Ascent Native Fuel Whey Protein
Athletes who want Informed Sport-certified native whey with clean, natural ingredients
Garden of Life SPORT Organic Plant-Based Protein
Organic-focused consumers who prioritize NSF and USDA certifications (note heavy metal flag)
Score Comparison
Pricing & Features
Making Your Decision
When to Choose Ascent Native Fuel Whey Protein
Athletes who want Informed Sport-certified native whey with clean, natural ingredients
Ascent differentiates with its "native" whey process — extracting protein directly from fresh milk rather than cheese manufacturing. Informed Sport certified with zero artificial ingredients makes it a strong choice for clean-label athletes. The native whey distinction may not justify the premium over standard isolates.
Strengths
- Informed Sport certified and uses native whey isolate processed from fresh milk (not cheese byproduct)
- Zero artificial ingredients with only natural flavors and sweeteners
- 25g protein per serving with strong amino acid and BCAA profile
Limitations
- Native whey process marketing may overstate benefits vs standard isolate
- Limited flavor range compared to larger brands
- Pricing at $2.00/serving is mid-range but not budget-friendly
When to Choose Garden of Life SPORT Organic Plant-Based Protein
Organic-focused consumers who prioritize NSF and USDA certifications (note heavy metal flag)
Garden of Life SPORT checks every certification box — NSF for Sport, USDA Organic, Non-GMO Verified. However, Consumer Reports flagged elevated lead levels at 4-6x their daily safety limit, which significantly impacts the heavy metal safety score. Buyers should weigh the strong certifications against the contamination data.
Strengths
- NSF Certified for Sport plus USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified triple certification
- Organic plant blend with probiotics and enzymes for digestive support
- 30g protein per serving from organic pea, navy bean, lentil, and garbanzo sources
Limitations
- Consumer Reports flagged lead at 4-6x daily safety concern level — significant safety concern
- Grittier texture than whey-based competitors due to plant protein blend
- Organic certification adds cost without directly addressing heavy metal contamination
