Is READY CLEANS Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I always look beyond the marketing claims and straight to the source code: the ingredient list. For READY CLEANS, the picture becomes clear very quickly. While the base of the product seems promising for vegans, relying on soy protein isolate and chicory root fiber, the trouble starts with the coatings and protein sources used to boost texture and flavor.

The primary culprits are found in two specific ingredients: milk chocolate confectionery coating and whey protein crisp. The milk chocolate coating explicitly lists nonfat dry milk as a primary component. This is a standard dairy ingredient derived from skim milk. Even more definitive is the whey protein crisp. Whey is the liquid remaining after milk has been curdled and strained in the cheese-making process; it is strictly an animal-derived product. Therefore, despite the inclusion of plant-based sweeteners like agave syrup and healthy fats from sunflower oil, the presence of these dairy ingredients renders the product unsuitable for vegans.

It is also worth noting the soy lecithin and natural flavor used throughout. While soy lecithin is generally considered vegan, natural flavors can sometimes be derived from animal sources. However, in this specific context, the obvious dairy ingredients make those secondary concerns moot.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, READY CLEANS is designed as a high-protein, fiber-rich meal replacement or snack. The inclusion of soy protein and flax seed provides a decent amino acid profile and essential fatty acids. However, consumers should be aware that the protein content comes with a trade-off in the form of added sugars and saturated fats from the palm kernel oil and sugar in the coating.

Regarding caloric density, these types of bars are often calorie-dense to provide satiety. If you are looking to manage your weight, the sugar content—derived from both agave syrup and added sugars in the coating—can spike insulin levels. While it fits the diet limits of someone looking for a convenient protein boost, it may not be ideal for those strictly monitoring sugar intake or following a low-glycemic diet.