Is 100% Gold Standard Whey Double Rich Chocolate Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look at the label to determine the source. The first and most critical flag in this product is the Protein Blend. This blend explicitly lists whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and whey peptides. All of these are derived from milk, making the product inherently non-vegan and non-plant-based.

There is also an enzyme added called lactase. Lactase is the enzyme that breaks down lactose (milk sugar). Its inclusion here suggests the product is formulated to be easier to digest for those with lactose intolerance, but it confirms the presence of milk-derived ingredients. Additionally, the cocoa powder is processed with alkali (Dutch-processed), which is a standard manufacturing process for chocolate flavoring and is vegan-friendly. However, the presence of whey overrides all other ingredients in the vegan debate.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this product is designed for muscle recovery and growth. A standard scoop offers a high concentration of protein (typically 24g) with relatively low fat and carbohydrate content. It is sweetened with acesulfame potassium, an artificial sweetener, which keeps the sugar content low while maintaining a rich chocolate taste. For those monitoring their caloric intake, it fits well within a standard diet plan. However, because it contains dairy, it does not fit the macronutrient profile of a vegan diet, which relies on plant-based fats and proteins.