Healthy Food Guide by KarbCoach
Pure Protein Dark Cocoa Super Food Protein Powder: Food Integrity analysis
Quick answer
Lower integrity
Pure Protein dark cocoa super food protein powder received a Food Integrity Score of 52 out of 100 (lower integrity). This reflects highly processed and high additive load. This reads more like a food-engineering project than a simple recipe, with real cocoa and greens buried under isolates, gums, and vague flavor systems. It is better treated as an occasional convenience product than an everyday staple. The recommendation leans cautious because the list relies heavily on refined fractions and texture helpers, though none of this is a medical judgment. Main considerations include multiple gums and texture helpers, vague natural flavors, and refined sweeteners and isolated proteins. Simpler options: Look for protein powders with a single named protein source and fewer gums; choose plain cocoa powder with minimal added sweeteners and no stabilizers.
Food Integrity Score 52/100
What stood out on the label?
- Highly processed
- High additive load
- Transparency: Medium
What to watch?
- Multiple gums and texture helpers
- Vague natural flavors
- Refined sweeteners and isolated proteins
Simpler options to consider
- Look for protein powders with a single named protein source and fewer gums
- Choose plain cocoa powder with minimal added sweeteners and no stabilizers
You are viewing ingredients and processing. Switch to Longevity for nutrition and longer-term eating pattern fit.
Source data, GTIN, and Healthy Food Guide analysis details
Product facts
- Product
- Pure Protein Dark Cocoa Super Food Protein Powder
- Brand
- Pure Protein
- Category
- Beverages (source: Energy, Protein & Muscle Recovery Drinks)
- GTIN / UPC
00749826715346- Serving size
- 38.1 g (1 Rounded Scoop)
- Source data — ingredients
- Ingredient list from product label data (see Sources)
- Healthy Food Guide analysis
- Independent Longevity and Food Integrity scorecards. See methodology under Sources.
- Data last verified
Food Integrity results
Dark Cocoa Super Food Protein Powder
Pure Protein
Lower integrity
Warning Signs
Pea protein isolate, guar gum, carrageenan, and gum arabic stand out as formulation helpers in this protein powder.
Consider This
Natural flavors, dextrin, and multiple gums and texture systems are typical of factory-formulated shake powders rather than simple kitchen ingredients.
Good Substitutes
Try plain unsweetened cocoa powder blended with plain protein from a single source, plus chia seeds or banana for thickness.
Overall Assessment
Lower integrityThis reads more like a food-engineering project than a simple recipe, with real cocoa and greens buried under isolates, gums, and vague flavor systems. It is better treated as an occasional convenience product than an everyday staple. The recommendation leans cautious because the list relies heavily on refined fractions and texture helpers, though none of this is a medical judgment.
Key Highlights
What stood out
- Multiple gums and texture helpers
- Vague natural flavors
- Refined sweeteners and isolated proteins
Family Watchlist
Ingredients some users may personally want to know about.
- Natural Flavors — Broad flavor category with undisclosed composition
- Gum Arabic — Emulsifier and stabilizer
- Guar Gum — Thickening gum
- Carrageenan — Stabilizing agent
- Evaporated Cane Sugar — Refined sweetener
Highest concern ingredients
- Natural Flavors (7/10) — Vague flavor system with undisclosed composition
- Carrageenan (7/10) — Stabilizer used for texture
- Gum Arabic (6/10) — Emulsifier and texture helper
Better choice tips
- Look for protein powders with a single named protein source and fewer gums.
- Choose plain cocoa powder with minimal added sweeteners and no stabilizers.
Ingredients
Ingredient list
COMPLETE PROTEIN BLEND (PEA PROTEIN ISOLATE, BROWN RICE PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, HEMP SEED PROTEIN), COCOA (PROCESSED WITH ALKALI), EVAPORATED CANE SUGAR, CUCUMBER POWDER, NATURAL FLAVORS, GUM ARABIC, CHIA SEEDS, TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE, SPINACH POWDER, GUAR GUM, MEDIUM CHAIN TRIGLYCERIDES, SEA SALT, CARRAGEENAN, DEXTRIN, STEVIA LEAF EXTRACT, MONK FRUIT EXTRACT, FERROUS FUMARATE, ZINC OXIDE, VITAMIN B12 (CYANOCOBALAMIN), VITAMIN D2 (ERGOCALCIFEROL).
