Garden of life organic protein powder
Photo: Open Food Facts contributors (CC BY-SA)

Protein powders

Garden of life organic protein powder

23.28 oz

Score

Excellent 92 out of 100 Medium confidence
  • Contains non-nutritive sweeteners
  • Contains sugar alcohols
  • Certified organic
  • Contains whole grains

Why it scores 92

Garden of life organic protein powder scores 92 out of 100 (Excellent) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:

  1. minus 5 points Erythritol: A 2023 study linked higher blood erythritol to cardiovascular events and found it increased clotting activity; long-term safety studies are warranted. Strong
  2. minus 1 points Pea protein: An ingredient typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). Info
  3. minus 1 points Natural flavors: "Natural flavor" is a legal category (21 CFR 101.22(a)(3)): flavor substances from spices, fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy or fermentation. Info

Every line of the math is on The Receipt below, with its evidence tier and sources.

The Receipt

Garden of life organic protein powder

START100

Ingredients

  • Erythritol minus 5 points
    Strong A 2023 study linked higher blood erythritol to cardiovascular events and found it increased clotting activity; long-term safety studies are warranted. [1][2]
  • Pea protein minus 1 points
    Info An ingredient typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). [3]
  • Natural flavors minus 1 points
    Info "Natural flavor" is a legal category (21 CFR 101.22(a)(3)): flavor substances from spices, fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy or fermentation. [4][3]
  • Guar gum minus 0.5 points
    Info An ingredient class typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). [3]
  • Stevia (steviol glycosides) minus 0.5 points
    Emerging WHO (2023) recommends against using non-sugar sweeteners to control body weight (conditional recommendation); US dietary guidelines advise limiting them. [5][6]
subtotal−8

TOTAL 92Excellent

100 − 8 = 92


GTIN 00658010116039 · 2026-05-31

score v1.3.0 · kb 2026.10.11

Medium confidence

Same product, same score. Every time.

Nutrition per 100 g

Energy394 kcal
Fat7.6 g
Saturated fat1.5 g
Trans fat0 g
Carbohydrates18.2 g
Sugars0 g
Added sugars0 g
Fiber15.2 g
Protein66.7 g
Salt2.3 g

Serving: 1 scoop (33 g)

Ingredients

High Moderate Not recognized Tap an ingredient for its evidence and rules.
Label text, as published

Raw Organic Protein Blend: Organic Pea Protein, Organic Sprouted Brown Rice Protein, Organic Amaranth Sprout, Organic Buckwheat Sprout, Organic Millet Sprout, Organic Cracked Wall Chlorella, Organic Quinoa Sprout, Organic Chia Seed Sprout, Organic Garbanzo Bean Sprout, Organic Lentil Sprout, Organic Adzuki Bean Sprout, Organic Flax Seed Sprout, Organic Sunflower Seed Sprout, Organic Pumpkin Seed Sprout, Organic Sesame Seed Sprout, Organic Flavor Blend: Organic Vanilla Flavor with Other Natural Flavors, Organic Erythritol, Organic Guar Gum, Organic Stevia Leaf Extract, Sea Salt, Raw 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). grown i C qcsM Contains: Sesame. www.g 2023 DE111® is a trademark of Deerland Probiotics & Enzymes, Inc. ROPVL - if CEATIFE Green Distr 4200 Palm

Allergens and diets

Contains: Sesame

  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian

Always check the package: recipes change.

Sources

  1. The artificial sweetener erythritol and cardiovascular event risk

    Nature Medicine · March 2023 · Peer-reviewed

    “Our findings reveal that erythritol is both associated with incident MACE risk and fosters enhanced thrombosis. Studies assessing the long-term safety of erythritol are warranted.”

    doi.org

  2. Re-evaluation of erythritol (E 968) as a food additive (plain language summary)

    European Food Safety Authority · Dec 20, 2023 · Agency assessment

    “In all groups of people, both acute and chronic exposure to erythritol is above the newly set ADI.”

    efsa.europa.eu

  3. Ultra-processed foods: what they are and how to identify them

    Public Health Nutrition · April 2019 · Peer-reviewed

    doi.org

  4. 21 CFR 101.22 Foods; labeling of spices, flavorings, colorings and chemical preservatives

    Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), U.S. Office of the Federal Register · Dec 19, 2016 · Law

    “whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional.”

    ecfr.gov

  5. WHO advises not to use non-sugar sweeteners for weight control in newly released guideline

    World Health Organization · May 15, 2023 · Agency assessment

    “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

  6. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture · January 2026 · Regulator

    “Limit foods and beverages that include artificial flavors, petroleum-based dyes, artificial preservatives, and low-calorie non-nutritive sweeteners.”

    cdn.realfood.gov

  7. Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, Annex III point 2.4 (foods with more than 10 % added polyols)

    European Union (Official Journal) · Oct 25, 2011 · Law

    “‘excessive consumption may produce laxative effects’.”

    eur-lex.europa.eu

  8. 21 CFR 184.1835 Sorbitol

    Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), U.S. Office of the Federal Register · Nov 22, 2016 · Law

    ““Excess consumption may have a laxative effect.””

    ecfr.gov

  9. Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of 30 May 2018 on organic production and labelling of organic products

    European Union (Official Journal) · May 30, 2018 · Law

    eur-lex.europa.eu