Quest Protein Shake Chocolate

Solvent base for the ready-to-drink shake.

Complete dairy protein providing whey and casein fractions; higher bioavailability than any plant protein.

Higher-purity milk protein with minimal lactose and fat; supports muscle recovery.

Dutch-processed cocoa has reduced flavanol and antioxidant content compared to natural cocoa. Cocoa itself is also a known cadmium accumulator.

Refined seed/soybean oil blend high in inflammatory omega-6 linoleic acid. Heavily processed with hexane extraction and the unspecified blend (and/or soybean) hides what's actually in the bottle.

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

Unspecified-source emulsifier; the 'and/or soy' wording allows GMO soy lecithin without disclosure on the front label.

Sodium for flavor balance; minimal contribution to total sodium intake.

Industrial phosphate emulsifier/preservative. Excess phosphate intake from processed foods is associated with cardiovascular and kidney concerns.

Strongly alkaline pH adjuster (also used as an industrial degreaser). Used here as a stabilizer; raises total phosphate load.

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

Chlorinated artificial sweetener linked to disruption of gut microbiome, potential insulin response issues, and generation of harmful chlorinated compounds during metabolism.

Hydrolyzed sucrose used in trace amounts for taste; minimal carbohydrate contribution.

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.