Garden of Life – Protein section

The Garden of Life Organic Plant Protein Smooth Chocolate receives a 3/5 green leaves rating, placing it in the mid-range for healthier food options. This plant-based protein powder is certified organic and non-GMO, appealing to consumers looking for cleaner, more natural supplements.

This product earns its green leaves for several reasons. It is a blend of organic proteins from pea, flax, cranberry, baobab, moringa, chia, and pumpkin seeds, providing a varied amino acid profile. The inclusion of a raw enzyme blend, with enzymes such as lipase and protease, supports digestion. Additionally, it incorporates beneficial probiotics like Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus bulgaricus, which are known to aid gut health.

Despite these positives, the product does lose leaves for certain ingredients. Stevia, a natural sweetener, leads to a deduction as it represents an added sugar. While many consumers may prefer stevia over artificial sweeteners or high-calorie sugars, it is still considered an added sweetener in this scoring system. Furthermore, the product includes ‘organic flavors’ which, despite being organic, result in a penalty due to the opaque nature of what ‘flavors’ may entail. The mention of ‘rum’ is unclear, as it is not listed in the ingredient breakdown provided but appears to have influenced the scoring.

The Garden of Life Organic Plant Protein Smooth Chocolate is positioned as a healthier option for those seeking an organic, plant-based protein powder. It avoids GMOs and prioritizes organic ingredients. However, the deductions for added sweeteners and vague flavorings prevent it from achieving the highest green leaf rating. Consumers interested in a mid-level clean protein option may find this product meets their needs, while those with stricter criteria for added sugars and flavor clarity might continue their search for a product with a higher green leaves score.