Optimum Nutrition
Flavor:
Gold Standard 100% Plant - Creamy Vanilla
Ingredients:
Plant Protein Blend (Pea Protein, Fava Bean Protein Isolate, Brown Rice Protein Concentrate), Oil Creamer (Coconut Oil and/or Sunflower Oil, Rice Syrup Solids, Pea Protein, Sodium Citrate, Tricalcium Phosphate. Sunflower Lecithin), Natural Flavor, Gum Blend (Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Gum Acacia), Salt, Stevia Leaf Extract (Reb A, Reb M).
Rating: Average
- 3 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 3/5 green leaves, the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Plant – Creamy Vanilla is a plant-based protein powder that aims to offer a healthier alternative in the supplement market. This product features a blend of pea protein, fava bean protein isolate, and brown rice protein concentrate, aiming to provide a robust amino acid profile for those seeking plant-based nutrition options.
This protein powder is not certified organic, which detracts from its green leaf rating as our standards prioritize organic ingredients for a cleaner food profile. Additionally, the lack of non-GMO verification further impacts its score, reflecting our commitment to offering guidance towards foods that avoid genetically modified organisms.
The inclusion of Stevia as a sweetener is a point of contention. While Stevia is plant-based and may be considered a better alternative to artificial sweeteners or high fructose corn syrup, its presence as an added sugar contributes to a reduction in the product’s overall score. Our criteria are stringent regarding added sugars, even if they are derived from natural sources.
Furthermore, the product contains several ingredients that have been identified as potentially harmful additives, including natural flavors and sodium citrate. The presence of these additives, alongside the gum blend consisting of xanthan gum, guar gum, and gum acacia, has led to a significant deduction in the product’s score. These ingredients are commonly used in food products but are scrutinized under our rigorous standards that favor simplicity and minimal processing.
The Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Plant – Creamy Vanilla protein powder presents itself as an option for those seeking plant-based protein sources. However, it does not fully meet the criteria for a top-tier rating on our scale due to the absence of organic certification, use of non-GMO ingredients, inclusion of added sugars, and presence of potential additives. For consumers prioritizing cleaner food options, this product offers some benefits but falls short of the highest standards set by our green leaf rating system.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
Alternatives
No Items found.
How We Rate
Every company today has a responsibility to be a net positive for the planet,
for society, and for our ecosystem