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? Much of the time, yes. But there are some things to look out for. Here's what you need to know about gluten-free whey protein.
- What is whey protein?
- So which whey protein is gluten free?
- Gluten-free protein picks
- How to read allergen information on a label
- Why some protein powders may contain gluten
- FAQs
What 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
The products below are produced without gluten-containing ingredients.
We do take steps during production to reduce the risk of cross-contamination, but if you have a gluten sensitivity, please refer to individual product pages and consult a health professional before purchasing.
Impact Whey Protein
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.
Impact Whey Isolate
Our purest protein powder, containing 26g of protein per serving.
Impact Whey + Collagen
For those who want to support joints, connective tissue, and skin alongside their protein goals, Impact Whey + Collagen combines 10g of whey protein concentrate with 10g of bovine collagen peptides (Type I) per serving, at just 89kcal and under 1g of fat.
Clear Whey + Collagen
A lighter, juice-style alternative to traditional shakes, Clear Whey + Collagen delivers 21g of protein and 10g of bovine collagen peptides (Type I) per serving in a refreshing, zero-fat, zero-sugar format.
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.
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.
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.
How to read allergen information on a label
Under UK food labelling law, manufacturers are required to highlight the 14 major allergens in bold wherever they appear in an ingredient list. For protein powders, the allergens most commonly listed are milk, soya, and gluten — though this varies by product and flavour.
The key habit to develop is checking the ingredient list for your specific flavour rather than assuming all flavours of a product are the same, as formulations can differ. If you have a diagnosed allergy or serious intolerance, consult a health professional before purchasing.
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 full ingredient list and allergen information before purchasing — and remember that flavours of the same product can differ.
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.
For Myprotein products listed as produced without gluten-containing ingredients, please be aware that while we take steps during production to reduce the risk of cross-contamination, we do not currently carry out gluten testing after production. For this reason, we are unable to label or guarantee the product as gluten free.
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 produced without gluten-containing ingredients?
Beyond many Impact Whey Protein flavours, Impact Whey Isolate, Impact Whey + Collagen, Clear Whey + Collagen, Total Protein Blend, Impact Vegan Protein, and Pea-Nut Bars are all produced without gluten-containing ingredients (for the flavours listed above). Always refer to individual product pages for specific ingredient information and allergen details.
Please note that produced without gluten-containing ingredients does not mean guaranteed gluten free — see our disclaimer above for more information.
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.
Are whey and collagen blends gluten free?
The flavours of Impact Whey + Collagen and Clear Whey + Collagen listed above are produced without gluten-containing ingredients. However, the same cross-contamination caveat applies — we do not currently carry out gluten testing after production, so we are unable to guarantee these products are gluten free. Always check the full ingredient list and allergen information for your specific flavour before purchasing.
