Does Cacao Essentials 100% Plant Based Shake contain dairy or gluten?

No, the label lists no dairy or gluten ingredients. However, always check for cross-contamination warnings if you have Celiac disease.

Is Cacao Essentials 100% Plant Based Shake good for weight loss?

Not ideal. With added sugars from coconut sugar and dates, the calorie and sugar content is relatively high for a weight loss shake.

Where can I buy Cacao Essentials 100% Plant Based Shake?

It is generally available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and online through Amazon.

Is Cacao Essentials 100% Plant Based Shake safe for kids?

While the ingredients are generally safe, the caffeine content from the cacao is minimal, but the sugar content should be monitored for children.

Is Cacao Essentials 100% Plant Based Shake Vegan?

The short answer is MAYBE. While the Cacao Essentials 100% Plant Based Shake is free from dairy, eggs, and obvious animal products, a deeper look at the label reveals nuances that strict vegans and health-conscious consumers need to consider. This shake relies heavily on added sugars and ambiguous flavoring agents that complicate its standing as a truly 'clean' vegan product.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, the first thing I look for on a label claiming to be '100% Plant Based' is the protein source. In this case, Organic Pea Protein is the star of the show. This is a high-quality, complete plant protein that is an excellent alternative to whey or casein, making the protein aspect of this shake undeniably vegan-friendly. Similarly, the inclusion of Organic Hemp Seeds adds a boost of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, reinforcing the plant-based profile.

However, the plot thickens when we reach the sweeteners and flavorings. The product contains Organic Coconut Sugar and Organic Dates. While these are natural, plant-derived sweeteners, they contribute to a high total sugar content (more on that in the nutrition section). The bigger red flag for strict vegans is the Organic Natural Flavor. In the food industry, 'natural flavor' can legally contain trace amounts of processing agents or carrier solvents that may or may not be vegan, such as glycerin derived from animal fat. While it is likely plant-derived in an organic product, the lack of transparency is a common complaint among ethical vegans.

Finally, we have the functional ingredients like Gellan Gum and Guar Gum. These are plant-derived thickeners used to improve texture, so they pass the vegan test. However, the presence of Organic Stevia Extract alongside the coconut sugar and dates suggests a formulation that prioritizes sweetness over metabolic stability, which is a concern for those viewing veganism as a holistic health choice.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

sugarnatural flavor

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this shake is a mixed bag. A standard serving likely packs around 15-20g of protein, which is solid for a plant-based snack. However, the sugar content is where things get tricky. Between the Organic Coconut Sugar, Organic Dates, and the Organic Natural Flavor, you are looking at a significant sugar load—likely 10g or more per serving. For a vegan product aiming for health, this is quite high and can lead to energy crashes.

Regarding fats, the Organic Almond Milk and Organic Hemp Seeds provide healthy unsaturated fats, but the total fat count is generally low to moderate. The vitamin blend is a plus, specifically the Calcium Derived From Seaweed and Vitamin D, which are often lacking in vegan diets. If you are looking for a post-workout recovery shake, the sugar might be acceptable, but as a daily meal replacement, the glycemic load is a concern.