Is Cowboy Colostrum Vanilla Flavor Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why this product fails the vegan test, we have to look at the source material itself. The product is literally bovine colostrum—the 'first milk' produced by cows after giving birth. While the ingredient list highlights flavoring agents, the base substance is inherently animal-based.

MILK: This is the primary flag. In the context of colostrum, this refers to the bioactive compounds found in cow's milk. Even if the product were labeled as 'plant-based milk,' the term 'colostrum' biologically dictates that it comes from a mammal. It contains lactose and dairy proteins like casein and whey, which strictly vegans avoid.

ORGANIC MONKFRUIT EXTRACT: This is a non-nutritive sweetener derived from a tropical vine. It is 100% vegan and is used here to keep the sugar content low while providing sweetness. It is generally recognized as safe and is a popular alternative to artificial sweeteners.

ORGANIC NATURAL VANILLA FLAVOR: While 'natural flavor' can sometimes be a gray area (derived from plant or animal sources), in the context of a dairy product, it is likely used to round out the taste profile. However, the presence of milk remains the deciding factor for the vegan status.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Cowboy Colostrum is designed as a high-protein, low-sugar supplement. A typical serving contains roughly 25 calories, with the majority coming from protein (approximately 3-4 grams per serving). This makes it a very low-calorie addition to a diet, fitting easily within most macro limits.

The product relies on Monkfruit extract to keep the sugar content negligible (usually less than 1 gram). This is a significant advantage over standard protein powders that often contain 5-10 grams of sugar per serving. However, consumers should be aware that colostrum naturally contains lactose, so those with severe lactose intolerance may experience digestive discomfort despite the low sugar count.