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Vega One Protein Shake Review

The Vega One Shake is designed for people on the go who want to stay healthy and energized without compromising their nutrition and busy lifestyles. According to the company, it contains all the essential nutrients you need each day to keep you active, energetic, and healthy. Boasting a gluten-free, non-dairy, non-GMO formula, it includes an array of proteins designed to provide all nine essential amino acids for optimum muscle strength, satiety, and energy performance.

You may be wondering if you can use this shake to slim down? Our analysis should help you answer this question and more. Is this the right shake for you and your health goals? Is it good for your health? Are there some ingredients it is best to avoid, and which ones have health benefits?

Vega One Ingredients in Detail

 Pea Protein, Flaxseed, Pea Starch, Organic Acacia Gum, Natural Flavors, Hemp Protein, Sacha Inchi Protein, Organic Gelatinized Maca Root, Organic Broccoli, Inulin (from Chicory Root), Organic Spirulina, Organic Kale, Organic Marine Algae, Dried Fruit and Vegetable Blend ( Spinach, Broccoli, Carrot, Beet, Tomato, Apple, Cranberry, Orange, Cherry, Blueberry, Strawberry, Mushroom), Chlorella Vulgaris, Papain, Probiotics (Bacillus Coagulans), Stevia Leaf Extract, Citric Acid, Dried Antioxidant Fruit Blend (Grape Seed Extract, Organic Pomegranate, Acai, Mangosteen, Organic Goji, Organic Maqui

Manufactured in a facility that also processes peanuts, dairy, soy, eggs, and tree nuts

We see that the ingredient list is full of organic, high antioxidant foods and void of processed chemicals if we look closely. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients.

Pea Protein: Pea Protein contains 3x the amount of arginine as whey protein, although not as many branched-chain amino acids. Arginine helps with the following:

• Wound healing
• Helping the kidneys remove waste products from the body
• Maintains immune and hormone functions
• Dilates and relaxes the arteries

It is not technically a complete protein because it is absent or low in methionine. Combination with other plant proteins helps make up for this essential amino acid. There is actual controversy over whether pea protein is complete or not because of the limiting amino acid methionine. 

Flaxseed: Is a source of soluble fiber and alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), which is a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are commonly low in meal replacement shakes, so this is a plus. Flaxseed is used for diabetes, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, breast pain, and inflammation in the kidneys. Flaxseed fiber makes people less hungry, so it is advantageous for people who want to control their appetite and lose weight.

Pea Starch: This is used ad a thickening agent and is a good source of amylose. Nutritionally, it is similar to other starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes. It is the last of the byproducts of pea manufacturing and serves as a substitute for potato and corn starch.

Organic Acacia Gum: This gum is full of insoluble fiber and oligosaccharides, and glycoproteins. It can be used as an emulsifier, thickener, and food stabilizer as an additive to foods. Because it is fermented in the colon and produces short-chain fatty acids, it also serves as a prebiotic. It potentially supports:

• Liver health
• Heart health
• Healthy cholesterol levels
• Protection against oxidative stress
• Healthy energy levels

Natural Flavors: While somewhat of a benign term, it offers some consolation that no artificial flavors have been used.

Hemp Protein: Hemp protein comes from the seeds of the cannabis plant bred to have low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, meaning it can’t make you high. History shows us that hemp seeds used as a source of protein go back thousands of years. Although low in lysine, it contains all nine essential amino acids.

Sacha Inchi Protein: Sacha Inchi is a plant that produces large, edible seeds rich in omega-3, omega-6 fatty acids, and vitamin E. Some say it helps reduce abdominal fat and to promotes weight loss. Sacha has been known to cause nausea, and few scientific studies have been conducted on it.

Organic Gelatinized Maca Root: This is the most easily digestible form of maca root. The root is considered adaptogenic and is a superfood that maximizes energy, relieves stress, and improves libido. It is high in vitamin C, copper, and iron. While considered safe for most people, consumers with thyroid problems may want to be careful as this root is a source of goitrogens that interfere with thyroid functioning.

