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What’s Really in Your Protein Powder? Breaking Down the Best and Worst Ingredients

December 2025 Sprout Living

Not all protein powders are created equal. That’s why, when choosing the right plant-based protein powder, it’s important to pay attention to more than just the grams of protein per serving. While there are many brands that market their products as clean, a quick look at those lengthy ingredient lists can paint a very different picture. Often loaded with natural flavors, sugar alcohols, and those mysterious “artificial sweeteners,” these additives are why some protein powders may leave you feeling bloated and heavy, but the health impacts of these ingredients can go beyond just tummy troubles. In this guide, we’re comparing Sprout Living’s Epic Protein Vanilla Lucuma to other leading vanilla protein powders to explain why clean ingredients matter.

Sprout Living’s Epic Protein Vanilla Lucuma vs. Other Leading Brands:

What to Look For In Plant-Based Protein Powders:

Before diving into specific ingredients, let’s explore what actually makes a plant-based protein powder worth your investment. When it comes to choosing the best protein supplement for you, there’s a lot to consider: allergies, nutritional value, dietary restrictions, digestibility, taste, and versatility. With so many things to consider it can be hard to figure out.

Here are some general guidelines:

Look for a balanced amino acid profile and prioritize complete proteins.
Check that it’s easily digestible.
Look for all natural whole-food ingredients.
Prioritize added superfoods or adaptogens.
No “natural” flavorings.
No artificial sugars.

Plant-Based Protein Sources

Depending on your individual health and wellness needs/goals, your protein preference may change. The good news? There’s lots of different plant-based protein sources to choose from and they all have their own benefits.

Pea Protein (Incomplete Protein) is rich in BCAAs which aids muscle recovery, easily digestible, and hypoallergenic.

Brown Rice Protein (Incomplete Protein) is high in cysteine and methionine amino acids, easily digested, and naturally gluten-free.
Hemp Protein (Complete Protein) is rich in omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids for heart health.
Pumpkin Seed Protein (Incomplete Protein) is packed with magnesium, zinc, and antioxidants. Also supports immune health and muscle recovery.
Chia Seed Protein (Complete Protein) is high in fiber and omega-3s for sustained energy and is allergen-friendly.
Sunflower Seed Protein (Incomplete Protein) is rich in vitamin E and healthy fats, hypoallergenic, and can support skin and immune health.
Soy Protein (Complete Protein) supports muscle growth, bone health, and heart health.

It is worth mentioning that some plant proteins, while technically incomplete, can be combined with other sources to form a complete protein!

The Problem With Not-So-Natural Flavors:

We’ve all seen natural flavors on an ingredient list before, but what exactly are these natural flavors? Ultimately, it depends on the manufacturer, but generally speaking, natural flavors are flavors derived from plants or animal sources to enhance the flavors of processed foods. These flavors are often highly processed and contain chemical additives. This is where things can get tricky for consumers. The Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association has been heavily criticized for not disclosing safety data on these natural flavors. Manufacturers are also not legally required to reveal what is in these “natural flavors,” which can cause issues for consumers with food allergies or sensitivities, not only because of the number of chemicals that can be a part of these mixtures, but also because the sources of the flavorings may contain allergens.

Purpose of Natural Flavors

Enhancing flavors of processed foods.
Making foods more enticing or addictive.
Masking low-quality ingredients.

Potential Health Impacts May Include

Migraines or headaches.
Reactions to food sensitivities or allergens.
Possible digestion issues.

Artificial Sweeteners…Not so Sweet After All:

Artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols are also commonly found in ingredient lists, but their contents remain a mystery to many consumers. The two are both responsible for making food taste like it contains sugar but vary in their chemical structures and effects on your health. Artificial sweeteners are made through a chemical synthesis process and often contain no calories and little to no effect on blood sugar which, in a world that has deemed sugar the enemy, seems great. However, these chemical sweeteners have been linked to numerous negative health effects.

Potential health impacts of artificial sweeteners may include:

Digestive issues.
Increased risks of certain cancers.
Increased risks of cardiovascular disease.
Negative effects on gut health.
Weight gain.

Sugar alcohols on the other hand are made by chemically changing sugars, often through a fermentation process. These sugars are low-calorie sugar alternatives that, unlike artificial sugars, do have an effect on blood sugar, although it’s not as extreme as natural sugar. Like artificial sweeteners, however, they are known to have a host of negative effects on health.

Potential health impacts of sugar alcohols may include:

Digestive issues.
Weight gain.
Blood sugar spikes.
Increased risk of cardiovascular events.

Going Beyond Gains:

When it comes to your nutritional supplements, they can do more for you than just help you reach your protein goals for the day. Always be sure to search ingredient lists for additional vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and functional superfoods. These nutrient-dense protein supplements go way beyond their original intended purpose and can help promote better digestion, energy, skin health, and immune function to help you feel your best now and lay a strong foundation for your long-term health and well-being.

Common superfoods in protein powders include:

Mushrooms, which can help boost the immune system and contain antioxidants.
Chia Seeds, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants.
Maca Root, which supports energy, stamina, and hormonal balance.
Sacha Inchi, which is an omega-3 rich seed that supports heart health.
Turmeric, which is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich.

That’s not all though, there are hundreds of superfoods you can find in your nutritional supplements. Click here to find a list of superfoods used in Sprout Living products and their health benefits.

Why It Matters:

It’s easy to overlook what’s in the foods we eat, but understanding ingredient lists and nutritional labels isn’t just for the health-obsessed. Knowing what you’re putting in your body helps you make decisions that are going to help you prioritize your long-term health. Remember: avoid artificial sweeteners and natural flavors, prioritize health benefits and multi-purpose supplements. So, next time you’re in the store, take a closer look at the labels and consider how you can make your food work for you.

Sources:

Artificial Sweeteners and Cancer Risk — National Cancer Institute

Artificial Sweeteners and Heart Health — Health Matters NYP

Cleveland Clinic: Sugar vs. Artificial Sweeteners — Cleveland Clinic

Chia Seeds Benefits — Scripps Affiliated Medical Groups

Facts About Sugar and Sugar Substitutes — Johns Hopkins Medicine

Health Benefits of Mushrooms — Cedars-Sinai

Macronutrient Myths & Migraines: The Migraine Diet — ENTAD.org

Maca Root Benefits — Medical News Today

Natural Flavors: Should You Eat Them? — Eating Well

Natural Flavors Explained — Abbot’s Butcher

NIH: Xylitol and Cardiovascular Health — NIH Research Matters