Protein powders
Premier Protein Vanilla Milkshake
1370 g
Score
- Contains non-nutritive sweeteners
- Contains artificial flavors
Why it scores 87
Premier Protein Vanilla Milkshake scores 87 out of 100 (Excellent) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:
- minus 5 points Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K): In the NutriNet-Santé cohort, acesulfame-K intake was associated with higher cancer risk; cause and effect is not established. Strong
- minus 5 points Sucralose: In a 2022 randomized study, sucralose and saccharin altered the gut microbiome and impaired glucose responses in some people; a 2023 lab study raised questions about its by-product sucralose-6-acetate. Strong
- minus 1 points Whey protein concentrate / isolate: An ingredient typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). Info
Every line of the math is on The Receipt below, with its evidence tier and sources.
The Receipt
Vanilla Milkshake
Ingredients
- Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) minus 5 points
- Sucralose minus 5 points
- Whey protein concentrate / isolate minus 1 points
- Soluble corn fiber (resistant dextrin) minus 0.5 points
- Sunflower lecithin minus 0.5 points
- Natural flavors minus 0.5 points
- Artificial flavors minus 0.5 points
- Xanthan gum minus 0.5 points
100 − 13.5 = 86.5 → 87
Nutrition per 100 g
| Energy | 385 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 5.1 g |
| Saturated fat | 2.6 g |
| Trans fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7.7 g |
| Sugars | 2.6 g |
| Added sugars | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Protein | 76.9 g |
| Salt | 1.1 g |
Serving: 39g
Ingredients
- Whey protein isolate
- whey protein concentrate
- soluble corn fiber
- sunflower lecithin
- natural flavors
- artificial flavors
- acesulfame potassium (moderate concern)
- sucralose (moderate concern)
- xanthan gum
- salt
Label text, as published
Whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, soluble corn fiber, sunflower lecithin, natural flavors, artificial flavors, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, xanthan gum, salt. Contains: milk.
Allergens and diets
Contains: Milk
- Not vegan
- Palm-oil-free
Always check the package: recipes change.
Sources
-
Artificial sweeteners and cancer risk: Results from the NutriNet-Santé population-based cohort study
“In this large cohort study, artificial sweeteners (especially aspartame and acesulfame-K), which are used in many food and beverage brands worldwide, were associated with increased cancer risk.”
doi.org
-
Re-evaluation of acesulfame K (E 950) as food additive (plain language summary)
“The acceptable daily intake (ADI) considered safe for all population groups was set at 15 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day.”
efsa.europa.eu
-
WHO advises not to use non-sugar sweeteners for weight control in newly released guideline
“The recommendation is based on the findings of a systematic review of the available evidence which suggests that use of NSS does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children.”
who.int
-
Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030
“Limit foods and beverages that include artificial flavors, petroleum-based dyes, artificial preservatives, and low-calorie non-nutritive sweeteners.”
cdn.realfood.gov
-
Personalized microbiome-driven effects of non-nutritive sweeteners on human glucose tolerance
“As groups, each administered NNS distinctly altered stool and oral microbiome and plasma metabolome, whereas saccharin and sucralose significantly impaired glycemic responses.”
doi.org
-
“Sucralose-6-acetate significantly increased the expression of genes associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and cancer”
doi.org
-
“EFSA’s experts concluded that the sweetener sucralose (E 955) continues to be safe for consumers for its currently authorised uses as a food additive.”
efsa.europa.eu
-
21 CFR 101.22 Foods; labeling of spices, flavorings, colorings and chemical preservatives
“whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional.”
ecfr.gov