Is PRO Advanced Nutrition Muscle Milk Intense Vanilla Protein Shake Gluten-Free? What You Need to Know

The Ingredient Breakdown

When assessing the PRO Advanced Nutrition Muscle Milk Intense Vanilla Protein Shake ingredients, it’s crucial to identify which components may contain gluten. The main ingredients include:

• Water
• Milk protein isolate
• Calcium caseinate (milk)
• Sodium caseinate (milk)

These primary ingredients are naturally gluten-free. However, the inclusion of maltodextrin is the primary concern. Maltodextrin is a polysaccharide derived from starch, often wheat-based, though it can also come from corn or potato. It may contain trace amounts of gluten depending on the source. As a result, while most of the shake is free from gluten, maltodextrin may still present a risk for those with severe gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Nutritional Value

Analyzing the PRO Advanced Nutrition Muscle Milk Intense Vanilla Protein Shake nutrition facts, we find that a typical serving contains approximately 160 calories, with 2g of fat and 2g of sugar. These numbers indicate that while it is a protein-rich beverage, it is also relatively low in calories, making it appealing for athletes and casual consumers alike.

Despite its low sugar content, some may consider it less healthy due to the presence of artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium. While offering a low-calorie alternative, these artificial ingredients can be controversial among health-conscious individuals.