Is True Goodness Halal?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a protein powder is halal, we look for three main red flags: animal products, alcohol (often hidden in 'natural flavors'), and cross-contamination. True Goodness, specifically their plant-based line, passes this test with flying colors. The primary protein sources are pea protein concentrate and brown rice protein concentrate. Both are purely plant-derived and free from animal enzymes.

Another ingredient of concern in protein powders is the flow agent. However, True Goodness uses gum arabic and xanthan gum, which are derived from tree sap and fermented sugars, respectively. There is no magnesium stearate (which can sometimes be animal-derived) listed here. The sweeteners, stevia extract and monk fruit extract, are natural plant compounds, making them perfectly halal. Even the probiotic Bacillus subtilis DE111 is vegetarian-friendly. While the probiotic carrier is rice dextrin, there is no indication of alcohol fermentation in the final product.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, True Goodness is quite impressive. It is designed as a lean protein source, meaning it keeps fat content low while maximizing protein yield. The fat source, high oleic sunflower oil, provides healthy monounsaturated fats without relying on dairy or animal fats. For those watching their sugar intake, the use of stevia and monk fruit keeps the sugar content near zero, which is excellent for maintaining stable blood sugar levels. The inclusion of spinach powder and kale powder adds a micronutrient boost, though the amounts are likely small. Overall, it fits well into a weight-loss or muscle-building diet, provided you account for the calories from the pea starch and rice protein.