Meal Replacement Shakes, Raw Organic, Vanilla Protein Powder with Plant Based Pea Protein, Sprouts, Greens, Probiotics, Dairy Free 28 Servings

A few years ago, I tried ordering Shakeology, and actually loved the convenience of a healthy powder blend that I could use to whip up a healthy smoothie. The only problem? The price. It costs more than $130 for a 30 serving bag of the stuff! Also, I recently discovered that I have a sensitivity to dairy, so any products with whey protein are out. So, I stopped ordering it, and there weren't any comparable products on the market at that time for me to order. I recently wanted to find an alternative to Shakeology and found a couple of products that have the same idea in mind but at about a quarter of the price. I stuck with vegan products because I can't have whey protein. Also, I needed a product that was gluten free because of my gluten sensitivity. The two products are the Garden of Life RAW Organic meal replacement shake (in Slightly Sweet because I don't like stevia), and the Nutiva Organic Plant Protein Superfood 30 Shake (Vanilla). Here is my comprehensive review of the two. Price: Buying a jar of both of these powders will run you at about $40. The only difference is that the Nutiva shake has 18 servings per jar and GoL has 30 servings per jar. GoL also tends to be a little bit cheaper, depending on which flavor you get. Winner: GoL - 30 servings for less than $40 is a BARGAIN compared to Shakeology! Nutrient Macros: A scoop of either of these blends is going to be about 125 calories. The only difference is that the GoL has a little more fiber, and Nutiva has a little more healthy fat. Both brands have 20g of vegan protein, are still fairly high in fiber, and are low sugar. Winner: Tie. Ingredients: Here's where I am really impressed with the Garden of Life version. There are just dozens of health foods crammed into this powder that it is really reminiscent of Shakeology. Every ingredient comes from a pronounceable food, with the exception being the addition of digestive enzymes and probiotics (1.5 billion CFUs or colony forming units per scoop). I am a bit of a health nut, and seeing all of these healthy ingredients just makes me jazzed! In nearly every category here, GoL beats Nutiva. With two exceptions: flax seed meal and proteins from grains. I have to be really careful about what I eat because I have a mild form of crohn's disease that flares when I eat something I'm sensitive to. Something in the GoL powder causes me to react, and though I think it is the flax seed meal, it could also be the protein from rice, which can also cause celiac sufferers to flare. That being said, I am a rare case, and I am truly impressed with GoL here. Nutiva is also a great shake, with lots of grain free protein, digestive enzymes, and probiotics as well, though the ingredient list is about half as diverse as GoL. Winner: GoL by a landslide. Taste: Here is the kicker. I want to make this abundantly clear: these are HEALTH drinks, not a vanilla milkshake. Anything you make with these products is not going to taste like a milkshake. There are tons of reviews for both products about how bad it tastes. To be honest with you, I enjoy the taste of healthy things. And if you blend it up with some fruit for natural sweetness, they become downright delicious! Here's another thing: yes, I have been eating healthy for a long time, and I have a high tolerance for bitterness and grittiness when it comes to these powders. But as you put more healthy foods in your body, it begins to heal, and your brain will actually start to crave things that you used to hate. A perfect example for me is avocados. I couldn't stand avocados, but I ate them in whatever way I could stomach them because I knew they were good for you. In about a month, I got to the point where I craved them regularly! Sometimes you have to just push through the initial dislike before reaching nirvana. I think it is worth it! Okay, now that we have that aside, I'll compare the tastes one by one. I went with the Slightly Sweet flavor of RAW Meal, and I genuinely loved it! But I also blended it with other things! A typical smoothie for me consisted of unsweetened almond milk, RAW meal, some pumpkin seeds, some greens, and about a cup and a half of dark berries. This usually resulted in the perfect amount of sweetness for me, which is about the sweetness of 70% dark chocolate (slightly sweet but also bitter). Yum! The best part about blending it with other ingredients is that it also covers up the slight grittiness of the powder. Vegan proteins are never going to be as smooth as whey. The only downside to the RAW Meal powders is that you only have two options for sweetness: sweetened with stevia, and sweetened with sugar. There isn't a sweetener free option. The Nutiva shake