Daily read · Choosing the right product
Protein powder allergen labels: what to check before you buy
How UK allergen labelling works on protein powder tubs, what 'may contain' means, and why a plant-based or vegan label is not an allergen guarantee.
Read the full ingredients list and any 'may contain' wording on the exact flavour and size you plan to buy, never assume a plant-based or vegan label means allergen-free, and ask a pharmacist, GP or dietitian about anything specific to you.
Protein powders look alike in a shopping basket, but the ingredients panel can differ a great deal between a whey tub and a plant-based one. If you or someone you shop for has a food allergy or intolerance, the label is the most important thing on the pack. Here is how UK allergen labelling works and what to look for before you add a tub to your basket.
The 14 allergens and how they are shown
The Food Standards Agency explains that UK food law names 14 allergens that must be declared, including milk, soybeans, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts and cereals containing gluten. On prepacked food and drink, these must be emphasised within the ingredients list, for example in bold, italic or coloured type, so they are easier to spot.
Whey protein is made from milk, so you should expect milk to be highlighted on a whey tub. Plant-based powders often use ingredients such as pea or soy, and soybeans are one of the 14 allergens too.
What 'may contain' does and does not tell you
Precautionary wording such as 'may contain' warns that an allergen could be present unintentionally through cross-contamination. The FSA notes there is no specific legal requirement to use it, so its absence is not a guarantee either way. If an allergen matters to you, contact the manufacturer for details rather than guessing.
Plant-based and vegan labels
The FSA advises that a vegan label means no ingredients of animal origin were intentionally used, not that a product is safe for people with a milk or egg allergy, because it may be made where those allergens are present. A plant-based tub can still be a sensible alternative to whey for some shoppers, but only the label on the exact product confirms what is inside. Flavours of the same brand can differ, so check the variant you are actually buying.
Save yourself a surprise
Your quick buying checklist
- Find the emphasised allergens in the ingredients list on the exact flavour and pack size you plan to buy.
- Look for any 'may contain' or 'not suitable for' wording and contact the manufacturer if it is unclear.
- Do not treat a vegan or plant-based claim as an allergen guarantee; ask a pharmacist, GP or dietitian about your own needs.
Explore the products mentioned
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Gold Standard Whey Protein
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