Does Essentials 30g Protein Ultimate Chocolate contain dairy or gluten?

Yes, it contains dairy in the form of milk protein isolate, whey, and casein. It does not contain gluten ingredients, but it is not certified gluten-free.

Is Essentials 30g Protein Ultimate Chocolate good for weight loss?

Yes, the high protein content (30g) helps with satiety and muscle retention during calorie restriction. It is low in sugar, making it a good addition to a weight loss diet.

Where can I buy Essentials 30g Protein Ultimate Chocolate?

This product is commonly found at major retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Amazon, usually in the nutrition or pharmacy section.

Is Essentials 30g Protein Ultimate Chocolate safe for kids?

While the ingredients are safe, this product is formulated for adult nutritional needs. It is high in protein and added vitamins; consult a pediatrician before giving it to children.

Is Essentials 30g Protein Ultimate Chocolate Halal?

Yes, Essentials 30g Protein Ultimate Chocolate is considered Halal. Our investigation of the ingredient list reveals no alcohol, pork derivatives, or animal enzymes. It is a milk-based product, making it suitable for consumption by those following Halal dietary guidelines, provided they are not lactose intolerant.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a protein shake is Halal, we look for specific red flags: alcohol (often hidden in flavorings), animal enzymes (rennet), and pork-based gelatin. Fortunately, the Essentials 30g Protein Ultimate Chocolate formula is clean in these areas. The primary ingredients are filtered water and a robust protein blend consisting of milk protein isolate, milk protein concentrate, whey protein concentrate, and calcium caseinate.

These dairy proteins are naturally Halal, but the source of the enzymes used to process them is a common concern. In this case, the manufacturing process for these specific dairy ingredients typically utilizes microbial or fungal enzymes rather than animal rennet, which is the standard for mass-market products to ensure broad dietary compliance. The thickening agents used here, carrageenan and cellulose gum, are derived entirely from seaweed and plant cellulose, respectively, making them safe for Halal and Vegan diets (though the dairy content makes it non-vegan).

Regarding flavorings, the cocoa processed with alkali (Dutch-processed) is a chemical treatment that removes acidity from cocoa; it does not introduce alcohol. Similarly, the sweeteners sucralose and acesulfame potassium are synthetic and Halal. The only ingredient requiring a standard disclaimer is soy lecithin, which is an emulsifier derived from soybeans and is completely Halal.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Essentials 30g Protein is designed as a high-protein supplement rather than a meal replacement. The standout feature is the 30 grams of protein per serving, which is an excellent amount for muscle recovery and satiety. The protein sources—whey and casein—are complete proteins, meaning they contain all essential amino acids.

In terms of macronutrients, it is relatively low in fat, utilizing sunflower oil rather than heavier oils like palm oil. The carbohydrate count is kept low through the use of zero-calorie sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium. This makes it a viable option for those on a low-carb or keto diet. However, consumers should be aware that it contains milk and soy, the two most common allergens. The vitamin and mineral blend is extensive, fortifying the shake with essential nutrients like Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, and Zinc.