Garden of Life – Protein section

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Garden of Life Dr. Formulated MD Protein Sustainable Plant-Based Creamy Vanilla falls short in the realm of clean eating. This product is not organic and includes ingredients that raise concerns regarding its healthfulness and environmental sustainability.

The protein supplement, though non-GMO, loses merit due to its inclusion of added sweeteners like stevia. While stevia is a common sugar substitute, its presence indicates a deviation from whole food sources. More troubling is the addition of “natural flavor,” a vague term that often masks a variety of undisclosed chemical additives, which detracts significantly from the product’s purity and transparency.

The presence of tapioca maltodextrin is another significant drawback. Maltodextrin, a processed thickener and filler, is known for its potential to spike blood sugar and its lack of nutritional value. The fact that it is derived from tapioca does little to mitigate these concerns, as the processing involved strips away most of the original nutritional content.

Other ingredients, such as coconut cream, coconut oil, sunflower lecithin, potassium bicarbonate, sea salt, and monk fruit, are less controversial but still contribute to the overall assessment. The inclusion of tree nuts, specifically coconut, could also limit the product’s suitability for those with allergies.

The product’s profile underscores the need for improvement. By replacing processed additives with whole food ingredients and obtaining organic certification, the protein supplement could better align with the expectations of health-conscious consumers seeking clean, sustainable nutrition. For now, its composition suggests it is a lesser choice for those prioritizing clean and whole food principles in their dietary supplements.