Updated May 2026.
Lactose intolerance is common — affects roughly 70% of adults globally to some degree. For Canadians who can't tolerate whey, casein, or dairy concentrates, dairy-free protein options have matured a lot in the past five years.
Why dairy-free protein?
- Lactose intolerance: bloating, gas, cramps after whey/dairy
- Dairy allergy: immune response (different from intolerance)
- Vegan lifestyle
- Halal/Kosher dietary preferences
- Post-bariatric surgery: many patients become dairy-sensitive post-op
Dairy-free protein bars
- Misfits VEGAN Protein Bar — soy + pea protein, vegan, GF
- TRUBAR Vegan Protein Bar — clean ingredient list
- SNCK Keto Protein Bar (most flavors)
- Some Quest bars (check label — most contain whey)
Dairy-free protein powders
- Allmax Meal Prep Lite — dairy-free, MCT-enhanced, 23g protein
- PEScience Select Vegan Protein — pea + brown rice
- Bowmar Nutrition Vegan Protein
- PVL Fermented & Sprouted Plant-Pro
- North Coast Naturals ISO Protein 100
- Prozis Supreme 100% Vegan Protein (single sachet)
- Iron Vegan brand options (when in stock)
Dairy-free drinks & shakes
- SimplyProtein Plant Protein+ Shake (330ml) — dairy-free RTD
- Fizzique Sparkling Protein Water — uses whey isolate (low lactose) but check tolerance
- Bucked Up Carbonated Protein Drink — has whey, check tolerance
Casein vs Whey vs Plant — lactose by type
- Whey concentrate: 4–6g lactose per scoop (highest)
- Whey isolate: ≤1g lactose per scoop (most people tolerate)
- Whey hydrolysate: ≤0.5g lactose (gentlest)
- Casein: ~1g lactose
- Pea/Rice/Hemp protein: 0g lactose
If you're mildly lactose-sensitive but not allergic, whey isolate (Isoflex, IsoGold, PEScience Select Whey) often works.
