Ascent Native Fuel Whey Protein
Athletes who want Informed Sport-certified native whey with clean, natural ingredients
Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+
Consumers who prioritize complete supply chain transparency and traceable sourcing
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 Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+
Consumers who prioritize complete supply chain transparency and traceable sourcing
Ritual takes transparency further than any competitor by tracing every ingredient to its source farm. USP-verified with published batch COAs and North American regenerative sourcing make it the most transparent plant-based option. The premium price reflects that traceability commitment.
Strengths
- Industry-leading supply chain transparency with traceable ingredients from specific farms
- Third-party tested by USP and published COAs for every batch
- Plant-based pea protein sourced from North American regenerative farms
Limitations
- Only 20g protein per serving — lower than most whey competitors
- Expensive at $2.67/serving with only 15 servings per container
- Plant-based formula may have slightly grittier texture than whey
