Is Protein dark chocolate muffin Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I analyze ingredient labels to determine dietary suitability. For this Protein dark chocolate muffin, the verdict is clear: it contains multiple animal-derived ingredients. The primary culprits are found in the 'Butter Powder' and the leavening agents.

First, the Butter Powder is explicitly listed as containing Cream and Nonfat Milk. Dairy is a strict no-go for vegans. Additionally, the Egg White Powder serves as a binding agent, making this product unsuitable for those avoiding eggs. Even the chocolate chips, while containing cocoa butter, are often processed in facilities that handle dairy, though the explicit inclusion of milk powder here confirms the non-vegan status.

It is also worth noting the presence of Sunflower Lecithin. While lecithin is often derived from soy or sunflower and is generally vegan, the Butter Powder and Egg White Powder are definitive deal-breakers. The product is also flagged as containing Coconut, which is vegan, but highlights the presence of other allergens.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this muffin is designed for satiety and energy. Each serving (59g) provides 270 calories, which is relatively standard for a protein-enriched baked good. The protein content stands at 12g, which is a decent amount to help with muscle recovery or hunger management.

However, the sugar content is something to watch. With 15g of total sugars (13g of which are added sugars), this muffin contains a significant amount of sweetness, likely from cane sugar and monk fruit extract. The fat content is also notable at 11g total fat, with 8g being saturated fat (40% of the daily value). This high saturated fat content comes primarily from the coconut oil and butter powder. While it offers 30% of your daily calcium, the high sugar and saturated fat levels suggest this should be consumed in moderation rather than as an everyday health food.