There are two issues I actually like about most of Backyard of Life protein powder merchandise: 1.) they’re low cost, and a couple of.) they’re natural.
After I analyzed the elements and diet details of their protein powders, I found some issues that raised a couple of pink flags.
On this article, I’m going to share these findings with you, so you’ll be able to determine for your self whether or not Backyard of Life’s uncooked protein powders are the fitting selection for you.
Backyard of Life Protein Powder Evaluation (Condensed Model)
Backyard of Life Protein Powder Evaluation (Full Model)
Researching Plant Protein Powders?
CLICK HERE to get our FREE Google Sheet evaluating 25+ manufacturers by diet, elements, and value.
Backyard of Life Protein Powder Evaluation (Condensed Model) – “protein powder garden of life”
Just like my different plant protein powder evaluations, I’m reviewing Backyard of Life protein powders based mostly on well being and diet … NOT style. If you wish to know what it tastes like, learn the Amazon evaluations.
That is what I search for in a wholesome protein powder:
Backyard of Life meets most of those standards …
Let’s begin with what I like about Backyard of Life protein powders:
Right here’s a high-level overview of what’s in every of their 6 predominant protein powders (I famous my pink flags and can let you know extra about every under the chart):
Learn on to search out out why I highlighted the issues above in pink …
Backyard of Life Protein Powder Evaluations (Full Model)
Okay, in order we stated, GOL appears to be like fairly good at first look. Natural elements, probiotics, high quality protein sources.
However …
There are a couple of pink flags about GOL protein powders I wish to let you know extra about.
Let’s begin with this one …
1. Most Backyard of Life Protein Powders Have “Natural Flavors”
Right here’s what David Andrews, Senior Scientist on the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has to say about pure flavors:
Vandana Sheth, spokesperson for the Academy of Diet and Dietetics, says these flavors could induce meals cravings in some folks too.
I emailed Backyard of Life and requested, “What ingredients, specifically, do your natural flavors contain?”
Right here’s what they stated:
Now, I’m not saying Backyard of Life’s “flavors” include different shady elements like most firms add, particularly since they’re natural.
Nevertheless, typically I keep away from merchandise with “flavors” as a result of they might include different components and preservatives.
Let’s transfer on and speak about pink flag #2.
2. Hidden Sugar in Backyard of Life Uncooked Protein
I used to be stunned to see that two of Backyard of Life’s unflavored protein powder merchandise include 6 grams of sugar! Test it out …
Backyard of Life Uncooked Meal
Backyard of Life Uncooked Protein and Greens
If you happen to’re shopping for an unflavored protein powder, added sugar might be the final ingredient you need in it. And “organic cane sugar” isn’t any higher than every other sugar supply.
The chemical composition is strictly the identical … your physique will break the sugar down into glucose and fructose within the digestive tract and it’ll have the very same damaging results in your metabolism.
3. Backyard of Life Recall and Controversy
Backyard of Life was in scorching water a couple of years in the past when 33 folks received Salmonella poisoning from their Uncooked Meal Natural Shake & Meal Substitute powdered mixes. The victims ranged in age from 1 yr to 84 years previous. I’ve had Salmonella and it was fairly presumably the sickest I’ve ever felt in my life … wouldn’t want it on anybody. Fortunately, not one of the 33 folks from the Backyard of Life recall died.
Now, as somebody who additionally sells an natural, plant-based protein powder I really feel for GOL. These items occur within the meals business (fortunately to not us to date).
However it doesn’t make it any much less scary.
4. Backyard of Life Nestle Acquisition
In December 2017, GOL’s father or mother firm Atrium was acquired by Massive Meals large Nestle for $2.3 billion.
Regardless of Backyard of Life’s CEO Mind Could assuring clients there aren’t any “current plans” to vary something, many individuals are involved based mostly on Nestle’s monitor document of peddling junk meals and investing cash to thwart GMO labeling efforts.
When small firms get purchased by huge firms, they often do every thing doable to lower prices, and the very first thing they take a look at is, “How can we reduce the costs of our ingredients.” This usually results in extra ingredient sourcing from questionable sources abroad.
The way forward for GOL’s elements stays to be seen.
Backyard of Life Protein Powder Evaluations Summed Up
The one Backyard of Life product I actually like and advocate is Natural Plant Protein (Unflavored). It’s a strong product with all natural, actual meals elements and accommodates probiotics. Listed below are the elements and diet details:
I’ve used Backyard of Life’s Uncooked Match protein previously however I’ve since phased out all merchandise with “flavors.”
Sadly, all Backyard of Life protein powders apart from Unflavored Natural Plant Protein (Uncooked Match, Uncooked Natural Meal, Uncooked Protein and Greens, and SPORT Natural Plant-Primarily based Protein) include flavors, gums, and/or sugars.
Lengthy story brief, I like their Unflavored merchandise with no sugar added and their dedication to natural, actual meals elements … however can’t give their flavored ones my stamp of approval.
“protein powder garden of life”