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BSN Syntha-6 Ultra Premium Protein Matrix Chocolate Milkshake Flavour
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 3.9 ShowHide
Reviewed 4 times · Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This adult protein supplement provides a substantial protein blend, but its safety profile is significantly impacted by the presence of Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA), an antioxidant classified by IARC as a Group 2B possible human carcinogen. While the product is designed for adults and contains a range of protein sources, the inclusion of BHA and artificial sweeteners (acesulfame potassium and sucralose) raises concerns for those who prefer to avoid such additives. The use of an ambiguous 'Artificial Flavour' also limits transparency regarding specific flavouring compounds. Individuals seeking to minimize exposure to artificial additives and potential carcinogens should exercise caution.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Whey Protein Concentrate
- Calcium Caseinate
- Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate
- Whey Protein Isolate
- Casein
- +3 more →
Contains IARC 2B possible carcinogen BHA and artificial sweeteners
The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This protein supplement contains Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA), an antioxidant classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Group 2B possible human carcinogen. While providing a high protein content, these additives are a concern for consumers aiming to avoid artificial ingredients.
Declared allergens: Milk and Soy
Relevant if you have any of these allergies or intolerances.
Based on the declared ingredient list. This is a risk only to people with the allergy, not a general-population safety issue, so it does not lower the safety score.
Concern breakdown
Score out of 10 · higher = fewer concernsHow this product performs on each concern we check for supplement. This is a breakdown of the same evidence behind the score above — not a separate verdict.
Other audiences
AvoidThis is an adult sports-nutrition supplement, formulated for adults for exercise and training. It is not intended for infants or young children.
Why the score is capped
Contains Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA, E320) — an additive classified by IARC as a Group 2B possible human carcinogen
Rule F-CAP-10 · Source: IARC / EFSA classification of the additive
Contains an intense artificial sweetener (named by INS code). Sweeteners are judged by name, and a protein powder is not exempt
Rule S-CAP-01 · Source: Declared ingredient list; EFSA and JECFA acceptable-daily-intake reviews of the named sweetener
What's good
High protein content from multiple sources
Includes dietary fibre (Polydextrose)
Contains Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) for quick energy
Contains Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) as an antioxidant
Watch out for
Presence of Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA), an IARC Group 2B possible carcinogen
Use of artificial sweeteners (acesulfame potassium, sucralose)
Lack of specific disclosure for 'Artificial Flavour'
Contains milk allergens
Decode Label Analysis
Contains Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA, INS320), an antioxidant classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Group 2B possible human carcinogen. It is also considered an endocrine disruptor.
Contains artificial sweeteners (acesulfame potassium, sucralose) which some individuals prefer to avoid due to potential health concerns or taste preferences.
Contains multiple milk-derived protein sources (whey, casein, milk solids), which are common allergens.
Claim check
Front-of-pack marketing claims checked against this product's actual ingredients and nutrition. "Can't verify" means the label does not provide enough information to check the claim — it is not the same as the claim being false.
The term 'ULTRA PREMIUM' is a subjective marketing term and cannot be objectively verified from the provided label information.
The label states 10g EAA (Essential Amino Acids) are naturally occurring, but the provided nutrition or ingredient list does not break down amino acid content to verify this claim.
The claim specifies the product is for 'HEALTHY ADULTS', which is a demographic suitability claim that cannot be verified from the ingredient list or nutrition panel.
The term 'NUTRACEUTICAL' is a regulatory designation that cannot be verified from the ingredient list or nutrition panel alone.
The total number of servings cannot be verified from the provided ingredient list or nutrition panel without knowing the total net weight of the product.
The nutrition information states 47g protein per 100g, and with a serving size of 47g, this calculates to approximately 22.09g of protein per serving, which supports the claim.
The ingredients list 'Artificial Flavour (Chocolate)', which confirms the chocolate milkshake flavour.
Read straight from the back-of-pack photo — quantities, sections and any disguised terms, so the small print can’t hide behind the marketing.
