Garden of Life – Protein section

This product receives a 2 out of 5 green leaf rating. The Garden of Life Dr. Formulated MD Protein Plant & Sustainable Salmon Creamy Vanilla is a protein option marketed for health-conscious consumers. However, the product’s ingredients reveal several areas of concern that impact its green leaf rating negatively.

Firstly, the lack of organic certification leads to a deduction in the product’s score. Organic foods are generally preferred for cleaner eating as they are produced without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, which can be better for both health and the environment.

The use of non-GMO ingredients is a positive aspect of the product, showing an effort to avoid genetically modified organisms, which some consumers prefer to steer clear of due to environmental and health concerns.

Stevia, a zero-calorie sweetener derived from the leaves of the plant species Stevia rebaudiana, is included in the product. Although it is a natural substitute for sugar, its presence as an added sweetener is a point of contention. Many health-focused consumers seek to minimize added sweeteners in their diet, regardless of their caloric content.

The inclusion of potentially harmful additives like natural flavors, sunflower lecithin, and malic acid also contributes to the product’s lower rating. “Natural flavors” is a broad term that can encompass a range of substances, and without transparency, it can be challenging to assess their impact on health. Malic acid, while naturally occurring in some fruits, is often synthetically produced for use in food products and can be a cause for concern among those seeking pure ingredients.

The presence of maltodextrin, a highly processed thickener or filler derived from corn, rice, potato starch, or wheat, is another significant drawback. Maltodextrin can spike blood sugar levels and does not align with a clean eating philosophy. Its inclusion leads to the most substantial deduction in the product’s score.

The ingredients in the Garden of Life Dr. Formulated MD Protein Plant & Sustainable Salmon Creamy Vanilla suggest that this product does not meet the highest standards for those seeking the cleanest food options. The deductions for non-organic ingredients, added sweeteners, potentially harmful additives, and known harmful additives like maltodextrin overshadow the non-GMO status of this protein product.