Is Plant-Based Protein Powder Chocolate Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Open Nature
Open Nature's Plant-Based Protein Powder Chocolate is reviewed here as a supplement. Zerotox gives it 60/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The ingredient review below focuses especially on Natural Flavors.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes pea protein isolate and natural flavors, but also contains stevia leaf extract and xanthan gum, which raise moderate concerns about synthetic additives and processing.
Main concern
Stevia leaf extract is a processed sweetener that may raise concerns for some consumers regarding synthetic additives.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Pea protein isolate provides a plant-based protein source, supporting muscle recovery and growth.
- Cocoa powder adds flavor and may offer antioxidant properties, enhancing the overall quality of the product.
Concerns
- Stevia leaf extract is a processed sweetener that may raise concerns for some consumers regarding synthetic additives.
- Xanthan gum is a thickener that, while common, can cause digestive issues in sensitive individuals.
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this supplement, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Pea Protein Isolate safe in this supplement?
Good
Pea Protein Isolate is used here as base. Pea protein isolate serves as the primary protein source in this powder, offering a high-quality, plant-based protein option with essential amino acids.
Role in formula: base
Original: pea protein isolate
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Is Cranberry Seed safe in this supplement?
Good
Cranberry Seed is used here as natural_extract. Cranberry seed is included for its nutritional benefits, providing healthy fats and antioxidants that may support overall health.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: cranberry seed
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Is Chia Seed safe in this supplement?
Good
Chia Seed is used here as natural_extract. Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, contributing to the nutritional profile and promoting digestive health.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: chia seed
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Is Sacha Inchi Seed safe in this supplement?
Good
Sacha Inchi Seed is used here as natural_extract. Sacha inchi seeds are a source of protein and healthy fats, enhancing the product's nutritional value and supporting heart health.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: sacha inchi seed
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Is L Leucine safe in this supplement?
Medium
L Leucine is used here as amino_acid. L-leucine is an essential amino acid that plays a key role in muscle protein synthesis, though its isolated form raises some processing concerns.
Role in formula: amino_acid
Original: L-leucine
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Is L Isoleucine safe in this supplement?
Medium
L Isoleucine is used here as amino_acid. L-isoleucine is another essential amino acid important for muscle recovery, but its isolated nature may indicate processing.
Role in formula: amino_acid
Original: L-isoleucine
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Is L Valine safe in this supplement?
Medium
L Valine is used here as amino_acid. L-valine is an essential amino acid that supports muscle metabolism, though its isolated form raises questions about processing.
Role in formula: amino_acid
Original: L-valine
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Is Glutamine safe in this supplement?
Medium
Glutamine is used here as amino_acid. Glutamine is an amino acid that may support recovery, but its isolated form suggests a level of processing that could be a concern.
Role in formula: amino_acid
Original: glutamine
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Is Alpha Galactosidase safe in this supplement?
Medium
Alpha Galactosidase is used here as enzyme. Alpha-galactosidase is an enzyme that aids digestion, particularly of complex carbohydrates, but its inclusion indicates processing.
Role in formula: enzyme
Original: alpha-galactosidase
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Is Bromelain safe in this supplement?
Medium
Bromelain is used here as enzyme. Bromelain is an enzyme derived from pineapple that may aid digestion, but its processing raises some concerns about quality.
Role in formula: enzyme
Original: bromelain
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Is Natural Flavors safe in this supplement?
Bad
Natural Flavors is used here as flavor. Natural flavors are often derived from various sources and can be highly processed, raising concerns about transparency and quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natural flavors
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Is Cocoa Powder safe in this supplement?
Good
Cocoa Powder is used here as flavor. Cocoa powder adds rich flavor and may provide antioxidant benefits, contributing positively to the product's overall profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: cocoa powder
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Is Inulin safe in this supplement?
Medium
Inulin is used here as fiber. Inulin is a soluble fiber that can aid digestion, but its processing raises questions about the overall quality of the ingredient.
Role in formula: fiber
Original: inulin
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Is Stevia Leaf Extract Reb A safe in this supplement?
Medium
Stevia Leaf Extract Reb A is used here as sweetener. Stevia leaf extract is a natural sweetener, but its processing and potential digestive effects may concern some consumers.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: stevia leaf extract (reb a)
Read the full ingredient profile for Stevia Leaf Extract Reb A
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Is Silica safe in this supplement?
Medium
Silica is used here as anti-caking_agent. Silica is used to prevent clumping in powdered products, but its synthetic nature raises some quality concerns.
Role in formula: anti-caking_agent
Original: silica
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Is Sea Salt safe in this supplement?
Good
Sea Salt is used here as flavor. Sea salt is a natural flavor enhancer that can improve taste without the concerns associated with synthetic additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: sea salt
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Is Glycine safe in this supplement?
Medium
Glycine is used here as amino_acid. Glycine is an amino acid that may support various bodily functions, but its isolated form raises processing concerns.
Role in formula: amino_acid
Original: glycine
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Is Xanthan Gum safe in this supplement?
Medium
Xanthan Gum is used here as thickener. Xanthan gum is a thickening agent that can improve texture, but it may cause digestive issues in sensitive individuals.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: xanthan gum
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 3229526
More from this brand: Open Nature products in Zerotox
Similar products: supplement in Zerotox database
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.