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

Protein powders

Vega Protein and Greens

18.6 oz, 526 g

Good out of 100 Medium confidence
  • Ultra-processed
  • High in salt
  • Contains non-nutritive sweeteners
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Why it scores 61

Vega Protein and Greens scores 61 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. Salt 2.4 g / 100 g: 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.

The Receipt

Protein and Greens

START100

Ingredients

  • Pea protein
    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]
  • Rice protein
    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. [3][4]
  • Guar gum
    Info An ingredient class typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). [1]
  • Xanthan gum
    Info An ingredient class typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). [1]
subtotal−12

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 g

  • Salt 2.4 g / 100 g
    Strong Very high in salt. [5]
  • Energy 400 kcal / 100 g
    Info Energy-dense for its weight. [4]
  • Fiber 3.3 g / 100 g
    Strong A good source of fiber. [4]
  • Protein 66.7 g / 100 g
    Info A good source of protein. [4]
subtotal−5
TOTAL 61Good

100 − 39.5 = 60.5 → 61

Can’t score above 79. High in salt (above the front-of-pack "high" level). [6]

GTIN 00838766006710 · 2025-08-07

score v1.3.0 · kb 2026.10.11

Medium confidence

Same product, same score. Every time.

Nutrition per 100 g

Energy400 kcal
Fat8.3 g
Saturated fat0 g
Trans fat0 g
Carbohydrates16.7 g
Sugars3.3 g
Added sugars0 g
Fiber3.3 g
Protein66.7 g
Salt2.4 g

Serving: 30g

Ingredients

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

PEA PROTEIN, PEA STARCH, NATURAL FLAVORS, SPINACH POWDER, ORGANIC BROWN RICE PROTEIN, STEVIA LEAF EXTRACT, ORGANIC KALE POWDER, GUAR GUM, XANTHAN GUM, ORGANIC ALFALFA GRASS POWDER, ORGANIC SACHA INCHI POWDER, ROSEMARY EXTRACT, BROCCOLI POWDER.

Allergens and diets

May contain: Milk, Peanuts, Tree nuts, Soy, Egg

  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
  • Palm-oil-free

Always check the package: recipes change.

Healthiest protein powders in the US

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. 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. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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