Transparent Labs Vegan Protein Review: Clean and High Protein

July 05, 2024

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When you hear the name Transparent Labs, it rings a bell in the fitness world. But how does this brand measure up with its supplements? We're here to find out. With experience testing over 70 protein powders, our team is adept at identifying the true stars of the protein world.

Today, we're taking a close look at Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein Powder. Is it the powerhouse you need in your fitness journey? Let's get the scoop! This review will cover all the essentials of this product to ensure you have all the information at your fingertips.

 

Transparent Labs Vegan Protein – The Details

Transparent Labs has built a reputation for delivering high-quality fitness supplements, and their Organic Vegan Protein Powder is no exception. Let’s dive into the specifics to see what makes this product a potential game-changer in your health and workout regimen. Knowing what you consume is key to optimizing your results whether you’re a fitness newbie or a seasoned gym-goer.

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Protein Content and Macronutrients

Jumping straight into the label, we see that each 32g scoop of Transparent Labs Vegan Protein Powder delivers a solid 24 grams of protein. This places it comfortably in the middle range compared to typical protein shakes, which usually offer between 20 to 30 grams per serving. Impressively, when you break it down, each scoop comprises 75% protein—exceptionally high for a vegan protein source, and that's fantastic news for plant-based fitness enthusiasts.

Each serving contains 3 grams of carbohydrates and 2.5 grams of fat. These numbers are pretty standard for a plant-based protein shake, largely due to the natural composition of the ingredients used. Although these values are slightly higher than those found in whey protein shakes, they remain low, making this protein powder a great choice for those aiming to minimize calorie intake while maximizing nutritional value.

 

Protein Type and Quality

The protein powder in question derives its protein content from a combination of rice and pea proteins. This combination is particularly effective because rice protein alone is considered incomplete due to its low levels of the essential amino acids threonine and lysine. However, pea protein is rich in these amino acids; thus, when combined, they form a complete protein source.

Transparent Labs provided the amino acid profile for their Vegan Protein Powder, which includes:

• Aspartic Acid: 2.38g
• Threonine: 0.98g
• Serine: 1.28g
• Glutamic Acid: 4.56g
• Glycine: 1.06g
• Cysteine: 0.54g
• Valine: 1.56g
• Methionine: 0.57g
• Isoleucine: 1.11g
• Leucine: 2.15g
• Tyrosine: 1.31g
• Phenylalanine: 1.42g
• Lysine: 1.17g
• Histidine: 0.65g
• Tryptophan: 0.29g
• Arginine: 2.15g
• Proline: 1.28g

The essential amino acid leucine is highlighted for its importance in muscle repair and growth. A 2022 study shows leucine is critical in stimulating muscle protein synthesis. Each serving of this vegan protein powder provides 2.15g of leucine, which is quite competitive compared to other vegan protein products (1).

The total branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which include leucine, isoleucine, and valine, sum up to 4.82g per serving. This is slightly less than the 5.5g found in Transparent Labs' whey isolate but still commendable for a vegan protein.

Comparatively, this protein does well against other vegan options, surpassing brands like Orgain but not quite reaching the same heights of Promix or Garden of Life. Given these factors, we rate the quality of this protein as 8/10.

It's the following factors that make this protein shoot toward the top of the vegan protein powder leaderboard. 

 

Quality Of Ingredients

Transparent Labs Vegan Protein Powder stands out for its impressively concise ingredient list, featuring just six ingredients. This minimalist approach is a breath of fresh air in a market often crowded with products boasting 15 or more components, many of which are unnecessary fillers, gums, and additives that do not benefit your body. A shorter list generally signals a cleaner product, which we're looking for in a high-quality supplement.

A second standout feature of this protein shake is that it's certified organic. Using organic ingredients is beneficial as it ensures the plants are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. This practice supports healthier soil and ecosystems and reduces our exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.

This protein powder is also gluten-free, which is crucial for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Avoiding gluten helps prevent the inflammation and digestive issues associated with gluten-related disorders, making this protein powder a safe choice for a wider range of people.

Lastly, the non-GMO label guarantees that the ingredients were not genetically modified. Many consumers prefer non-GMO products because they want natural food sources free from genetic alterations that could affect the food's nutritional content or safety.

Transparent Labs prioritizes purity and safety in ingredient selection, making its Vegan Protein Powder an excellent choice for health-conscious consumers.

