Why is Vanilla Protein Shake classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The shake receives a NOVA 4 rating because it is formulated from multiple isolated ingredients such as milk protein concentrate, whey protein concentrate, refined sugars, vegetable oils and a long list of food‑grade additives. The additive list includes trisodium phosphate (E339iii), tricalcium phosphate (E341iii), tripotassium citrate (E332ii), gellan gum (E418), locust bean gum (E410), sea salt, potassium chloride and natural flavors, all of which are typical of ultra‑processed foods.

How does the sugar and salt content in Vanilla Protein Shake affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 12 g of sugars per serving, the shake contributes a noticeable carbohydrate load that can raise blood glucose levels, making it less suitable for strict diabetic management without portion control. The 0.65 g of salt (≈0.20 g per 100 ml) is moderate but may add to daily sodium intake, which is a consideration for individuals monitoring blood pressure.

Based on its ingredient list, is Vanilla Protein Shake suitable for strict diets such as vegan, keto, halal, or gluten‑free?

The product is not vegan because it contains milk protein concentrate and whey protein, both dairy derivatives. It is gluten‑free, as no wheat‑derived ingredients are present. The high sugar content and 8 g total fat make it unsuitable for a keto regimen, which limits carbs and often favors higher fat ratios. The dairy ingredients are permissible in halal diets if sourced from compliant farms, but the product does not carry an explicit halal certification.

Orgain • 11 fl oz

Vanilla Protein Shake

Beverages

Product Insights

Vanilla Protein Shake is an organic, grass‑fed protein beverage that falls under the Beverages PNNS group. It delivers 16 g protein, 12 g sugars, 0.65 g salt and 8 g total fat per 330 ml serving, is classified as NOVA group 4 ultra‑processed and carries a Nutri‑Score that is not applicable for dietary‑supplement drinks. The formula includes a comprehensive vitamin and mineral blend and organic fruit and vegetable powders, yet the high added sugars, moderate fat and several food‑grade additives moderate its nutritional appeal.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

moderate

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 ml

Added Sugars12 g

Fruits & Vegetables0 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average protein‑shake profile (15.7 g sugars, 0.73 g fat, 0.7 g saturated fat, 0.35 g salt and 1.06 g protein per 100 g), this vanilla shake supplies far more protein (≈4.9 g) and less sugar (≈3.6 g) and salt (≈0.2 g) but contains a higher total fat content (≈2.4 g).

Ingredients

Filtered water, orgain organic protein blend (*organic milk protein concentrate, organic whey protein concentrate), organic cane sugar, organic brown rice syrup, organic rice dextrins, organic high oleic sunflower oil, organic natural flavor, organic inulin, orgain vitamin & minerals blend (sodium ascorbate, magnesium sulfate, zinc gluconate, dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate, niacinamide, vitamin a palmitate, potassium iodide, copper gluconate, biotin, calcium d-pantothenate, cyanocobalamin, cholecalciferol, folic acid, thiamine hydrochloride, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin), organic rice bran extract, trisodium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate, tripotassium citrate, gellan gum, potassium chloride, sea salt, organic locust bean gum, orgain organic fruit blend powder (organic acai, organic apple, organic banana, organic blueberry, organic raspberry), orgain organic veggie blend powder (organic tomato, organic spinach, organic beet, organic carrot, organic kale), natural flavor

84%

35%

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