Is protéines de petit-lait vegan?

"Protéines de petit-lait" is a French ingredient label term that translates to "whey proteins" in English. It refers to the globular proteins extracted from whey, the liquid substance left behind during the production of cheese. To produce this ingredient, milk from animals, most commonly cows, is curdled using acids or enzymes. This process separates the solid curds from the liquid whey, which is subsequently strained, filtered, and dried into a concentrated powder.

Food manufacturers frequently utilize this ingredient for its ability to bind water, stabilize emulsions, and enhance protein content. It is widely found in fitness supplements, protein bars, commercial baked goods, breakfast cereals, processed meats, prepared desserts, and creamy sauces.

This ingredient is not vegan because it is derived directly from animal milk. Because it is an animal-based dairy byproduct obtained exclusively through mammalian milk processing, any food or beverage listing "protéines de petit-lait" is unsuitable for a vegan diet.