sources:
The Guardian – Sports Supplements Contaminated with Banned Substances (April 2025)
HASTA Certified Products & Testing Standards
Uniwell Labs – Rise of Clean Label Supplements
VPA – Why Third-Party Testing Matters
