Is Collagen Fuel Chocolate Coconut Drink Mix Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I always look at the source of functional ingredients. When you see the word 'Collagen' on the label of this drink mix, it is the immediate red flag for vegan status. Specifically, this product uses bovine collagen peptides. This is a structural protein derived from the skin, bones, and connective tissues of cows. It is the cornerstone of the product's marketing, aimed at supporting skin and joint health, but it is strictly non-vegan.

Let's look at the other ingredients. The coconut milk powder and monk fruit extract are entirely plant-derived and vegan-friendly. However, the organic fair-trade cocoa powder (processed with alkali) is interesting. The 'processed with alkali' refers to the Dutching process, which reduces bitterness. While the cocoa itself is plant-based, the 'fair-trade' certification is a great ethical bonus, though it has no bearing on vegan status. Finally, konjac root gum is a thickener derived from the root of the konjac plant (often used to make shirataki noodles), and sea salt is mineral. The only non-vegan culprit here is the collagen.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this drink mix is formulated as a high-protein, low-sugar supplement. A typical serving contains roughly 90 to 100 calories, with the majority coming from the protein content (usually around 10g per serving) and the fats found in the coconut milk powder. Because it uses monk fruit extract rather than cane sugar, the sugar content is exceptionally low, often less than 1g of added sugar. This makes it an excellent option for those monitoring their glycemic index or following a keto diet. The inclusion of healthy Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) from the coconut provides a quick energy source. It fits well within the limits of a low-carb or high-protein diet, but again, fails the strict plant-based criteria due to the animal-derived protein source.