Top 16 Premier Protein Shakes Ranked

I have a passion for protein drinks. During my pregnancy, when I encountered health challenges, protein shakes provided nourishment with minimal discomfort. Many individuals consume protein beverages for various reasons, whether it’s for fitness, appetite control, or sheer convenience. Given the multitude of flavors offered by Premier Protein, I embarked on a taste test of 16 varieties, ranking my experiences from least favorite to favorite. It’s worth mentioning that even this extensive list doesn’t encompass all their offerings.

Each shake was evaluated based on taste and how true they were to their stated flavors, with some of my personal preferences playing a role. It’s essential to note that while my least favorite may be loved by someone else, my rankings are not influenced by protein content or calorie counts, which are highly individual. The protein content spans from 20 to 30 grams, while calories range between 150 and 170 for the 11 and 11.5-ounce products. I did not sample any of the smaller varieties, but they naturally have lower caloric and protein content due to their size. Now, let’s delve into the delightful world of Premier Protein shakes and explore these 16 flavors!

Some recommendations are based on firsthand impressions of promotional materials and products provided by the manufacturer.

After tasting numerous Premier Protein flavors, I’ve placed Strawberries & Cream at the bottom of my list. The primary note is a rather artificial fruit flavor that dominates each sip, making its presence known from the initial taste through to the aftertaste. The “cream” aspect is vaguely present in the milkiness, yet nothing stands out as particularly creamy. Additionally, it feels like a regular milk protein concentrate base without a significant cream component.

Unfortunately, the flavor leaves behind a distinct chemical aftertaste, which detracts from the overall experience. Thus, I can confidently say there are much better options as we move along the list.

It’s been a while since I’ve tasted cough syrup, but the aftertaste of the Indulgence White Chocolate Raspberry is reminiscent of those sugary medicines. Initially, the predominant flavor is creamy milk, and a hint of artificial raspberry lingers after swallowing—much like the urge to gulp down a glass of water after tasting cough syrup. Unfortunately, this didn’t provide an enjoyable experience, and I couldn’t in good conscience recommend it.

That said, this flavor does have its fans who have claimed it as their favorite. To its credit, I appreciate that it maintains a white hue without unnecessary food coloring.

As a chocolate lover, I expect a certain level of excellence. However, many of Premier Protein’s chocolate varieties didn’t quite meet my expectations. The Almond Milk Chocolate flavor, in particular, has a pronounced almond milk taste, which overshadows the chocolate component.

The almond milk flavor comes across as almost watery when compared to the creaminess found in flavors like white chocolate raspberry. The chocolate seems to be an afterthought, competing with the almond milk instead of enhancing the flavor experience. However, I find this flavor slightly more agreeable than the artificial raspberry, justifying its spot at No. 14.

The standard Chocolate flavor improves upon the Almond Milk Chocolate by presenting a more direct chocolate taste without competing flavors. However, it’s still lacking depth and richness to rank any higher. It tastes like chocolate flavoring added to milk, lacking authenticity or a robust cocoa profile despite containing cocoa powder along with natural and artificial flavors.

Nevertheless, it’s decent and free from significant issues. This flavor is notably popular among consumers, evidenced by its widespread availability, including at places like Costco.

The Indulgence Decadent Dark Chocolate ranks slightly higher than its plain chocolate counterpart, giving a richer impression, especially at the end of the sip. Though it shares the same cocoa, natural, and artificial flavors, it presents a deeper chocolate note. I sampled it side by side with the plain chocolate and Almond Milk Chocolate, finding it superior to both.

While vanilla may seem too simple to compete with more complex flavors like white chocolate raspberry or almond milk chocolate, it holds its own remarkably well. Although not the most authentic vanilla, it serves its purpose in this milk protein drink, resulting in a pleasing vanilla flavor that masks the protein to the extent you might not even know it’s a protein shake.

This subtlety earns it my top spot so far. It could even be used in dishes like chia pudding or poured into coffee for an added protein boost. I would certainly reach for the vanilla over any other flavors I’ve discussed previously, as its notes allow the milk base to shine, making it a potential favorite for anyone who enjoys dairy.

As the name suggests, the Almond Milk Coffee tastes exactly how you’d expect, leaning towards almond milk with a hint of coffee. This blend is not only delicious but also lends itself to being a refreshing morning beverage or a suitable meal replacement.

Best served over ice, this flavor adapts well into an iced almond milk latte. Adding a shot of espresso could enhance the coffee aspect further, as it’s not overly intense on its own. I favor this flavor combination over vanilla, earning it a slight edge in the rankings.

The Caramel flavor offers a milky protein drink infused with caramel essence. Admittedly, it lacks the authenticity of homemade caramel made from butter and sugar; however, it resonates with typical caramel-flavored products and is sweet enough to entice continued sipping.

