The Short Answer
Yes, Soylent is certified gluten-free. All Soylent products contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten, meeting the FDA’s requirements to be labeled as gluten-free. For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, Soylent can be a safe and nutritious meal replacement option.
What is Soylent?
Soylent is a brand of meal replacement drinks and powders designed to provide complete nutrition in a simple, affordable, and easy-to-prepare format. The original Soylent formula was created in 2013 by software engineer Rob Rhinehart as a way to simplify his diet and improve his health. The key features of Soylent are:
- Vegan: Soylent is free of animal products and cholesterol.
- Gluten-free: Certified to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten.
- Lactose-free: Does not contain milk or other dairy products.
- Soy-free: Made without soy or soy derivatives.
- Complete nutrition: Formulated to provide protein, carbs, fat, fiber and all essential vitamins and minerals.
- Neutral flavor: Designed as a versatile neutral base for meals and snacks.
- Portable and lightweight: Packaged as a shelf-stable ready-to-drink bottle or powder.
- Affordable: Aims to provide complete nutrition at low cost.
Soylent comes in a variety of flavors and formulas to suit different nutritional needs. The original Soylent Powder and Soylent Drink are designed for the average healthy adult. Other formulations include Soylent Bridge (lower carb), Soylent Cafe (higher protein), and Soylent Complete Protein (vegan protein shake). The company also makes a line of flavored snack bars called Soylent Squared.
Why Soylent is Gluten-Free
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. For people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten triggers an autoimmune reaction that damages the small intestine.[1] This can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and fatigue. The only treatment is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet.
Soylent was designed from the start to exclude allergic ingredients like gluten, soy, and dairy. Here are the key reasons Soylent formulas are certified gluten-free:
- Rice flour is used instead of wheat flour as the main carbohydrate source.
- Oat flour from certified gluten-free oats is used in some recipes.
- Vegetable oils like canola and high oleic sunflower oil provide healthy fats.
- Protein comes from vegan sources like soy protein isolate (before allergen removal) and brown rice protein.
- Thorough testing confirms that gluten levels test below 20 ppm.
- The facility has dedicated allergen-free production lines.
- Ongoing auditing ensures strict standards are maintained.
By carefully sourcing certified gluten-free ingredients and processing in audited allergen-free facilities, Soylent has eliminated gluten from its entire product line.
Soylent Gluten Testing Standards
For a product to be labeled “gluten-free” in the United States, it must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten as per the FDA’s gluten-free labeling standards.[2]
To confirm this, Soylent tests products multiple times during the production process:
- Raw ingredients testing: All incoming ingredients are tested to verify gluten levels are below 5 ppm.
- In-process testing: After mixing, products are tested again to ensure no cross-contamination. Target is below 5 ppm.
- Finished product testing: Final products are tested to confirm gluten levels are below 20 ppm.
This extensive testing exceeds FDA requirements and ensures that all Soylent products consistently meet the strict definition of gluten-free. Certificate of analysis documents showing third-party lab test results can be downloaded from the Soylent website for further verification.
Soylent Facility Standards
In addition to rigorous ingredient and product testing, maintaining a gluten-free production environment is critical. Soylent’s manufacturing facility in Decatur, Illinois was purpose-built with allergen control in mind:
- Dedicated gluten-free production lines prevent cross-contamination.
- Careful scheduling and thorough cleaning between batches.
- Full-time cleaning staff keep the facility in pristine condition.
- Regular third-party audits ensure standards are upheld.
Soylent also sources all ingredients and materials like flexible films and corrugated boxes from certified gluten-free suppliers. This collective effort minimizes the risk of gluten exposure throughout the supply chain.
Soylent Product Listing
Here is an overview of Soylent’s main product lines and their gluten-free certification status:
| Product Line | Key Features | Gluten-Free Status |
|---|---|---|
| Soylent Powder | Vegan meal replacement powder | Certified gluten-free |
| Soylent Drink | Ready-to-drink vegan meal | Certified gluten-free |
| Soylent Bridge | Lower carb formula | Certified gluten-free |
| Soylent Cafe | Higher protein for snacks | Certified gluten-free |
| Soylent Complete Protein | Vegan protein shake | Certified gluten-free |
| Soylent Squared | Flavored snack bars | Certified gluten-free |
As shown, all varieties of Soylent carry the certified gluten-free seal and are proven through testing to be below 20 ppm.
Soylent Nutrition
In addition to being gluten-free, Soylent provides complete vegan nutrition:
- Protein: 20-37g per serving depending on formula
- Fat: 18-25g per serving from plant oils
- Carbohydrates: 33-87g per serving
- Fiber: >15% DV per serving
- Vitamins & minerals: 100% Daily Value per serving
- Calories: 400-500 calories per serving
With no preparation required, Soylent offers a nutritionally complete meal for people following a gluten-free diet. It can help them meet their daily intake needs for protein, essential fats, carbohydrates, fiber and micronutrients.
Cost of Soylent
One of the advantages of Soylent is it provides exceptional nutrition at a reasonable cost:
- Soylent Powder: Around $1.83 per 400 calorie meal.
- Soylent Drink: Roughly $3.25 per 400 calorie bottle.