Organic Broccoli: This is a superfood extraction of the chemical attributes of broccoli enhancing the amounts of iron, protein, calcium, chromium, vitamin A and vitamin C. Broccoli has long been considered a superfood because of its nutritional content and health-promoting properties.

Inulin: Chicory is the primary source of inulin, a type of fermentable fiber that also serves as a prebiotic. Its health uses include:

• Increasing the amount of calcium and other minerals you absorb from food
• Supporting a healthy immune system
• Supporting a healthy digestive tract

As a food additive, it can mimic the effects of fat.

Organic Spirulina: Spirulina is a microalga used as a nutritional supplement, for cleansing the body, and as a natural remedy for some health conditions. These tiny algae are packed with nutrients such as protein, copper, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and iron. The quality of the protein in spirulina is excellent, being complete in all the essential amino acids. It can have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions and may lower cholesterol and triglycerides while raising HDLs (good cholesterol). Other health conditions spirulina is used for are allergic rhinitis, anemia, high blood pressure, improving muscle strength and endurance, and as an aid in blood sugar control.

Organic Kale: Kale is jam-packed with nutrients, good fats, and fiber. It also has a broad range of antioxidants such as quercetin which has antiviral properties.

Organic Marine Algae:  This particular algae is full of minerals that it has drawn in and absorbed like a sponge. It is a source of fiber and antioxidants, essential amino acids, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Dried Fruit and Vegetable Blend: This superfood blend is designed to boost nutrient intake and antioxidants in the shake. The blend contains vegetables and fruits known to have high concentrations of beneficial nutrients like vitamin A, C, iron, and a host of other vitamins and minerals known to have health benefits. The antioxidant properties of superfood blends are high. The blend also lowers the glycemic index of the shake and is a source of fiber.

Chlorella Vulgaris: This is a unicellular microalga with biological and pharmacological effects.  It has a long history of use as a food source and has a unique array of proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, polysaccharides, vitamins, and minerals. Clinical trials have suggested its use in cases of high cholesterol, high blood sugar, protection against oxidative stress, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 

Papain: Papain contains substances that may help fight infection and aid in digestion. It may aid in treating other health conditions such as runny noses, sore muscles, and diarrhea/bloating.

Probiotics: Bacillus Coagulans is a friendly bacteria that aids in the healthy functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Some research shows that it stimulates the immune system and decreases harmful bacteria. This particular strain of probiotic bacteria can survive the stresses of heat, bile acids, and stomach acids to which other probiotics often fall prey to.

Stevia Leaf Extract: Estimated to be 300-400 times sweeter than table sugar, it is used as a sugar alternative. Stevia has been shown to have positive effects on weight loss as an anti-diabetic and to be helpful for allergies. Some have complained of gastrointestinal bloating or upset with regular use of Stevia. This sweetener is made from leaves from plants similar to common garden flowers and contains significant levels of antioxidants. 

Citric Acid: This is a food additive used to preserve, enhance flavor and stabilize food products. It is on the Generally Recognized as Safe List (GRAS) and is a common food additive considered to be safe for human consumption by the federal government. The citric acid found in the shake is manufactured, whereas natural citric acid comes from acidic fruits such as lemons, limes, and citrus.

Dried Antioxidant Fruit Blend: This is a superfood blend of fruits high in antioxidants which support energy levels, free-radical scavenging, and fights oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is one of the major factors in aging and age-related diseases such as heart disease.

The ingredient list reads clean and free from additives and chemical preservatives or artificial flavorings. It is full of prebiotic and probiotic additives as well as a wealth of superfoods. The protein blend is complete and contains all nine essential amino acids and branched-chain amino acids. The only manufactured additive is citric acid, which is on the GRAS list and occurs naturally in foods. It does have a disclaimer that the shake is manufactured in a facility that also processes potentially allergenic foods such as soy, dairy, eggs, peanuts, and tree nuts. This means that anyone strictly vegan or allergic to any of these ingredients may want to avoid this shake due to potential cross-contamination.

Let’s read a little further and look into the nutritional content of the ingredients.

