If you’re searching for the Internet’s most comprehensive Garden of Life Raw Protein review, then you’ve come to the right place. Here at the WiseJug, we conduct in-depth reviews on various plant-based protein powders. We especially appreciate Garden of Life protein powders because they typically contain no added sugars, nor any artificial flavors or sweeteners.
As one of the flagship products of this brand, Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Plant Formula is one of the latest products to be refurbished with a new flavor and nutritional composition. In other words, Garden of Life has been polishing up its branding and labeling, while revamping the ingredients of some of its products (even referencing BCAAs on the label). In essence, Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein is one product that has seen a substantial overhaul and we’re excited to give it a thorough review.
Overall, Garden of Life Raw Protein powder is universal for all walks of life. Whether for athletic recovery or a weight loss supplement, it’s equally as versatile as it is healthy. The product’s organic sprouted protein base, gut-friendly probiotics, and digestive enzymes blend makes for a superior plant-based protein powder for both athletic recovery and general supplementation. But does Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Plant Formula taste good? And is it a good value given its price tag?
In my Garden of Life Raw Protein review, I had the distinct, first-world privilege to taste all four flavors: Vanilla, Vanilla Chai, Chocolate, and Coffee. But in addition to providing a comprehensive flavor review of this vegan protein powder, I also analyze the nutritional profile and overall value of the product. Let’s jump right into it.
Nutrition Review: What’s in Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Plant Formula?
The core ingredients of Garden of Life’s Raw Organic Protein Blend include: Organic pea protein, organic sprouted brown rice protein, organic amaranth sprout, organic buckwheat sprout, organic millet sprout, organic cracked wall chlorella, organic quinoa sprout, organic chia seed sprout, organic garbanzo bean sprout, organic lentil sprout, organic adzuki bean sprout, organic flax seed sprout, organic sunflower seed sprout, organic pumpkin seed sprout, organic sesame seed sprout.
Wow. Did you get all that? That’s organic raw vegan protein powder in its finest form. Of all the reviews I’ve conducted on this site, never have I seen a sprouted protein blend as potent as this. A single-serving scoop contains 22 grams of protein (which is quite a step-up from the “old version” of Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein which had just 17 grams of protein.)
Perhaps more important than the actual grams of protein is the concentration of amino acids. To my surprise, Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Plant Formula has approximately 4 grams of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) and slightly over 8 grams of essential amino acids (EAAs). These numbers contend with some of the more advanced (and expensive) performance protein powders designed for athletes. So if you’re seeking vegan sport protein powder designed for optimal recovery and even muscle building, Garden of Life Raw Protein fits the bill.
In addition to premium, amino-rich, raw vegan protein blend, Garden of Life Raw Protein also contains one of the highest concentrations of vitamins and minerals. This includes Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, Manganese, and Molybdenum as well as Vitamin A, E, D and K. The “old version” of this product used to be branded with the infusion of Garden of Life’s Vitamin Code® line, which is popularized by its Vitamin D supplement. Although the new and improved version does not mention Vitamin Code, you still get a massive dose of Vitamin D (130{6f6325e81006090c67b24799731aac0121cbc6cbed9a6704f5a30a9474cd8037} suggested daily value pers serving).
The Organic Flavor Blend contains: organic erythritol, organic vanilla flavors, organic stevia extract (leaf), sea salt, organic guar gum, and organic carob bean gum. Unlike some plant-based protein powders that have an intense stevia taste (and lingering aftertaste) Garden of Life products seem strike a nice balance and are never overly “steviated.”
To cap-off the nutritional review of Garden of Life Raw Protein, the product also includes a few immunity-boosting badasses, such as glutathione and Beta-glucans. It also contains no sugar, so it’s one of the most ketogenic-friendly vegan protein powders on the market.
All in all, this is an incredible product from a nutritional standpoint and earns my sincere 5 out of 5 star rating. Now for the fun part: the flavor review of Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Plant Formula.
Nutritional Review Rating: 5 out of 5
Flavor Review: Does Garden of Life Raw Protein Taste Good?
While taste is always subject to opinion, I think most people who have tried the “old version” of this product would agree that the “New and Improved” Garden of Life Raw Protein is big improvement. In reference to my previous review of the old version, I use words like “chalky” and “sooty.” But having taste-tested the new stuff, there’s nothing of the sort; only smooth deliciousness.
