New Product Friday: Ascent Recovery Water
New Product Friday: Ascent Recovery Water
As summer is approaching and more active days are ahead of us, it is important to ensure efficient and effective recovery from exercise and hard work in the sun. Today’s new product is a recovery water. Available in refreshing flavors like Orange Mango, Fruit Punch, Pineapple Coconut, and Watermelon these beverages are designed to replenish electrolytes lost to sweat and provide protein to build and maintain muscles. Let’s look at this beverage to see how clean and efficient it is:
Water— Self Explanatory
Native Whey Protein Isolate— The difference between native whey protein isolate and regular whey protein isolate is the way that the protein is processed. Native whey protein isolate is more gently processed than regular whey protein isolate. This results in higher levels of a couple essential amino acids (leucine and lysine). This is about the only benefit, though. A couple of studies have shown that native whey protein is not significantly better absorbed and used for muscle recovery than regular whey protein isolate.
Phosphoric Acid— This ingredient makes the beverage acidic (about the same acidity level as kombucha, soda, and wine).
Natural Flavors—This is natural orange and mango flavors that come from oranges and mangos and (possibly) other natural source materials.
Organic Cane Sugar— The less processed version of table sugar. The benefits of organic cane sugar vs. table sugar is that it would not potentially have any residual pesticides and farmed so that it is better for the environment.
Sodium Citrate—A source of electrolytes.
Carrot Concentrate—One of three sources that contribute to the color of the beverage.
Stevia Leaf Extract—A natural, plant-based sweetener that is 100-200x sweeter than sugar. If used inappropriately, it can leave a metallic, bitter taste in the mouth.
Apple Concentrate—One of three sources that contribute to the color of the beverage.
Pumpkin Concentrate—One of three sources that contribute to the color of the beverage.
Final Evaluation
Ingredient Quality: A. This beverage is gluten-free, lactose-free, and Informed Choice Certified. Informed Choice is an independent organization that has strict requirements for testing to make sure that the product that is being consumed is exactly what is stated on the label. The supplement industry can have adulterated products or products that do not claim what is on the nutrition facts panel. This independent organization tests its partner products after manufacturing and while on the grocery store shelf, while other beverages may or may not have additional testing. This certification ensures a better, more informed choice for the consumer.
Ingredient Clarity: B+. Even though the ingredient statement calls out the sources of natural color, there is no need to have three different sources when all they provide is color and not any functionality.
Functional Benefit: B+. Whey protein isolate is well studied to aid in muscle recovery, especially when consumed within an hour after exercise. Sodium is the number one electrolyte that is lost in sweat, so supplementing it is crucial. However, sodium citrate is the only electrolyte in the beverage. Most hydration beverages contain more than one source of electrolytes—this does not.
Nutritional Value: A. At 100 calories and 20 grams of protein, this is a filling beverage with minimal calories.
Overall Score: B+. This beverage is essentially the same as Protein2O beverages. The only difference between the two brands is that this uses native whey protein isolate while Protein2O uses a standard whey protein isolate. Studies have shown that native whey protein isolate is not significantly better than standard whey protein isolate to aid in muscle recovery. Additionally, this beverage only provides only one source of electrolytes; Protein2O has two sources of electrolytes. Even though this product is a “copy-cat”, many studies have shown that protein and electrolytes are essential to post-exercise recovery. This beverage provides a clinically studied amount of protein sufficient for recovery and the low calories and sugar make this beverage a healthy choice.
Do you drink protein beverages after working out? If so, do any of them have electrolytes? Let us know!
This product was evaluated purely based upon the perspective of a food scientist. The writer’s opinions are purely her own without influence or affiliation with the brand.