Vega One Nutritional Facts

Calories: The shake has 160 calories per serving, which is compatible with a weight loss regime and leaves room for added foods to the smoothies without compromising caloric intake. Considering many meal replacement shakes have over 200 calories, this is a decent amount of calories.

Fat: There is a mere 5 grams of fat per serving and no saturated fat or trans-fat, or cholesterol.

Sodium: 240 mg. is a standard amount of sodium for a meal replacement shake. You need 1500 mg of sodium per day, so it is meeting those needs. A limit of 2300 mg of sodium is suggested for consumers.

Potassium: 230 mg, a surprisingly low amount considering the number of superfoods present which contains potassium.

Total Carbohydrates: 10 grams, of which 6 grams are dietary fiber, meaning we have four net carbs per serving, a low amount. We want to see 5-10 grams of dietary fiber per meal replacement since the requirements are approximately 25-38 grams per day. The higher the fiber content in the shake, the more slowly you must introduce it into your diet to avoid bloating and gas while your body gets used to the fiber.

Sugars: There is a mere 1 gram of sugar per serving, and it isn’t added to the ingredients. It is naturally found in the foods in the shake.

Protein: There are 20 grams of protein in one scoop of protein powder. We like to see 15-20 grams per serving, so this is a perfect amount to sustain the appetite and support muscle health.

Vitamins and Minerals: There are 12 vitamins and minerals with 50% or more of the Daily Value (DV) in one serving. Other nutrients are present in smaller quantities, such as iodine, phosphorus, selenium, calcium, iron, vitamin B12 and magnesium. Since many of us are deficient in magnesium and low in iron, a concerted effort to include these foods particularly in the diet should be made. Selection from a broad range of whole foods to supplement the shakes will be needed to obtain the other nutrients. The amount of vitamin K is 60% of the DV so the company has a disclaimer on their product to consult a health care practitioner if on blood thinners (i.e., coumadin) prior to taking this product.

Superfoods to enhance vitality and increase antioxidants in the shake are also included.

The nutritional content of the shake is pretty sound, with abilities to make up for the low macro-nutrients by adding other foods to the shake blend or with whole foods added to the diet in addition to the shakes. In addition. 500 mg of omega-3 fatty acids in the form of ALA are included along with a healthy dose of both prebiotics and probiotics for gut and immune health.

Vega One Price

The price is $44.99 for 825 grams of powder (large tub) with a serving size of 41 grams or 20 servings, which costs $2.25/meal. The price varies slightly by flavor and size, and you can get a reduced price with a subscription plan.

Vega One Flavors and Reviews

Vega One comes in 7 flavors, French Vanilla, Chocolate, Chocolate Mint, Coconut Almond, Berry, Unflavored, and Mocha. While some consumers like the flavor others complain of an overwhelming stevia sweetness and there seems to be an issue with tolerance to the product. Many consumers reported falling ill after consuming the beverage and suffered severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Whether this is from the algae or sensitivity to other ingredients is not known, but it is something to think about when deciding to use this product.

It should also be noted that Vega One has been recalled more than once. Health Canada issued a voluntary recall due to contamination with a certain antibiotic in the shake. The following recall was for having lactose in their drinks, something that could make a lactose-intolerant individual ill. Additional problems are metal contamination, a problem that many other vegan shakes are contending with. The Consumer Health Guide lists side effects to Vega One as increased bathroom trips, headaches, vomiting, gas, diarrhea, fatigue, and muscle cramps. 

Vega One Conclusions

Remember that Vega One is not completely supplemented with all the essential vitamins and minerals so relying completely on this shake is not a good idea and rounding out your meal plan with other whole foods is recommended. Individuals on coumadin need to consult with their health care practitioner prior to using this product due to potential drug interactions with vitamin K. 

Overall, this could prove to be a healthy choice for you if you are tolerant to all of the ingredients in this shake. It would be prudent to keep in mind there may be side effects, and if there are, you need to stop using it. Otherwise, it is a nutritionally sound shake with a good amount of protein, superfoods, fiber, and probiotics. As a vegan alternative, it may be a good choice for you, but it may be wise to check out our other reviews and options before you decide.