Premier Protein Shake Review (2025)

Whether you’re focused on weight loss, muscle gain, or another wellness goal, one thing’s for sure: You must prioritize your protein intake. As a certified personal trainer and longtime athlete, I’ll be the first to admit it can be challenging to hit your daily goal (I usually shoot for 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight) without a little help from supplements. While I prefer to get the majority of my essential nutrients from whole foods, you can’t beat the convenience of protein powders and protein drinks—especially if you’re in a time crunch. 

RELATED: Best Protein Shakes for Weight Loss

Luckily, the market is flooded with delicious options that can help satisfy your sweet tooth cravings and provide your body with the most important macronutrient. (No offense, carbohydrates and fats!) So, if you’re searching for something to sip on that’s low-carb, low-sugar, and has a great taste, this Premier Protein Shake review will take you on an exciting journey that may just end with you picking up a pack of your favorite flavor before you make it to the FAQs. 

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.

We’ve Sipped on Some of the Best Protein Shakes On the Market

The Garage Gym Reviews team consists of certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, CrossFit enthusiasts, and even an Olympian. As connoisseurs of all things health and fitness, we understand that what you put into your body is equally important as what you do with your body. Striving to find the best protein supplements, we’ve collectively tasted more than 20 different ready-to-drink (RTD) shakes to determine which ones are worthy of taking up real estate in your fridge.

Using our supplement testing methodology, we evaluate protein shakes using a 1-5 scoring system based on categories such as: 

• Price per serving
• Formulation
• Taste
• Side effects 
• Customer reviews

For this Premier Protein Shake review, I’ll feature direct feedback from GGR managing editor, seasoned product tester, and nutrition coach Amanda Dvorak. Plus, I’ll provide additional insight based on my experience with similar protein products so you can decide for yourself if Premier is right for you.

Premier Protein Shake

Product Highlights

• 30 g of protein
• Only 1 g of sugar
• Widely available at many different retailers
• 24 vitamins and minerals
• Won American Masters of Taste Gold Medal

Pros

• Widely available
• Low in sugar and carbs
• High in protein
• Lots of flavor options

Cons

• Contains carrageenan
• Sweetened with sucralose

Premier Protein Shakes are a great tasting, widely available protein shake option with a great amount of protein and very low sugar content.

A Quick Look at Premier Protein Shakes

Chances are you’ve probably seen someone at your local gym sipping on a Premier Protein Shake. One of the most popular RTD options on the market, you can find them on shelves at most major retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Publix. In addition to delivering 30 grams of protein, each gluten-free shake contains all nine essential amino acids and 24 vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, which helps promote calcium absorption in the gut¹, reduces inflammation, and supports immune function.

Before You Buy

• Each shake provides 30 grams of protein, 3 grams of fat, and just 1 gram of sugar. This makes them a viable option for low-carb or keto dieters who want to minimize their carbohydrate intake and avoid added sugars. 
• Premier Protein Shakes come in a variety of flavors, including Cinnamon Roll, Cake Batter, Cafe Latte, and Strawberries & Cream. In other words: There’s no shortage of options to keep your taste buds on their proverbial toes. 
• Although they’re a high-protein product, be aware that these shakes do contain artificial sweeteners and other ingredients that may not align with your dietary preferences. 

Are Premier Protein Shakes Worth It?

At around $2.62 per bottle, Premier Protein Shakes are a well-priced option for those who don’t want to carry around a shaker cup and a container of whey protein. With an excellent macronutrient profile that includes 30g protein, you can seamlessly add them into your diet without worrying too much about going overboard on calories. And even if you follow a protein-focused diet, supplementing with shakes or powders can give you an extra boost to help you hit your macro goals.

“Men often require more protein because they tend to have more muscle and weigh more, but generally, both men and women need about the same amount of protein based on body weight,” says Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. “If women are routinely active or doing muscle-building exercises, they might need more protein. It mostly depends on individual factors like how active they are or what their health goals are.”

That said, the formulation includes a long list of artificial ingredients. So, if you’re concerned about eating as cleanly as possible, you may want to consider something like ALOHA Protein Shakes—you can read about them in our ALOHA Protein Shake review—which are plant-based and organic. 

Premier Protein Shake Specs

Price per serving	$2.62
Serving size	1 shake (11.5 fl oz)
Type of protein	Milk protein concentrate
Protein content	30 g
Carb content	3-6 g
Fat content	3 g
Notable ingredients	Water, milk protein concentrate†, calcium caseinate†, salt, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, carrageenan, vitamin and mineral blend (includes vitamin b12, vitamin b, vitamin e, vitamin a palmitate, calcium d-pantothenate, magnesium phosphate, and sodium ascorbate
Flavors	14 flavors (plus seasonal flavors)
Third-party tested?	No

Experience Using Premier Protein Shakes

No stranger to sipping on protein shakes, GGR managing editor and nutrition coach Amanda Dvorak has tested a number of different products in this category, including the popular Huel Ready-to-Drink, which earned a spot on our best protein shakes list. Although her Huel experience earned a solid overall score, Amanda gave Premier the slight edge using our proprietary scoring system. Let’s dive in and see why these tasty shakes earned an overall score of 4.4 from one of our experts. 