Formulations can vary — check the package label for the final word.
Highest-concern ingredients first. Expand an item for notes.
Natural FlavorsConcern 7/10 — Higher concernVague ingredientWatchlist · Additive · Vague label term
What this is
Vague ingredient
Processing category
Unknown / not listed
Main concern area
Family Watchlist
Why it matters
Vague flavor systems hide what is actually added to the formula.
Additional note
Broad flavor category with undisclosed source compounds.
Family watchlist
Broad flavor category with undisclosed composition.
CarrageenanConcern 7/10 — Higher concernThickenerWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Thickener
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Carrageenan is a stabilizer that many users prefer to track in formulas.
Additional note
Seaweed-derived gelling and stabilizing agent.
Family watchlist
Stabilizer some users may want to track.
Gum ArabicConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernEmulsifierWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Emulsifier
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Gums are texture helpers that signal formulation beyond basic food prep.
Additional note
Plant gum used as an emulsifier and stabilizer.
Family watchlist
Gum used for texture and emulsification.
Tricalcium PhosphateConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernAnti-caking agentWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Anti-caking agent
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Anti-caking agents exist to keep powders flowing, a formulation function.
Additional note
Mineral salt used as an anti-caking agent.
Family watchlist
Anti-caking agent used for powder flow.
View all 20 ingredient assessments
Guar GumConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernThickenerWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Thickener
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Thickening gums are texture helpers added to shape mouthfeel.
Additional note
Thickening gum from guar beans used for texture.
Family watchlist
Gum used for thickening and texture.
Complete Protein Blend (Pea Protein Isolate, Brown Rice Protein Concentrate, Hemp Seed Protein)Concern 5/10 — Moderate concernProtein blendVague label term
What this is
Protein blend
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Isolated proteins signal refined, rebuilt-food formulation rather than whole food.
Additional note
Isolated pea protein with rice protein concentrate and hemp blended together.
Medium Chain TriglyceridesConcern 5/10 — Moderate concernRefined oilWatchlist
What this is
Refined oil
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Fractionated fats are refined separated components rather than whole food.
Additional note
Refined fractionated fat, often from coconut or palm sources.
Family watchlist
Refined fat fraction some users may want to track.
Zinc OxideConcern 5/10 — Moderate concernFortificantWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Fortificant
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Zinc oxide is a synthetic mineral form added to the formula.
Additional note
Mineral compound added for fortification.
Family watchlist
Synthetic mineral form some users may want to track.
Evaporated Cane SugarConcern 4/10 — Mild concernSweetenerWatchlist
What this is
Sweetener
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Refined sugar adds sweetness with little whole-food context.
Additional note
Refined sugar added for sweetness.
Family watchlist
Refined sweetener some users may want to track.
DextrinConcern 4/10 — Mild concernStarch derivative
What this is
Starch derivative
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Dextrin is a refined starch fraction used for bulk and mouthfeel.
Additional note
Starch-derived carbohydrate used for bulk and texture.
Stevia Leaf ExtractConcern 4/10 — Mild concernSweetenerWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Sweetener
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Concentrated extracts are refined sweetener components.
Additional note
Extracted sweetener from stevia leaves.
Family watchlist
Concentrated sweetener extract some users may want to track.
Monk Fruit ExtractConcern 4/10 — Mild concernSweetenerWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Sweetener
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Concentrated extracts are refined sweetener components.
Additional note
Extracted sweetener from monk fruit.
Family watchlist
Concentrated sweetener extract some users may want to track.
Ferrous FumarateConcern 3/10 — Mild concernFortificantAdditive
What this is
Fortificant
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Added mineral fortification is a formulation choice rather than whole food.
Additional note
Iron compound added for fortification.
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)Concern 3/10 — Mild concernFortificantAdditive
What this is
Fortificant
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Synthetic vitamin forms are added fortification rather than whole food.
Additional note
Synthetic vitamin form added for fortification.
Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol)Concern 3/10 — Mild concernFortificantAdditive
What this is
Fortificant
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Synthetic vitamin forms are added fortification rather than whole food.