I’d rank this flavor above Almond Milk Coffee because it’s comforting and familiar without being overly extravagant. Caramel drinks are a common experience, making this a safe choice if you’re a first-time Premier Protein drinker.

The Almond Milk Vanilla impresses by simply tasting like vanilla almond milk. It doesn’t try to be anything more than that, which will likely be appreciated by many. This straightforwardness earns it a solid place in my rankings, landing higher than many previously discussed flavors.

There’s nothing off-putting or unpleasant about it; the blend of vanilla and almond creates a delightful, smooth drink that I found hard to resist. While plain, its uncomplicated charm resonates, making it my eighth preference.

The Bananas & Cream flavor evokes the taste of banana candies. If you aren’t fond of artificial banana flavors, this may not be for you. However, I found that Premier Protein manages to create a pleasant drink that works surprisingly well with the creamy undertones distracting from the artificiality of the banana.

This flavor exceeded my expectations and earned a respectable ranking in the upper half, thanks to its successful blend of fruity and creamy notes.

I sampled the Cookies & Cream flavor alongside other chocolate choices, and it emerged as the clear winner due to its intricate taste. While I don’t detect much of a cookie flavor, it brings to mind the chocolatey milk leftover from eating a bowl of Cocoa Pebbles—comfortable and nostalgic, with more character than the other chocolate options I tried.

This is a flavor I’d be excited to repurchase due to its sweetness and delightful taste; the protein content is merely a bonus. The next flavors in the ranking showcase even more distinctive profiles, making this an excellent option for anyone desiring something more straightforward.

The Coffeehouse Mocha offers a delightful blend of coffee and chocolate. As a fan of this combination, it earns high praise from me. Its complexity surpasses the other chocolate or cookies and cream options, though it could still benefit from a stronger coffee note for my taste. If I didn’t know it contained coffee, I might misconstrue it as a rich chocolate flavor.

Despite its subtle coffee flavor, it remains a solid choice as it combines delectable taste with a caffeine boost, making it suitable for various occasions, even in the evening.

It’s no surprise that the enticing combination of chocolate and peanut butter ranks high on my list. The Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor excels by clearly showcasing both elements, unlike the earlier mentioned Coffeehouse Mocha, which was less distinct. You can relish each flavor with every sip.

My only minor critique is that the peanut butter flavor is reminiscent of peanut butter powder rather than the creamy spread, but it still offers a satisfying taste. This flavor undoubtedly stands out and is bound to be a favorite for many.

For those seeking a rich and varied protein drink, Indulgence Salted Caramel Truffle is a must-try. This flavor stands out for its complex combination of salted caramel and chocolate notes. The salt effectively enhances the sweetness of the caramel while the truffle imparts an earthy richness to the experience. It almost feels like indulging in a dessert from a café.

While I could wish for a bit more chocolate presence, the harmonious blend of flavors earns it a higher rank than Chocolate Peanut Butter, due to the distinct flavors shining through with every sip. If you’re yearning for a Starbucks salted caramel mocha-like experience, consider this flavor mixed with espresso.

Surprisingly, the Indulgence Chocolate Covered Strawberry ranks second after hearing that the Strawberries & Cream flavor ended at the bottom of my list. The richness of the milk chocolate provides a delightful experience that captures its essence beautifully, making it an enjoyable treat. The creamy consistency enhances its dessert-like quality, steering clear of typical protein shake attributes like chalkiness.

It effortlessly balances fruity and chocolaty elements, making it a versatile choice for any time of day. Whether as a post-dinner dessert or a morning meal replacement, it checks all the boxes.

We have arrived at my top pick! The Coffeehouse Caramel Macchiato stands out as the finest Premier Protein flavor offered, boasting a taste akin to a genuine coffeehouse drink. This enticing blend harmonizes the caramel flavor I appreciated in previous entries while introducing a delightful macchiato essence that combines coffee with creamy milk.

Unlike the Coffeehouse Mocha, the coffee flavor shines clearly in this sip, accompanied by a caffeine kick that makes it a fantastic breakfast beverage. Best served chilled over ice, it replicates the café experience right at home.

Given that most Premier Protein shakes have a similar smooth, liquid texture, my evaluation focused solely on taste and how well each flavor represented itself. Options that authentically reflected their flavors and offered a pleasant experience ranked higher, while those that fell short or had undesired tastes scored lower.

Personal taste does play a role, as individual experiences may vary with each flavor. While certain shakes stood out enough for me to recommend, others would likely be left untouched. If you’re in search of the best high-protein cereals to accompany a shake, I found Premier Protein’s Mixed Berry Almond Cereal was a great match due to its protein content and texture when mixed with milk.