Does Cookies & creamless Protein Shake contain dairy or gluten?

No, it is completely dairy-free and gluten-free. It is suitable for vegans and those with lactose intolerance or celiac disease.

Is Cookies & creamless Protein Shake good for weight loss?

Yes, it can be. With roughly 130 calories and 20g of protein, it helps keep you full. However, be mindful of the 5-6g of added sugar per bottle if you are on a strict calorie deficit.

Where can I buy Cookies & creamless Protein Shake?

You can find it at major retailers like Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Target, as well as online through Amazon and the manufacturer's website.

Is Cookies & creamless Protein Shake safe for kids?

Yes, it is generally safe for kids as it is free from caffeine and major allergens. However, it is a high-protein supplement, so portion sizes should be monitored based on the child's dietary needs.

Is Cookies & creamless Protein Shake Gluten Free?

Yes, the Cookies & creamless Protein Shake is gluten-free. Based on the ingredient label, there are no wheat, barley, rye, or hidden gluten sources present. This makes it a safe option for those managing celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food is truly gluten-free, we have to look beyond the marketing claims and inspect the source ingredients. For the Cookies & creamless Protein Shake, the formulation relies heavily on plant-based sources, which naturally lack gluten. Let's look at the specific components.

The core of this shake is the OWYN Protein Blend, which consists of pea protein, organic pumpkin seed protein, and organic flax oil. Peas and pumpkin seeds are legumes and seeds, respectively; they do not contain gluten. This is a significant departure from whey-based shakes, which sometimes use thickeners derived from gluten-containing grains, but here the protein source is entirely clean.

For the "cookies" flavor profile, the product uses cocoa powder and natural flavors. Pure cocoa powder is naturally gluten-free. While "natural flavors" can sometimes be a gray area in food science, in a product marketed as allergen-friendly like this one, they are derived from gluten-free sources. The sweetness comes from monk fruit extract and a small amount of organic cane sugar, neither of which contain gluten.

Finally, we look at the texture agents: guar gum and sunflower lecithin. These are standard food stabilizers derived from sunflowers and guar beans. They are safe alternatives to oat-based thickeners (like oat fiber) which carry a high risk of cross-contamination with wheat during harvesting and processing. By avoiding oats entirely, this shake eliminates one of the most common sources of accidental gluten in protein powders.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, the Cookies & creamless Protein Shake is designed for density and satiety. It typically provides around 20 grams of protein per serving, derived from a high-quality blend of pea and pumpkin seed proteins. This combination offers a complete amino acid profile, which is crucial for muscle repair and recovery, especially for those on a plant-based diet.

In terms of macronutrients, the shake is moderate in calories (usually around 130-150 calories) and contains healthy fats from sunflower oil and flax oil. These fats are essential for nutrient absorption and heart health. The inclusion of soluble fiber is also a plus, aiding in digestion and helping to keep you full longer.

However, consumers should be mindful of the organic cane sugar. While it is organic, it is still an added sugar. The shake contains roughly 5-6 grams of added sugar per serving. While not excessive, it contributes to the overall carbohydrate count. For those strictly counting carbs or managing blood sugar levels, this is a factor to consider, though the amount is generally reasonable for a flavored protein shake.