The four flavors in the roster of Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Plant Formula include: Unflavored, Chocolate, Vanilla, and Vanilla Chai. Similar to other products like Garden of Life Protein & Greens, the flavor is well-balanced in terms of sweetness and texture. I also found the texture to be quite smooth, as each flavor mixed very easily into just almond milk (with no blender!) 
Garden of Life Raw Protein Unflavored Review
Starting with flavor that has no flavor, Garden of Life Raw Protein Unflavored is a winning option in the category of transparent, natural-tasting, unflavored vegan protein powders. It’s not sweet, nor is there much taste to speak of. But it’s very smooth and virtually undetectable when added to a smoothie or incorporated into a recipe. In essence, I found this option to one of the most transparent and versatile in its class.
Also, if you’re looking for a vegan protein powder for weight loss, then this is good option worth trying. Unlike Garden of Life Raw Fit protein powder that has metabolism-boosting ingredients, it’s nutritionally dense, low in calories, and isn’t sweet (so it won’t trigger your taste buds into wanting more.)
Garden of Life Raw Protein Vanilla Review 
If you’re fan of vanilla-flavored vegan protein powders, then you have to try Garden of Life Raw Protein Vanilla. This is one of the most delicious, natural-tasting vanilla protein powders I’ve ever had. In addition to having a distinct vanilla bean flavor, it also had nostalgic tastes of cashews and Nilla wafers.
The beauty in Garden of Life Raw Protein Vanilla is that it can be added to a number of applications beyond smoothies. I’ve tried it in oats and mixed into the milk of my cereal. It’s mildly sweet and has no stevia aftertaste like other vanilla-flavored options out there. Very pleased in reviewing this product, I put this choice atop my list of recommendable products.
Garden of Life Raw Protein Vanilla Chai Review
As a nice twist to an already awesome flavor, Garden of Life Raw Protein Vanilla Chai is a superb choice if you want something layered with a little more complexity. Garden of Life did us chai-lovers a solid with this product, as the taste is phenomenal. It’s still moderately sweet with a great balance of chai spice and vanilla bean, making it a delicious combination for the right application.
Garden of Life Raw Protein Vanilla Chai is certainly not as transparent and universally-applicable as some of the other options, so make sure you really like the chai before you buy. But if you do, you’re in for a treat. This product is gives you the subtle notes of cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger common in a good chai spice.
Garden of Life Raw Protein Chocolate Review
Because I am picky about about my chocolate flavored vegan protein powders, I naturally embraced Garden of Life Raw Protein Chocolate with the mindset of a food critic. The experience and outcome was overall pleasing (and slightly nostalgic.) This flavor reminded me of chocolate Ovaltine, in that it had a rich, milk chocolate taste that was quite delightful.
Although great on its own with just almond milk, this flavor is also a nice addition to oats, unique recipes, and decadent smoothies (i.e. real coconut milk, peanut butter, bananas, etc.) Staying consistent with the other flavor’s top-of-class reputation, Garden of Life Raw Protein Chocolate is one of the best of its kind.
Flavor Review Rating 5 out of 5
Price Review: How Much Does Garden of Life Raw Protein Cost?
Because the price of Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein varies based on the seller and market demands (especially if you buy the product on Amazon where there’s a number of sellers), I am unable list a specific price tag. But what I can do is give you value rating of the cost Garden of Life Raw Protein given the product’s quality, volume, and comparability to similar vegan protein powders on the market.
On the complete spectrum of plant-based protein powders, Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Plant Formula is about average in price. You can typically find a 20 ounce tub of Garden of Life Raw Protein priced just over $30. And given the fact that it’s one of the highest quality raw vegan protein powders with a 5-star flavor spectrum that comes in four options, I find Garden of Life Raw Protein is solid value that’s worth the price. Among all the different Garden of Life protein powder reviews I’ve done, this one is my favorite.
Price Review Rating: 4 out of 5
Have you had Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Plant Formula? Let me know what what you think of this product in the comments below. Also check out some of the related plant-based protein powders listed below.
Related Vegan Protein Powder Reviews
Description: Garden of Life Raw Protein review of Unflavored, Chocolate, Vanilla, and Vanilla Chai flavors, including an in-depth look at the product’s ingredients and overall cost/price value compared to other raw vegan protein powders.
Written by: John Hutcherson
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
