Is Gluten-Free Protein Powder Healthier? Discover The Benefits Here

Thinking of switching to a gluten-free protein powder? If so, you’re in good company.

As the gluten-free trend continues to grow, more and more health and fitness-conscious people are scrutinizing labels and ditching gluten in foods and supplements.

However, going gluten-free brings up a lot of questions.

One of the most obvious in this vein being: “Is all protein powder naturally gluten-free, or do I need a special brand or type?”

This article will answer that question and more, including discussing different types of gluten-free protein powders, their benefits, and how to find a genuinely gluten-free brand you can trust.

Are All Protein Powders Gluten-Free?

Some food items, like fruits, vegetables, unprocessed dairy products, and plain raw nuts, are obviously gluten-free, as they don’t naturally contain gluten.

However, things aren’t as black and white when it comes to protein powder.

Although most proteins used to make protein powders, such as whey protein isolate and various plant proteins, are naturally gluten-free, protein powders often contain other ingredients—like flavorings and additives, that may contain gluten.

In addition, many protein powders are manufactured in facilities that also make gluten-containing food products. This means there’s a greater risk of cross-contamination.

If you’re just dabbling in a gluten-free diet for weight loss, for example, and aren’t too concerned about traces of gluten in your protein powder, this may not be an issue.

However, if you have a serious condition, like celiac or autoimmunity, or you just feel bad when you eat gluten, then opting for Certified Gluten-Free protein powder is a must.

Types of Gluten-Free Protein Powders

Protein powders come in various forms, including:

• Whey isolate, concentrate, or a blend
• Rice
• Pea
• Seed (hemp, watermelon, pumpkin, etc.)
• Soy
• Egg
• Meat-based versions like hydrolyzed beef, bone broth, and various types of collagen
• Milk-based proteins, like casein

All of these proteins are naturally gluten-free.

However, as mentioned previously, they are often blended or processed with other ingredients that may contain gluten and/or made in non-gluten-free certified facilities.

The good news is: with a bit of know-how, you can find gluten-free versions of your favorite protein powders.

But we’ll get to that in just a minute! First, here are five benefits of switching to gluten-free protein powder.

Benefits of Gluten-Free Protein Powders

The overall benefits of protein powders, such as promoting satiety, healthy blood sugar balance, muscle building, and weight management, are the same for gluten-free and non-gluten-free powders.

However, gluten-free protein powders have some specific benefits, especially for those who cannot tolerate or are sensitive to gluten.

1: They’re Celiac-Friendly

People with celiac disease must completely eliminate gluten from their diet or risk permanent damage to their digestive system and painful symptoms.

Certified Gluten-Free protein powders provide a safe and nutritious protein source for those with celiac.

They can also elevate gluten-free snacks such as protein bars, shakes and smoothies, smoothie bowls, and GF baked goods.

The key is to find protein powders that are Certified Gluten-Free, not just labeled “gluten-free.”

2: GF Protein Powders are Often Recommended for Those With Autoimmune Conditions

A growing body of evidence suggests people with autoimmune conditions, like Hashimoto’s and Rheumatoid Arthritis, may benefit from a gluten-free diet.

Gluten has been shown to trigger an inflammatory process within the gut and other parts of the body and increase antibody production, which may exacerbate autoimmune symptoms.

For this reason, many integrative functional medicine doctors and practitioners prescribe a gluten-free diet for autoimmunity.

Fortunately, this doesn’t have to mean giving up your breakfast protein smoothie, protein bars, or pre- post-workout shake.

Gluten-free protein powders, especially dairy-free plant-based or meat-based versions free from sugar, additives, soy, corn, seed oils, or artificial ingredients, are generally compatible with most autoimmune protocols.

Always check with your doctor or healthcare practitioner first and look for Certified Gluten-Free brands.

3: They May Promote Gut Health

Emerging research suggests a gluten-free diet may be an excellent choice to maintain gut health.

In his research on autoimmune conditions and gut health, Italian researcher and physician Alessio Fasano found that gluten negatively impacted the integrity of tight junctions within the gut, leading to inflammation, gut health problems, and, eventually, autoimmunity.

In simpler terms: A healthy gut should look and perform like a tightly woven net, keeping foreign particles out while letting beneficial nutrients in.

However, if tight junctions within the net become compromised by gluten, stress, poor diet, etc., then intestinal permeability (aka: leaky gut, which is believed to be the source of many chronic conditions) results.

This is part of the reason gluten-free diets have become so popular in integrative health circles; they are believed to help restore and maintain optimal gut health, which influences all other aspects of well-being.

Protein is also essential for gut and metabolic health, making gluten-free protein shakes an excellent addition to a gut-friendly diet.

4: Gluten-Free Protein Powders May Be Compatible With Various Diets & Cleanses Such as Paleo, AIP, & Elimination Diets

If you’re looking for a protein powder compatible with Paleo, AIP (autoimmune protocol), Candida, or an elimination diet, gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free, soy-free, artificial ingredient-free versions are the way to go.

