Is Sport Certified Grass Fed Whey Vanilla Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look at the source of the protein first. The primary ingredient here is the Truly Grass Fed Protein Blend. This blend consists of Whey Protein Isolate (85%) and Milk Protein (15%). Whey is a liquid byproduct of cheese manufacturing that is strictly derived from cow's milk. Similarly, milk protein (often called casein) is the solid portion of milk. Both are animal-derived ingredients, making the product unsuitable for vegans.

While the sweeteners and flavors are plant-derived, they don't change the nature of the protein source. The product uses Organic Erythritol and Organic Stevia Extract, which are excellent vegan-friendly sweeteners. However, the inclusion of Organic Vanilla Flavors is standard and does not imply vegan status when the base protein is dairy.

It is also worth noting the inclusion of 2 Billion CFU Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04. This is a probiotic strain. While probiotics are bacteria and technically vegan, they are often cultured on dairy mediums. In this specific product, the presence of Milk Protein confirms that dairy is present in the formula, so the probiotic aspect is irrelevant to the vegan verdict.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this product is designed for high performance. Because it uses Whey Protein Isolate, the fat and lactose content are significantly lower than a concentrate. You can expect a high protein yield per scoop, likely around 20-25 grams, with minimal carbohydrates.

The calorie count is generally kept low due to the use of Organic Erythritol and Stevia. This makes it a viable option for those tracking macros or looking for a post-workout recovery drink without excessive sugar. The added Organic Tapioca Fiber helps support digestion and satiety, which is a nice touch for a whey product.