A Comprehensive Review of Protein-Packed Drinks Available at Grocery Stores

There's no denying it—protein is still very much in vogue.

Spurred by gym-focused social media influencers or innovative medical suggestions, consumers are continually opting for products with an elevated protein count. Reminiscent of the meal-replacement shake craze of the '90s, this trend shows no sign of slowing.

Athletes, parents, and individuals aiming to bolster their dietary intake have long incorporated nutrient-rich shakes into their routines.

Grocery aisles are brimming with protein-infused offerings, ranging from pasta to beer. Amid this plethora, high-protein drinks are a standout category, yet navigating the myriad choices can be daunting.

Some beverages, like the Fairlife Core Power Elite shake, maximize protein, delivering 42 grams—comparable to a decent-sized piece of chicken and significant for daily intake standards.

Conversely, options like the Remedy Organics Cacao Essentials Shake marry protein with trending ingredients such as stress-reducing adaptogens.

In my quest to explore these protein-rich offerings, I visited New York grocery stores, sampling beverages starting at 12 grams of protein, equating to two eggs.

Focusing on chocolate variants, I ranked fourteen drinks based on flavor and nutritional value, seeking those with a desirable chocolate taste and moderate sweetness.

14. Remedy Organics Cacao Essentials

Price: $4.99 for 12 oz

Calories: 210

Protein: 16g

Added sugar: 7g

This drink embodies a healthy essence, masked by ingredients like ashwagandha and maca. However, its pronounced cacao flavor, combined with an unexpected chalky texture and salty overtones, reduced its appeal for me, despite its potent ingredients.

Taste Score: 1/10; Overall Score: 6/10

13. Muscle Milk Zero Sugar Chocolate

Price: $3.99 for 14 oz

Calories: 170

Protein: 25g

Added sugar: 0g

This dark, thick beverage is excessively sweet for my palate, necessitating a water chaser. Yet, its low calorie and high fiber, along with protein content, make it a worthy trade-off for some.

Taste Score: 3/10; Overall Score: 6/10

12. Koia Cacao Bean Shake

Price: $4.99 for 12 oz

Calories: 190

Protein: 18g

Added sugar: 4g

Light in color, Koia's shake has a pronounced cacao bean taste, with a nutty, earthy profile rather than typical sweetness. While nutritionally formidable, its flavor didn't captivate me.

Taste Score: 4/10; Overall Score: 5/10

11. Chocolate Sport Shake

Price: $2.00 for 11 oz

Calories: 350

Protein: 12g

Added sugar: 39g

Though the taste echoed delicious chocolate milk, its staggering sugar content was a deterrent. Economical but overwhelmed by sweetness, I likely won't choose this again.

Taste Score: 8/10; Overall Score: 1/10

10. Nesquik Chocolate Low Fat Milk

Price: $2.50 for 14 oz

Calories: 250

Protein: 14g

Added sugar: 18g

Bringing nostalgic delight, Nesquik offers more protein than marketed contenders. However, its dairy-forward, sugary taste might limit its adult fanbase.

Taste Score: 6/10; Overall Score: 4/10

9. Muscle Milk Pro Knockout

Price: $5.99 for 14 oz

Calories: 220

Protein: 40g

Added sugar: 0g

While impressive in protein density, this thick shake sacrifices flavor, lingering unpleasantly. It suits those prioritizing macros over taste.

Taste Score: 4/10; Overall Score: 7/10

8. OWYN Pro Elite

Price: $4.49 for 12 oz

Calories: 200

Protein: 32g

Added sugar: 0g

With a rich, distinctive blend, OWYN's shake diverges from sweetness, sporting an earthy profile due to its unique, nutritious ingredients.

Taste Score: 5/10; Overall Score: 6/10

7. Fairlife Core Power Elite

Price: $5.99 for 14 oz

Calories: 230

Protein: 42g

Added sugar: 0g

A thinner offering from Fairlife, this shake offers phenomenal protein content but may disappoint those sensitive to dairy flavors.

Taste Score: 5/10; Overall Score: 8/10

6. Chocolate Nutrament

Price: $2.50 for 11 oz

Calories: 330

Protein: 15g

Added sugar: 29g

A watery consistency defines Nutrament, offering rich taste and vitamins amidst heavy sugar content. Its diluted protein presence curbs its allure.

Taste Score: 9/10; Overall Score: 5/10

5. Fairlife Chocolate Ultra-filtered Milk

Price: $3.29 for 14 oz

Calories: 250

Protein: 23g

Delivering nostalgia, this sweet milk is my go-to chocolate fix. Though not a dedicated protein product, its value per protein gram is compelling.

Taste Score: 7/10; Overall Score: 7/10

4. Rich Chocolate Boost Plus

Price: $18.99 for six 8 oz bottles ($3.17 each)

Calories: 360

Protein: 14g

Added sugar: 18g

This delightful treat, targeted at enhancing adult diets, offers enriching flavors and nutritional benefits, marred slightly by lower protein offerings.

Taste Score: 9/10; Overall Score: 7/10

3. Nesquik Protein Power

Price: $3.00 for 14 oz

Calories: 290

Protein: 23g

Added sugar: 18g

Though unexpected in consistency, this beverage is delightfully flavored and protein-rich, ranking it among my preferred economical choices.

Taste Score: 8/10; Overall Score: 8/10

2. OWYN Dark Chocolate

Price: $4.29 for 12 oz

Calories: 180

Protein: 20g

Added sugar: 4g

Offering a refined, chocolate milk reminiscent profile, this OWYN shake pairs delightful taste with fiber and nutritional integrity, making it my favored plant-based drink.

Taste Score: 8/10; Overall Score: 10/10

1. Fairlife Core Power Chocolate High Protein

Price: $4.99 for 14 oz

Calories: 170

Protein: 26g

Added sugar: 0g

With a balanced bold cocoa flavor against thin dairy notes, this shake delivers on both taste and protein, establishing itself as my top choice.

Taste Score: 8/10; Overall Score: 10/10