Everything But The Cow - The Dairy Free Protein Drink

Looking for a dairy free, gluten free, 100% natural ingredients protein drink that tastes good too? Perhaps this offering from Everything But The Cow (www.everythingbutthecow.co.uk), could be for you?

(If you'd like to try Everything But The Cow yourself, check out the Tri247 readers discount offer at the bottom of the page).

That's an interesting name?!

If there is one thing that the sports and health/fitness market is not short of, it's nutrition products. I personally thought the market was somewhat saturated four or five years ago given the huge number of brands in the market at the time. The years since would indicate that I was very wrong in that assumption, as plenty more have joined since then.

So what is Everything But The Cow (www.everythingbutthecow.co.uk), and is it anything different? "The UK's first, dairy-free protein drink" is the short answer.

Founders Karen and Lisa started in their kitchen post-run about four years ago, blending fresh pressed dairy-free soya (hence, "but the cow"...), with lots of fruit for a balanced carbohydrate and protein recovery drink after their own runs. After a while they realised that "there wasn't anything readily available like that on the market, that used natural ingredients and no artificial sweeteners... if no one else is doing it, why don't we do it ourselves?!" Their products first hit the stores in 2013.

Their product - supplied in 330ml, ready to drink carton size - comes in three flavours: Mango & Orange, Strawberry & Raspberry and Banana & Kiwi. Each has 7g of protein per carton.

Made in Britain, all of drinks use 20% real fruit (no artificial fruit flavours), a touch of honey and dairy free, non-GMO soya protein to provide protein without the fat and calories of dairy, in a balanced carb:protein ratio to aid recovery, but also as a healthy option for active people. You can buy the product now at selected Tesco stores, Wholefoods Market and many independent stores, cafes and gyms.

In summary:

• Fat free
• Dairy free
• Gluten free
• Non GMO Soya
• 100% natural ingredients
• 122-182 kcal per serving (this varies by flavour)
• 7g of protein / carton
• No refined sugar
• More protein than a large egg

EBTC isn't really a direct replacement for a 'typical' sports industry recovery drink. Taking a random sample, it's overall protein, carbohydrate and total calorie content is significantly lower, based on these industry comparisons - which seems to fit with their target 'active / on the go / healthy snack' market.

• High5 Protein Recovery (41g carbohydrate, 18g protein, 238kcal per 60g serving)
• PowerBar Recovery (38.8g carbohydrate, 11.1g protein, 205kcal per 55g serving)
• MaxiNutrition Recovermax (49g carbohydrate, 14.0g protein, 262kcal per 75g serving)

How do they taste? Pretty good actually! Light, fruity, smooth and not too sweet - very pleasant indeed. I enjoyed my samples certainly, the Mango & Orange probably being my favourite. Do follow the 'best served chilled' advice - and look for them to come straight from the fridge when buying.

For me personally, I enjoy a good milkshake and have no specific needs to exclude dairy products from my own diet, but I still enjoyed these. For those specifically looking for dairy / fat / gluten free, combined with no artificial colours, flavours, stabilisers or sweeteners, then you'll surely enjoy a carton of Everyting But The Cow even more.

Want to try Everything But The Cow? Tri247 Readers Discount Offer

To celebrate the launch of their new website, EBTC are offering Tri247 readers a 20% discount when ordering three cases or more of EBTC. (One case = eight cartons). This offer is redeemable until 30th November 2015.

To activate, use the code TRI24720 when ordering online at www.everythingbutthecow.co.uk.