powder smells better than the RAW meal powder - almost like a healthy cake batter. But Nutiva is sweetener free (except for a small amount of monk fruit extract, which you do NOT taste). This means that you can add in natural sugars, like from fruit, and have your smoothie sweetened that way. I actually like this option, because I prefer to sweeten my smoothies with bananas, which would make the RAW meal smoothie too sweet. Nutiva is also a little bit gritty, about the same level as RAW Meal. However, I did always notice that I enjoyed the RAW Meal smoothies more than the Nutiva ones. Winner: GoL - though if you want a sweetener free option, Nutiva still tastes pretty good! Drinkability: This category is similar to the 'Taste' category, but here is where I want to mention that both are a little gritty. Also, some other reviews mentioned that the powders congealed when left too long. I never had this problem, but I have a high power blender and always drank my smoothies fresh. Winner: Tie - with slight edge toward GoL. Final Thoughts: I really really wanted RAW Meal to be my new go to drink. It tastes better, has more flavors, is more cost effective, and has an incredible ingredient profile despite still being organic. However, I personally can't drink it. The flax meal in it causes my crohn's disease to flare up. I also know people who can't eat rice, and they would also react to RAW Meal (though Nutiva does have a little bit of 'rice extract' in it, the people I know don't react to the rice extract in Nutiva). Both are great alternatives to add a little extra dose of healthy to your morning shake, and, even though I can't drink the one I really like, I am grateful that Nutiva created a product that someone with my disease can drink!

It Works for me perfectly. It taste good & sort of like a vanilla/banana shake. First let me to all the people that keep saying that it mixes up to thick, well I found out why, it is because the scoop is actually really a double scoop because if you look insides of the scoop it has a fill to line inside of the scoop, so you are only suppose to fill only tip the line in the middle of the scoop & yes I agree with what your probably thinking because I thought the same thing & that is, why did they give a big scoop that is double what you should mix & the answer is I do not know, but I think they are trying to get you to make that mistake & use it up sooner then what it would last if you were mixing it up correctly or something. Who really know whats these companies do stuff for, but I thought at the time of grabbing this scoop that why didn't they just give us the right size scoop in the big bottle/canister? Don't really know, but all I know the first time I mixed this up I filled the scoop only tip the middle fill line that you can only see inside the scoop, so when I mixed the powder up it tuned out perfectly & I even mixed it with a banana & almond milk & spring water with no sugar because for me it does not need any because it is actually sweet enough. It is a really good probiotic & fiber supplement, not to mention all of the organic healthy plant based nutrition in it. It feels the stomach using the Psyllium Husk & Chia seeds & flax seeds in it & it just works perfectly for me. The pros part I am copy & pasting from this companies website Pros: (My Words): It taste similar to a vanilla/banana shake & it includes all of the healthy nutrition that your body needs especially vitamins, so you don't have to take a multivitamin because it has everything in it already. Love it Pros: (Now "Garden of Life's" Words): RAW Meal goes beyond organic by providing live probiotics and enzymes, Vitamin Code RAW Food-Created vitamins and minerals, as well as nutrient Code Factors such as beta-glucans, SOD, glutathione and CoQ10, enabling natural recognition by your body. Containing 26 superfoods from RAW organic seeds, sprouts and greens, RAW Meal provides 34 grams of protein, 9-16 grams of fiber (depending on flavor) and a healthy 2.5 grams of fat making it an excellent choice for "weight conscious" individuals. RAW Meal also offers 20 Vitamin Code vitamins and minerals providing at least 100% of the Daily Value of 16 key nutrients. Just as important is what's NOT included in RAW Meal. It is gluten-free, dairy-free and lactose-free. It has no fillers, no synthetic nutrients, no artificial flavors or sweeteners and no preservatives. What are the Key Benefits of RAW Meal? A convenient meal-on-the-go, RAW Meal is suitable for almost anyone including those on vegetarian or vegan diets, those on low carbohydrate diets or those with gastrointestinal sensitivities to milk, whey or other protein sources. RAW Meal offers the following: * Provides the nutrition of a well-balanced, healthy meal * Naturally filling, satisfies hunger, provides energy * Excellent source of RAW organic, plant-based protein (34g) - including all essential amino acids * Excellent source of 20 Vitamin Code vitamins and minerals - RAW Food-Created Nutrients and RAW Food-Chelated Minerals that enable targeted delivery and natural recognition by your body * Excellent source of soluble and insoluble fiber (9-16g) depending on flavor * Provides live probiotics and enzymes for healthy digestion * Made exclusively from RAW natural, plant-based, whole foods - uncooked, untreated, unadulterated * Contains 13 RAW organic sprouts, 4 RAW organic cereal grass juices, 5 RAW organic fruits, spirulina and chlorella * No Trans Fats RAW Meal naturally satisfies hunger and increases energy, making it great for those looking to manage their diet and looking for a convenient alternative to the pre-packaged or fast-food meals that dominate our on-the-go lifestyles. CONS: The huge double the size scoop which is very confusing for the purchaser & user of this product. I'm not taking any stars off from the five stars because I think it is a very good product & plus I was one of the ones that was not tricked by the size of the scoop because I looked at other peoples reviews first because when I pulled it out I knew/noticed this scoop looked just way to big especially for the amount of water, almond milk or liquid of your choice, so I immediately started looking for a fill line & plus I knew what to look for because I order & use a lot of plant based herbs, so a lot of them have fill line scoops, but usually the right size unlike this one. But all in all it's an excellent product & I surely recommend this product & I will most definitely be purchasing this product again & probably for a life time because it has everything in it that I was paying way more for by purchasing many of the plant based herb in this product by themselves, so this with everything was way cheaper for me because just my probiotic was 31 dollars by it self, so when I came across "Garden of Life Raw Meal" I was just totally stoked. Plus I like the fact that it is Organic Raw & Plant Based because I changed my diet to a mostly raw organic veggies & fruits by juicing them, making smoothies & eating fruits & veggies, making salads, No processed food's of any kind. I eat steamed veggies & soups, but only vegetable soups made by my own hands for health reasons & this program works out good for me personally. But anyway if you have not purchased this wonderful product, then do so now.

I was a tad hesitant to buy this because of negative reviews about flavor and texture, but my mind knew better and I gave it a chance. I'm so glad I did! I needed something to supplement my nutrition at the end of my pregnancy. This stuff is perfect! Packed full of nutrients and healthy ingredients, and enjoyable to consume to boot. I chose the vanilla w/stevia because it's always a more versatile flavor when it comes to shakes. And the Stevie flavor isn't bad at all. Yes, this tastes a tad healthy. It's fine. I also add hemp powder to mine which gives it a lot of grit, but I'm drinking it because I'm not so good about eating during this pregnancy and need something for the moments where I can't be bothered to eat. It helps if you know how to make a shake taste good. So I'd like to share a few ways I've tried making this that I've loved: 1/2 frozen banana, frozen strawberries, hemp powder, almond butter, and either almond milk or oat milk. 1/2 frozen banana, few chunks frozen avocado, big scoop of peanut butter, almond milk. 1/2 frozen banana, 1/4C frozen tart & sweet cherries, almond butter, almond milk. 1/2 frozen banana, 1/4c frozen pineapple, almond butter & almond milk. 1/2 frozen banana, 1/4c frozen blueberries, almond butter & almond milk. All were blended in my ninja cup blender with 1 scoop of product and 1/2 scoop of hemp powder. Each variation has been delicious and my husband and 8yo have loved it, too. I love that it's vegan and gluten free and that it's so versatile with so many nutrients. It's seriously really hard to find a shake that's actually packed full of decent nutritional stuff. Like others have mentioned, I used to do shakeology and have been pining for a shake that costs much less with the same nutritional benefits. This is the one. I may only stick to the Vanilla considering I can always add cocoa powder if I want it to be chocolately. I find having a chocolate base is limiting as the only things I'll likely enjoy in it are banana and peanut butter. I prefer being able to change up the flavors and utilize different produce to add even more nutritional value, and I recommend everyone else look at it this way too. It's not as delicious on its own. It's delectable with frozen banana and other flavors, blends up thick like ice cream and goes down great with a big metal straw. 👌 Buy it.

