Is Simply Protein Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I always look beyond the primary ingredients to find the hidden details. Simply Protein’s ingredient list is deceptively simple: White corn flour, pea protein isolate, and organic high-oleic sunflower oil. On the surface, these are all derived from plants. Pea protein isolate, specifically, is a fantastic vegan source of protein, extracted from yellow split peas without the use of animal products.

However, the verdict changes with the final ingredient listed: May contain: milk. In food manufacturing, this is known as an allergen advisory. It doesn't mean milk is a deliberate ingredient, but it signals that the product is made in a facility that also processes dairy. Cross-contamination can occur on shared equipment. For a strict vegan, this is a dealbreaker. The risk of trace amounts of dairy protein (like casein or whey) ending up in the product means it cannot be certified vegan.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Simply Protein is designed for efficiency. The pea protein isolate provides a high protein-to-calorie ratio, which is excellent for muscle repair and satiety without adding excessive bulk. The white corn flour acts as a carbohydrate source, providing quick energy, while the sunflower oil offers a source of healthy fats. Because it is low in sugar, it fits well into a weight management plan or a diet where glycemic control is a priority. It is a convenient, low-calorie snack, but strictly from a vegan nutritional profile, it falls short due to the dairy risk.