Is Peach Tea grass-fed clear whey isolate Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why this product is non-vegan, we must look at the source material. The name grass-fed clear whey isolate is the smoking gun. Whey is a byproduct of the cheese-making process, specifically the liquid that separates from the curds. It is inherently milk-based, meaning it comes from cows. Therefore, regardless of the flavoring used, the protein source is animal-derived.

Regarding the flavoring agents, the list includes natural flavors, cane sugar, and stevia leaf extract. While these are plant-derived or generally considered vegan, the cane sugar is a flag for strict vegans. In the United States, a significant portion of refined cane sugar is processed using bone char (animal bone) to achieve its white color. Unless the label specifically states 'organic' or 'unrefined,' strict vegans often avoid it.

The remaining ingredients—allulose, citric acid, silica, and Tebaudioside A (Reb M)—are generally considered vegan-friendly. Allulose is a rare sugar found in nature, citric acid is derived from fermentation, and silica is a mineral flow agent. However, the presence of dairy makes the vegan status of the overall product a definitive 'No.'

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, clear whey isolates are prized for their high protein-to-calorie ratio. This product likely offers a significant amount of protein per serving with minimal fat. However, the inclusion of cane sugar and allulose adds to the carbohydrate count. While allulose is low-calorie, the added sugar increases the glycemic load.

If you are monitoring your sugar intake, the cane sugar content is the primary concern. While the stevia and Tebaudioside A provide sweetness without calories, the added sugar contributes empty calories. For those on a strict weight loss diet, this product fits within macro limits but is not 'clean' in terms of sugar content compared to unsweetened protein isolates.