Okay, I have no wheat or milk allergies etc. I'm not vegan, nor a vegetarian. What I DO have problems with is eating enough. I don't eat the amount of calories I should a day. My nutritionist has always said that my being overweight had to do with not eating enough, and that my body was constantly in starvation mode, so every bit of calorie just sticks to my frame instead of helping me out so to speak. I do eat healthy things, and always have. I've kept a food journal religiously for years, and it's pretty certain that that three ounce brownie on Sunday isn't what makes me so hefty. Nor is it my lack of movement, I walk about three kilometers a day. Yes, I know, this probably sounds farfetched, but it's not quite as outre as it seems. I just have no appetite. It used to be I'd forget to eat until I got dizzy or whatever, just because I've got no hunger sensation. Funny, because I do like food, I just don't like to have much of it. So, to make myself eat more than once a day, I'm going back to my old standby: drinking a meal. Now, way back when, I used to just mix up some fruit, yogurt, honey, milk, and ice. That is still something I like, however, it doesn't pack enough of a caloric and nutrient punch to help me out. I've looked at various protein shakes and whatnot, but again, they're not whole meal replacements. They don't pack the nutrients I need. And to make sure they do have what I need, it required lots of extra song and dance and additives. Plus, I've just not come across one I like very much. I stumbled upon RAW Meal, and my expectations weren't too high, but that at least it had what my body needed. Here's how I make mine to get the most flavour for me and my tastebuds (along with some extra live cultures and whatnot): About half a cup of whole milk from my local dairy Black tea powder that I've made from using a mill on my favourite black tea, then mixing in masala chai spices (cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, clove, allspice, anise, ginger, nutmeg) OR coffee powder, a few tablespoons, just for flavour A few spoonfuls of homemade yogurt (yes, see, I told you, I like food, I make food, I just don't eat it) A big handful of ice And a few tablespoons of raw honey What this has yielded for me the last few weeks is either a coffee drink or a chai drink, both of which I like a great deal. I might throw in some matcha next time for some more variety. It IS gritty. But it's not UNPLEASANTLY gritty. I haven't noticed the 'grass' taste that's been mentioned by others, but when I open the jar, I do smell a bit of a 'green/hay' smell. Perhaps how I doctor mine just covers the taste enough for me to not notice. Is this stuff delicious? No. But it's pretty far from bad when you give it a little help. As an experiment, I DID try it with just water, and yes, oh my, that was filthy disgusting nasty cardboard and raw ground up dried black bean nasty. Now of course some people can do that and think it tastes great, for me, there's no way I could ever choke that down. Overall I would recommend this to someone who is having issues with getting enough of the right stuff in their diet, those who are trying to cut out excess icky stuff but still need something nutritious and filling and EASY. This isn't the sort of 'bulk you up power protein explosion in a cannister workout body builder muscle milk' stuff. This is 'food' stuff. It's good, it's decent, and for the price, I'm very happy. I'll post an update in a few months to see how I'm doing on using this to help retrain my body on how to eat more regularly and be off of the starvation mode. So, thanks for reading all of this, hopefully it was helpful, and have a good day. P.S. Why didn't I give this a five star? Because while it does what I require of it, it's not the perfect ideal either. More flavour options would be nice. And no, I don't mean strawberry or banana bleck, but something like coffee or green tea or chai. Something that would actually mix well with the texture and whatnot. UPDATE: (5 week update and I'm on my third order, I've ordered a fourth as backup in case my husband starts getting into the RAW meal too) Okay, funnest thing the last few days. I wake up starving. My evening meals have been no different than usual (whole grain, protein, two servings of veggies, and then a small pudding or yogurt pop for dessert, or a Greek yogurt). The only thing that's different is that I've been having a shake for breakfast or lunch, and a sandwich or oatmeal. Also, sometimes I feel like I'd just rather have another shake than eat solids. That's not bad exactly, it's just kind of odd. What makes it so odd however, is that I haven't had true hunger sensation in over a decade - I just eat because