Is Protein slammin’ strawberry Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, looking at the label for Protein slammin’ strawberry, the verdict is definitive: this product is built on a wheat foundation. The very first ingredient listed is enriched flour, which is derived from wheat. Following that, we see wheat protein and wheat starch. This isn't a case of trace amounts or potential cross-contamination; these are intentional, primary ingredients used to create the texture and structure of the product.

The presence of wheat starch is particularly important to note. While sometimes starch is used as a binder, in this context, it contributes to the gluten content. Furthermore, the inclusion of bleached wheat flour reinforces that wheat is the primary flour used. For individuals with Celiac disease, consuming these ingredients triggers an immune response that can cause serious health issues. Even for those with a non-Celiac gluten sensitivity, this product will likely cause digestive discomfort.

It is also worth noting the presence of soy lecithin and soybean oil. While soy is naturally gluten-free, it is a common allergen often processed in facilities that also handle wheat. However, the primary concern here remains the deliberate addition of wheat ingredients.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this product is very high in sugar. The ingredient list includes corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, and sugar. This combination of sweeteners places this product in the category of a high-sugar snack rather than a health food. The caloric density is likely high due to the soybean oil and palm oil content.

While it does contain milk protein concentrate and gelatin to provide protein, the high sugar content (driven by the various syrups) may not fit well into strict weight-loss diets or low-carb regimens. The presence of artificial colors like Red 40, Yellow 6, and Blue 1 also suggests a highly processed formulation.