Is ZERO CARB PROTEIN CREAMY VANILLA Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a supplement is vegan, we look past the marketing claims and dive straight into the source material. For Whey Protein Isolate, the verdict is immediate: it is a byproduct of the cheese-making process, derived from cow's milk. This makes it inherently non-vegan. There is no plant-based alternative used in this formula.

Next, we have Organic Medium Chain Triglycerides. While often derived from coconut or palm oil, the 'organic' label here doesn't change the fact that the product is already disqualified by the whey. However, it is worth noting that this ingredient is a fat source designed for quick energy, often used in ketogenic diets.

The flavor profile comes from Natural & Artificial Flavors and Cocoa Powder. The cocoa powder is alkali processed (Dutch-processed) to mellow out acidity. While the flavors themselves are usually vegan, they exist within a non-vegan matrix. The texture is managed by a Gum Blend (Guar, Acacia, Xanthan), which are standard plant-derived thickeners, but again, they cannot override the dairy protein.

Finally, we must address the DigeSEB® - Digestive Enzyme Blend. This contains Lactase, an enzyme specifically designed to help digest lactose (milk sugar). The inclusion of Lactase is a scientific acknowledgment that the product is dairy-heavy and may cause digestive distress for those sensitive to milk—further cementing its non-vegan status. The allergen warning explicitly states it Contains milk and is produced in a facility handling fish and shellfish, making it unsuitable for strict vegans.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this product is formulated for high protein intake with minimal carbohydrate impact. The 'Zero Carb' claim is largely accurate due to the use of Sucralose as a sweetener and the removal of lactose via the whey isolate process. This makes it highly attractive for those on a strict Ketogenic diet or individuals managing insulin spikes.

The inclusion of Sunflower Lecithin acts as an emulsifier, helping the powder mix with water without clumping. This is a standard practice in protein manufacturing to improve texture and bioavailability. The calorie count is likely concentrated on protein and the added MCT fats, providing fuel without the sugar load found in many mass-gainer shakes.