Natural Protein Shake

Why Does This Score Highly Processed?

In our analysis, Natural Protein Shake scores Highly Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Designer Whey Protein Blend (Milk Protein Isolate, Calcium Caseinate, Whey Protein Isolate, Taurine)): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Cellulose Gel, Cellulose Gum, Carrageenan): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Vanilla Flavors): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Other Additives (Sodium Polyphosphate): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Within Protein Shakes & Meal Replacements, this product is more processed than about 17% of the 2,287 products we've analyzed.

Processing classification reflects ingredient and additive analysis, not a judgment of any product's safety, quality, or healthfulness.

What These Ingredients Tell Us

We group Natural Protein Shake's ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sunflower Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Citrate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Ascorbic Acid, Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamin, and 2 more.

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Stevia Leaf Extract.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.