Additional note
Synthetic vitamin form added for fortification.
Cocoa (Processed with Alkali)Concern 2/10 — Very low concernCocoa
What this is
Cocoa
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Alkalizing is a mild processing step common in cocoa products.
Additional note
Cocoa treated with alkali for color and flavor, a mild processing step.
Cucumber PowderConcern 2/10 — Very low concernVegetable powder
What this is
Vegetable powder
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Powdered produce is recognizable but still a processed form.
Additional note
Dried and powdered cucumber, a recognizable produce ingredient.
Spinach PowderConcern 2/10 — Very low concernVegetable powder
What this is
Vegetable powder
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Powdered greens are recognizable but still a processed form.
Additional note
Dried and powdered spinach, a recognizable produce ingredient.
Chia SeedsConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food
What this is
Simple food
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
Whole seeds are a simple, recognizable food ingredient.
Additional note
Whole seeds, recognizable and minimally processed.
Sea SaltConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food
What this is
Simple food
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
Sea salt is a simple, recognizable seasoning.
Additional note
Simple salt from evaporated seawater.
KarbCoach Food Integrity is an ingredient-based formulation estimate, not a medical or safety rating. Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions.
How this product may fit different goals
The same food can look different depending on what matters most to you. Here is a general preview of how this product may align with several common goals.
Heart-Healthy Eating
MixedMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Heart-Healthy Eating, the same nutrition and ingredient data show both supportive signals and tradeoffs.
A tradeoff: Added-sodium ingredients (Mentions "salt", "sea salt". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
GLP-1 Eating Support
SupportiveMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing GLP-1 Eating Support, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Protein ingredients (Mentions "protein isolate", "protein concentrate", "pea protein". See ingredients for details.)
Low Sugar Lifestyle
Watch-outsMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Low Sugar Lifestyle, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Sweetener/sugar on watchlist (see Food Integrity)
Appetite & Portion Awareness
SupportiveMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Appetite & Portion Awareness, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Protein ingredients (Mentions "protein isolate", "protein concentrate", "pea protein". See ingredients for details.)
Workout Recovery
SupportiveAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Workout Recovery, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Protein ingredients (Mentions "protein isolate", "protein concentrate", "pea protein". See ingredients for details.)
Strength & Protein Focus
SupportiveAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Strength & Protein Focus, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Protein ingredients (Mentions "protein isolate", "protein concentrate", "pea protein". See ingredients for details.)
Vegetarian
SupportiveDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Vegetarian, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Plant-food ingredients (Mentions "spinach", "pea protein". See ingredients for details.)
Vegan
SupportiveDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Vegan, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Plant-food ingredients (Mentions "spinach", "pea protein". See ingredients for details.)
Plant-Based
SupportiveDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Plant-Based, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Plant-food ingredients (Mentions "spinach", "pea protein". See ingredients for details.)
Low-Carb Lifestyle
SupportiveDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Low-Carb Lifestyle, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Protein ingredients (Mentions "protein isolate", "protein concentrate", "pea protein". See ingredients for details.)
Keto-Style Eating
SupportiveDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Keto-Style Eating, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Protein ingredients (Mentions "protein isolate", "protein concentrate", "pea protein". See ingredients for details.)
Minimally Processed Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Minimally Processed Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Higher processing level (Highly processed)
This product has 3 additional signals for this goal.
Whole-Food Focused Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Whole-Food Focused Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Higher processing level (Highly processed)
This product has 3 additional signals for this goal.
Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Higher processing level (Highly processed)
This product has 3 additional signals for this goal.
Paleo-Style Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Paleo-Style Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Grain/legume ingredients (Mentions "rice", "pea". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Healthy Fat Focus
SupportiveDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Healthy Fat Focus, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Healthy fat ingredients (Mentions "chia", "hemp seed". See ingredients for details.)
Low-Spike Stability
NeutralMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Low-Spike Stability, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Athletic Fueling
NeutralAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Athletic Fueling, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Pescatarian
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Pescatarian, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Low Gluten Eating
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Low Gluten Eating, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Mediterranean-Style Eating
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Mediterranean-Style Eating, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
See how this product fits your goals
Choose what matters most to you and explore a more detailed interpretation of this product's nutrition, ingredients, and tradeoffs.
