Is Cafe latte shake Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing the ingredients list of the Cafe latte shake, it becomes immediately clear why it fails the vegan test. The primary issue lies in the protein sources. The label lists Milk Protein Concentrate and Calcium Caseinate. Both of these are derived directly from cow's milk. Casein is the main protein found in milk, and while it is excellent for muscle recovery, it is strictly an animal product.

Furthermore, the vitamin fortification presents a hidden non-vegan trap. The product contains Vitamin D3 (listed as Cholecalciferol). In the supplement and food industry, Vitamin D3 is most commonly synthesized from lanolin, a waxy substance extracted from sheep's wool. While vegan versions of D3 exist (derived from lichen), they are rarely used in mass-market products like this due to cost, making the D3 here highly likely to be animal-derived.

Finally, the Carrageenan used as a thickener is plant-based (derived from seaweed), but the presence of Sodium Caseinate (often found in similar products) and the milk proteins makes the overall formulation strictly vegetarian or omnivore-friendly, but not vegan.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, the Cafe latte shake is a powerhouse, though it comes with specific trade-offs. It packs a significant 30g of protein per serving, which is impressive for a ready-to-drink shake. However, this protein is entirely animal-based.

The shake is low in sugar (only 1g of added sugar) thanks to the use of artificial sweeteners like Sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium. It is also relatively low in calories at 160 per bottle. However, it is heavily fortified with a long list of synthetic vitamins and minerals. While this helps meet daily values, it is essentially a processed food product designed to replace a meal, rather than a whole-food option.