Garden of Life is a well-known supplement brand that offers a wide range of nutrition products, including protein powders and multivitamins. Founded in 2000 by Jordan Rubin and acquired by Nestlé Health Science in 2017, the company prides itself on transparency, environmental responsibility, and high-quality ingredients. This article provides an in-depth review of Garden of Life, focusing on its products, quality and safety standards, customer reviews, and its potential role in weight loss programs.
What is Garden of Life?
Garden of Life is one of the most popular supplement brands on the market. The company offers a variety of products that cover nearly every nutritional need, including protein powders and multivitamins. Garden of Life takes supplement safety and quality seriously, which is why the company is often recommended by healthcare professionals like doctors and registered dietitians. Customers appreciate the array of nutrition products the company offers and its dedication to transparency.
Brand Values and Certifications
The brand has maintained its B Corporation status, a private certification that measures a company’s environmental and social impact. In order to be B Corporation certified, a company must meet strict standards for transparency and accountability on factors, such as employee benefits and charitable donations.
Here are some additional ways Garden of Life stands out from many other vitamin companies:
- Transparency: Garden of Life takes pride in being as transparent as possible with its customers. These are standards set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure the pharmaceutical quality of dietary supplements.
- Third-Party Certifications: Many Garden of Life products are certified by third-party organizations, including NSF. Garden of Life also offers certified organic and gluten-free products.
- Environmentally Friendly: Garden of Life is the first supplement company to be certified carbon neutral, on both a brand and product level, by Carbonfund.org Foundation. Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified organic and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified, both of which require that every product ingredient must be traced back to its origin, such as organic farms and sustainably sourced seafood.
Product Range and Pricing
Because Garden of Life offers so many products, prices vary. For example, most of its multivitamin supplements cost between $30 and $50, but specialty vitamins, like liquid formulations, are more expensive. Protein powders generally fall in the $40-$60 range.
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Although Garden of Life products are more expensive than many drugstore brands like Nature Made and Centrum, its prices reflect the quality of the products, including nutrient forms and ingredient choices.
Garden of Life products frequently go on sale, so customers can save money by using discount codes or in-store coupons.
Returns and Warranty
Garden of Life offers a generous return policy. Any customer who’s unsatisfied with a Garden of Life product can return the item within 60 days of purchase. Keep in mind that the customer is responsible for paying to ship the product back to the Garden of Life warehouse. Garden of Life doesn’t accept items purchased through other distributors as returns, but you might be able to make returns directly to the merchant of purchase.
Product Offerings
Garden of Life offers a variety of nutrition products, including:
- vitamin and mineral supplements
- herbal blends
- probiotics
- protein powders
- collagen products
- greens powders
- coconut oil
- fiber supplements
- protein bars
Many of its supplements are designed to meet the needs of specific populations, such as:
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- children
- pregnant people
- athletes
- older adults
It caters to people who have dietary restrictions or preferences. Some Garden of Life products are:
- certified vegan
- paleo-friendly
- keto-friendly
- certified gluten-free
- vegetarian-friendly
- certified organic
Many of its sports-specific products, such as its protein powders and pre-workout supplements, are NSF Certified for Sport. This is an independent third-party testing certificate verifying that products don’t contain any of more than 270 substances currently banned by major athletic organizations.
Additionally, some products are certified by Informed Choice, a dietary supplement testing program that regularly tests supplements for prohibited substances.
Featured Products
Garden of Life has a loyal customer following thanks to its dedication to producing high quality, effective products. Additionally, many of its products have made our best-of lists.
Quality and Safety Standards
Garden of Life takes supplement quality and safety seriously. Garden of Life products contain a wide variety of nutrients, compounds, herbs, fruits, and vegetables, some of which interact with certain prescription medications or are not appropriate for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have an underlying medical condition.
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For safety purposes, don’t take more than the recommended dose of a supplement, unless recommended by a healthcare professional.
Comparison with Other Brands
Here’s how Garden of Life stacks up against other popular supplement companies in terms of product offerings, price, certifications, and third-party testing.
Customer Reviews and Reputation
Online customer reviews for Garden of Life are mostly positive. For example, at time of publication, the company’s Dr. Formulated Once Daily Men’s Probiotics has over 10,000 reviews on Amazon, 78% of which are 5 stars.
Customers seem to appreciate Garden of Life’s dedication to transparency. Many reviews mention that taking Garden of Life supplements has improved their health. A number of reviews also mention that Garden of Life has excellent customer service and that customers were pleased with how they were treated by company employees. Less favorable reviews note that some of the protein powders don’t taste good and that some Garden of Life supplements are too expensive.
Is Garden of Life a Good Brand?
Yes. Overall, Garden of Life is a high quality supplement brand. Garden of Life offers a variety of products, including protein powders and multivitamins, that contain effective ingredients derived from whole foods.
Its products are third-party tested, and many Garden of Life products, such as its sport supplements, are certified by third-party organizations like NSF.
