Anyone who has spent time shopping around in store or online for gluten-free, vegan and/or non-GMO verified protein powders and shakes knows that it isn’t as simple and straightforward as it first appears. When it comes to buying something you are going to be taking once a day or more, you need to be certain it contains (or doesn’t contain) what it says it does.
Vega are a large and well-known brand that pump out a multitude of products for those looking for gluten-free or vegan alternatives (among others) and thus it is no surprise they are top of the list when you start looking for a new shake. It is advertised with all the usual suspects; non-GMO verified, gluten-free and vegan friendly.
‘Vega Sport Protein’ is not a new product, or at least the name isn’t. The product currently on the shelf is the second iteration of the Sport Protein from Vega which was highly loved and praised by its users. At first glance it would appear not much has changed with its newer release that came out a year or two ago, but after some digging a few interesting things started to stand out.
I think the biggest thing that caught my attention was the fact that it has the addition of ‘natural flavours’ which is misleading at a glance. To give you an idea, a 100% vegan protein powder tastes like, well, chalk due to the fact it has no flavours added to it.
So what is the big deal about natural flavours, they are natural after all…right?
The thing is, natural flavours are created with chemicals and do not naturally occur in foods. This process can include any natural source from leaves or roots to petroleum and GMO corn. Now you may find that confusing since the product clearly states it is GMO free, however in the United States companies are not lawfully required to release the sources of their natural flavours and thus in reality there is a possibility, but we can’t be sure.
The next complaint reported frequently by customers is the fact the product has simply been ruined due to its taste. From those who had been using the older version of Vega’s Sport Protein, the new iteration has a ‘chemical’ taste about it and is somewhat overpowering with sweetness. Other problems mentioned are stomach issues and the feeling of being sick, logistical errors like tub and handle size, the addition of too much extra protein and a heftier serving of carbohydrates compared to their old version. It isn’t all negative, however. There are still plenty of Vega customers that reported they are happy with the new product, enjoy its taste and find it works as it says it does so it really depends on how much faith you want to put into the company.
It is a fact that as we move further into the modern age where chemical engineering and processing take a greater place in the food industry that it becomes increasingly harder to trust larger companies when they place labels such as ‘non-GMO’ and ‘vegan friendly’. Every day new ways to alter our food and add flavours, colours, smells is invented and the ability to track the ingredients back to their source is every more convoluted. It wouldn’t be right to demonise a product and its maker straight up without proof, but it is without a doubt important that anybody wanting to ensure everything they are ingesting is 100% vegan and non-GMO do their own research, ask questions and keep an eye on what others are saying so they can keep themselves safe, happy, healthy and possess a peace of mind!
You can get the Chocolate or Vanilla flavor on Amazon.