 

Flavorings and Sweeteners

Transparent Labs deserves applause for their commitment to keeping their Vegan Protein Powder free from artificial sweeteners and colorings. While not everyone actively avoids these additives, their absence ensures the product appeals to a broader audience, including those who prefer a more natural product profile.

Instead of artificial options, Transparent Labs has chosen stevia as their sweetener. Stevia is derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, native to South America, and is celebrated for its natural, calorie-free sweetness. Unlike artificial sweeteners, which can have a chemical aftertaste and are often scrutinized for potential health impacts, stevia provides a clean, guilt-free sweetness that aligns with health-conscious dietary choices.

An especially commendable practice by Transparent Labs is its transparency regarding the quantity of stevia in each serving. Supplement brands rarely provide this level of detail, but consumers who appreciate understanding exactly what they are consuming, highly value it. This commitment to transparency builds trust and allows users to make informed decisions about their nutrition.

This approach by Transparent Labs sets a high standard in the industry for both product quality and consumer trust.

 

Cost

A regular tub of Transparent Labs Vegan Protein Powder costs $49.99. Each 2.12 lb tub contains 30 servings, which means each serving costs approximately $1.67. At first glance, the price per serving might seem typical for the protein supplement market. However, when considering the organic nature of the product, the value becomes even more apparent.

Organic ingredients generally cost more to produce due to stricter farming practices and the higher cost of maintaining organic certification. These factors usually drive up the price of organic products. Therefore, it is quite impressive that Transparent Labs has managed to keep its vegan protein powder at an accessible price point.

By doing so, Transparent Labs has made its high-quality, organic vegan protein shake affordable for many consumers, aligning with its mission to provide superior nutritional products without a hefty price tag.

 

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Taste

We gave the French Vanilla flavor of Transparent Labs Vegan Protein Powder a thorough taste test, and the verdict is in—it's delightful enough to enjoy daily. The most striking feature of the flavor profile is its sweetness, which is pleasantly surprising given the absence of artificial sweeteners. The natural sweetness from stevia delivers a satisfying taste without being overpowering.

If you're familiar with pea protein, you might expect a distinct pea-like flavor, which can be a turnoff for some. However, since this protein powder is predominantly made from rice protein, the taste is notably different. It doesn't quite taste like rice but carries a subtly earthy undertone, which is more palatable than one might anticipate.

The French Vanilla flavor, in particular, strikes a fine balance, making it a refreshing option for those who may be wary of the typical taste of vegan protein powders. Overall, it’s a hit in our books, and I'm personally looking forward to enjoying this flavor for the upcoming month!

 

Available Flavours

Transparent Labs Vegan Protein Powder comes in various flavors to cater to different tastes, ensuring everyone can find something to enjoy. The current lineup includes:

• French Vanilla: A classic flavor that's smooth and sweet with a hint of vanilla. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a subtle flavor that mixes well with other smoothie ingredients.
• Chocolate: Rich and creamy, this flavor is ideal for chocolate lovers looking for a guilt-free way to satisfy their cravings.

Each flavor is designed to be delicious and versatile. It mixes well with water and milk and functions perfectly in various recipes. Transparent Labs has you covered whether you're in the mood for something sweet or a bit more subtle.

 

Brand Transparency

Transparent Labs truly lives up to its name in many ways, especially when it comes to being open about its ingredient list. They distinguish themselves in the industry by providing exact quantities of the ingredients used in their products.

This level of detail is not a common practice among supplement brands, but it is a significant value-add for consumers who deeply care about the specifics of their consumption.

However, Transparent Labs can improve its transparency, particularly regarding the amino acid profile. While it excels at providing a clear list of ingredients, it does not currently display the amino acid profile on either its packaging or its website.

This is critical information for many fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals because it shows the quality of the protein. Knowing the amino acid content helps users ensure they get sufficient essential and branched-chain amino acids crucial for muscle repair and growth.

The lack of this information might lead some potential buyers to opt for other brands like Garden of Life, which prominently displays the amino acid profile on its product packaging. If Transparent Labs were to adopt a similar approach and provide this crucial information, it would enhance its credibility and possibly earn it a top rating in brand transparency.

Having said that, we contacted Transparent Labs and they were more than happy to share this information. In fact, the Amino Acid profile was decent, so I don’t know why they don’t share it more openly!

 

Third Party Testing

Transparent Labs products are third-party tested by Informed Testing. Informed Sport is a global testing and certification program for sports and nutritional supplements. Its primary goal is to ensure that supplements are free from contamination by ingredients and compounds prohibited in sports.