I'm supposed to, or if I remember, or, if I've forgotten - once I start feeling weak. My nutritionist says it's the fact that my metabolism is starting up and finally putting on its training wheels to start working once again. When I first started the RAW Meal, I had to fight to remind myself to eat dinner, and lunch? What was that? Couldn't bear the thought of it. Now, I want lunch. I want breakfast. I want dinner. But at the same time I don't want to eat-eat-eat. I just want a portion that's normal and natural. I'm slowly getting my caloric intake up to 1800 a day, and once I start exercising, I'll probably manage somehow to eat 2,000-2,200 (which my nutritionist said would be best for my hypoglycemia, so my body doesn't think it's in starvation mode anymore.) I don't feel bloated, in fact, I've noticed my edema has gone down. Haven't weighed myself, but my pants feel a little looser, which has to do with the edema going down of course, and I'll take a look at my weight in another month. (My nutritionist weighs me, but Amanda doesn't want me to focus on the weight itself yet, not until we've got my metabolism ready and rearing to go. So she records it, but I don't look. It's just part of how we've figured out it works for me best. Everyone's a little different when it comes to motivation, I'm doing this more for my health, than to lose weight specifically.)

Garden of Life's Vegan Protein Powder - Raw Organic Meal Replacement Shakes in Vanilla is a comprehensive, plant-based, dairy-free nutritional supplement designed for both women and men. This product combines pea protein, greens, and probiotics to offer a well-rounded meal replacement option that caters to those looking for a nutritious and convenient alternative to traditional meals. Key Features Plant-Based Protein: The primary source of protein in this shake is pea protein, which is known for being easily digestible and hypoallergenic. Nutrient-Rich Greens: The inclusion of organic greens such as kale, spinach, and alfalfa provides essential vitamins and minerals. Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes: Each serving includes probiotics and digestive enzymes, which support gut health and enhance nutrient absorption. Organic and Raw: The ingredients are certified organic and minimally processed to maintain their natural nutritional value. Flavor: The vanilla flavor is designed to be pleasant and versatile, easily blending with other ingredients if you wish to customize your shake. Pros High-Quality Ingredients: All ingredients are organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free, which is ideal for health-conscious consumers. Balanced Nutrition: It offers a balanced mix of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it an excellent meal replacement option. Digestive Health: The addition of probiotics and digestive enzymes supports digestive health and ensures better nutrient absorption. Convenience: Easy to prepare, it’s perfect for busy individuals needing a quick and nutritious meal on the go. Cons Texture: Some users might find the texture slightly gritty, which is common with plant-based protein powders. Sweetness: The natural sweetness from stevia and other ingredients might be too much for those who prefer less sweet flavors. Price: The product is on the higher end of the price spectrum for protein powders, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. Taste and Mixability The vanilla flavor is generally well-received, offering a smooth and creamy taste that blends well with water, almond milk, or in smoothies. However, as with many plant-based powders, achieving a completely smooth consistency might require a good blender or shaker bottle to avoid any clumping. Usage This shake is versatile and can be used as a meal replacement, post-workout recovery drink, or a healthy snack. It's particularly beneficial for those following a vegan diet or those with dietary restrictions such as dairy or gluten intolerance. Conclusion Garden of Life Vegan Protein Powder - Raw Organic Meal Replacement Shakes in Vanilla is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, plant-based protein powder. Its comprehensive nutritional profile, organic ingredients, and added probiotics make it a standout option in the crowded protein powder market. While there are minor drawbacks related to texture and sweetness, these do not overshadow the overall benefits. This product is particularly suited for health-conscious individuals seeking a convenient and nutritious meal replacement option. Overall, this protein powder provides a nutritious, convenient, and delicious option for those aiming to maintain a healthy lifestyle without compromising on quality or dietary preferences.

