Gluten is a sticky substance that gives wheat products their chewy consistency. There are three potential reasons that you may find yourself searching for gluten free protein powder:
1. You have Celiac Disease and cannot tolerate gluten.
2. You do not have Celiac Disease, but you have noticed negative physical reactions to products that contain gluten.
3. You are living the gluten free lifestyle because you have heard about the health benefits that come with cutting gluten out of your diet.
When to Use
This is not the space to debate whether people without Celiac Disease benefit from cutting gluten out of their diet completely. Considerable research has been conducted on this topic, and you will probably review the results of those studies if this is of interest to you.
If you have been diagnosed with Celiac Disease, then finding gluten free protein powder is essential to your health and this page will give you details on some of the best products available today.
If you have noticed positive changes in your digestive health and comfort since cutting out gluten, then you could probably benefit from protein powders that do not include gluten, and our suggestions will help you as well.
If you are just trying this type of diet to lose weight or regain control of your health in other ways, gluten free protein powder is not going to hurt you. Some of the top protein powders are gluten free naturally, and you can always switch to a powder that contains gluten if you decide this type of diet does not work for your health and fitness needs.
Gluten Free Protein Options
The most popular protein powders available today include whey and casein, which both come from cow’s milk. Many pure whey or casein protein powders are gluten free, but some may be processed in plants that also process products that do contain gluten. Some of the most popular protein powders also have added ingredients that may include gluten. These ingredients are added to increase the fiber in the blend.
If you are extremely sensitive to gluten, look for products that openly advertise that they are gluten free. This will ensure that trace particles of gluten are not found in the shakes you mix up with your powder.
Besides pure whey or casein powders, gluten free protein powders typically use vegetarian or vegan sources of protein, including:
Following are five gluten free protein powders that deliver results:
Nature’s Plus Spiru-Tein
Click on image for Ratings, Reviews, and Pricing on Amazon.com
This non-GMO soy-based drink is designed to increase energy, but it also offers 14 grams of protein per scoop. It is available in chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry, banana, and cookies & cream. There are variety packs if you drink shakes daily and want to mix up the flavors. Some people use Spiru-Tein as a meal replacement for weight loss. If you use multiple scoops, you could increase the protein intake to boost muscle gain if your goal is to bulk up.
Plant Fusion
Click on image for Ratings, Reviews, and Pricing on Amazon.com
Plant Fusion is marketed as a diet supplement, but it provides 21-22 grams of protein per serving. The protein is sourced from multiple plants, and the blend is gluten free, dairy free, soy free, and vegan. If you crave sweets and are trying to live a healthy life, this gluten free protein powder will help you curb those cravings in a healthy manner. If you find it too sweet, you can add more liquid to your shake.
Syntrax Nectar Sweets
Click on image for Ratings, Reviews, and Pricing on Amazon.com
This is an example of a whey protein powder that openly states it is gluten free. It is also carbohydrate free, fat free, and lactose free. Yet, you still get 23 grams of protein in every serving! Make sure to look at all of the flavors available from Nectar Sweets. There are some appetizing and unique options, such as fuzzy navel, twisted cherry, and Caribbean cooler.
Nature’s Sunshine Love and Peas
Click on image for Ratings, Reviews, and Pricing on Amazon.com
The protein in this gluten free protein powder comes from split yellow peas. The ingredient list also includes other highly nutritious natural products that will nourish your body beyond the included 20 grams of pea protein. This is a Vegan Certified product that does not contain any allergens, dairy, or lactose.
Biochem 100% Berries & Whey
Click on image for Ratings, Reviews, and Pricing on Amazon.com
This is another option if you want a protein powder that uses high quality whey without incorporating gluten. This particular brand also leaves out the wheat, but still managers to include a gram of fiber in every serving. It is made from organic berries, and that includes the infamous acai berry.