What about protein powder/shakes?

[Peggytc]

I know DCL has some policies around bringing homemade food on board, or unpackaged food. Wondering if we are allowed to bring protein powder? Husband recently started working out and drinking whey protein afterward. They sell them in these giant tubs of 5lb or 5kg or something, so way too big to bring with us. If I fill a Baggie or container with whey protein powder, can I bring it onboard for him? I do understand if not, it might look a little strange, but has anyone done this before? Any advice?

 

[DCL4LIFE]

I put protein powder in my checked bag and so does my girlfriend and we had no issues.

I dumped it into my blender bottle to save space and just threw that in my bag.

 

[lanejudy]

I'm thinking protein powder falls more into a "supplements" category (like OTC vitamins or meds) than "homemade food" -- especially since you would bring the powder not fully prepared yet. If he can buy a smaller container just to use for the cruise then it will be properly labeled; that's the only potential issue I can see, if there is a baggie of powder that isn't labeled. Most likely it wouldn't be questioned, but if so it could be confiscated if you can't prove what it is.

We travel with MiraLax powder for DD, usually just enough in a smaller container to get us through the vacation. If it's an overnight at her grandmother's I don't worry about the container, but when we are flying somewhere or cruising I make sure to use a smaller bottle with the right label.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[Bree]

He could always buy some individual serving size packets. Probably will take up less room than a canister and no worries about ziplocs busting open.

 

[Peggytc]

I'm thinking protein powder falls more into a "supplements" category (like OTC vitamins or meds) than "homemade food" -- especially since you would bring the powder not fully prepared yet. If he can buy a smaller container just to use for the cruise then it will be properly labeled; that's the only potential issue I can see, if there is a baggie of powder that isn't labeled. Most likely it wouldn't be questioned, but if so it could be confiscated if you can't prove what it is.

We travel with MiraLax powder for DD, usually just enough in a smaller container to get us through the vacation. If it's an overnight at her grandmother's I don't worry about the container, but when we are flying somewhere or cruising I make sure to use a smaller bottle with the right label.

Enjoy your cruise!

Thanks! not sure if they make them in smaller quantities, when we walked in to the store I remember being overwhelmed by floor to ceiling giant containers. we will ask! But if not, DCL4LIFE's suggestion of checking it (and packing it inside the blender bottle) could be an option, knowing going In It may get confiscated.

I wish it was only the cruise but wondering if it would draw attention on our flight from Canada to BCN! lol hopefully not, in checked bags.

 

[jojojones]

I know DCL has some policies around bringing homemade food on board, or unpackaged food. Wondering if we are allowed to bring protein powder? Husband recently started working out and drinking whey protein afterward. They sell them in these giant tubs of 5lb or 5kg or something, so way too big to bring with us. If I fill a Baggie or container with whey protein powder, can I bring it onboard for him? I do understand if not, it might look a little strange, but has anyone done this before? Any advice?

I'm curious about this too - and also, how does he plan to mix it? I use a Nutri Bullet at home, but I won't be bringing that with me. Will the bars on board mix up a shake or smoothie using powder we provide...?

 

[ILovePixieDust]

Thanks! not sure if they make them in smaller quantities, when we walked in to the store I remember being overwhelmed by floor to ceiling giant containers. we will ask! But if not, DCL4LIFE's suggestion of checking it (and packing it inside the blender bottle) could be an option, knowing going In It may get confiscated.

I wish it was only the cruise but wondering if it would draw attention on our flight from Canada to BCN! lol hopefully not, in checked bags.

Honestly, I would be WAY more worried about your international flight than getting on the cruise with the protein powder. The security for flights is more strict and you would not want to be pulled aside for questioning and searched because of an unlabelled container of unidentified powder. From their side of things, they can't just take your word for what it is. If they find it, they may need to verify/test what it is which, I suspect, would take awhile. In this instance I would only bring something like protein powder in an unopened original packaging container/bag. I know people who have bought dried shiitake mushrooms in original packaging from other countries and security cut every single mushroom to make sure there was nothing inside.

I do know people who travel with babies are able to bring non labelled containers of baby formula. But even when we bring milk on board for baby they have made us drink it to prove what it is. And even liquid formula in its original container they made us open all the cans once to drink from each one which was ridiculous because then the milk spoils because baby couldn't possibly drink 6 cans in a 24 hour period. Thats airport security for you. We just then had to buy more formula when we arrived in the UK (from Canada). Thank goodness for breastfeeding!

 

[socababy]

Funny this question came up today since I've been wondering the same thing. I will be flying out on Monday to Vancouver to board the Wonder. Since I am only going with a carry on, I opted to get individual servings of the protein powder. I'll be asking if they'll mix in into my smoothie for me but if they say they can't, I'll just mix/stir it in myself. Not the way I prefer it, but it'll do for the week. I'll update this thread when I get back.