Price Per Serving

The price for Premier Protein Shakes may differ depending on where you buy them from, what flavor you choose, and in what quantity. In general, though, they’re budget-friendly, with a 12-pack costing around $31 on Amazon. That puts the price per serving at $2.62, which we consider a solid value. Some flavors, however, cost more, so be prepared if you have unique tastes. 

That $2.62 per serving price point makes Premier far more affordable than Fairlife Core Power (about $3.58 per serving) and Jocko Molk Protein Shakes (about $3.75 per serving) — two other RTD shakes that earned rave reviews from our testing team. As our top budget pick, Premier earns 4 out of 5 stars for price per serving. 

Formulation

When it comes to protein powders and shakes, we take note of not only the caloric content and macro breakdown, but also the ingredient list. With just 160 calories per shake, Premier certainly qualifies as a low-calorie option. Amanda also highlights how the majority of the calories come from protein (30 grams per bottle), which is a big plus if you’re trying to manage your fat and carb intake. 

Furthermore, Premier Protein Shakes boast an excellent micronutrient profile. One shake delivers 25% of the daily value you need for vitamins A, E, K, B6, and B12. It also provides key minerals such as magnesium, which plays a role in more than 300 enzyme systems² in the body. 

However, there’s one red flag that prevented Amanda from giving Premier a perfect score for formulation. 

“It’s 5 stars for the macro profile and 5 stars for the micronutrient profile, but I’m docking a star for lots of artificial ingredients,” she noted. 

Take a look at the ingredient list and you’ll come across a fairly lengthy list of components that might be hard to pronounce. As a CPT and someone who strives to mostly eat whole foods, I concur with Amanda’s assessment, giving the formulation 4 out of 5 stars. 

Taste

Let’s cut right to the chase: Taste is probably the No. 1 factor most people consider when deciding which protein shake to buy. Luckily, Premier knocked it out of the park, earning a perfect score of 5 out of 5 stars from Amanda. 

“I LOVE these. The vanilla tastes like a vanilla milkshake and the chocolate tastes like chocolate milk,” she explained. “They’re sweet but not too sweet, and even though they contain artificial sweeteners, I don’t get that distinct aftertaste.” 

What’s great about Premier is that you aren’t limited to just chocolate or vanilla, either. In fact, you’ll be hard-pressed to find other companies that offer such a wide variety of flavors. From unique offerings like Winter Mint Chocolate and Root Beer Float to classics like Cookies & Cream and Chocolate Peanut Butter, there’s something for everyone. 

Texture

Unlike when you have to mix protein powder in a shaker bottle, you don’t have to worry about solubility with ready-to-drink products. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean all shakes are created equal when it comes to texture. 

Again, this is another area where Premier Protein Shakes stand out from the pack. Amanda describes them as “very smooth and creamy” without being too thick. She gave them another 5-out-of-5 rating in this key category. 

“They’re easy to down quickly despite the high protein content,” she noted. 

Third-Party Testing 

Although Premier deserves a tip of the cap for providing a transparent ingredient list, the absence of third-party testing results in a score of just 2 out of 5 for this category. Other protein shakes we’ve reviewed — including ALOHA Organic Shakes and Pure Protein Shakes — have undergone third-party testing, which is what we prefer with any supplement. 

Premier Protein Shakes vs Fairlife Nutrition Plan Shakes

Fairlife Nutrition Plan Shakes

Product Highlights

• Contains all 9 essential amino acids
• Ultra-filtered milk makes for high-quality protein
• Ready to drink and lactose free
• Helps to aid in post-workout recovery

Pros

• Ultra-filtered, lactose free
• 42 g of protein
• Low in sugar
• Low cost per serving

Cons

• Contains carrageenan
• Not many flavor options

Fairlife Core Power is a great option for those looking for a basic protein drink that tastes like a milkshake.

There are plenty of protein shakes on the market to suit consumers with different dietary needs and budgets. While Premier Protein Shakes are among the most popular, Fairlife Nutrition Plan Shakes are another strong contender in this category. 

Interestingly, both boast nearly identical macronutrient profiles, delivering 30 grams of protein per serving. However, the formulations are quite different, with Premier including a much longer list of ingredients, many of which are artificial. On the other hand, Fairlife earned a 5 out of 5 for formulation from our testing team despite the fact their shakes include sucralose and stevia. 

One major difference between Premier and Fairlife shakes is that you have far more flavor flexibility with the former. So, if sticking to chocolate and vanilla sounds boring, you may want to go the Premier route. However, I can speak from experience that Fairlife shakes taste amazing, so don’t knock them before you try them. 

