Is Whey Protein Gluten Free?
If you're following a gluten-free diet, finding the right supplements can feel like a bit of a minefield. Most importantly, is your beloved protein shake safe? 99% of the time, yes. But there are some things to look out for. Here’s what you need to know.
- What Exactly Is Whey Protein?
- What Exactly Is Whey Protein?
- Gluten-Free Protein Picks
- Why Some Protein Powders May Contain Gluten
- FAQs
What Exactly Is Whey Protein?
Let's kick things off with the basics. Whey protein is a high-quality protein that's actually a byproduct of the cheese-making process. It's become an incredibly popular dietary supplement, widely recognised for its role in supporting muscle growth and repair and making it a firm favourite for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. It comes in all sorts of forms, from handy protein bars to versatile powders perfect for shakes.
So Which Whey Protein is Gluten Free?
So, why aren't all whey protein powders automatically gluten free? The key lies in the details — specifically, the added ingredients. Many protein powders include flavourings, sweeteners and other additives, and some of these may come from gluten-containing allergens.
Beyond ingredients, cross-contamination is another concern. If a product is manufactured in a facility that also handles gluten-containing ingredients, there's always a risk. Even if a product is naturally gluten free, it's vital to check for "certified gluten-free" certification, typically the crossed grain symbol, just to make sure.
Gluten-Free Protein Picks
Impact Whey
Our best-selling whey protein shake, widely loved for its quality and extensive flavour range. Impact Whey Protein is a whey concentrate, delivering a solid 23g of protein per serving.
Most flavours do not contain gluten allergens. Those that do includeChocolate Caramel with Crunchy Biscuit pieces, Vanilla Honeycomb, and Vanilla Honeycomb with Crunchy Biscuit Pieces.
Impact Whey Isolate
Our purest protein powder, containing 26g of protein per serving.
All flavours are made without gluten-containing ingredients, including Americano, Banana, Blueberry, Captain America – Vanilla Raspberry, Chocolate Banana, Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Caramel, Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Orange, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate Smooth, Milk Tea, Natural Banana, Natural Chocolate, Natural Strawberry, Natural Vanilla, Salted Caramel, Strawberry Cream, Unflavoured, Vanilla, and White Chocolate.
Impact Diet Whey
If you're aiming for a protein shake that supports your calorie goals, Impact Diet Whey is an excellent choice. It's also enriched with beneficial ingredients such as CLA and choline.
Total Protein Blend
For a comprehensive protein boost, Total Protein Blend combines seven different sources of high-quality protein, providing 24g of protein per serving.
All flavours are made without gluten-containing ingredients, including: Vanilla, Unflavoured, Strawberry Cream, and Chocolate Smooth.
Impact Vegan Protein
For those on a plant-based diet, Impact Vegan Protein offers a delicious and effective alternative. Crafted from fava bean and pea protein, each serving packs 24g of protein.
All flavours are made without gluten-containing ingredients, including: Banana, Cereal Milk, Chocolate, Chocolate Coconut, Chocolate Peanut Caramel, Chocolate Salted Caramel, Coffee & Walnut, Strawberry, Turmeric Latte, Unflavoured, Vanilla, and White Chocolate Raspberry.
Pea-Nut Bar
In need of a convenient and tasty snack for on the go? Pea-Nut Bar is a fantastic option. It features delicious cacao butter, roasted nuts and chocolate chips, alongside pea and rice protein.
All flavours are made without gluten-containing ingredients, including: Choc Berry; Choc Chip, Nut & Vanilla; Chocolate, Cashew & Orange; Chocolate Orange; Peanut & Maple Syrup.
Why Some Protein Powders May Contain Gluten
As mentioned earlier, it's typically the extra ingredients that introduce gluten into protein powders. These are often derived from ingredients like barley or other gluten-containing sources, and importantly, they must be clearly labelled in bold within the ingredients list.
It's worth noting that some products have specific flavours that do contain gluten:
Impact Whey Protein: Chocolate Caramel with Crunchy Biscuit Pieces, Vanilla Honeycomb, and Vanilla Honeycomb with Crunchy Biscuit Pieces. THE Whey: Cookies and Cream.
Take Home Message
For those who regularly exclude gluten from their diets, scrutinising food labels is likely second nature. This practice is just as crucial when it comes to protein supplements. So if you wish to avoid gluten, make it a habit to carefully read the ingredients before purchasing.
FAQs
Is whey protein gluten-free?
Pure whey protein itself is naturally gluten free. However, some whey protein powders may contain gluten due to added flavourings or potential cross-contamination during manufacturing. Always check the product's ingredient list and look for gluten-free certifications.
What is whey protein?
Whey protein is a high-quality protein that's a byproduct of the cheese-making process. It's a popular dietary supplement often used to help increase daily protein intake and support muscle growth and repair.
What other Myprotein products are made without gluten?
Beyond many Impact Whey Protein flavours, Diet Protein Blend, Total Protein Blend, Vegan Protein Blend, and Pea-Nut Bars are all listed as made without gluten-containing ingredients. Always refer to individual product pages for specific ingredient information and any relevant certifications.
Which protein powders typically contain gluten?
Often, it's the flavourings added to protein powders that introduce gluten. For instance, certain Impact Whey Protein flavours and THE Whey Cookies and Cream flavour, are known to contain gluten. The key is to always check the ingredients for allergens listed in bold.
