What are the ingredients in ProLon? An in-depth look at the Fasting Mimicking Diet's contents

October 20, 2025 •

3 min read

Based on decades of research from the University of Southern California, the ProLon Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) is a five-day, plant-based program designed to support cellular rejuvenation and metabolic health while still allowing you to eat. This article provides a comprehensive look at what are the ingredients in ProLon's carefully formulated meal kit.

Quick Summary

A ProLon kit contains a precisely calibrated, plant-based menu of soups, nut bars, olives, kale crackers, supplements, and a glycerol drink. These whole food ingredients are formulated to sustain the body while activating its fasting state, which supports cellular renewal and metabolic function.

Key Points

Plant-Based Foundation: ProLon is built on a menu of all-natural, vegan ingredients, with soups, bars, and snacks derived from vegetables, nuts, and olives.
Diverse Ingredient Mix: The kit includes a variety of components like dehydrated vegetable soups, nut-based fasting bars, olives, kale crackers, supplements, and a glycerol drink.
Scientifically Calibrated Ratios: Ingredients are balanced for low protein and low sugar content, which is crucial for not triggering nutrient-sensing pathways that would break the fasting state.
Functional Supplements Included: The diet is fortified with supplements like Algal Oil for omega-3s and a vitamin/mineral blend (NR-1) to support micronutrient needs during the fast.
L-Drink for Energy: A glycerol-based drink provides a non-glucose source of energy to help fuel the body and protect lean muscle mass while in a fasting state.
Supports Cellular Regeneration: The specific combination of ingredients is designed to promote cellular renewal, a process known as autophagy, which is associated with healthy aging.

The ProLon Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) is a patented, five-day program that provides pre-packaged, plant-based meals and snacks. Unlike a water-only fast, ProLon is designed to trick the body into a fasting state while providing essential nutrients, minimizing hunger and discomfort. The specific ingredients are chosen for their ability to bypass the body's nutrient-sensing pathways, which include IGF-1, mTOR, and PKA, allowing it to enter a regenerative mode.

The core components of the ProLon kit

Each ProLon kit comes with five daily boxes, containing all the food, drinks, and supplements for that day. The contents are scientifically formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of a fasting-mimicking state.

Dehydrated vegetable soups

Soups are a cornerstone of the ProLon diet, providing the bulk of the caloric intake for the five days. They are made from all-natural, plant-based ingredients and are mixed with water to prepare. The flavor variety is designed to prevent palate fatigue and provide micronutrients, antioxidants, and fiber.

Typical soup flavors and key ingredients include:

Minestrone: Potato flakes, rice flour, white beans, peas, carrots, and celery.
Tomato: Tomato puree, rice starch, onion, carrots, and basil.
Mushroom: Mushrooms, onion, carrot, kale, celery, and savory herbs.
Lentil Curry: Red lentils, chicory root fiber, rice flour, onion, and sea salt.
Carrot Ginger: Carrots, ginger, coconut cream, and spices.

Nut-based bars

The kit includes nut bars that provide healthy monounsaturated fats and a small amount of plant-based protein for sustained energy. The ingredients are cold-pressed to maintain nutritional value.

Nut bar flavors and ingredients often feature:

Nuts & Honey: Almonds, macadamia nuts, pecans, honey, coconut flour, flaxseed, and sea salt.
Coconut Macadamia: Macadamia nuts, coconut, almonds, pecans, and flaxseed.
Choco Crisp: Cocoa powder, brown rice crispy, almond butter, and almonds.

Snacks

The snacks are precisely portioned to help manage cravings and provide additional healthy fats and fiber without disrupting the fasting state.

Olives: Portion-controlled packs of green olives provide monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
Kale Crackers: Made from ingredients like almonds, sesame seeds, chia seeds, and flax seeds, providing fiber and a satisfying crunch.

The L-Drink

This vegetable glycerin-based drink is a unique component of the ProLon kit, included for days 2 through 5. It is designed to provide energy and hydration without triggering an insulin response or breaking the fast. In a fasted state, the body can convert glycerol into glucose for energy while protecting lean muscle mass. The drink is mixed with water and comes in a tropical berry flavor.

Dietary supplements

To ensure the body receives the necessary micronutrients during the fast, the kit includes supplements. These are crucial for maintaining foundational health while caloric intake is restricted.

NR-1 Supplement: A blend of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, and a mix of vegetable powders from beet, spinach, and kale.
Algal Oil: An omega-3 dietary supplement sourced from microalgae, providing essential fatty acids.

Comparison: ProLon vs. Water-only fast

For individuals considering a fast, understanding the differences between a structured program like ProLon and a traditional water-only fast is essential.


Feature	ProLon Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD)	Water-Only Fast
Caloric Intake	~1100 calories on Day 1, ~725 calories on Days 2-5.	0 calories
Nutrient Intake	Provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.	None, carries a higher risk of nutrient deficiency.
Lean Mass Protection	Formulated to protect lean muscle mass.	Can result in loss of lean muscle mass.
Hunger & Discomfort	Includes palatable, low-sugar foods designed to minimize hunger and fatigue.	Hunger and fatigue are major challenges.
Energy & Performance	The glycerol-based L-Drink supports energy and helps stave off fatigue.	Energy levels can fluctuate and drop significantly.
Formulation	Scientifically formulated with decades of research behind the specific ingredient ratios.	Unregulated, no standardized protocol or ingredients.
Safety & Supervision	Designed to minimize risks, though consultation with a healthcare professional is still advised.	Potential for severe side effects; medical supervision is often recommended.

Conclusion: The science behind the ingredients

The ingredients in ProLon are not arbitrary; they are the result of extensive research into how specific plant-based nutrients and their precise ratios can trigger the body's natural fasting response. The soups, bars, snacks, and supplements work in concert to provide a controlled, low-calorie regimen that supports cellular renewal and metabolic health, offering a way to experience the benefits of fasting with food. By carefully managing macronutrients like protein and sugar, the diet avoids activating the growth-promoting pathways that would otherwise break a fast. The inclusion of supplements and the L-Drink ensures the body is nourished and supported throughout the five-day process, making it a distinct and scientifically backed approach to fasting.

Frequently Asked Questions

ProLon soups contain a variety of dehydrated vegetables, rice, legumes, and seasonings. Common ingredients include potato flakes, white beans, peas, carrots, celery, and spinach, often with olive oil and herbs for flavor.

Yes, the fasting bars are plant-based and gluten-free. They contain a mix of almonds, macadamia nuts, pecans, and flaxseed. The 'nuts & honey' flavor, however, contains honey, so some variants may not be strictly vegan.

The L-Drink is a vegetable glycerin-based, fruit-flavored drink included for days 2-5 of the program. It provides the body with an energy source that doesn't trigger an insulin response in a fasting state, helping to protect lean muscle mass and reduce fatigue.

The supplements include Algal Oil for omega-3 fatty acids and the NR-1 powder, which is a blend of vegetable powders and essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, and B vitamins.

The ProLon program generally advises against caffeine, but it is possible to have a small amount. Up to 140 mg per day is allowed, which is equivalent to about one 8-12 ounce cup of black coffee.

No, the ProLon meal kit is free of dairy, gluten, GMOs, and processed foods. It is made from whole, plant-based ingredients in specifically formulated ratios.

The portioned olives and kale crackers serve as satisfying, savory snacks to curb cravings. The olives provide healthy fats, while the kale crackers offer fiber and a crunchy texture, all while staying within the fasting-mimicking parameters.