A Dietitians Take on the Label

Reading the label on this Confectioners Powder reveals a straightforward but intense reality: 96g of sugar per 100g serving. It is essentially pure sucrose with a touch of cornstarch to prevent clumping. The texture is ultra-fine and dissolves instantly, creating that classic sweet, gritty mouthfeel you expect from standard baking sugar. I analyzed this specifically for a weekend project making royal icing for my kids' cookies. While it performed its function perfectly for that specific task, it is a metabolic non-starter for anyone monitoring glucose or trying to stay in ketosis. It offers zero nutritional value beyond empty calories, so it's strictly a functional ingredient rather than a daily fuel source.

This drink mix powder is designed for zero-calorie hydration, relying on a blend of citric and malic acids for tartness, plus sucralose for sweetness. The ingredient list includes maltodextrin and Red 40, which is something I always note when scanning labels. It dissolves completely in water, leaving a sharp, artificial grape flavor that hits the palate quickly without any heavy aftertaste. I threw a few sticks in my gym bag for post-workout hydration without adding to my carb count for the day. It works well for that purpose, but the texture can feel slightly thin and overly acidic if you don't mix it with the exact amount of water. It's a functional tool for hydration, but the mouthfeel isn't for everyone.

This Bone Broth Protein Powder is a fascinating hybrid of savory and sweet. The label shows 100% grass-fed beef bone broth protein, coconut milk powder, and pumpkin, with unrefined sea salt listed. It creates a thick, creamy texture that feels substantial in the stomach. The salt level is noticeable—it provides a savory backbone that balances the cinnamon and ginger. I actually used this as a late-night satiety booster when I needed something warming but didn't want to spike insulin before bed. It kept me full, but the savory profile is a distinct departure from typical sweet protein shakes. If you go in expecting a dessert flavor, the saltiness might catch you off guard.

This Dutched Unsweetened Cocoa Powder is incredibly clean, consisting of organic cocoa powder processed with alkali. The 'Dutched' process lowers the acidity, resulting in a darker color and a smoother, less bitter flavor profile compared to natural cocoa. It has zero sugar, making it a perfect tool for keto baking or adding richness to coffee without breaking a fast. I mixed this into my morning bulletproof coffee, and the texture was silky with no grit. However, because it is unsweetened and pure cocoa, it has a very intense, dry mouthfeel if taken alone. You absolutely need a fat source or sweetener to balance it out, otherwise, the bitterness dominates the experience.

This Mixed Berry Protein Powder uses Whey Protein Isolate as the primary source, which is excellent for bioavailability. The label indicates 4g of sugar per 100g, likely derived from the fruit and vegetable juice used for color and flavor, alongside steviol glycosides (stevia) for sweetness. The texture is typical of whey—isolate tends to mix smoothly, though natural flavors can sometimes leave a slight aftertaste. I packed this in my gym bag for a quick post-lift shake. It mixed easily with water, providing a tart berry flavor that wasn't overly sweet. The trade-off is that the stevia is detectable, and the tartness from the citric acid might be sharp for those used to creamier, sweeter shakes.