22 entries as printed on the label · 20 distinct ingredients (some are declared more than once).
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1.
Protein Blend 56%Protein Blend (56%)
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Whey Protein Concentrate within Protein Blend
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Calcium Caseinate within Protein Blend
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Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate within Protein Blend
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Whey Protein Isolate within Protein Blend
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Casein within Protein Blend
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Milk Protein Concentrate within Protein Blend
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2.
Fat Powder
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Refined Coconut Oil within Fat Powder
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Glucose Syrup Solids within Fat Powder
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Milk Solids within Fat Powder
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Emulsifier within Fat PowderMono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (INS 471)Emulsifier (INS 471)
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Antioxidant within Fat PowderAscorbic acid (Vitamin C) (INS 300(i))Antioxidant (INS300i)
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3.
Polydextrose
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4.
Cocoa Powder
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5.
Artificial Flavour undisclosed flavouringArtificial Flavour (Chocolate)
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6.
Medium Chain Triglyceride Powder
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Emulsifier within Medium Chain Triglyceride PowderMono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (INS 471)Emulsifier (INS 471)
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Antioxidant within Medium Chain Triglyceride PowderBHA (INS 320)Antioxidant (INS320)
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7.
Sodium Chloride
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8.
ThickenerSodium carboxymethyl cellulose (INS 466)Thickener (INS466)
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9.
SweetenerAcesulfame potassium (INS 950), Sucralose (INS 955)Sweetener (INS950, INS955)
In label order — normally largest quantity first. Select a row for the full write-up and sources.
These are major food allergens named on the ingredient list. They are a risk only to people allergic to them — not a general-population safety issue — so they do not lower the safety score. Anyone with the allergy should avoid this product, and check the pack’s own allergen statement.
The label declares each of these as a blend and then lists what is in it. The components appear in the groups above on their own merits, so the blend itself is shown here rather than counted a second time.
✓ Decode Label Assessment: Favorable ⚠ Decode Label Assessment: Concern Decode Label Assessment: Neutral
Who should take caution
About this ingredient
No detailed safety data in our database yet for this ingredient.
Learn More
| Energy | 393 kcal |
| Protein | 47 g |
| Carbohydrate | 33 g |
| Total Sugars | 6 g |
| Added Sugars | 2 g |
| Total Fat | 11 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.1 g |
| Dietary Fibre | 13 g |
| Sodium | 524 mg |
| Cholesterol | 185 mg |
Colour shows the per-100g level (green = low, amber = moderate, red = high), from the product's label.
Compare with other protein supplement products
Assessed using the same Decode Label methodology, sorted by score. Each score reflects the information available for that product at the time of assessment.
Gold Standard 100% Whey Unflavoured
7.5OPTIMUM NUTRITION.
Nutrabay Pure Pea Protein Isolate - 25.3g Protein, 5g BCAA
7.5Nutrabay
OZiva Protein & Herbs for Women (Chocolate)
7.5OZiva
Protinex Lite Zero Added Suger Vanilla Flaour
6.5Protinex
Optimum Nutrition (ON) Gold Standard 100%
6.0Optimum Nutrition
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What are the ingredients in BSN Syntha-6 Ultra Premium Protein Matrix Chocolate Milkshake Flavour?
The label of BSN Syntha-6 Ultra Premium Protein Matrix Chocolate Milkshake Flavour lists 20 ingredients, in label order: Protein blend, Whey Protein Concentrate, Calcium Caseinate, Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate, Casein, Milk Protein Concentrate, Fat Powder, Refined Coconut Oil, Glucose Syrup Solids, Milk Solids, Polydextrose, Cocoa powder, Artificial Flavour, Medium Chain Triglyceride Powder, Emulsifier, Antioxidant, Sodium Chloride, Thickener, Sweetener. Flagged by the analysis: Antioxidant, Sweetener.
