Ascent

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Ascent Vanilla Bean Micellar Casein protein powder falls short of the clean and healthy standards desired by health-conscious consumers. The product is not organic, and its ingredients are not verified as non-GMO, which detracts significantly from its overall cleanliness score. Additionally, the inclusion of Stevia as a sweetener, while a popular sugar alternative, still counts as an added sweetener, which is a downside for those seeking products without any form of added sugars.

The presence of ‘Natural Flavors’ on the ingredient list raises concerns. The term is often a catch-all that can hide a variety of sources, and without transparency, it’s impossible for consumers to determine the true nature of these flavors. Such ambiguity is a red flag for anyone looking to maintain a diet consisting of whole and unprocessed foods. Furthermore, the use of Sunflower Lecithin, while less controversial, is still an additive and not ideal for a product aiming for the ‘clean’ label.

In terms of protein content, the Ascent Vanilla Bean Micellar Casein includes a blend of Native Whey Protein Isolate and Whey Protein Isolate, as well as Whey Protein Concentrate. These are high-quality protein sources that are effective for muscle repair and growth. However, the health benefits of the protein are overshadowed by the product’s failure to meet the criteria for a clean and natural supplement.

The product’s shortcomings are evident in its score, and it’s clear that there is substantial room for improvement. For a product to be considered cleaner and healthier, it would need to address the issues of organic certification, GMO ingredients, added sweeteners, and ambiguous additives. Consumers seeking the cleanest food options will likely look elsewhere, to products that offer a higher level of transparency and adherence to natural ingredients.