I was almost scared off of it by reviews about its unflavored counterpart, but decided to try it anyway because I have a 'finicky' digestive track and am very lactose intolerant. Background: I am a female trying to lose about 50lbs , and work with a personal trainer 3 times per week. I generally like "healthy" tasting things, but I don't eat a very clean diet. I'm not a vegetarian, but I only eat meat once or twice per week. However, if presented with choices while dining out will usually select a meat-centric dish. I wanted this Meal replacement powder because I am a busy professional and am TERRIBLE about meal planning. I have issues with portion control, and lunch is where I usually intake the bulk of my calories during the day. So, I purchased this to use as a lunch replacement, about 4 times per week. The LOWDOWN: I tried the vanilla flavored powder ( 1 scoop) with some vanilla almond milk and a little bit of honey (about 2 - 4 teaspoons.) It was DELICIOUS. It didn't have any weird aftertaste at all, and was very filling. The texture was a bit chunky/gritty, but I mixed it with a fork, so I wasn't expected much smoothness. It wound up tasting like a vanilla smoothie. I only used one scoop because, after reading all the reviews about how thick it got ( and the fact that it contains a lot of fiber!), I wanted to be able to adjust it later. People make it sound so complicated to make it taste good, but all you need is some flavored almond milk and you'll be fine. After drinking it, I felt a bit lightheaded ( it was the first meal I had during the day...forgot to eat breakfast)so I'm sure it has an effect on blood sugar levels ( as opposed to other shakes that have an extremely low glycemic index. So I'm not sure yet if that was a straight- up 'energy' boost or just my body telling me that I was stupid to skip breakfast (probably both. Don't skip breakfast people!) I do think it provides a general sense of "wellness' which is probably more psychological than anything else, but all the same, it's a nice perk. NOTE: Be careful about sugar content though...I don't think I will add honey next time, and I will try it just with 'no sugar added' Vanilla almond milk. Additionally, be forewarned that if you are watching your weight, mixing a full serving of the powder (2 scoops) with 16 oz of some version of 'milk' will add a lot of additional calories, probably in the 100 - 200 range which would bring your total meal to somewhere around 400 - 500 calories. Depending on how much you snack or eat during the day, that could be a good or bad thing for you. I would NOT recommend mixing it with a lot of fruits and juices when you are just starting out because it adds a lot more calories and fiber than you may need during that particular meal... and well, your bathroom will certainly thank you later. I've only used it once, so I will come back and review a few more times after this to update you on taste, cost effectiveness, energy boost and weight loss.

If you are scared by some of these comments, don't worry. I am here to save you. I too, was intrigued by the wonderful ingredients list on this product. "Wow!" I thought, "How could this be so cheap, not contain artificial sweeteners, contain THAT much protein and all those vitamins?! Why isn't everyone taking this stuff?!", then I read the comments. Some refer to the taste as something that came out of an animals rear end, and that is NOT what you want to read after hearing about this magical-vitamin-packed powder. But, I went on and ordered it, because how bad could it REALLY be? I received my order quickly of course, and was eager to open it up and at least smell it. Well, I did, and I was surprised. I was fully expecting it to smell like whatever my dog rolled in that one time he came in the house and REAKED... or that one time my younger brother left something rotting in his room for weeks. But, it was neither. It was definitely 'earthy' smelling, with vanilla. I wasn't afraid of it (and you shouldn't be either!). It wasn't until the next week that I got the chance to actually try this stuff (who wants to drink a protein shake on vacation?). I poured my milk and one scoop of powder into the shaker bottle (whole milk, may I add). I shook it up, and poured it into a glass. To my dismay, I took a sip and... and... it was a protein shake (!!!). It wasn't something I would leisurely sip on, it WAS chalky, and it did taste slightly of vitamins. In the past weeks, I had tried a very popular brand of protein shake that was a whopping $130 (plus shipping!) for a months worth. And let me tell you, it did taste better than that. But not much better. And, if you compare the nutritional value, Raw Meal had far less sugar, and a ton more vitamins, and a ton more protein. And let me add, it is WAAAAAY cheaper ($1.25 a serving compared to $4.50 a serving). With this shake, I FEEL A DIFFERENCE. I am full for hours after (if you use milk, you'll stay fuller longer, but with water it is still fine). With the other shake, even adding a full banana and peanut butter, it still didn't make me full. I could eat right after without any issue. And this was only the vanilla, I didn't get chocolate, which always seems to be better. I will update when I do try the chocolate, but the vanilla is just fine for me. It doesn't taste nearly as bad as I was prepared for it to. It is something to adjust to, but as is any shake. I am expecting to adjust to this shake the longer I am on it, and by that point I think I will be missing it if I don't have it. All in all, if you are looking for a tasty shake that has a little protein and very little nutritional value besides that, move on to another one. You're at the wrong place. If you're looking for a meal replacement shake that is jam-packed with vitamins and protein, you've found your place. Stay here. It doesn't taste like a milkshake but nobody ever said that eating healthy always tastes fabulous. Ask anybody who drinks real green smoothies, it takes some adjusting to get used to it! But soon, you don't even notice.