Is BSN Syntha-6 Ultra Premium Protein Matrix Chocolate Milkshake Flavour safe to eat?
BSN Syntha-6 Ultra Premium Protein Matrix Chocolate Milkshake Flavour scores 3.9/10 on Decode Label (Concerning). The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This protein supplement contains Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA), an antioxidant classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Group 2B possible human carcinogen. While providing a high protein content, these additives are a concern for consumers aiming to avoid artificial ingredients.
Why does BSN Syntha-6 Ultra Premium Protein Matrix Chocolate Milkshake Flavour score 3.9/10?
What the analysis notes: Presence of Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA), an IARC Group 2B possible carcinogen. Use of artificial sweeteners (acesulfame potassium, sucralose). Lack of specific disclosure for 'Artificial Flavour'.
Who should avoid BSN Syntha-6 Ultra Premium Protein Matrix Chocolate Milkshake Flavour?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Avoiding IARC Group 2B possible carcinogens (BHA); Sensitive to artificial sweeteners (acesulfame potassium, sucralose); Prefer to avoid artificial flavours; Sensitive to milk proteins (whey, casein).
Does BSN Syntha-6 Ultra Premium Protein Matrix Chocolate Milkshake Flavour contain allergens?
Yes — the ingredient list contains milk (Whey Protein Concentrate, Calcium Caseinate, Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate and Whey Protein Isolate) and soy (the pack’s allergen statement). Check the allergen statement on the pack too if you have a diagnosed allergy.
Does BSN Syntha-6 Ultra Premium Protein Matrix Chocolate Milkshake Flavour contain milk?
Yes — the ingredient list names Whey Protein Concentrate, Calcium Caseinate, Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate and Whey Protein Isolate. People with milk allergy / lactose intolerance should treat it as containing milk, and check the allergen statement on the pack too.
Does BSN Syntha-6 Ultra Premium Protein Matrix Chocolate Milkshake Flavour contain soy?
Yes — the ingredient list names the pack’s allergen statement. People with soy allergy should treat it as containing soy, and check the allergen statement on the pack too.
How much sugar is in BSN Syntha-6 Ultra Premium Protein Matrix Chocolate Milkshake Flavour?
6 g of total sugar per 100 g. The label declares 2 g of that as added sugar per 100 g.
Are the claims on the BSN Syntha-6 Ultra Premium Protein Matrix Chocolate Milkshake Flavour pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 7 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "ULTRA PREMIUM PROTEIN MATRIX" — can't be verified from the label. "10g EAA Naturally Occurring" — can't be verified from the label. "PROTEIN POWDER DRINK MIX FOR HEALTHY ADULTS" — can't be verified from the label.
Is BSN Syntha-6 Ultra Premium Protein Matrix Chocolate Milkshake Flavour vegetarian?
BSN Syntha-6 Ultra Premium Protein Matrix Chocolate Milkshake Flavour is marked vegetarian.
Answers are generated from this product's own Decode Label analysis — the score, the ingredient list and the label claims shown above. Always check the pack itself for allergen and dietary information.
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About this analysis: Based on declared label information and available evidence. Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test products, and a score is not a regulatory determination or medical advice.
Disclaimer: Safety scores are Decode Label-generated assessments based on publicly available regulatory data (FSSAI, WHO, EFSA, IARC) and peer-reviewed research. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, and they are not a regulatory determination, a laboratory safety certification or a medical diagnosis. Ingredient safety can vary by individual health conditions, concentration, and usage context. Decode Label is an independent information service and scores every brand by the same rules. No brand pays for or influences its score. Our founder also founded the personal-care brand Botani Bestie (see our story); its products are scored exactly like everyone else's. Data limitations: This assessment is based on the information declared on the product label and the evidence sources above — Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test this product. Ingredient concentrations, sourcing and manufacturing can vary between batches and are not always disclosed. A finding that is not shown here means it was not identified from the available label information, not that it has been ruled out.
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