Garden of Life – Protein section

Rated at 3 out of 5 green leaves, the Garden of Life – Protein SPORT Certified Grass Fed Whey Vanilla is a middle-of-the-road choice for those seeking cleaner protein supplements. The product is not certified organic, which detracts from its clean food credentials, resulting in a deduction in its overall score. However, it does boast non-GMO ingredients, a positive aspect for consumers looking to avoid genetically modified organisms in their diet.

The protein blend is primarily composed of grass-fed whey protein isolate and milk protein, which may appeal to those prioritizing protein sources from grass-fed cattle. The addition of 2 billion CFU of the probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04 is a notable feature, potentially contributing to gut health.

On the downside, the inclusion of organic tapioca fiber, organic vanilla flavors, organic gum acacia, sea salt, sunflower lecithin, and organic stevia extract indicates the presence of additives and sweeteners. The use of organic erythritol and stevia as sweeteners is a point of contention, leading to a reduction in the product’s score due to added sugars, despite their natural origins.

Furthermore, the term “organic flavors” often raises concerns due to its ambiguity, and in this case, it has resulted in a significant penalty for the product. The lack of transparency regarding what constitutes these flavors leads to questions about their health implications and aligns with the product’s loss of points for potentially harmful additives.

The Garden of Life – Protein SPORT Certified Grass Fed Whey Vanilla offers a protein-rich supplement with the added benefit of probiotics and a commitment to non-GMO ingredients. However, the absence of organic certification, the presence of sweeteners, and the use of vague flavor additives prevent it from achieving a higher green leaf rating. Consumers seeking a cleaner protein option may find this product to be a satisfactory but not exceptional choice.