Is Plant-Based protein powder Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why this powder is safe for a gluten-free diet, we need to look at the source of the protein and the functional additives. The primary ingredient is Pea protein, derived from yellow split peas. This is a naturally gluten-free legume, making it an excellent base for those with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Next, we analyze the fiber sources. The product lists soluble vegetable fiber and guar fiber. These are typically extracted from sources like chicory root or guar beans. Unlike wheat bran or oat fiber—which are often cross-contaminated with wheat during harvesting and processing—these vegetable fibers are processed in isolation, ensuring they remain gluten-free.

Finally, the sweeteners and flavor systems are scrutinized. The product uses organic cane sugar, glucose, and organic stevia extract. These are pure sweeteners that do not contain gluten. The natural flavors and gum blend (acacia, guar, xanthan) are standard texturizers used in clean-label supplements. While 'natural flavors' can sometimes be a gray area in specific products (like malt flavoring), in a plant-based protein context, they are almost exclusively fruit or vanilla-based extracts, posing no gluten risk.

Nutritional Value

While the product is safe regarding gluten, it is important to look at the nutritional profile to see if it fits your health goals. The inclusion of organic cane sugar and glucose adds a small amount of sugar to the formula. While this improves palatability, those on strict low-carb or ketogenic diets should be mindful of the total carbohydrate count.

The gum blend (xanthan and guar) serves as a thickener to improve texture, which is standard in plant-based proteins to prevent grittiness. This formula appears to be relatively low in fat, focusing on protein density. For individuals tracking caloric intake, this powder likely fits well within a weight management plan, but it is best to mix it with water or unsweetened almond milk to keep the calorie count low.