So I was looking which other flavor to buy because the last couple times I have been buying the chocolate flavor but the stevia is way too strong for me and I have to put lots of frozen fruit to kill the sweetness. So I was reading the comments and someone already noticed that they use pea protein as their number 1 ingredient now. So I am not sure what that really means besides that is cheaper for them to make it and gain higher profits. But I decided to compare the new label with the old one. AND THERE ARE A LOT OF DIFFERENCES. A LOT OF THE VITAMINS ARE LOWER PERCENTAGE THAN BEFORE. Attached is a picture of the old formula where pea protein is not among the substances. Here some of the differences to make it easier for you. Just to be clear I am comparing the one scoop servings! OLD: NEW: VITAMIN A: 20% 10% IRON: 15% 10% CALCIUM: 5% 4% BIOTIN: 15% 10% MAGNESIUM: 20% 6% ZINC: 35% 15% SELENIUM: 50% 30% MANGANESE: 80% 15% CHROMIUM: 70% 60% MOLYBDENUM: 80% 50% As you can see everything is down and some with big margins. I purposely gave one star to their product now so I can attract attention to this and hopefully Garden of Life will give logical explanation why they decided to change the formula. The other thing that bothers me (but it is not only them but probably the low allows it) is that you see all those fancy ingredients but you don't know what percentage of the total are they. So the pea protein could be 90% of the whole powder and the expensive ingredients 0.05% for instance. I think the customer should have the right to know that information so he can make informed choices. Anyway for now I am not buying a new box until I hear from Garden of Life.

This vegan protein is good quality and tastes pleasant. The price is premium but I indulge every now and then.

De lo mejor que puedan ofrecer las diferentes marcas comerciales

When I first tried this I just had it with water and I would agree it's not incredibly palatable that way, but if you make it the right way it's delicious. It's important to put it in a blender to get rid of the powderiness. In the blender I put: 200ml fat reduced coconut milk 150ml water 2 scoops of Raw Meal powder. I give it a good blend and then pour it into a glass. If you keep a bottle of filtered water in the fridge and store your coconut milk in there too it's lovely on a hot day.

I assumed that this product will be similar from other protein shakes, but I am pleasantly surprised - it is not sweet. The flavour is not the best - but I know it will be a good meal replacement for me. Recommended for the health conscious.