 

[shelbell77]

I saw them blending individual packets for some people at cove cafe on the Wonder last month. Always worth a shot if you don't have a blender bottle.

 

[kiford]

Most major producers of protein powders sell them in packets - usually you buy a box of them. The nice thing about buying the packets is that you can buy different flavours rather than having just one. Sometimes you can find boxes with a mix of different flavours.

how does he plan to mix it

You can buy a cup that has a thing at the top that sort of spins when you shake it that helps to mix it. Also, you can just mix the powder with a small amount of water until it's like a slurry and then add more water and shake.

 

[Peggytc]

I'm curious about this too - and also, how does he plan to mix it? I use a Nutri Bullet at home, but I won't be bringing that with me. Will the bars on board mix up a shake or smoothie using powder we provide...?

He was thinking for the cruise he would just fill with water and shake it up to mix - never even thought to ask if they would add it to something for us!
LOL now I'm picturing us walking up the bar with a bag of powder asking them to add it to someone's drink LMAO!! hopefully they will know we are trustworthy but it's kinda funny to imagine their reactions!

 

[Peggytc]

I think I will stop by the store today and have a look if they do sell individual packets. If they do, that would seem the safest option based on all of your feedback! I didn't notice them last time but wasn't specifically looking

 

[socababy]

You can even try looking on amazon.com for the individual packets. That's where I got mine. Definitely more expensive but at least I don't have to worry about getting it through customs.

 

[LSUfan4444]

Just a thought, but protein powder is great for when you have to supplement post workout recovery on the go. But, on a cruise there is access to real protein just about all day.
From a health standpoint, he would do better getting his recovery calories and protein from actual food than powder AND it's one less thing you have to pack. Nutritionally speaking, protein shakes almost never measure up to whole foods. Now back to your regularly scheduled discussion. =)

 

[Peggytc]

Just a thought, but protein powder is great for when you have to supplement post workout recovery on the go. But, on a cruise there is access to real protein just about all day.
From a health standpoint, he would do better getting his recovery calories and protein from actual food than powder AND it's one less thing you have to pack. Nutritionally speaking, protein shakes almost never measure up to whole foods. Now back to your regularly scheduled discussion. =)

You are preaching to the choir! I am all about that. I managed to keep my husband away from the shakes as long as I could in favour of a natural approach (I would always have spinach and chicken and yogurt ready for him), but his friends convinced him to give the powders a try and he caved lol.
To appear me he bought some organic all natural stuff! Lol

 

[Peggytc]

UPDATE:

I visited the store where my husband buys his stuff. The man there said they don't sell individual packets and that they don't really exist. He actually had 3, which he was only allowed to give as samples so if I bought something he would give them to me. I explained why I wanted them, and he convinced me to get protein bars instead. They had a promotion on 12 bars for $34. (!?!) I'm not crazy about this because it feels like there would be even more processed stuff in it, but for the sake of ease, went with that for this trip. He also gave me the 3 packets, so we will bring those along as well!

 

[MunFam]

@Peggytc What brand are you trying to get. Its possible that store does not carry it...but the manufacturer makes it in small packets.

 

[Peggytc]

@Peggytc What brand are you trying to get. Its possible that store does not carry it...but the manufacturer makes it in small packets.

The brand is PVL Essentials, ISOSport Whey (natural). I probably should have done some shopping around instead of taking his word for it... The store is called Supplement King so, ya know, I figured the King oughta know LOL

 

[socababy]

Here is my report back...

They did indeed make my shakes for me in the Cove Café. I just had them make it with nonfat milk (I usually use unsweetened almond milk at home but the ship's almond milk is sweetened,) a banana, my protein powder and ice. Tasted just like home! I'm sure it did not taste as good as some of the other yummy drinks others were ordering! Hahahaha

Now the funny thing is how I was charged. The first day I was charged $0.58, the second time I wasn't charged at all and the third time I was charged $3.95. Of course I had a different person making it each time!

 

[Peggytc]

Here is my report back...

They did indeed make my shakes for me in the Cove Café. I just had them make it with nonfat milk (I usually use unsweetened almond milk at home but the ship's almond milk is sweetened,) a banana, my protein powder and ice. Tasted just like home! I'm sure it did not taste as good as some of the other yummy drinks others were ordering! Hahahaha

Now the funny thing is how I was charged. The first day I was charged $0.58, the second time I wasn't charged at all and the third time I was charged $3.95. Of course I had a different person making it each time!

Thanks for letting us know! My husband will be happy to hear this (except for the irratic pricing part lol)