Popular fitness YouTuber Derek from More Plates More Dates just launched something the supplement industry probably didn’t want to see: a crowdsourced testing app designed to expose which companies are actually delivering what they promise.
And he’s not holding back.
After a year of development, including purchasing his own HPLC machine just to understand the testing process, Derek’s rolling out comprehensive third-party testing that goes far beyond standard label claims.
The results he’s already seeing? Let’s just say some major brands should be nervous.
Jump to:
Why Standard Protein Testing Misses the Mark
Most protein powders meet label claims by measuring total nitrogen content. Sounds legitimate, right?
Not exactly. Derek explains that companies can easily game this system by adding cheap nitrogen-rich amino acids or non-protein nitrogen sources like creatine to artificially inflate numbers.
Those additional amino acids aren’t useless, but it’s not what you paid for. If you wanted that, you just buy a cheap bottle of BCAAs.
His solution involves three distinct tests that paint a much clearer picture of protein quality.
The Protein Fraction Test That Changes Everything
Here’s what most consumers don’t know: every protein type contains distinct bioactive protein fractions with specific health benefits.
Whey isolate, for example, should contain a fairly precise range of these fractions. Between 45-55% beta-lactoglobulin, 15-20% alpha-lactalbumin, and several others.
Each fraction carries its own research-backed benefits—it’s literally why consumers pay premium prices for quality whey isolate instead of buying degraded free amino acids.
Derek’s testing specifically measures whether these valuable protein fractions remain intact or if companies are cutting corners with inferior processing methods.
The Ashwagandha Results Nobody Expected
When Derek started getting results back from botanical supplement testing, things got interesting fast.
Ashwagandha proved particularly revealing. While many companies advertise standardized withanolide percentages, Derek discovered that two products with identical overall percentages can have vastly different individual withanoloid profiles.
And those differences matter significantly.
Withanolide A delivers the research-backed benefits for sleep, anxiety reduction, cortisol management, and stress relief. Withaferin A? Potential anti-cancer effects, but none of those stress-related benefits.
One Premium Brand’s Shocking Test Results
Bulk Supplements ashwagandha came back with the most well-rounded withanoloid profile. Walmart brands performed surprisingly well—better than expected.
But Thorne, a premium brand known for quality, delivered results Derek diplomatically called “interesting.”
The frustrating part is if you look at all of Thorn’s marketing language, it says it’s for stress, calming. Even the back says, there is no withanoloid A. Period.
Translation: consumers paying premium prices for stress relief were getting a product that contained virtually none of the active compound responsible for those benefits.
Gummies, Energy Drinks, and Oral Peptides
Derek’s testing rabbit hole went deep. He grabbed Kirkland brand supplements from Costco to test B12 degradation. He tested Walmart supplements expecting the worst.
Energy drinks all came back accurate for caffeine content, confirming his inconsistent reactions were personal, not product-related.
Supplement gummies showed degradation issues across the board. Two withanoloids fell below detectable limits in gummy formulations—likely caused by the gummy matrix itself.
You’re an adult. Take your supplement and then buy gummy bears and eat those. Those should be two separate tasks.
Perhaps most surprising were oral peptide results from a local supplement shop. Despite massive red flags—including a CJC/Ipamorelin combo in oral form—the peptides were actually present in advertised amounts.
Whether they survive digestion intact and produce biological effects remains questionable, but at least companies weren’t selling empty capsules.
How the Crowdsourced Testing App Works
Derek built this platform specifically for consumer empowerment. Every ten days, users vote for supplements they want tested next.
The top ten most-requested products get sent to third-party ISO-certified labs for comprehensive analysis.
Testing protocols vary by product category but include:
- Protein powders: Amino acid spiking detection, bioactive protein fraction analysis, lactose content verification
- Botanical supplements: Specific bioactive compound profiling beyond generic standardization claims
- General supplements: Label claim accuracy, degradation assessment, contamination screening
- Skincare products: Active ingredient verification and clinically effective dosing
- Peptides: Identity confirmation, purity analysis, future endotoxin testing
Initial testing revealed most vitamin C skincare products failed to contain clinically effective doses—a preview of what comprehensive testing might uncover across categories.
The Cost Nobody Talks About
Comprehensive supplement testing isn’t cheap. A single protein powder tested across all protocols Derek established costs over three thousand dollars.
He’s currently exploring monetization through affiliate partnerships, where commissions from recommended products fund additional testing. Potential future subscription models remain on the table.
But profitability wasn’t the driving force.
If companies are screwing us, you need to know. We all need to know so we can get our brown paper bags ready.
Why Some Companies Are Already Nervous
When Derek posted a teaser about upcoming testing, at least one company owner reached out immediately with detailed documentation about their internal testing protocols.
Derek appreciated the transparency—and sent their products for independent verification anyway.
His goal isn’t exclusively exposing bad actors. Highlighting companies that deliver quality products at fair prices matters equally.
The app launched in the Apple App Store with protein results expected within two weeks. Derek notes that laboratories reported nobody had ever requested such thorough protein testing before.
Which raises an uncomfortable question: if comprehensive testing protocols exist but nobody uses them, what exactly have consumers been buying all these years?
Derek’s determined to find out—one crowdsourced vote at a time.
