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Vital Proteins Collagen & Protein Shake — Chocolate
Photo: Open Food Facts contributors (CC BY-SA)

Protein shakes

Vital Proteins Collagen & Protein Shake — Chocolate

11 oz

Excellent out of 100 High confidence
  • Contains non-nutritive sweeteners
  • Contains seed oils
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Why it scores 95

Vital Proteins Collagen & Protein Shake — Chocolate scores 95 out of 100 (Excellent) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:

  1. Milk protein concentrate / isolate: An ingredient typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). Info
  2. Sunflower oil: High in omega-6 linoleic acid. Emerging
  3. Microcrystalline cellulose: An ingredient class 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

Vital Proteins Collagen & Protein Shake — Chocolate

START100

Ingredients

  • Milk protein concentrate / isolate
    Info An ingredient typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). [1]
  • Sunflower oil
    Emerging High in omega-6 linoleic acid. [2][3][4][5]
  • Microcrystalline cellulose
    Info An ingredient class typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). [1]
  • Vegetable gums (unspecified)
    Info An ingredient class typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). [1]
  • Natural flavors
    Info "Natural flavor" is a legal category (21 CFR 101.22(a)(3)): flavor substances from spices, fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy or fermentation. [6][1]
  • Monk fruit extract
    Emerging WHO (2023) recommends against using non-sugar sweeteners to control body weight (conditional recommendation); US dietary guidelines advise limiting them. [7][8]
  • Collagen
    Info An ingredient typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). [1]
  • Stevia (steviol glycosides)
    Emerging WHO (2023) recommends against using non-sugar sweeteners to control body weight (conditional recommendation); US dietary guidelines advise limiting them. [7][8]
subtotal−5.5
TOTAL 95Excellent

100 − 5.5 = 94.5 → 95

GTIN 00810089956200 · 2026-08-31

score v1.3.0 · kb 2026.10.11

High confidence

Same product, same score. Every time.

Nutrition per 100 g

Energy49 kcal
Fat0.8 g
Saturated fat0.3 g
Trans fat0 g
Carbohydrates0.9 g
Sugars0.3 g
Added sugars0 g
Fiber0 g
Protein9.2 g
Salt0.1 g

Serving: 1 carton (325 ml)

Ingredients

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

Filtered water, milk protein, cocoa processed with alkali, high oleic sunflower oil, potassium citrate, cellulose gel and gum, salt, gum, natural flavor, monk fruit concentrate, collagen peptides, stevia sweetener.

Allergens and diets

Contains: Milk

  • Not vegan
  • Not vegetarian
  • Palm-oil-free

Always check the package: recipes change.

Healthiest protein shakes in the US

More from Vital Proteins

Sources

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

    Public Health Nutrition · April 2019 · Peer-reviewed

    doi.org

  2. Re-evaluation of the traditional diet-heart hypothesis: analysis of recovered data from Minnesota Coronary Experiment (1968-73)

    BMJ · Apr 12, 2016 · Peer-reviewed

    “replacement of saturated fat in the diet with linoleic acid effectively lowers serum cholesterol but does not support the hypothesis that this translates to a lower risk of death from coronary heart disease or all causes.”

    doi.org

  3. Use of dietary linoleic acid for secondary prevention of coronary heart disease and death: evaluation of recovered data from the Sydney Diet Heart Study and updated meta-analysis

    BMJ · Feb 4, 2013 · Peer-reviewed

    doi.org

  4. Dietary Linoleic Acid and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies

    Circulation · Oct 28, 2014 · Peer-reviewed

    “These data provide support for current recommendations to replace saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat for primary prevention of CHD.”

    doi.org

  5. Dietary Fats and Cardiovascular Disease: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association

    Circulation · Jul 18, 2017 · Peer-reviewed

    doi.org

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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