Vega Premium Sport Protein Chocolate

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

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.

Seed-based plant protein adding amino acid diversity in plant blends. Less bioavailable than whey or other animal-source proteins. Sunflower crops can accumulate cadmium from soil.

USDA Organic seed-based plant protein providing additional amino acid diversity in plant blends. Less bioavailable than whey and naturally low in lysine and threonine, so it does not match animal-source protein on a gram-for-gram basis. Pumpkin seeds are also a known cadmium accumulator from soil — a contributing factor to the cadmium detected here.

Forage-crop plant protein contributing additional amino acid diversity. Less bioavailable than whey or other animal-source proteins.

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.

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

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.

Heat-stable, shelf-stable probiotic strain that survives the digestive tract; supports gut health.

Pineapple-derived enzyme that aids protein digestion and supports recovery.

Curcumin source with anti-inflammatory properties; paired with black pepper extract for absorption.

Piperine enhances absorption of curcumin from turmeric.

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

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.

Whole-food source of polyphenols and anthocyanins clinically associated with reduced exercise-induced inflammation and muscle soreness.