Manufacturing and Sourcing
Short answer, no, its vitamins are not manufactured in China. The company does source ingredients from Canada, China, Germany, and the United States among other countries. According to the company, all Garden of Life products are tested by a third party to ensure label claim accuracy. The company keeps certificates of analysis (COAs) on record for all raw materials.
COAs are documents that verify that a supplement or material has undergone testing and meets specific quality standards. What’s more, all finished products are tested contaminants such as heavy metals, microbial growth, and pathogenic species such as E. coli and Salmonella.
Final Thoughts
Garden of Life is a supplement company that offers an impressive selection of nutrition products, including multivitamins, specialty supplement blends, protein powders, and food products. The Garden of Life products go through extensive third-party testing, and some products are verified by third-party organizations like NSF and Informed Choice. Plus, a number of Garden of Life products are certified gluten-free and vegan, which makes them a good choice for people with dietary restrictions. What’s more, Garden of Life products are available in many popular stores, such as Whole Foods and GNC. This makes it a convenient choice for those who prefer shopping for supplements in person rather than online. Just make sure to talk with a trusted healthcare professional before taking any new supplements.
Garden of Life and Weight Loss
Garden of Life products, particularly its protein powders, can play a supportive role in a weight loss program. Protein is essential for muscle preservation, satiety, and overall metabolic health.
Raw Organic Protein: A Closer Look
Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein is a high-quality protein supplement formulated from raw, organic, whole-food sources tailored to support muscle repair, recovery, and overall health. This product is made with a blend of easily digestible plant-based proteins-derived from sprouted seeds, legumes, and grains-while incorporating probiotics and digestive enzymes to enhance nutrient absorption.
Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein is considered a premium supplement due to its commitment to quality, clean ingredients, and comprehensive nutritional benefits. It is particularly popular with individuals who prioritize organic, whole food nutrition and wish to maintain digestive health while meeting their protein requirements-a combination that makes it an appealing choice in the competitive fitness supplement market.
Benefits for Weight Loss
- Muscle Preservation: When you’re in a calorie deficit, maintaining muscle mass is vital.
- Clean Ingredients: The formula is organic, raw, and free from artificial additives.
How to Incorporate Raw Organic Protein into Your Diet
- Dosage: Adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended serving size, which is typically one scoop (approximately 25 grams) per serving.
- Liquid Medium: Mix one scoop in 8-12 ounces of cold water, plant-based milk, or blend it into your favorite smoothie to enhance both flavor and texture.
- Method: Add the liquid first, then the powder to allow for smoother blending.
- Hydration: Always stay well-hydrated.
- Digestive Support: Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein includes probiotics and enzymes that can aid digestion.
- Customization: Tailor your shake based on your workout type.
- Post-workout: Use your protein shake immediately after training.
Recipes with Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein
- Protein Power Smoothie Boost: A revitalizing smoothie that fuels your day with antioxidants and essential nutrients.
- Ingredients: 1 scoop Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein, 1 banana, 1 cup almond milk, 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries, a handful of spinach, and 1 teaspoon flaxseed oil.
- Time: 5 Minutes
- Why it's Healthy: Packed with high-quality protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This blend supports muscle recovery and boosts energy levels while promoting overall health.
- Vegan Protein Energy Bowl: A wholesome bowl combining protein-rich ingredients with superfoods to keep you full and energized throughout the day.
- Ingredients: 1 scoop Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein, 1/2 cup cooked quinoa, 1/2 cup coconut yogurt (vegan), assorted berries, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, and a drizzle of agave syrup.
- Time: 15 Minutes
- Why it's Healthy: Offers a balanced mix of protein, complex carbohydrates, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. It’s dairy-free and supports sustained energy and digestive health.
- Protein-Packed Overnight Oats: An easy and nourishing overnight oats recipe enriched with high-quality protein for a wholesome start to your morning.
- Ingredients: 1 scoop Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1 cup almond milk, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, 1/2 cup fresh or frozen berries, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Time: 10 Minutes prep plus overnight refrigeration
- Why it's Healthy: Combines slow-releasing carbohydrates with essential amino acids, fiber, and antioxidants to keep you satiated, support metabolism, and promote overall wellness.
Important Considerations
- Not a Replacement for Whole Foods: While it provides supplemental protein, a balanced diet rich in whole foods is essential.
- Personal Protein Needs: Individual protein requirements vary based on factors like body weight and activity levels.
- Allergies and Sensitivities: Review the ingredient list carefully.
- Beginners: Beginners can safely introduce Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein into their regimen provided they are mindful of their overall nutrition strategy and individual needs.
- Supplement Synergy: If you use additional pre-workout supplements such as creatine or BCAAs, ensure that they are compatible with your regimen.
- Listen to Your Body: Monitor how your body reacts to the supplement.
- Medication Interactions: While uncommon, raw enzyme formulations can potentially interfere with the digestion or absorption of certain medications.