Premier Protein (chocolate) Review

Strong protein punch with compact calories and carbs

Each 11–11.5 fl oz bottle delivers 30 g of protein, 160 calories, approximately 5 g total carbohydrates and 1 g of sugar, plus about 3 g total fat (1 g saturated) and 15 mg cholesterol per the published nutrition facts. That protein-to-calorie ratio is one of the product’s defining features and is why many users treat the shake as a meal substitute or post-workout recovery drink.

The shake also advertises 24 added vitamins and minerals, which supports its positioning as a convenience meal option rather than a plain protein supplement. If your priority is maximizing protein with minimal added sugar and modest calories, the macros line up well.

Chocolate is broadly popular; brand offers many flavor choices

Premier lists a wide array of flavor options on its product page and the chocolate flavor is among their flagship offerings; independent testing cited in the research brief awarded the product an American Masters of Taste Gold Medal, and consumer review aggregates show generally positive ratings (e.g., ChickAdvisor 4.2/5 across reviews).

Because the product is marketed as ready-to-drink and as a base for smoothies or coffee creamer, many buyers report using the shake as-is or as a customizable ingredient. The availability of multiple flavor SKUs expands its appeal for repeated purchase.

Manufactured formula includes artificial sweetener and carrageenan

The shake is sweetened with sucralose and the formula contains carrageenan — both are specifically called out as cons in independent reviews. Sucralose provides the very low sugar number (1 g) but is an ingredient some consumers actively avoid.

Carrageenan is used in many ready-to-drink shakes for texture/stability; however, it is flagged as a potential concern by some users and reviewers. Those prioritizing a minimal-ingredient or 'clean-label' product should check ingredient lists carefully before buying.

Widely distributed, shelf-stable convenience

Premier Protein shakes are widely available at many retail outlets and online — the research brief repeatedly notes broad distribution and consumer reports describe them as an easy grab-and-go option for breakfast, snacks, or post-workout fuel.

Size offerings (11 oz and 11.5 oz listed on the product page) and multi-flavor packs make it straightforward to buy in single bottles or bulk, and the ready-to-drink format removes mixing time compared with powders.

Works as meal replacement, smoothie base, or coffee creamer substitute

Users and the brand both promote the shake for breakfast on-the-go, an afternoon snack, or pre-/post-workout fuel. Sam’s Club user reviews in the brief describe shoppers using it as a morning smoothie base or lunch replacement with reported success for satiety and weight control.

Because it’s already flavored and fortified, it’s commonly used in recipes (e.g., blended into smoothies or baked into protein brownies) or swapped into coffee in place of creamer, which increases practical versatility beyond a simple single-serve protein shot.

Pros & Cons

• ✅ 30 g protein per 11–11.5 fl oz serving — among the higher RTD protein counts for single-serve bottles
• ✅ Only 1 g sugar and approximately 160 calories per bottle, which supports low-sugar meal or post-workout use
• ✅ Contains 24 added vitamins and minerals, positioning it as a fortified ready-to-drink meal substitute
• ✅ Widely available across major retailers and sold in multiple flavor SKUs
• ✅ Received an American Masters of Taste Gold Medal (noted in independent review coverage)

• ❌ Formula contains carrageenan, an additive some consumers and reviewers find objectionable
• ❌ Sweetened with sucralose (artificial sweetener) rather than natural alternatives
• ❌ Contains 3 g total fat and 15 mg cholesterol per serving (label values) — not a zero-fat option
• ❌ Ready-to-drink formula includes multiple additives and stabilizers, which may deter clean-label shoppers

How It Compares to the Competition

• Muscle Milk Ready-to-Drink — Another mainstream RTD protein shake sold in many of the same retail channels with a focus on convenience.
• Fairlife Core Power — Dairy-forward RTD protein option often chosen by athletes; pitched as a high-protein recovery drink.
• Orgain Protein Shake (ready-to-drink) — Marketed to buyers seeking organic or plant-based ingredients and an alternative to highly processed RTD formulas.
• Ensure Plus / Ensure High Protein — Fortified nutrition shakes that target meal-supplement use and offer broad retail availability for non-athlete meal support.

Who Should Buy This & Who Should Skip It

Buy it if: Buy if you need a compact, ready-to-drink bottle that delivers 30 g of protein with only 1 g sugar and about 160 calories — ideal for gym-goers, commuters, or anyone wanting a fortified grab-and-go meal or post-workout recovery drink.

Skip it if: Skip this product if you avoid artificial sweeteners (it uses sucralose) or additives like carrageenan, or if you require a strictly plant-based or minimally processed ingredient list; those buyers should consider organic or plant-based RTD alternatives instead.