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ranked #7,064 most helpful
out of 571,544,897 reviews
★★★★☆
Nutrient dense, rich in flavor, but expensive
I have tried dozens of protein powders from many different brands, running the spectrum from whey isolates and caseins, to soy and other vegetarian-based powders -- including Vega Sport Performance. I have a personal training background and am in the gym 4-5 days per week, so I tend to rely on protein supplements to help round out my macronutrients. Vega is a brand that consistently puts out high-quality products with minimal (or no) fillers, so I was expecting good things with the new Protein & Greens product. Here are some key points I found worth noting:
MIXABILITY
This is definitely a thicker shake, which is actually pretty typical of veg-based powders. If you prefer your shakes to be smooth, you'll need to add quite a bit of water. I actually enjoy making protein pudding, so I'll put a scoop of Vega in a bowl, add a minimal amount of water, and mix until I get a nice, thick, creamy consistency. But for most, a blender ball/shaker cup will be required.
TASTE
I had chocolate, which is very rich and very dark, almost bitter. The flavor is not overly sweet and is entirely unique. I really cannot compare it to other brands/types, with the exception of Vega Sport, which uses a similar ingredient profile (sans the Greens). My wife was not a fan, so it doesn't seem to appeal to all.
NUTRIENT PROFILE
With 120 calories, 1g fat, 6g carbs (2g of fiber) and 20g of protein, this is a very healthy option for those in need of additional protein in their diet. Big fan of the inclusion of greens in this formula, though it's hard to gauge what the actual percentage of those greens are. One downside is the amino acid profile, which is the key to a well-rounded protein powder. The nutritional panel only lists 15 amino acids, but there are 20 required by the body for protein synthesis and cellular function, so this isn't a "complete" protein source. But it does have adequate dosing of the branch-chained amino acids (Leucine, isoleucine and valine) which are the most anabolic of the amino acids.
VALUE
The cost per serving is about $1.65, which is definitely on the higher end. At 20g of protein per 33g scoop, the protein content is about 60% by weight, which is comparable to most protein concentrates, but a typical protein concentrate will generally run less than $1/serving. Given the incomplete amino acid profile, it's hard to justify the cost, even with the added greens. There are other vegan powders available at a much lower cost-per-serving (MRM Veggie Protein, SAN Rawfusion, etc) that offer an equally comparable nutritional profile.
OVERALL
Very high quality vegan protein with benefits that many others do not offer, but given the high price point and availability of other similar powders, I can't say this is a "must buy."
January 2015 · Health and Household