When you pick up a protein powder jar, the label often looks simple and healthy at first glance — “High Protein,” “No Added Sugar,” “Low Fat.” But if you look closer, you’ll often find a long list of additives written in small font, sometimes hidden behind technical terms like INS numbers, stabilizers, or emulsifiers.

At The Leafy Wellness, we believe in complete transparency. Let’s break down the common additives you’ll find in most protein powders — and why we consciously avoid them.

⚖️ INS Agents (Numbered Codes)

INS (International Numbering System) codes are used to label food additives. You’ll often see numbers like INS 415 (Xanthan Gum) or INS 471 (Emulsifier) on the label. While these numbers make the ingredient list look technical, they often hide artificial chemicals that your body doesn’t need.

🔴 Why it’s a problem: Many INS agents are synthetic stabilizers, thickeners, and emulsifiers. Overconsumption can irritate the digestive system and disrupt gut health.

✅ At Leafy Wellness: We skip them entirely. No numbered codes, just real, recognizable ingredients.

🔴 Why are they Harmful ?

• Can disrupt gut microbiome balance.
  
• Linked to hyperactivity, headaches, and allergies in sensitive individuals.
  
• May put stress on the liver and kidneys over time.

🧪 Preservatives

Protein powders are often stored for months on shelves. To keep them from spoiling, companies add preservatives like sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, or parabens.

🔴 Why it’s a problem: Preservatives can trigger allergies, burden your liver, and in the long run, increase your body’s toxin load.

✅ At Leafy Wellness: We rely on natural freshness with clean packaging and airtight storage. No preservatives, ever.

🔴 Why are they Harmful ?

• Can disrupt gut microbiome balance.
  
• Linked to hyperactivity, headaches, and allergies in sensitive individuals.
  
• May put stress on the liver and kidneys over time.

🌀 Emulsifiers

To make powders mix smoothly with water or milk, many brands add emulsifiers like INS 322 (lecithin) or INS 471.

🔴 Why it’s a problem: They artificially improve texture but may cause bloating, gas, and gut imbalance when consumed regularly.

✅ At Leafy Wellness: We trust the natural solubility of plant proteins and keep your shake free from unnecessary chemicals.

🔴 Why are they Harmful ?

• Studies suggest they can weaken the gut lining, leading to inflammation and bloating.
  
• May contribute to metabolic issues when consumed regularly.

🍬 Hidden Sugars (Sucrose, Maltodextrin & More)

Labels often claim “No Added Sugar”, but that doesn’t mean the product is sugar-free. Instead, companies add maltodextrin, dextrose, or sucrose to improve taste and bulk up the product cheaply.

🔴 Why it’s a problem: These hidden sugars spike your blood sugar, slow down fat loss, and add empty calories without nutrition.

✅ At Leafy Wellness: Sweetness, if any, comes naturally with Monk Fruit / Stevia Leaf extract— no maltodextrin, no hidden sugar tricks.

🔴 Why are they Harmful ?

• Rapidly spike blood glucose and insulin.
  
• Increase risk of weight gain, insulin resistance, and energy crashes.
  
• Bad for long-term cardiovascular health.
  

🧩 Gums (Xanthan, Guar, Carrageenan)

Ever noticed some shakes feel “thick” and creamy? That’s usually because of gums like xanthan gum or guar gum, not protein itself.

🔴 Why it’s a problem: While small doses are considered safe, regular consumption may lead to stomach discomfort, bloating, and irritation.

✅ At Leafy Wellness: Our protein is smooth by nature, without gums or artificial thickeners.

🔴 Why are they Harmful ?

• Some people experience gas, bloating, or diarrhea.
  
• Overuse can stress digestion, especially when combined with protein.
  

❌ Artificial Sweetners

🔴 Why are they Harmful ?

• Interfere with natural hunger signals, leading to overeating.
  
• Some studies link them to gut microbiome imbalance and glucose intolerance.
  
• Can create sugar cravings instead of reducing them.