What Is the Best Dairy-Free Protein Powder?

Are you looking for the best dairy-free protein powder? Discover how to supplement your protein intake without dairy.

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Dairy-Free Protein Powder

Is Protein Powder Dairy-Free?

Before I can give you the scoop on the best dairy-free protein powder, I have to define some terminology.

Not to be confused with lactose-free, dairy-free means that a product does not contain milk or ingredients derived from milk.

A dairy-free diet thus excludes all dairy products, including butter, cheese, yogurt, whey, and casein.

Whey and casein are byproducts of cheese and yogurt production, so whey and casein protein powders are not dairy-free.

There are lactose-free whey protein isolates, but there is no such thing as dairy-free whey protein powder.

People with dairy-allergies must avoid whey and casein protein powders.

People with dairy allergies must also avoid common dairy-based food additives like sodium caseinate.

Depending on the severity of your allergy, even small amounts of these ingredients can trigger an allergic reaction.

To be sure that a protein powder is dairy-free, look for the following labels:  “dairy-free,” “vegan,” or “plant-based.”

These labels provide a clear indication that the product does not contain any dairy.

Manufacturers are also required to include allergen statements on their packaging.

If a protein powder contains dairy, which is a common allergen, it will appear on the ingredient list.

It might say something like “Contains: Milk.”

Why Should I Use Dairy-Free Protein Powder?

Although they are affordable and nutritious, dairy-based proteins have a number of drawbacks.

Here are the top reasons why you should avoid dairy-based proteins:

1. Dairy-based proteins can cause digestive issues. Whey and casein contain lactose, a sugar that most adults cannot digest. If you are lactose intolerant or sensitive, dairy-based proteins can therefore cause digestive symptoms such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, and stomach pain. 
2. Dairy-based proteins can cause acne. Dairy consumption stimulates the production of insulin and insulin-like growth factor, both of which have been linked to acne development.
3. Dairy-based proteins are not sustainable. Although whey protein does offer a way for farmers to reduce waste, it is part of the industrial dairy industry, which has a profound impact on the environment. Dairy cows and their manure produce enormous amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, the poor handling of manure and fertilizers pollute local water resources, and unsustainable dairy farming and feed production can also lead to the loss of ecologically important areas such as prairies, wetlands, and forests.
4. Dairy-based proteins can trigger IBS flares. For individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), reducing or eliminating dairy from the diet is often a crucial step in managing symptoms, supporting gut health, and reducing the risk of inflammatory reactions.
5. Dairy-based proteins are not suitable for vegans. Whey and casein are derived from cow’s milk, making them incompatible with a vegan diet. Dairy farming practices also often involve animal exploitation and cruelty, which goes against the ethical principles of veganism.
6. Dairy-based proteins are highly processed. Dairy-based protein concentrates and isolates have been mechanically and/or chemically stripped of everything but the protein. Getting your protein from a whey protein isolate is like eating a multivitamin instead of eating fruits and vegetables.

In summary, dairy-free protein powder is the best choice for individuals with sensitive stomachs, acne-prone skin, and certain dietary restrictions.

Is Non Dairy Protein Powder Good for You?

Some people claim that whey is better for you than protein sources such as eggs, hemp, and peas, but this is not true.

While whey is a complete and highly bioavailable protein, it does not offer any significant nutritional advantages for people getting their protein from a variety of sources.

In other words, a balanced diet will give you everything you need to be strong and healthy.

This is why studies indicate that pea and whey proteins yield similar results in terms of body composition changes and muscle growth.

In short, whey is certainly a high quality source of protein, but it is not appreciably better for you than any other protein source if you eat a balanced diet. 

What Is the Best Non Dairy Protein Powder?

Any type of dairy-free protein can help you increase your protein intake and achieve your nutritional goals.

Not all non dairy protein powders are created equal, however.

Many of tghem contain added ingredients known to cause painful side effects and long term health problems.

Among these ingredients are food additives and protein concentrates and isolates.

Avoid Food Additives

Not only can food additives cause digestive issues like bloating, diarrhea, and stomach pain, but they can also alter the composition of your gut microbiome – the collection of microorganisms living in your gut.

