Product review: Premier Protein shake

There are so many products on the market that claim to make us healthier, so how do you know which ones are worth buying? I thought I’d try a few out and let you know my thoughts. This week I’m trying out the Premier Protein chocolate shake.

Price: $25.99 for 18 (at Costco)

What it says on the packaging: “Energy for Every Day”

What it says on the website: “Rich, creamy, chocolaty goodness.”

What I thought
I’ve got to be honest; I normally struggle with these kinds of protein drinks. I typically find them so chalky-tasting that it’s difficult to get them down. I still found the Premier Protein shake to be slightly chalky, but it tasted much better than any of the other protein drinks I’ve tried. It is definitely better when it’s chilled; at room temperature it was a bit grim.

Nutrition
This is where the Premier Protein shake scores highly. As you’d expect, it’s packed full of protein, with 30g per tetra pack. The calorie count is relatively low, at 160 calories and it only has 1g of sugar and 3g of fat. There are an impressive 24 added vitamins and minerals, so nutritionally speaking; it’s got a lot of what you should be looking for. There are vitamins A, C, D, E and K, along with B6 and B12. It also contains numerous minerals including iodine, zinc and iron.

What else do I need to know?
The Premier Protein shake also comes in a vanilla flavour, although I’ve only tried the chocolate so far. While the sugar content is low, it does contain the artificial sweetener Sucralose, which some people try to avoid because of its effects on the Healthy Body. It also seems to be gluten-free, which is good news for anyone with gluten intolerance. It’s not advertised as such, so do check with the manufacturers first!

Why do I need protein?
Protein is essential for strength – it helps build muscle, which you need for whatever you’re doing (it’s not just for Healthy Bodybuilders!). It takes longer to digest than carbohydrates, which means it’s slow-burning and keeps us fuller and energized for a longer period of time. You don’t get the peak/slump that you do from carbs. It’s also good for weight loss, as it stops you from grabbing unhealthy snacks. Basically, protein is one of the nutritional cornerstones of your diet – or it should be!

Verdict: I’ve been using this product as a breakfast replacement a few times a week. I’m impressed with the large amount of protein and vitamins without the high calorie count and sugar that normally comes along with protein shakes. I’ll be buying them again!

Until next time,

Peace, love and vitamin C!