Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Before you rate this review, please read it from start to finish. There is important information here that any health conscious consumer should now. First, Vega does use artificial sweeteners in their products. On the ingredient label it says "natural flavors". Natural flavors can come from plant and animal sources, as well as include flavor enhancers that are known neurotoxins like MSG and aspartame (NutraSweet). You can read more here in this reputable health research blog. [...] Did you know that vanilla, strawberry and raspberry natural flavors can come from a substance called "castoreum" which is produced by the castor glands in a beaver's butt? A few years ago there was a huge issue when the famous British chef Jamie Oliver mentioned it on The Late Show with David Letterman. [...] and [...] Many of Vega's products contain natural flavors. By using this legal term the company is not required to list all the individual sources of these flavors. Items like MSG, aspartame and castorem can be part of these foods. We'll never truly know what's in Vega's supplements unless Vega is upfront and honest.... or raises their own bar and uses whole foods like vanilla beans, cacao and dried fruits for flavoring. Because this Vega Protein powder is vanilla flavored, there is that chance that you are eating something from a beaver's butt. Why I wrote this review At the time of writing my review, the #1 review on Amazon.com for this product was one that made claims about Vega's product that was not true, saying "No hidden sweeteners!" as it's title. Interestingly enough, Amazon.com posted "An Amazon.com official commented on this review". The "Amazon official" was a Vega company representative - hardly an objective unbiased post. For these reasons I decided to post this review. I see these marketing tactics as unfair and disrespectful to the consumer. We as consumers deserve the truth about food labeling. When I spend my hard earned money on supplements to ensure my health I want to know what I am eating and not be deceived. Vega used to be a company that I respected. Branden Brazier's Thrive book was excellent and highly motivational. Over the years I watched Vega change their ingredient lists, increase their filler ingredients, and lower their quality. The powerful smell and color of Vega supplements turn pale and odorless - an unmistakable sign. Read the reviews of Vega's earliest products and you'll find numerous buyers falling out of favor with Vega and criticizing their product changes. I wish that Vega would return to their roots and embrace the original ideals and principles that won Branden Brazier his acclaim and respect by the health conscious audiences worldwide. Like so many other once great role models, I feel he sold out to greed and lost site of what is important. My words may sound strong. But to chance this world, we must speak up. I wrote this review with respect for the consumer and as a plea to Vega to re-evaluate their products.