1. kurzes Vorwort Ich weiß ja nicht was sich hier manch einer für Geschmacksrichtungen vorstellt bei den Inhaltsstoffen. Es gibt hier weder künstlichen Eiscremeflavour noch ein Sahne-Schoko-Schicht-Torten-Dessert. Es handelt sich schlicht um eine große Menge gemahlener Sprossen und Enzyme, die man sich mit Wasser anrührt. Der Hersteller gibt auch nicht an, dass man das Ganze trinken soll. Es heißt nicht umsonst "Raw MEAL". Man nimmt sich also einen Löffel zur Hand und isst sein Essen. Das verstehen die meisten Menschen aber wohl nicht, da sie entweder nicht lesen oder alles als "Shake" abstempeln, was in einer großen bunten Dose verkauft wird. 2. Warum habe ich dieses Produkt gekauft Ich nutze dieses "Raw Meal" tatsächlich als Mahlzeitenersatz. Dies dürfte der eigentliche Grund sein, warum es eben so heißt wie es heißt. Da sich die Welt (zumindest in den Köpfen vieler Arbeitgeber) immer schneller dreht, sich Pausen stetig verkürzen und man nebenbei viele verschiedene Nährstoffe für den heutigen turbulenten Alltag braucht ersetze ich durch 2 Löffel dieses Raw Meals eine Mahlzeit, die ich sonst auslassen müsste. 3. Meine Anwendung ganz einfach 2 Meßlöffel (liegt bei) in eine Schüssel und am besten mit einer Gabel (damit es nicht klumpt) und ausreichend Wasser stetig anrühren bis ein dicker Brei entsteht. Nicht zu wenig Wasser verwenden und ruhig 2 Minuten rühren und Wasser zufügen, weil das ganze noch ein paar Mal nachdickt. Wenn diese Prozedur abgeschlossen ist, ist das Essen schon fertig und kann einfach gelöffelt werden. 4. Mein Gewinn Es macht satt aber nicht voll. Ich kann nach dem Genuss dieses Raw Meals mit voller Power weiter arbeiten oder auch Sport machen ohne Völlegefühl oder Müdigkeit. Da dürften die zugefügten Enzyme (Papain, Bromelain etc.) hervorragende Arbeit leisten. Es gibt keine Gasbildung oder Verflüssigung des Stuhls. Ich habe also innerhalb von nur 3 Minuten (1 Minute Auspacken und Schüssel, Gabel, Löffel suchen, 2 Minuten anrühren) eine absolut vollwertige Mahlzeit die mir, im Fall der Geschmacksrichtung Vanille, auch noch schmeckt. Anfangs schmeckt es sogar leicht bananig. Finde es also sehr lecker. 5. Wem empfehle ich dieses Produkt Empfehlen tue ich dieses Produkt jedem Menschen, der im Alltag sonst nicht genug essen kann. Egal ob das Kind schreit, der Arbeitgeber Druck macht oder der nächste Supermarkt schon geschlossen hat. Jeder Mensch, der hier kein Plastikerdbeeraroma erwartet und tatsächlich noch Geschmacksknospen hat, die nicht stündlich mit Cola und Co verseucht werden wird den dezenten Geschmack sicher nicht unangenehm finden. 6. Fazit Hiermit führt man sich wirkliche Nährstoffe zu und keinen Plastikerdbeergeschmack mit vielen Kalorien und zero Nährstoffen. Wer allerdings mit diesem Produkt nach einer Rechtfertigung vor sich selbst sucht sich (geschmacklich) ein Stück Erdbeer-Sahne-Torte zu genehmigen wird mit diesem Produkt wohl nichts anfangen können. Nachtrag vom 17.11.2015: Neuerdings sind in der Dose nur noch 949g statt 1200g enthalten, was man beim genaueren Hinsehen auf den Fotos auch sieht. Allerdings hatte ich der Gewohnheit wegen über "nochmal bestellen" in meinem persönlichen Bereich nicht nochmal die Bilder des Produktes angeschaut. Laut Überschrift sollten allerdings 1200g enthalten sein. Sehr ärgerlich also: neue Rezeptur, neue schlankere Verpackung und weniger Inhalt für den gleichen Preis. Letzteres bringt mich dazu einen Stern abzuziehen, weil ich das doch sehr ärgerlich finde, dass die Überschrift nicht mit angepasst wurde. Mal sehen ob der Geschmack dennoch überzeugt. Nachtrag zum Preis: Ich kaufe das Raw Meal nur, wenn es ca. 33€ kostet. Zwischenzeitlich kostet es 70€ und mehr. Woher diese starken Preisschwankungen kommen weiß wohl niemand so recht. Wenns also bei 70€ ist dann einfach warten, bis es wieder billiger wird. Ein Schelm, wer hier böses denkt ;)