Understanding the 'Lactose Intolerant' Label
Many people mistakenly assume that 'suitable for lactose intolerance' is the same as 'dairy-free.' However, this is a crucial distinction. Lactose intolerance is an inability to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk. Dairy-free means a product contains no dairy ingredients at all, including proteins like casein and whey. Because most Boost shakes use milk protein concentrate and soy protein isolate for their protein content, they are not genuinely dairy-free. They contain less than 0.5g of lactose per serving, which is generally tolerable for most individuals with lactose intolerance, but the milk protein is still present.
The Boost Product Line: A Detailed Breakdown
Navigating the various Boost products can be confusing when you have specific dietary restrictions. Here is a breakdown of some popular Boost options and their dairy status:
Boost Original
Boost Original is one of the most widely available nutritional shakes from the brand. It is clearly labeled as being suitable for lactose intolerance, but not for individuals with galactosemia. This shake contains both milk protein concentrate and soy protein isolate as its protein sources. Therefore, it is not an option for someone needing a completely dairy-free or vegan product.
Boost High Protein
For those seeking a higher protein content, the Boost High Protein variant offers 20 grams per serving. This product is also listed as suitable for lactose intolerance, but it is not dairy-free, as its protein comes from milk and soy sources. It's another product that is fine for many with lactose sensitivity but contains milk-derived ingredients.
Boost Max
Unlike many of the other ready-to-drink shakes, Boost Max is not suitable for lactose intolerance. This is a key exception to be aware of when reviewing the Boost product line. The ingredients should be carefully checked to confirm its dairy status.
Boost Breeze
This clear-liquid nutritional drink is a notable outlier in the Boost lineup. It is free from milk protein and is safe for individuals with a dairy allergy or who are following a dairy-free diet. As a juice-based drink, it gets its protein from sources other than milk.
Boost Juice Co.
It is important to differentiate between Boost nutritional shakes and the separate company Boost Juice Co., which offers a variety of juices and smoothies with customisable options. Boost Juice Co. locations often provide plant-based proteins and dairy-free alternatives like soy, oat, almond, and coconut milk for their drinks, allowing for truly vegan and dairy-free creations.
Comparison of Boost and Dairy-Free Alternatives
To provide a clearer picture, here is a comparison table outlining the key differences between Boost products and genuine dairy-free alternatives.
| Product Name | Is it Truly Dairy-Free? | Suitable for Lactose Intolerance? | Primary Protein Source | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boost Original | No | Yes | Milk Protein Concentrate, Soy Protein Isolate | Contains milk-derived protein. |
| Boost High Protein | No | Yes | Milk Protein Concentrate, Soy Protein Isolate | Contains milk-derived protein. |
| Boost Max | No | No | (Contains dairy) | Not suitable for lactose intolerant individuals. |
| Boost Breeze | Yes | Yes | N/A (Clear Liquid) | Free from milk protein. |
| OWYN Vegan Protein Shake | Yes | Yes | Pea, pumpkin seed, flax oil | Certifiably vegan and dairy-free. |
| Ensure Plant-Based | Yes | Yes | Fava bean and pea blend | Dairy-free protein source. |
| Simply Protein Shake | Yes | Yes | Plant protein | Certified vegan, dairy-free option. |
How to Choose the Right Dairy-Free Nutritional Drink
If you have a strict dairy-free diet, simply choosing a Boost product labeled 'lactose intolerant' is not sufficient. Here are some steps to ensure you select the correct product:
- Read the Ingredients List: The most critical step is to check the ingredient list for any mention of milk, casein, whey, or milk protein concentrate. If you see these terms, the product is not dairy-free.
- Look for 'Plant-Based' Labels: Brands that explicitly label their shakes as 'plant-based' are your safest bet. OWYN, Ensure Plant-Based, and Simply Protein are good examples.
- Verify Certifications: Look for vegan certification logos on the packaging, which confirm that no animal products were used. These are more definitive than a 'lactose-free' claim.
- Consider Homemade Options: For ultimate control over ingredients, making your own nutritional shake using plant-based protein powders and milk alternatives is a great option. For inspiration, see this collection of dairy-free and vegan recipes from the NHS.
Conclusion
While many Boost nutritional drinks are formulated to be suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance, they are not completely dairy-free because they still contain milk protein concentrate. For those with a dairy allergy or a strict vegan diet, it is essential to look for genuinely plant-based alternatives. Brands like OWYN and Ensure now offer dedicated plant-based protein shakes that provide complete nutrition without any dairy ingredients. Always make it a practice to carefully read ingredient labels to ensure the product aligns with your specific dietary needs.
