OWYN, Plant-Based Protein A Win For Those With Food Allergies

A couple of months ago I came across an advertisement for OWYN protein products and my interest was piqued.

This company that makes plant-based protein products is taking America by storm.  They’re products are even touted by fitness gurus and sports celebrities such as five-time Olympic medalist Nastia Liukin according to the company’s Facebook page.  Add to that OWYN products have the FARE (Food Allergy Research Education) Proud Supporter label and this sounded like a product and company I needed to get to know.

A husband and wife duo, Kathryn Moos and Jeff Mroz, who are both athletes wanted to make a clean, simple, and delicious protein option that would both feed and nurture the body.  Because of their time and effort to that cause, OWYN was born.

So, who is OWYN?  The company’s acronym stands for Only What You Need and they are dedicated to making plant-based protein drinks, powders, and bars that boast high vegan omega 3, a unique superfood blend, high fiber, and low sugar.

Why should OWYN be something the food allergy community needs to hear about?  In addition to winning the FARE Proud Supporter Label, this husband and wife duo and their children know first hand what it is like to live with food allergies.  Although I always appreciate the efforts of anyone who at least tries to accommodate those with food allergies, I feel that a person who has actually walked that path always brings something special to the table.

The company is rather transparent about testing for the presence of allergens in their products in a statement on their website, “Every lot of finished goods is tested for the presence of Top 8 allergens using accredited 3^rd party laboratories. OWYN won’t clear final product for shipment until documentation is received verifying that the finished product contains no cross-contact with any Top 8 allergens.”

If you’re wondering what constitutes the “presence” of an allergen, they address that on their website too.  “Except for gluten, there is no FDA standard for allergen thresholds for any of the Top 8 allergens. OWYN requires all ingredients to contain less than the lowest established detectable amount of the Top 8 Allergens, except for Gluten. The lowest detectable amount varies by allergen, and can be reviewed on our allergen testing chart below. Gluten is required to contain less than the FDA gluten-free standard of 20 parts per million.”

Now that I’ve shared with you a bit about the company and what their stance is on food allergies, let’s talk about the products themselves.  OWYN makes the following products:

• 100% Plant-Based Protein Drinks:  Dark Chocolate, Cold-Brew Coffee, Smooth Vanilla, and Strawberry Banana
• 100% Plant-Based Protein Powders:  Smooth Vanilla, Dark Chocolate, and Strawberry Banana
• 100% Plant-Based Protein Bars:  Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Chip & Cranberry, and Tart Cherry & Lemon

When I inquired about OWYN’s products, they were kind enough to send me free samples of all four protein drink flavors.  In return, I promised to do a product review with my TRUE opinion.  I received no monetary compensation for writing this review.

In the spirit of honesty, I didn’t get to taste all the flavors because my son who has food allergies and runs high school cross country (and needs a ton of protein) pilfered them before I had a chance.  So the review you’re reading is a combination of my own and his.

At first we were a little surprised that the drink had a thinner consistency that what you usually think of when it comes to a protein drink.  That said, the amount of flavor in each sip is robust and not thin at all. Although we really liked all the flavors, the Strawberry Banana drink was my son’s favorite…and that would be the one flavor I did not get to taste.  Go figure. 

Of the other three, my favorite was Dark Chocolate, then Smooth Vanilla, and then Cold-Brew Coffee.

Especially for my son who is an athlete, fast access to a safe, healthy, and tasty protein source that is also portable isa HUGE win!  The drink itself is quite filling with close to twenty grams of protein which can be great for muscle recovery after a difficult workout.

Bottom line:  I do believe this is a product we will be using again in our household…especially during my son’s cross country and track seasons.  Even though I am far from being an athlete, I enjoyed the drinks as well and think they are absolutely perfect for a working woman or busy mom that is constantly on the go.

Now, here’s the really exciting part!  The folks at OWYN were kind enough to give you, my reader, a special discount code of FLAVORS20 which will get you 20% off of orders $25 or more when you order online here.  Thank you, OWYN!

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