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Vega Original Protein
Photo: Open Food Facts contributors (CC BY-SA)

Beverages

Vega Original Protein

16.2 oz/460 g

Okay out of 100 Medium confidence
  • Ultra-processed
  • High in salt
  • Contains non-nutritive sweeteners
  • Seed-oil free
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Why it scores 59

Vega Original Protein scores 59 out of 100 (Okay) 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. Salt 2.2 g / 100 ml: Very high in salt. Strong
  3. 4 kinds of ultra-processing markers: Industrial additive classes found: flavoring, industrial protein, non-nutritive sweetener and thickener, stabilizer or gelling agent. Emerging

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

Better protein powders

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The Receipt

Original Protein

START100

Ingredients

  • Pea protein
    Info An ingredient typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). [1]
  • Gum arabic (acacia)
    Info An ingredient class 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. [2][3]
  • 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. [4][1]
  • Xanthan gum
    Info An ingredient class typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). [1]
subtotal−10.5

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: flavoring, industrial protein, non-nutritive sweetener and thickener, stabilizer or gelling agent. [1]
subtotal−22.5

Nutrition per 100 ml

  • Saturated fat 2.2 g / 100 ml
    Strong High in saturated fat. [5]
  • Salt 2.2 g / 100 ml
    Strong Very high in salt. [6]
  • Energy 391 kcal / 100 ml
    Info Energy-dense for its volume. [3]
  • Fiber 6.5 g / 100 ml
    Strong A good source of fiber. [3]
  • Protein 54.4 g / 100 ml
    Info A good source of protein. [3]
subtotal−8
TOTAL 59Okay

100 − 41 = 59

Can’t score above 79. High in salt (above the front-of-pack "high" level). [7]

GTIN 00838766001371 · 2026-07-22

score v1.3.0 · kb 2026.10.11

Medium confidence

Same product, same score. Every time.

Nutrition per 100 ml

Energy391 kcal
Fat6.5 g
Saturated fat2.2 g
Trans fat0 g
Carbohydrates30.4 g
Sugars0 g
Added sugars0 g
Fiber6.5 g
Protein54.4 g
Salt2.2 g

Serving: 2 scoops (46 g)

Ingredients

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

PEA PROTEIN, PEA STARCH, ACACIA GUM, COCONUT OIL POWDER, STEVIA LEAF EXTRACT, NATURAL FLAVORS, SEA SALT, XANTHAN GUM, ROSEMARY EXTRACT.

Allergens and diets

Contains: Peanuts, Tree nuts, Soy, Egg

  • Not vegan
  • Palm-oil-free

Always check the package: recipes change.

More from Vega

Sources

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

    Public Health Nutrition · April 2019 · Peer-reviewed

    doi.org

  2. 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

  3. 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

  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. Saturated fatty acid and trans-fatty acid intake for adults and children: WHO guideline

    World Health Organization · Jul 17, 2023 · Agency assessment

    “WHO recommends that adults and children reduce saturated fatty acid intake to 10% of total energy intake (strong recommendation).”

    who.int

  6. 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

  7. Guide to creating a front of pack (FoP) nutrition label for pre-packed products sold through retail outlets

    Department of Health and Social Care / Food Standards Agency (GOV.UK) · Nov 8, 2016 · Regulator

    “Table 3: Criteria for drinks (per 100ml)”

    assets.publishing.service.gov.uk

  8. 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

  9. 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