The program tests every batch of products for banned substances before being released to the market, ensuring that certified products are safe for athletes and drug-tested personnel.

Key Points about Informed Sport:

• Contamination Risk: Up to one in ten supplements can be contaminated with prohibited ingredients, making thorough testing essential.
• Testing Process: Products are tested by LGC’s world-class anti-doping laboratory using ISO 17025 accredited methods. The process includes batch testing and continuous blind testing to safeguard against banned substances.
• Certification: Established in 2008, Informed Sport has certified over 3,000 unique products in more than 127 countries. Their U.S. and U.K. laboratories test over 20,000 samples per year.
• Trust and Assurance: The Informed Sport logo on a product indicates that it has passed stringent sports supplements testing. Athletes can cross-reference the batch number on the Informed Sport website to ensure the product's certification.

Informed Sport's certification process is detailed and rigorous, providing athletes and consumers with confidence in the safety and integrity of the supplements they use.

 

Mixability

As with all our protein powders, we tested Transparent Labs Vegan Protein Powder with water and milk. We started by adding 7 ounces of liquid to a standard protein shaker and vigorously shaking it for about 5 seconds. Initially, the shake was quite foamy, which might be noticeable at first glance, as shown in the above picture.

However, the foam settled down after letting the shake sit for a minute or two, leaving us with a smooth beverage free from any lumps, clumps, or unmixed powder. This result is particularly impressive, considering that Transparent Labs doesn't use any thickeners in their formulation.

The absence of thickeners means the shake remains relatively thin—not thick like the milkshakes from the golden arches—but this is a plus for those who prefer fewer additives and a cleaner shake.

Overall, we're quite pleased with the texture of the shake. It mixes well, maintains a pleasant consistency, and proves that high-quality protein powders don't need extra fillers to deliver a satisfying drink.

 

Customer Reviews

Transparent Labs Vegan Protein Powder has garnered attention on multiple platforms, reflecting varied user experiences. On the official Transparent Labs website, the protein powder holds a commendable average rating of 3.85 out of 5, derived from over 390 reviews.

A closer look at the feedback reveals that some negative reviews stem primarily from the product's taste. Since taste is highly subjective, this variance is expected. The best way to determine if it suits your palate is by trying it yourself.

On Amazon, the response is even more positive, with the vegan protein scoring an impressive 4.5 out of 5 based on over 300 reviews. This high rating places it towards the upper end of the spectrum among vegan protein powders available on the platform, indicating a generally favorable reception from the broader consumer base.

These reviews highlight that while taste preferences can diverge, the overall quality and effectiveness of Transparent Labs Vegan Protein Powder are well-regarded, making it a reliable choice for those looking to incorporate high-quality vegan protein into their diet.

 

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Brand Rating

Overall, our experience with Transparent Labs has been very positive. True to their name, they exemplify transparency, a trait woven deeply into their brand ethos. This commitment to openness is exemplified in their practice of listing exact ingredient quantities on their products.

This level of detail is not required by law; it is a choice Transparent Labs makes to ensure consumers are fully informed about what they are consuming. Such practices set them apart in the crowded supplement market, where clarity and honesty are not always prioritized.

Transparent Labs is one of the few brands that goes the extra mile in this regard, and it's a gesture that deserves recognition and applause. Their proactive approach to providing detailed information and their high-quality product offerings earn them a strong reputation and a high brand rating from experts and users alike.

 

The Final Say

Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein Powder stands out as a top contender in the crowded market of nutritional supplements. It offers a perfect blend of quality, taste, and nutritional benefits that cater to the needs of both casual health enthusiasts and serious athletes.

The protein blend of rice and pea ensures a complete amino acid profile, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a plant-based option. Transparent Labs' commitment to transparency, evidenced by the clear listing of ingredients and the absence of unnecessary fillers, sets them apart.

Priced reasonably for its organic quality and with favorable reviews from a broad base of users, this protein powder is not just another supplement; it's a smart investment in your health and fitness journey. Transparent Labs proves you can enjoy high-quality vegan protein without compromising taste, quality, or value.

 

References

1. Waskiw-Ford, M., Hannaian, S., Duncan, J., Kato, H., Sawan, S. A., Locke, M., Kumbhare, D., & Moore, D. (2020). Leucine-Enriched Essential Amino Acids Improve Recovery from Post-Exercise Muscle Damage Independent of Increases in Integrated Myofibrillar Protein Synthesis in Young Men. Nutrients, 12(4), 1061. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12041061

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