Garden of Life – Protein section

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Garden of Life Goatein® Pure Goat’s Milk Protein Unflavored is a protein supplement that aims to provide the nutritional benefits of goat’s milk. However, the product does not meet the stringent criteria for a higher rating on our scale due to several factors concerning its ingredient list and sourcing.

The protein in this supplement comes from goat’s milk protein concentrate, which offers an alternative to those who may have sensitivities to cow’s milk. However, the lack of organic certification detracts from the product’s overall quality score. Organic products ensure that consumers avoid pesticides and other chemicals often found in conventional farming, thus the absence of an organic label results in a lower rating.

Moreover, the product does not explicitly state that it uses non-GMO ingredients. Given the increasing consumer demand for non-genetically modified organisms in food, this omission is significant. GMOs are often a concern for those seeking cleaner food options due to the potential for genetic modification to introduce unexpected health risks and environmental issues.

The inclusion of natural vanilla flavor is another point of contention. While ‘natural’ flavors might seem harmless, they can encompass a range of substances, some of which may not align with a clean eating philosophy. The presence of these flavors leads to a further reduction in the product’s score, as they may introduce unnecessary additives to an otherwise simple ingredient list.

Additionally, the product contains less than 1% of guar gum and Lo Han fruit concentrate. Guar gum is a common thickening agent that some may wish to avoid, while Lo Han fruit concentrate is a sweetener derived from monk fruit. Though these ingredients are present in minimal amounts, their inclusion is noteworthy for those seeking the purest form of food supplements.

Garden of Life’s Goatein® is a product that has room for improvement. By obtaining organic certification, ensuring non-GMO ingredients, and simplifying its flavoring components, the product could potentially achieve a higher rating and better align with the values of consumers searching for cleaner, more natural food options.