Vega

Rated at 3/5 green leaves, the Vega Vega® Real Food Smoothie in Chocolate Peanut Butter Blast offers a middle-of-the-road choice for those seeking cleaner food options. This product prides itself on using non-GMO ingredients, which contributes positively to its overall rating. However, it falls short of the highest standards due to its non-organic status and inclusion of certain ingredients that raise concerns.

The smoothie’s base consists of pea protein, providing a plant-based protein source, and peanut flour, which adds to the protein content and flavor profile. The cocoa powder, processed with alkali, offers a rich chocolate taste, while the sunflower oil powder and oatmilk powder contribute to the product’s creamy texture. Acacia gum serves as a dietary fiber, and sea salt is used to enhance flavor. The inclusion of spinach powder adds a nutritional boost, and rosemary extract acts as a natural preservative.

Despite these positives, the product loses points for the presence of stevia leaf extract. While stevia is a common sugar substitute, it is counted as an added sugar in this evaluation system and thus detracts from the product’s score. Additionally, the term ‘natural flavors’ is a broad and non-specific ingredient that often leads to uncertainty about its origins and composition. This, along with the use of xanthan gum and guar gum, commonly used thickeners and stabilizers, results in a significant deduction from the product’s score. These ingredients are typically scrutinized for their potential health impacts and their processed nature.

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Blast smoothie fits into a category that serves as a compromise for those who prioritize non-GMO products but are less strict about organic certification and the use of certain additives. While it does not reach the pinnacle of clean eating, it maintains a position that is above many conventional offerings in the marketplace. This product serves as a viable option for consumers who are looking for a relatively cleaner choice without expecting the highest possible standards.