How we count and check ingredients

The counting rule

1. We count what the brand's label or product page lists, not what a product may contain.
2. Each item separated by a comma, or by "and" before the last item, counts as one.
3. A named blend with its parts in brackets counts as one. For example, "Protein Blend (A, B)" is one item.
4. Words that describe an item, such as "organic", "grass-fed" or "less than 2% of", do not add to the count.
5. "Natural flavors" counts as one item.
6. If a label uses a Supplement Facts panel instead of one ingredient sentence, we count each item that names a source or added form, plus everything under "Other Ingredients". Nutrition lines such as calories, protein, sodium or calcium are not counted.
7. Each flavor is its own entry, because flavors have different lists.

A count is only a count. It does not say a powder is better, worse, more natural or more suitable for you. We do not rank products.

Where each list comes from

The final source is the brand's current label or product page. Each product page links to it and shows the date we checked it. Retailer listings and databases only help us find products, because retailer listings can differ from the brand's own label.

Additive explanations say what each additive is, using US food regulations and FDA pages where they cover it, and each page links to its sources. We explain what is on the label. We don't say whether an ingredient or product is good or bad.

The market covered is products sold in the US. Formulas can differ by country, size and date, so the tub in your hand may not match.

How often we check again

We recheck every label at least every 90 days. If you report an error, we reply within 2 working days. If the report looks right, we mark the list as under review or remove it until it has been rechecked. Corrections are dated on the product page.