PlantFusion Complete Protein Creamy Vanilla Bean

Plant-based protein that's notably good for a legume but still less bioavailable than whey or other animal-source proteins, meaning more grams are needed to deliver the same usable amino acids for muscle protein synthesis. Naturally low in methionine, so it does not stand alone as a complete protein and is typically blended with rice. Pea crops are also well-documented soil accumulators of lead and cadmium — the suspected primary contamination route in this product. This product specifically uses yellow peas sourced from northern France.

Plant ingredient included for amino acid diversity. Less bioavailable than animal-source protein and contributes only a small fraction of the total dose.

Sprouted plant protein adding amino acid diversity. Sprouting reduces antinutrients (phytates, lectins) and improves digestibility versus the unsprouted seed, but it remains less bioavailable than whey or other animal-source proteins. Soil-grown so does not avoid heavy-metal accumulation from agricultural feedstock.

Pseudo-cereal plant protein with a relatively complete amino acid profile but still less bioavailable than whey or other animal-source proteins. Soil-grown so does not avoid heavy-metal accumulation.

Microalgae-derived plant protein contributing additional amino acid diversity. Less bioavailable than whey or other animal-source proteins; contributes only a small fraction of the total dose.

Free-form branched-chain amino acids supplementing the plant protein blend; helps offset the lower per-serving leucine content of plant proteins.

USDA Organic natural cocoa providing chocolate flavor plus polyphenol antioxidants. Notably, cocoa itself is also a cadmium accumulator and may be a co-source of the cadmium detected.

Proprietary flavor blend; can hide dozens of synthetic aroma chemicals and phthalate carriers under FDA trade-secret rules.

USDA Organic carbohydrate filler; high glycemic index but inherent to plant powder formulation.

Plant-derived (legume seed) thickener; inert and safe at typical concentrations.

Natural zero-calorie sweetener from the stevia leaf. No significant health concerns, but Scout treats all stevia forms as neutral — neither penalized nor counted as a beneficial ingredient.

Unrefined sea salt — a minimally processed, natural source of sodium and essential trace minerals, and a legitimate whole-food seasoning. Treated as a positive ingredient.

Plant-derived zero-calorie sweetener; safer than synthetic sweeteners and pairs well with stevia to balance aftertaste.

Plant-derived natural flavor/sweetness ingredient from the lucuma fruit; provides minimal sweetness without significant calorie load.

Root-vegetable-derived prebiotic fiber rich in fructooligosaccharides that support gut microbiome.

Microbial-fermentation-derived thickener; inert and safe at typical concentrations.

Anti-caking agent to maintain powder flow; inert at typical concentrations.

Digestive enzymes that aid protein and legume oligosaccharide digestion, reducing GI discomfort common with plant protein.