For a deep dive on everything from the taste to the side effects, check out our full Fairlife Protein Shake review.

	Premier Protein Shakes	Fairlife Nutrition Plan Shakes
Price per serving	$2.62	$2.05 – $4.49
Serving size	1 shake (11.5 fl oz)	1 bottle (11.5 fl oz)
Type of protein	Milk protein concentrate	Filtered low-fat Grade A milk
Protein content	30 g	30 g
Carb content	3-6 g	3-4 g
Fat content	3 g	2.5 g
Notable ingredients	Water, milk protein concentrate†, calcium caseinate†, salt, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, carrageenan, vitamin and mineral blend (includes vitamin b12, vitamin b, vitamin e, vitamin a palmitate, calcium d-pantothenate, magnesium phosphate, and sodium ascorbate	Alkalized cocoa, natural flavors, cellulose gel, cellulose gum, salt, carrageenan, lactase enzyme, monk juice concentrate, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, stevia leaf extract, vitamin a palmitate, vitamin d3
Flavors	14 flavors	Chocolate, Vanilla
Third-party tested?	No	No

Customer Experience 

Unfortunately, this is one area where Amanda didn’t give Premier a prime rating. She gave the company 3.5 out of 5 stars, noting that there’s nothing clear about their return policy.

“I think you’d have to contact the company via the online form if you want a return or refund,” she noted. 

On the plus side, Premier offers several ways to get in contact with customer service, including email and phone. You can call toll-free about online store inquiries Monday through Friday between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. PST or Saturday and Sunday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PST. 

Furthermore, we like that the company’s website includes a recipe section that shows different ways you can use their shakes, powders, and other products. This is a great way to flex your culinary muscles and get creative in the kitchen. 

Ordering Premier Protein Shakes

You can order Premier Protein Shakes on Amazon. If you’re a Prime member, you can take advantage of free shipping. Furthermore, you can get better value by using the subscribe-and-save option, which allows you to schedule deliveries as often as every two weeks or up to every six months. You can skip or cancel at any time. 

Alternatively, you can find Premier Protein Shakes in many retailers, including Walmart, Target, Publix, and CVS. Again, the price will vary depending on where you order from. 

Customer Reviews

Premier Protein Shakes have earned a 4.5-star rating based on more than 232,000 Amazon reviews. Customers routinely praise their excellent taste and macronutrient profile. 

“I’m basically vegetarian, and I take meds that leave me with almost no appetite and a stomach that seems to only want carbs. The texture is fabulous, the taste is delicious, and 30 grams of protein plus lots of vitamins means that even if I can’t get myself to eat a balanced meal, I can still make sure I’m getting some decent nutrition. Not too filling, which I like because I use it as a supplement to meals. But it is satisfying. I always feel better after I have one,” wrote a customer named E. Sedmak. 

Another customer named Daniel Smith also had high praise for these shakes in his 5-star review. 

“I have tried probably 30+ different kinds of protein shakes over the past 15 years with the goal of both gaining and cutting weight. The macros on this one are in line with the commonly considered “better” shakes (like Fairlife). It’s low calorie, high protein and the taste is only 2nd to Fairlife. I’ve never experienced clumps and I GREATLY prefer this bottle to the paper boxes as they are much easier to rinse out if you want to recycle. If you can get Fairlife at Costco, that’s the only better option. If you can’t, this one is definitely the right choice.” 

Final Verdict of Our Premier Protein Shake Review

Between their budget-friendly price, solid formulation, and variety of flavors, Premier Protein Shakes are a great solution if you’re looking for a tasty, convenient way to inch closer to your daily protein goal. While they go down smoothly and won’t cause any side effects, you do need to consider whether you’re OK with taking in so many artificial ingredients. If not, there are alternatives like ALOHA or Suja Organic Protein Shakes that may better suit your dietary preferences. 

Full Rating

Premier Protein Shake Rating

Buy Now

Premier Protein Shake: FAQs

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

1. Office of Dietary Supplements – Vitamin D. (n.d.-b). https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/
2. Office of Dietary Supplements – magnesium. (n.d.). https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/
3. Program, H. F. (2024, September 25). Aspartame and other sweeteners in food. U.S. Food And Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/aspartame-and-other-sweeteners-food

if ($author[‘socials’][$media] && $value != ”) : ?> endif; ?> if ($author[‘socials’][$media] && $value != ”) : ?> endif; ?> if ($author[‘socials’][$media] && $value != ”) : ?> endif; ?>

Stephen Sheehan, CPT, CNC

Stephen is an ISSA-certified personal trainer and nutritionist with an immense passion for health and fitness. A two-time University of Florida graduate and longtime rugby player, he brings more than a decade of strength training experience, plus a diverse writing and editing background. When he’s not creating content or hitting the gym, he enjoys traveling, cooking, and attending music festivals around the world.