Why do supplement powders taste bad and refuse to mix? (and how to fix yours)

Taste and texture are the number one reason people bin a powder after two servings. "Chalky", "gritty", "artificial", "way too sweet", "sinks to the bottom" come up in review after review, for protein, greens and all-in-one powders alike. Most of it comes down to a handful of causes.

Why powders taste artificial or too sweet

Sweeteners. A sugar-free powder still has to taste of something, so it uses sucralose, acesulfame-K, stevia or sugar alcohols, often several at once and at high levels to mask bitter botanicals. Sucralose and acesulfame-K are what most people mean by "artificial aftertaste". Sugar alcohols (sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol) taste cool and clean but can upset your stomach. Stevia (steviol glycosides) has a slightly liquorice-like finish at high doses but no gut side effects. VH Life uses steviol glycosides only.

The other cause is concentration. Powders are formulated for a set amount of water, and most people use less. A serving meant for 500ml drunk in 200ml will taste like syrup.

Why they taste "green" or bitter

Because they are. Spinach, spirulina, wheatgrass, milk thistle, green tea extract and mushrooms are bitter. A greens powder that tastes like a fruit smoothie has either hidden the greens under a lot of sweetener or doesn't contain much of them. VH Life is berry-led (blueberry, blackcurrant, tart cherry, pomegranate) with the greens and botanicals underneath, and the honest description is "a light berry drink", not "a milkshake".

Why they go gritty or lumpy

• Warm or fizzy liquid. Powders are designed for cold, still water.
• Powder in first, then water. It cakes at the bottom. Water first, then powder.
• Not enough agitation. Ten seconds of proper stirring, or a shaker with a ball or mesh.
• Insoluble ingredients. Whole plant powders, mushroom powders and algae never fully dissolve; they suspend. Give it a swirl before the last mouthful. If a greens powder is perfectly clear, it's mostly extracts and flavouring.
• Milk. Some powders are designed for water and clump in milk (or the reverse). VH Life is designed for water.

How to make VH Life taste the way you want

The directions on the box are 250 to 500ml of cold water, adjusted "to dilute the taste to your liking". That range is deliberate. Stronger taste, less water; lighter, more. Pour the water first, tear in the sachet, stir for ten seconds or shake. Ice helps. Some people split a sachet across a 750ml bottle and sip it through the morning, which also makes it gentler on the stomach.

What VH Life does not do is dissolve to a clear liquid. It contains 5.5g of fruit, vegetable and botanical powders, plus mushrooms and algae, so it is a lightly cloudy berry drink with a little fine sediment if you leave it standing. Swirl and finish.

If you still don't like it

Taste is personal and no powder suits everyone. That's why there is a 7-sachet trial box at £12.99, one per customer, so you can find out over a week of mornings rather than a full box. Opened food supplements can't be returned for hygiene reasons (UK law lets sellers refuse opened sealed goods, and every supplement brand does), so the trial is the honest way to try.

VH Life is a food supplement. It is not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, and it does not treat, prevent or cure anything. Adults only. Not for children, adolescents, or anyone pregnant or breastfeeding. If you take medication, in particular anticoagulants or antiplatelet medicines, speak to your doctor before use.