Likewise, many modern cleansing and detoxification programs and protocols recommend consuming adequate protein free from gluten, dairy, soy, and sometimes eggs to promote optimal detoxification and prevent blood sugar crashes,

In either case, gluten-free protein powders can provide a welcome source of protein and nourishment on otherwise restrictive diets and cleanses.

GF protein powder recipes, like bars and shakes, can also help fill in for your old favorites while you’re avoiding certain foods.

5. They May Help Keep Inflammation at Bay

As discussed in previous points, emerging research suggests gluten may trigger inflammation in the body via its effects on gut health and antibody production.

Chronic inflammation is now recognized as a root cause or contributing factor to nearly every type of chronic disease.

This is why many doctors recommend an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, gluten-free grains, healthy fats, and (you guessed it) lean proteins.

Incorporating gluten-free protein powders into healthy recipes, like superfood fruit and veggie shakes, is an excellent way to promote a healthy, balanced inflammatory response.

What to Look For in Gluten-Free Protein Powders

Now that you know the benefits of choosing a gluten-free protein powder, let’s look at how to select a high-quality brand.

First and foremost, look for the “Certified Gluten-Free” label on the package.

This is the gold standard in ensuring a product is made not only from gluten-free ingredients but also in a dedicated gluten-free facility.

BioChem protein powders, for example, are Certified Gluten-Free.

The next best thing would be to look for the term “gluten-free” on the label, although this does not guarantee the same level of protection as a certified product.

Beyond certified gluten-free, consider these factors when shopping for the healthiest and cleanest gluten-free protein powder:

• No gluten-containing ingredients like barley grass or wheat grass
• Sugar-free or low-sugar
• Sweetened naturally with stevia, monk fruit, or low amounts of natural sugars
• Free from artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, and preservatives
• Contains a simple list of ingredients
• Contains at least 20-30 grams of protein per serving
• Contains sustainably sourced ingredients
• Tested for contaminants like heavy metals, mold, and pesticides
• Non-GMO
• Whey protein sourced from grass-fed cows
• Whey protein isolates vs. concentrates (easier to digest and naturally GF)
• Vegetarians should look for Vegetarian Certification on Whey Protein powders
• Plant proteins should contain a complete amino acid profile. This typically requires using more than one type of plant protein
• Vegan, gluten-free protein proteins should be DNA verified-vegan

BioChem is proud to exceed the criterion in all of our Certified Gluten-Free Whey Protein and Vegan Protein Powders, making them an excellent gluten-free protein powder choice.

Where to Buy Gluten-Free Protein Powder

As the gluten-free movement has grown, so has the number of gluten-free protein powders.

You can find various gluten-free protein powders, like BioChem, online, in sports nutrition stores, your doctor’s or healthcare practitioner’s office, or natural foods stores.

Explore BioChem’s Gluten-Free Protein Powders & Recipes

If you’re looking for a Certified Gluten-Free protein powder you can trust, consider BioChem’s Whey and Plant Proteins.

Free from gluten, artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners and preservatives, non-GMO, sustainably sourced, organic (vegan protein), and tested for purity, our protein powders are some of the cleanest (and tastiest) on the market.

Our Whey Protein Powders are made from sustainably sourced, grass-fed whey protein isolate and come in unsweetened, vanilla (sweetened or sugar-free), or chocolate (naturally sweetened or sugar-free).

They’re Certified Gluten-Free, Keto-friendly, and AVA certified vegetarian.

Our soy-free Vegan Protein Powders are a blend of sustainably sourced, 100% organic pea, hemp, and cranberry protein for a complete amino acid profile.

These DNA-verified vegan proteins contain no artificial ingredients or sweeteners, are Keto-friendly, are certified Kosher, and pack 20 grams of protein per serving.

BioChem’s protein powders also blend seamlessly into various recipes, like:

• DIY Vegan Protein Bars
• Cherry Banana Blossom Smoothie
• Keto Strawberry Muffins With Coconut Butter Glaze
• Mint Chip Smoothie Bowl
• Coconut Banana Protein Pancakes

Explore them all here, and cheers to greater gluten-free health!

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• “Are Dietary Proteins the Key to Successful Body Weight Management? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Studies Assessing Body Weight Outcomes after Interventions with Increased Dietary Protein”. Nutrients.
• “The Effect of Gluten-Free Diet on Thyroid Autoimmunity in Drug-Naïve Women with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: A Pilot Study”. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes.
• “Relationship Between Gluten-Free Diet and Autoimmune-Related Disease Risk: A Comprehensive Mendelian Randomization Study”. International Journal of Medical Sciences.
• “Evaluation of the effect of gluten‐free diet and Mediterranean diet on autoimmune system in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis”. Food Science & Nutrition.
• “All disease begins in the (leaky) gut: Role of zonulin-mediated gut permeability in the pathogenesis of some chronic inflammatory diseases”. F1000Research, 9, F1000 Faculty Rev-69.
• “Nonceliac gluten sensitivity”. Gastroenterology.
• “Intestinal permeability and its regulation by zonulin: diagnostic and therapeutic implications”. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol.