Dairy-Free Protein Bars: frequently asked questions
Are dairy-free protein bars the same as vegan protein bars?
Not always. Dairy-free means the bar has no milk ingredients. Vegan means it has no animal ingredients at all, so a dairy-free bar can still contain egg whites, honey or collagen. Check for a vegan label if you avoid all animal products.
What milk ingredients should I look for on a protein bar label?
Common ones are whey, casein, caseinate, milk protein concentrate or isolate, nonfat dry milk, lactose and butter. Under US allergen labeling law, milk must be named in the ingredient list or in a Contains statement.
Is lactose-free the same as dairy-free?
No. Lactose-free products can still contain milk proteins such as whey or casein. That matters for anyone with a milk allergy, which is a reaction to milk protein, not lactose.
Does non-dairy mean dairy-free?
Not necessarily. Some foods labeled non-dairy, like certain creamers, can contain caseinate, a milk protein. FDA rules require it to be identified as a milk derivative in the ingredient list, so read the label.