Our ReviewGarden of LifeRaw Organic Fit
Garden of Life has long been a trusted name in the health and wellness industry, and their Raw Organic Fit protein powder is no exception. With a serving size of 46.5g, each scoop delivers a substantial 28g of protein, while keeping the net carbs at a modest 11g and total fat at 3g. What sets this product apart is its unique blend of raw certified organic ingredients, ranging from pea protein to an array of sprouted grains and seeds. Not just a protein source, it's also packed with superfoods, weight loss, and stress management blends. Given its nutritional profile, it's clear that this powder is designed for those seeking a holistic approach to fitness, ensuring muscle growth while also addressing overall well-being and weight loss.
Ingredients
Garden of Life's Raw Organic Fit isn't your run-of-the-mill protein powder. The primary protein sources are Organic Pea Protein and Organic Sprouted Brown Rice Protein. Both are plant-based, making them suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Pea protein is known for its high amino acid content, especially BCAAs which are essential for muscle recovery. Sprouted Brown Rice Protein, on the other hand, is easily digestible and hypoallergenic.
The product shines with its inclusion of a variety of sprouted grains and seeds. Sprouting is believed to increase nutrient absorption, making these ingredients a valuable addition. The Organic Tapioca Fiber and Organic Pea Fiber are also a commendable addition for promoting gut health.
Another standout feature is the Raw Certified Organic Weight Loss & Stress Management Blend. The inclusion of Raw Organic Svetol® (a green coffee bean extract) and Raw Organic Ashwagandha Root can potentially aid in weight management and stress reduction, respectively.
The Raw Probiotic & Enzyme Blend is a thoughtful touch. Probiotics like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum can enhance gut flora, while the enzymes can aid in protein digestion and absorption. This is especially beneficial for those with sensitive stomachs.
However, some may be wary of the organic erythritol, a sugar alcohol. While it's a natural sweetener and generally considered safe, it can cause digestive discomfort in some individuals.
In terms of ingredient quality and safety, it's reassuring to see the absence of artificial additives. The organic label further ensures that the ingredients are free from pesticides and harmful chemicals.
Garden of Life's Raw Organic Fit boasts a robust ingredient list that caters to holistic health. The thoughtful combination of proteins, superfoods, probiotics, and enzymes makes it an excellent choice for those looking to lose a little weight and tone up.
Effectiveness
Garden of Life's Raw Organic Fit is designed as a holistic approach to fitness, and its nutritional facts reflect this intention.
Starting with the protein content, each serving delivers a substantial 28g of protein. The sources, Organic Pea Protein and Organic Sprouted Brown Rice Protein are both plant-based. Pea protein is renowned for its rich amino acid profile, especially in BCAAs, which are pivotal for muscle repair and growth. Sprouted Brown Rice Protein complements this by being easily digestible, ensuring that the body can efficiently utilize the protein provided. The combination of these proteins offers a balanced and complete protein source, ensuring a steady release of all essential amino acids to the muscles.
The net carb content stands at 11g, with dietary fiber accounting for 4g of this. A moderate carb content can be beneficial for replenishing glycogen stores post-workout, aiding in recovery. The dietary fiber ensures that these carbs are released slowly, providing sustained energy.
With a fat content of 3g, it's relatively low, ensuring that the focus remains on the protein. However, fats are essential for hormone production and overall health, so this inclusion is beneficial without being excessive.
The product also boasts a range of vitamins and minerals, like Vitamin D, Iron, and Magnesium. These micronutrients play a role in muscle function, energy metabolism, and overall well-being, enhancing the product's effectiveness beyond just muscle growth.
Based on its nutritional profile, Garden of Life's Fit is highly effective in delivering on its promise of a holistic approach to fitness. It provides not only the necessary macronutrients but also a range of micronutrients and other beneficial compounds, ensuring a comprehensive approach to health and fitness.
Taste
When we first mixed the product with water, the taste was pleasantly mild. The vanilla flavor was present but not too sweet. It tasted authentic, balanced, without being too earthy or artificial. Compared to other vanilla-flavored plant protein powders we've tried, this one ranks pretty well.
The texture was smooth, but it had a slightly grainy feel, likely due to the organic ingredients and fiber. It wasn't off-putting, but it's something to note if you're used to ultra-refined protein powders. When mixed with milk (We used almond milk), the texture became creamier, and the vanilla flavor was enhanced.
Mixability was mostly good. Using a standard shaker bottle, we found that it blended well with minimal effort. There were no significant clumps, but as mentioned, there's a slight graininess that remains. But it's not a deal-breaker.
Value
When assessing the value of Garden of Life's Raw Organic Fit, several factors come into play. First and foremost, the ingredient list is impressive. The product boasts a range of organic, sprouted ingredients, superfoods, probiotics, and enzymes. Such a comprehensive list typically aligns with premium protein powders, and this product is no exception.
In the realm of protein powders, you often get what you pay for. Cheaper, budget-friendly options might skimp on ingredient quality, leading to artificial additives and non-organic sources. Garden of Life, however, has clearly prioritized ingredient integrity. The organic label ensures that the ingredients are free from pesticides and harmful chemicals, which can justify a higher price point.
Comparing this product to other similar offerings in the market, it stands out for its holistic approach. While many protein powders focus solely on protein content, Garden of Life has incorporated elements for overall well-being, weight management, and digestive health. This multi-faceted approach provides added value, as users are getting more than just a protein boost.
However, it's essential to consider the cost per serving and how it stacks up against competitors. Given the quality and breadth of ingredients, one might expect to pay a premium. If it's within a few dollars of other premium brands but offers a richer ingredient list, then it's a clear winner in the value department. On the other hand, if it's significantly pricier, potential buyers will need to weigh the benefits against the cost.
In the case of Garden of Life Fit, we tend to think it isn't as competitively priced as it should be. That's not to say the value isn't there in its huge list of quality ingredients. However, we have to consider the relative benefit when compared with similar premium products. Unfortunately, there are similarly well-designed products we have reviewed that are offered at a more attractive price point. That said, this product is excellent, and if the dollar cost per serving doesn't concern you, then the high-quality ingredients packed into this product may be just what you're looking for.
Conclusion
Garden of Life's Raw Organic Fit stands as a testament to the brand's commitment to quality and holistic health. With a robust ingredient list that goes beyond mere protein content, it offers users a comprehensive approach to fitness and well-being. When stacked against the competition, this product shines for its organic, sprouted ingredients, superfoods, and added probiotics and enzymes.
While it might be positioned well into the premium price range, if you're prioritizing organic ingredients, digestive health, and a holistic approach, it may be the product for you.
Where to buy?
The protein matrix includes the primary protein components included in this product. These protein sources are listed in order of volume from greatest to least in the product.
This diagram provides the digestion profile for the protein types contained within this product. The chart plots the digestion of the included protein types over an hourly timeframe. All profiles have their advantages depending on your goals. More information regarding digestion and timing can be found in our guides.
The cost indicators provide a relative cost comparison with all protein products. The lower the score the better!
The "Product Cost Indicator" provides the comparative product cost, as a whole.
The "Protein Cost Indicator" provides a comparative cost based on only the protein component. While this can be useful for comparing products excluding fillers, many additional ingredients can provide additional benefits and value.
Note: Products that serve a dual purpose, such as mass gainers and ketogenic powders don't include the "Protein Cost Indicator".
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