Protein shakes
Slate Dark Chocolate High Protein Milk Shake
11 fl oz/325 mL
Score
- Ultra-processed
- Contains non-nutritive sweeteners
- Contains emulsifiers studied for gut effects
Why it scores 61
Slate Dark Chocolate High Protein Milk Shake scores 61 out of 100 (Good) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:
- minus 18 points Ultra-processed (NOVA 4): Classified NOVA 4: made with industrial ingredients and additives. Strong
- minus 7.5 points Cellulose gum (carboxymethylcellulose): In a small randomized feeding trial, carboxymethylcellulose modestly increased abdominal discomfort and reduced gut microbiota diversity; in mice it promoted low-grade inflammation. Strong
- minus 4.5 points 4 kinds of ultra-processing markers: Industrial additive classes found: bulking agent, 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 shakes
-
Protein Shake Chocolate Oak Farms · half gallon/1.89 L Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 100 out of 100 , 39 points higher -
Marine Collagen Wild-caught Orgain Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 100 out of 100 , 39 points higher -
Ensure Original nutrition shake (Milk Chocolate) Ensure · 237 mL Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 79 out of 100 , 18 points higher -
Ensure Max Protein nutrition shake French Vanilla Ensure No non-nutritive sweeteners · No gut-studied emulsifiers Score 78 out of 100 , 17 points higher -
Eden Shake Sesame & Sea Vegetable Seasoning Eden Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 79 out of 100 , 18 points higher
The same kind of product, at least 10 points higher, sold in the US. Never paid placements.
The Receipt
Dark Chocolate High Protein Milk Shake
Ingredients
- Cellulose gum (carboxymethylcellulose) minus 7.5 points
- Milk protein concentrate / isolate minus 2.5 points
- Allulose minus 2.5 points
- Inulin (chicory root fiber) minus 1.5 points
- Microcrystalline cellulose minus 1.5 points
- Monk fruit extract minus 1.5 points
Processing
- Ultra-processed (NOVA 4) minus 18 points
- 4 kinds of ultra-processing markers minus 4.5 points
100 − 39.5 = 60.5 → 61
Nutrition per 100 g
| Energy | 34 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 0.3 g |
| Saturated fat | 0 g |
| Trans fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5.5 g |
| Sugars | 0.3 g |
| Added sugars | 0 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Protein | 6.2 g |
| Salt | 0.1 g |
Serving: 1 portion (311.844 g)
Ingredients
- ULTRAFILTERED SKIM MILK BLEND (ULTRAFILTERED SKIM MILK, WATER)
- ALLULOSE
- CHICORY ROOT FIBER
- COCOA (PROCESSED WITH ALKALI)
- CELLULOSE GEL
- SEA SALT
- MONK FRUIT
- CELLULOSE GUM (moderate concern)
- LACTASE ENZYME
- VITAMIN A PALMITATE
- VITAMIN D3
Label text, as published
ULTRAFILTERED SKIM MILK BLEND (ULTRAFILTERED SKIM MILK, WATER), ALLULOSE, CHICORY ROOT FIBER, COCOA (PROCESSED WITH ALKALI), CELLULOSE GEL, SEA SALT, MONK FRUIT*, CELLULOSE GUM, LACTASE ENZYME, VITAMIN A PALMITATE, VITAMIN D3.
Allergens and diets
Contains: Milk
- Not vegan
- Palm-oil-free
Always check the package: recipes change.
More protein shakes on GoodSwap
-
High Quality Protein Fairlife · 11.5 fl oz (340 mL) Contains non-nutritive sweetenersContains emulsifiers studied for gut effects Score 84 out of 100 Excellent -
Core Power High Protein Milk Shake Chocolate Fairlife · 14 oz Ultra-processedContains non-nutritive sweetenersContains emulsifiers studied for gut effects Score 46 out of 100 Okay -
CORE POWER High Protein Milk Shake Chocolate Rlife · 414 mL Ultra-processedContains non-nutritive sweetenersContains emulsifiers studied for gut effects Score 51 out of 100 Okay -
Ensure High Protein nutrition shake Ensure Contains non-nutritive sweetenersContains added sugarsContains emulsifiers studied for gut effectsContains seed oils Score 69 out of 100 Good -
Premier protein chocolate Premier Protein · 1.28 gal/4.87 L Contains non-nutritive sweetenersContains emulsifiers studied for gut effectsContains seed oilsContains artificial flavors Score 81 out of 100 Excellent -
Protein Shake Muscle Milk MM · 11 oz Contains non-nutritive sweetenersContains emulsifiers studied for gut effectsContains seed oilsContains artificial flavors Score 77 out of 100 Good
More from Slate
-
Classic Chocolate High Protein Milk Shake Slate · 11 fl oz/325 mL Score 55 out of 100 Okay -
French Vanilla High Protein Milk Shake Slate · 11 fl oz Score 49 out of 100 Okay -
Ultra Protein Slate · 15 fl oz Score 52 out of 100 Okay -
Vanilla Latte High Protein Iced Coffee Slate · 11 fl oz Score 56 out of 100 Okay
Sources
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“Relative to control subjects, CMC consumption modestly increased postprandial abdominal discomfort and perturbed gut microbiota composition in a way that reduced its diversity.”
doi.org
-
Dietary emulsifiers impact the mouse gut microbiota promoting colitis and metabolic syndrome
“carboxymethylcellulose and polysorbate-80, induced low-grade inflammation and obesity/metabolic syndrome in wild-type hosts and promoted robust colitis in mice predisposed to this disorder.”
doi.org
-
“This study found positive associations between risk of CVD and intake of five individual and two groups of food additive emulsifiers widely used in industrial foods.”
doi.org
-
“The Panel concluded that there was no need for a numerical ADI and that there would be no safety concern at the reported uses and use levels for the unmodified and modified celluloses”
doi.org
-
WHO advises not to use non-sugar sweeteners for weight control in newly released guideline
“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
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Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030
“Limit foods and beverages that include artificial flavors, petroleum-based dyes, artificial preservatives, and low-calorie non-nutritive sweeteners.”
cdn.realfood.gov
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“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