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Garden of Life – Protein section

Flavor:

Raw Organic Meal Replacement Protein Powder - Chocolate

Ingredients:

Organic Sprouted Protein Blend: Organic Pea Protein, Organic Sprouted Brown Rice Protein, Organic Amaranth (sprout), Organic Buckwheat (sprout), Organic Millet (pearl & sprout), Organic Quinoa (sprout), Organic Chia Seed (sprout), Organic Adzuki Bean (sprout), Organic Flax Seed (sprout), Organic Garbanzo Bean (sprout), Organic Lentil (sprout), Organic Pumpkin Seed (sprout), Organic Sesame Seed (sprout), Organic Sunflower Seed (sprout), Organic Flavor Blend: Organic Chocolate Flavor with Other Organic Natural Flavors, Organic Cocoa, Organic Erythritol, Sea Salt, Organic Stevia Extract (leaf), Organic Fiber Blend: Organic Tapioca Fiber, Organic Flax Meal, Organic Guar Gum, Organic Fruit & Vegetable Blend: Organic Spinach (leaf), Organic Baobab (fruit), Organic Apple (fruit), Organic Beet (root), Organic Broccoli (stalk & flower), Organic Carrot (root), Organic Tomato (fruit), Organic Green Bell Pepper (fruit), Organic Brussels Sprout (leaf), Organic Ginger (root), Organic Garlic (bulb), Organic Onion (bulb), Organic Strawberry (fruit), Organic Cherry (fruit), Organic Parsley (leaf), Organic Cauliflower (flower & stem), Organic Blackberry (fruit), Organic Cabbage (leaf), Organic Blueberry (fruit), Organic Raspberry (fruit), Organic Kale (leaf), Organic Cucumber (gourd), Organic Celery (stalk), Organic Asparagus (flower & stem), Organic Greens Blend: Organic Alfalfa Grass Juice, Organic Spirulina, Organic Barley Grass Juice, Organic Oat Grass Juice, Organic Wheat Grass Juice, Whole Food Vitamin & Mineral Blend: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Niacin, Zinc, Pantothenic Acid, Folate, Vitamin A (beta-carotene), Biotin, Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B6, Vitamin B1 (Thiamin), Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 (as Methylcobalamin), Vitamin K, Chromium, Probiotic & Enzyme Blend: Lipase, Protease, Aspergillopepsin, beta-Glucanase, Cellulase, Bromelain, Phytase, Lactase, Papain, Peptidase, Pectinase, Hemicellulase, Xylanase, Bacillus subtilis DE111® (250 million CFU at time of expiration).

Rating: Average

Ingredient Score:

Rated at 3 out of 5 green leaves, the Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal Replacement Protein Powder in Chocolate flavor represents a middle-of-the-road option for those seeking cleaner food products. This protein powder is indeed organic and non-GMO, aligning with the preferences of health-conscious consumers. However, its score reflects deductions for the inclusion of added sweeteners and flavoring agents.

The product boasts a comprehensive organic sprouted protein blend that includes a variety of plant-based sources such as pea protein, sprouted brown rice protein, and a range of sprouted seeds and grains. This blend aims to provide a balanced amino acid profile. Additionally, the powder includes an organic flavor blend, featuring chocolate and other natural flavors, along with sweeteners like organic erythritol and stevia.

The organic fiber blend, with ingredients such as tapioca fiber and flax meal, contributes to the product’s fiber content, which is beneficial for digestive health. A diverse organic fruit and vegetable blend adds a spectrum of nutrients and antioxidants, while an organic greens blend with alfalfa grass juice and spirulina offers additional health benefits.

The whole food vitamin and mineral blend is designed to support overall wellness with essential vitamins and minerals, including a variety of B vitamins, vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, as well as minerals such as zinc and chromium. A probiotic and enzyme blend, including Bacillus subtilis DE111®, is included to aid digestion and promote gut health.

Despite these positive attributes, the product loses points for sweeteners like stevia and erythritol. While these are not artificial and are common in many health food products, they are considered less desirable by some consumers. The presence of natural flavors also results in a deduction, as these can be a source of contention due to their vague definition and potential to include a wide range of substances.

The Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal Replacement Protein Powder in Chocolate flavor stands as an option with several healthful qualities, yet it is not without its compromises. Its rating reflects a balance between its organic, non-GMO composition and the presence of certain ingredients that may not align with the strictest clean food standards.