Is Protein Coffee Dark Roast Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why this product is kosher, we need to look at the source of the protein and the additives used. The primary protein sources are milk protein isolate and hydrolysed collagen peptide. While collagen is animal-derived, it is generally acceptable in kosher diets if sourced from kosher-slaughtered beef or fish. In commercial products like this, the collagen is typically certified. The milk protein isolate is dairy-based, making this product dairy, but not non-kosher.

The additives are also compliant. The sweetener sucralose is a synthetic chlorinated sugar that is chemically vegan and kosher. The phosphate blend (tripotassium phosphate, etc.) and gum blend (guar gum, gellan gum) are mineral and plant-based thickeners, respectively, which pose no kosher issues. Finally, the natural flavors are a common point of concern, but in this context, they are derived from non-animal sources or are certified kosher flavor extracts.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this product is designed for convenience rather than whole-food purity. The inclusion of sucralose keeps the sugar content near zero, which is excellent for those monitoring glycemic intake. However, the phosphate blend adds sodium and minerals that contribute to the total electrolyte load. The protein content is significant, likely aiding in satiety and muscle recovery, but consumers should be aware that hydrolysed collagen lacks the full amino acid profile required for muscle building compared to whey or casein. It fits well into a low-carb or keto diet due to the lack of sugars, but the sodium content might be a consideration for those on strict low-sodium plans.