- Soylent Squared: Approximately $2.83 per 400 calorie 5-bar box.
Compared to many specialty gluten-free products, Soylent is very affordable. For people new to a gluten-free diet, it can help keep grocery costs manageable. Soylent subscriptions offer additional savings compared to one-time purchases.
Taste and Texture
Soylent has a smooth, neutral flavor designed to be versatile across meals and recipes:
- Original Powder and Drink: Mild creamy flavor
- Cacao: Rich chocolate taste
- Vanilla: Sweet vanilla scent
- Chai: Warming chai spices
- Mint Chocolate: Cool mint and cocoa
- Strawberry: Sweet tangy berry
The texture is intended to be satisfying but not overly rich or filling, allowing people to customize Soylent with other foods and ingredients.
Where to Buy Soylent
Soylent can be purchased online at Soylent.com and shipped directly to your door. It is also carried by many major retailers:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
- 7-Eleven
- Kroger
- Albertsons
- H-E-B
Brick-and-mortar availability varies by location. Be sure to check the store locator on Soylent’s website to find a retailer near you. Subscribing directly on Soylent’s website can provide the most convenience with regular deliveries.
Soylent Meal Ideas
Here are some quick ideas for enjoying Soylent as part of a gluten-free diet:
- Make overnight oats with Soylent Powder, chia seeds and non-dairy milk.
- Blend frozen fruit into Soylent Powder for a morning smoothie.
- Mix Soylent Powder with cold brew coffee for an energizing breakfast.
- Drink Soylent Original as a grab-and-go breakfast or lunch.
- Pair Soylent Drink with gluten-free crackers or fruit for a snack.
- Stir Soylent Powder into gluten-free pancake batter.
- Blend Soylent Complete Protein with ice for smoothies.
- Enjoy Soylent Squared bars as a gluten-free treat.
The neutral taste and smooth texture make Soylent very versatile for creating healthy gluten-free meals.
Soylent for Celiac Disease
For those with celiac disease, awareness of trace amounts of gluten is important even when consuming certified gluten-free products. The good news is Soylent’s strict safety protocols minimize any risk:
- All ingredients tested to very low gluten levels (5 ppm).
- Dedicated production lines prevent cross-contact.
- Extensive finished product testing down to 20 ppm.
These precautions make Soylent one of the safest options for people with celiac. But as with any new food, it’s wise for those highly sensitive to first consult their healthcare provider.
Soylent for Weight Loss
Soylent can be an effective tool for weight loss as part of a reduced calorie diet:
- Provided in convenient measured serving sizes.
- Nutritionally complete with protein, fiber and healthy fats.
- Can replace higher calorie fast food and empty snacks.
- Keeps hunger satisfied between meals.
- Works for meal prepping and calorie tracking.
The exact number of calories needed for weight loss will vary by individual. But swapping one or two meals per day with Soylent makes it easy to maintain a calorie deficit.
Soylent and Intermittent Fasting
For people using intermittent fasting for health or weight management, Soylent offers a convenient way to get through the fasting window:
- Helps curb hunger with protein and fiber.
- Allows fasting without missing nutrition.
- Can sustain mental clarity and energy.
- Provides hydration from water content.
- Enables flexibility with on-the-go packets.
Having a Soylent can make it much easier to stick to the fasting schedule by satisfying cravings and preventing overeating later.
Soylent Alternatives
Some popular alternatives to Soylent include:
- Huel: Similar nutritionally complete vegan meal replacement.
- Ritual: Meal shakes with simple vegan ingredients.
- Ample: Higher calorie/protein meal replacements.
- Glucerna: Shakes for blood sugar management.
- Orgain: Organic vegan protein powders.
However, always check the label carefully as not all brands offer certified gluten-free products. For the most sensitive celiac patients, Soylent remains one of the best and safest options.
Common Questions
Is Soylent really gluten-free?
Yes, absolutely. All Soylent products are certified gluten-free to meet FDA labeling standards of less than 20 ppm. Multiple rounds of third-party testing confirm the absence of gluten.
What if Soylent gets contaminated?
With dedicated production lines and rigorous protocols, the risk of gluten contamination is extremely low. If any issue were ever found, Soylent has a direct consumer engagement team available to immediately address concerns.
Can Soylent help me lose weight?
Replacing higher calorie foods with Soylent makes it easier to maintain a calorie deficit for weight loss. Soylent provides protein and fiber to help manage hunger.
Is Soylent healthy?
Soylent meets all nutritional standards and contains no artificial ingredients. For some, replacing less healthy foods with complete nutrition from Soylent has improved their health.
Does Soylent taste good?
Soylent has a smooth pleasant flavor, but taste preferences vary. Many flavors are available to suit different palates. Customizing Soylent with fruits, nuts or spices can further tailor the experience.
The Bottom Line
For those requiring a strict gluten-free diet, Soylent makes complete nutrition simple and worry-free. With rigorous testing procedures guaranteeing less than 20ppm of gluten and protection against cross-contamination in the facility, Soylent provides a safe meal option. The neutral flavor and affordability also make Soylent an ideal staple when navigating gluten-free living. By taking the guesswork out of good nutrition, Soylent empowers people with food sensitivities to thrive.