Understanding the Food Integrity analysis
What the Food Integrity analysis evaluates
The Food Integrity analysis focuses on how a packaged food is formulated and made. It examines processing level, ingredient quality, additives, oils, sweeteners, purity cues, and how clearly a label communicates what is in the product. The Food Integrity Score summarizes that formulation and transparency picture on a 0–100 scale. It is not a full nutrient report and it is not a personalized meal plan.
Why processing, ingredients, and transparency matter
Processing level and ingredient quality shape what you are actually eating beyond calories on the label. Additives, industrial oils, and intense sweeteners can change how clean or heavily engineered a product feels, even when the front of pack looks wholesome. Purity and transparency matter because incomplete or marketing-heavy labeling can hide tradeoffs that only show up when the full ingredient list is reviewed carefully.
Who may prioritize Food Integrity
Some people care mainly about Food Integrity because their dietary goals center on formulation rather than macros alone. Examples include checking vegetarian or vegan suitability, preferring simpler ingredient sources, avoiding certain additives or sweeteners, watching oil choices, or preferring less processed options. For those priorities, the Food Integrity Score can be the more practical first read.
How Food Integrity differs from Longevity
Food Integrity is the focused analysis of processing, ingredients, additives, purity, and transparency. Longevity is the broader analysis of nutritional composition, metabolic and dietary characteristics, processing, and ingredient quality together. Favorable nutrition values do not necessarily mean strong Food Integrity: a product can look balanced on macros yet still rely on heavy processing or additives that the Food Integrity analysis flags in more detail.
Why the two analyses overlap—and why to review Longevity too
The analyses overlap intentionally. Food Integrity–related characteristics contribute to Longevity, and Longevity still benefits from the same ingredient-quality lens. They are not competing verdicts; they answer different questions at different depths. Reviewing the Longevity analysis can add information about nutritional composition, metabolic characteristics, and dietary balance that Food Integrity alone does not emphasize. Looking at both usually gives the most complete understanding of tradeoffs.
Common questions about this product
Is Pure Protein Dark Cocoa Super Food Protein Powder highly processed?
Food Integrity lists processing level as Highly processed. That reflects formulation and processing signals from the ingredient analysis — not a medical or regulatory classification.
Why are the Longevity and Food Integrity scores different?
Longevity emphasizes nutrition per serving and longer-term dietary alignment. Food Integrity emphasizes ingredients, additives, processing, and label transparency. The same product can score differently on those lenses.
How much fiber is in one serving?
Pure Protein Dark Cocoa Super Food Protein Powder shows about 3.01g of fiber per labeled serving in the Longevity nutrition facts.
Does it contain added sugar?
Pure Protein Dark Cocoa Super Food Protein Powder: 3g added sugar per serving; sweetener signals include evaporated cane sugar, stevia leaf extract. Confirm the current package Nutrition Facts and ingredient list.
What helped the Longevity Score?
Key positives called out in the analysis include: 20g protein per serving from plant-based sources; Pea, brown rice, and hemp protein blend; Chia seeds and spinach powder add whole-food content.
What prevented a perfect Longevity Score?
Key concerns noted include: Evaporated cane sugar and stevia/monk fruit sweeteners; Gums and carrageenan indicate processing; Sodium around 400mg per serving.
Who might evaluate this product differently?
People prioritizing different goals (for example lower carbs, higher protein, or minimally processed eating) may weigh the same beverages differently. Use the goal preview on this page, then personalize in KarbCoach for your priorities.
Source data and Healthy Food Guide analysis
- Public label databases (including USDA FoodData Central and Open Food Facts) — Possible sources for package ingredients and nutrition.
- Healthy Food Guide analysis (Longevity and Food Integrity) — Independent Longevity and Food Integrity scorecards.
- How the Longevity Score is calculated
- How the Food Integrity Score is calculated
- Scoring models: KarbCoach Longevity and Food Integrity.
- Independent analysis. No manufacturer affiliation.
- Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions. Full sources and safety details.
Label accuracy and safety information
Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions.
See how this item lines up with your goals
Healthy Food Guide covers this product in detail. In KarbCoach, your goals shape what matters most for your meals.
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