Gainful Everyday Whey Protein Powder
Consumers who want Informed Sport-certified whey with customizable flavor options
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 Gainful Everyday Whey Protein Powder
Consumers who want Informed Sport-certified whey with customizable flavor options
Gainful offers a unique approach with its customizable flavor system atop a clean, Informed Sport-certified whey base. The ingredient quality is high and the certification credible, but the premium pricing and smaller portions make it one of the more expensive options per serving.
Strengths
- Informed Sport certified with batch-level testing for banned substances
- Clean ingredient list with no artificial sweeteners, colors, or fillers
- Customizable flavor system with separate stick packs for flavor variety
Limitations
- Higher cost per serving at $2.79 due to smaller container sizes
- Unflavored base requires purchasing separate flavor sticks
- Less widely available than established brands — primarily direct-to-consumer
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
