Gluten Free Fitness: How You Can Add Gluten Free Protein Powder to Your Regimen
Making some healthy changes to your lifestyle doesn’t mean making sacrifices in your dietary choices. Even if you don’t have celiac disease, some of these protein powders may help you make an improvement in your workout regimen and health. Gluten free protein powder may sometimes seem like a no-brainer, especially when certain brands add 100% Gluten Free to the labels, but it’s not always so straightforward.
In this article, we’ll cover how certain protein powders can be gluten free and how others may not make the cut. Many gluten free protein powders also have other things going for them and there is always plenty to consider in what’s right for you.
Are Protein Powders Gluten Free?
By and large, protein powders are gluten free. Although gluten is a protein itself, the key difference here is the source of the protein. Protein powders come from a variety of sources including: rice, potatoes, soy, hemp, peas, milk, and eggs. There are lots of other protein sources (including gluten), but these are among the most cost-efficient suppliers of protein.
Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. These plants and their food products are known to be substantial sources of protein, but they are far from the most efficient protein sources. Since these glutenous products won’t be used in protein powders, they shouldn’t be considered to have gluten in them. However, there are other reasons a protein powder may not pass the test for traces of gluten.
The thing to watch out for is that protein powders often contain other ingredients. The various types of sugars, thickeners, and other extra nutrients are okay; but keep reading to find out what to look out for.
Can Celiacs Take Protein Powder?
Some manufacturers of protein powder may process and package the protein powder in the same facility as other products which may contain gluten. While they may take the utmost precautions in their facility, gluten can be transmitted as tiny particles in the air and settle either into the product itself or into the packaging. While many people with a gluten sensitivity may not be affected, those with celiac disease might have a reaction. Remember that unless a protein powder has been processed and packaged in a separate facility, it cannot be labeled gluten free.
Is Whey Protein Powder Gluten Free?
Yes. A protein powder that’s one hundred percent made from protein powder will be entirely gluten free. A whey protein powder that’s processed and packaged in a gluten free facility will also be safe for celiacs.
Which Whey Is Gluten Free?
Whey is a high source of protein and it is one of the most common ingredients in protein powder. It is produced as a byproduct of milk that has been fermented into cheese or yogurt. When the milk solids and fat have congealed into one, it leaves a slightly-sticky yellow watery substance known as whey. This liquid tastes slightly sour, but it is healthy and many people love the taste. As you can expect, lots of whey is produced around the world due to cheese and yogurt production. When whey is dried and powdered, it becomes the key ingredient inside whey protein powder. Keep in mind that those on dairy-free diets cannot use whey protein powder, but it’s fine for celiacs.
Best Gluten Free Protein Powder
100% Grass Fed Whey Protein: Transparent Labs makes this fantastic protein powder and it is made of nothing but whey protein. There are no additives that could be described as filler, certainly none that have any sort of gluten. This is a completely safe protein powder for all those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities.
Best Gluten and Dairy Free Protein Powder
Vega Protein & Greens: Vega is a game-changer in the world of protein powders. This protein powder is entirely plant-based and certified organic. It has no added colors, flavors or sweeteners to dilute the powder. Instead, it makes for an incredible companion to your workout program without having to worry about interrupting a vegan diet or come in contact with gluten in their facility. In fact, their products are tested to measure gluten particles and keep them under the standard of 20 parts per million to be considered celiac safe.
Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free Protein Powder
Organic Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder: This is the holy grail of protein powders when it comes to the absence of common allergens and dietary restrictions. Body Symphony is the brand that produces Organic Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder in several flavor variations. Pumpkin seeds are full of protein, linoleic and oleic acids, dietary fiber, and many other nutrients. The many types of pumpkins and squash are used in plenty of healthy foods around the world and a very low proportion of people around the world have an allergy to them. They are wonderful sources of protein.
Is Gold Standard Whey Protein Gluten Free?
Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder: A popular choice for protein powder for years has been Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard. This basic protein powder is gluten-free, however some of the flavor variations may not be. When it comes to these individual flavors, the additives might come from a facility that also processes gluten products. Make sure to always check the individual flavors to make sure that each one has the gluten-free certification. If it doesn’t, don’t take the risk. Since it’s a whey protein powder, Gold Standard is not suitable for dairy-free diets.
Since Optimum Nutrition also processes soy in their facility, it is safe to assume that the product is not 100% soy free as well, and soy is a source of gluten.
Gluten Free Protein Powder for Weight Gain
Naked Mass Natural Weight Gainer Protein Powder: Sometimes the exercise program calls for some weight gain so you can continue to build muscle and the Naked brand has a solution up their sleeves. The Natural Weight Gainer Protein Powder only has three ingredients which make it a gluten-free product: whey (cheese and yogurt byproduct), casein (proteins found in milk), and organic maltodextrin. The latter ingredient is what sets this protein powder apart as it’s an extract of the tapioca root and entirely gluten free. There is also no soy, no artificial color, or sweeteners.
Gluten Free Protein Shake Meal Replacement
Lyfefuel All-In-One Daily Essentials Shake: Sometimes the exercise program calls for eliminating a meal or two throughout the day to pull back on calorie intake. Lyfefuel has made a wonderful meal replacement product that comes in the form of this gluten free protein shake. Besides not having any gluten products whatsoever, it is also vegan and soy-free. It also has a series of vitamins added, such as D3, B12, and K2 so you can continue to feel energized throughout the day even though your belly isn’t full.
