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Ascent 100% Whey Native Whey Protein Blend
Photo: Open Food Facts contributors (CC BY-SA)

Protein powders

Ascent 100% Whey Native Whey Protein Blend

32 oz

Good out of 100 Medium confidence
  • Ultra-processed
  • Contains non-nutritive sweeteners
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Why it scores 72

Ascent 100% Whey Native Whey Protein Blend scores 72 out of 100 (Good) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:

  1. Ultra-processed (NOVA 4): Classified NOVA 4: made with industrial ingredients and additives. Strong
  2. 4 kinds of ultra-processing markers: Industrial additive classes found: emulsifier, flavoring, industrial protein and non-nutritive sweetener. Emerging
  3. Protein 80.7 g / 100 g: A good source of protein. Info

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

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The Receipt

100% Whey Native Whey Protein Blend

START100

Ingredients

  • Whey protein concentrate / isolate
    Info An ingredient 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. [2][1]
  • Sunflower lecithin
    Info An additive class typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). [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. [3][4]
subtotal−9

Processing

  • Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)
    Strong Classified NOVA 4: made with industrial ingredients and additives. [1]
  • 4 kinds of ultra-processing markers
    Emerging Industrial additive classes found: emulsifier, flavoring, industrial protein and non-nutritive sweetener. [1]
subtotal−22.5

Nutrition per 100 g

  • Salt 0.3 g / 100 g
    Strong Contains some salt. [5]
  • Energy 387 kcal / 100 g
    Info Energy-dense for its weight. [4]
  • Fiber 3.2 g / 100 g
    Strong A good source of fiber. [4]
  • Protein 80.7 g / 100 g
    Info A good source of protein. [4]
subtotal+3
TOTAL 72Good

100 − 28.5 = 71.5 → 72

GTIN 00815863020047 · 2026-09-27

score v1.3.0 · kb 2026.10.11

Medium confidence

Same product, same score. Every time.

Nutrition per 100 g

Energy387 kcal
Fat3.2 g
Saturated fat0 g
Trans fat0 g
Carbohydrates6.5 g
Sugars3.2 g
Added sugars0 g
Fiber3.2 g
Protein80.7 g
Salt0.3 g

Serving: 1 scoop (31 g)

Ingredients

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

WHEY PROTEIN ISOLATE BLEND (NATIVE WHEY PROTEIN ISOLATE, WHEY PROTEIN ISOLATE), WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, NATURAL FLAVORS, SUNFLOWER LECITHIN, MONK FRUIT EXTRACT.

Allergens and diets

Contains: Milk, Soy

  • Not vegan
  • Palm-oil-free

Always check the package: recipes change.

Healthiest protein powders in the US

More from Ascent

Sources

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

    Public Health Nutrition · April 2019 · Peer-reviewed

    doi.org

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Sodium reduction (fact sheet)

    World Health Organization · May 11, 2026 · Agency assessment

    “For adults, WHO recommends less than 2000 mg/day of sodium (equivalent to less than 5 g/day salt), or just under a teaspoon.”

    who.int

  6. Ultra-processed food exposure and adverse health outcomes: umbrella review of epidemiological meta-analyses

    BMJ · Feb 28, 2024 · Peer-reviewed

    “Greater exposure to ultra-processed food was associated with a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, especially cardiometabolic, common mental disorder, and mortality outcomes.”

    doi.org

  7. Ultra-Processed Diets Cause Excess Calorie Intake and Weight Gain: An Inpatient Randomized Controlled Trial of Ad Libitum Food Intake

    Cell Metabolism · July 2019 · Peer-reviewed

    doi.org