This can lead to gut dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut bacteria, which is linked to the development of chronic digestion problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Remember, you gut microbiome affects various physiological processes, including immune function and inflammation.

For this reason, when the balance of bacteria therein is disrupted, it can have a huge impact on your digestive health.

Here is a list of the most common food additives in protein supplements:

• acacia fiber
• acacia gum
• acesulfame potassium
• artificial flavors
• ascorbic acid
• aspartame
• calcium carbonate
• carrageenan
• cellulose gum
• dextrin
• dicalcium phosphate
• dipotassium phosphate
• erythritol
• gellan gum
• guar gum
• gum arabic
• inulin
• locust bean gum
• maltitol
• maltodextrin
• mono- and diglycerides
• ‘natural’ flavors
• rice bran extract
• rice dextrin
• rice hulls
• rosemary extract
• silica
• silicon dioxide
• sodium alginate
• soluble corn fiber
• sorbitol
• soy lecithin
• sucralose
• sunflower lecithin
• tocopherols
• tricalcium phosphate
• xanthan gum
• xylitol
• zinc oxide

Basically, if you could not find an ingredient in nature or make it at home, it should not be in your protein powder. 

Avoid Protein Concentrates and Isolates

You should also avoid protein concentrates and isolates.

Most protein supplements are made from protein concentrates and isolates, which have been mechanically and/or chemically stripped of everything but the protein, including the enzymes, fiber, and other natural digestive aids that help you break them down.

Your digestive system therefore does not digest them in the same way that it does whole foods, which can affect everything from satiety to gut health.

In fact, research shows that regularly eating protein concentrates and isolates might disrupt your gut microbiome.

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Drink Wholesome Is the Best Dairy-Free Protein Powder.

Finding a protein supplement free from food additives and protein concentrates and isolates is hard.

In fact, 99% of protein supplements contain one or both of these problematic ingredients, which is why we created Drink Wholesome.

We make the best protein powder without dairy because we use a short list of simple ingredients.

Our Ingredients

egg whites

coconut

vanilla

monk fruit

NOT Our Ingredients

• acacia gum

• acesulfame potassium

• artificial flavors

• carrageenan

• erythritol

• guar gum

• inulin

• maltodextrin

• 'natural' flavors

• silica

• soy lecithin

• sucralose

• xanthan gum

• xylitol

Note that instead of using protein concentrates or isolates, we use whole food protein sources like egg whites and almonds, which are easier to digest and absorb.

It follows that our customers experience fewer digestion problems with our Protein Powder than with any other type of protein supplement.

Order samples to see for yourself.

How Do I Use Dairy-Free Protein Powder? 

Non dairy protein powder can be mixed with just milk or water to make a simple protein shake, or added to smoothies, oatmeal, and other recipes.

Here are a few tips on how to best use dairy-free protein powder:

• Rotate protein sources: To support your gut and overall health, it is important to incorporate a variety of dairy-free protein sources into your diet. Experimenting with different types of protein also makes meal and snack time more exciting.
• Eat lots of fiber: Pairing non dairy protein powder with high fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will make it more filling and easier to digest.
• Practice mindful eating habits: Eating in a relaxed environment free from distractions will help optimize digestion.
• Space out your meals: Spacing out meals is crucial for optimizing digestion and gut health. The migrating motor complex, which activates approximately 2-3 hours after a meal, plays a vital role in resetting digestive pathways, preparing your gut for the next meal. Eating with this timeline in mind supports healthy digestion and reduces symptoms like bloating.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity promotes gut motility, enhances nutrient absorption, and contributes to healthy bowel movements.
• Hydrate: Drinking lots of water before or during meals can dilute stomach acid and hinder digestion. It is recommended that you sip water throughout the day, but avoid excessive water intake immediately before or during meals to support optimal digestion and nutrient absorption.
• Consider timing: Avoid consuming protein powder right before bedtime to prevent sleep interruptions. Allowing your body time to digest food before lying down promotes better sleep quality and reduces the risk of nighttime digestive issues.

By following these tips when incorporating dairy-free protein powder into your diet, you can be sure to keep your gut happy and healthy!

Be sure to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian if you need personalized recommendations based on your health needs and goals.