Is Layered Lean Bar Cookies & Cream Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing the ingredient list for the Layered Lean Bar Cookies & Cream, two major red flags immediately appear for anyone following a vegan diet. The primary protein sources are animal-based, making the bar inherently non-vegan.

The most significant non-vegan ingredients are Whey Protein Concentrate and Whey Protein Isolate. Whey is a byproduct of the cheese-making process; it is derived directly from cow's milk. Therefore, the entire protein foundation of this bar is dairy-based. Additionally, the ingredient list includes Gelatin. Gelatin is a gelling agent derived from the collagen in animal skin, bones, and connective tissues. It is commonly used in protein bars to provide a chewy, gummy texture but is strictly off-limits for vegans.

There are also other ingredients of concern, such as Sodium Caseinate, which is a form of casein (a milk protein), and Almond. While almonds are plant-based, the inclusion of dairy derivatives confirms that the manufacturing process is not designed to be vegan-friendly.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, the Layered Lean Bar is designed as a high-protein, low-sugar snack alternative. The bar utilizes artificial sweeteners like Sucralose and sugar alcohols like Maltitol and Sorbitol to keep the sugar content down while maintaining sweetness. This makes it a lower-calorie option compared to traditional candy bars, usually sitting around 200 calories per serving with roughly 20g of protein.

However, the presence of Palm Kernel Oil and Palm Oil raises ethical and environmental concerns regarding deforestation, which some consumers may wish to avoid regardless of dietary restrictions. The bar fits well into a high-protein diet or a calorie-restricted weight loss plan, provided you tolerate sugar alcohols well, as they can cause digestive discomfort in some individuals.