Premier Protein Review

Big-box retailers are upping their game in the supplements market, offering quality products at more affordable prices compared to specialized supplement stores.

This brings me to what product I’m reviewing, Premier Protein.

If you’re not familiar with Premier Protein, they specifically deal with powders, RTDs, and bars. I have been a long time user of their RTD products because of the variety of tastes, the amount of protein you are getting per serving, and the price point is really good. When I saw Premier shake, WITH a $5 coupon, how could I say no?

All I have to say, just stay with me to the end of this review to read if this product is worth your money, taste buds, and digestive tracts.

As a reviewer with credentials including NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Precision Nutrition Nutritionist, and CISSN certified by the ISSN, my aim is to provide you with an accurate and unbiased review.

I believe in transparency. It’s important to note that our posts may contain affiliate links. Rest assured that these links won’t cost you any extra, but if you choose to make a purchase through them, we may receive a commission. I am also not affiliated with any protein company.

Value

Typically priced at $19.99, I snagged it for $14.99 thanks to a $5 instant rebate. At this price, it seemed like a deal too good to pass up.

I ended up purchasing the Vanilla Milkshake flavor, it was the only one on the shelf. With my experience, it’s easier to screw up the taste of chocolate than it is on vanilla.

Premier shake is offered in Café Late, but I have seen it on the shelves. However, the RTD is not too shabby, it also has 100 mg of caffeine.

Even though I got a $5 instant rebate, I’m going to review the product like I paid full retail.

• 17 servings, 23.3 oz, 2 scoops per serving, $1.17 per serving.

In comparison to other budgeted branded protein, this one is coming in a little higher compared to MyProtein or Optimum Nutrition isolates. There is only one size you can purchase, 23.3 oz. If you’re using this strictly as a post-workout shake, it’ll last you for one month. But if you’re using this thing daily, you’re going to burn through this fast–maybe…

Value: 6. It’s nice that you can now buy isolate protein at big-box retailers. But the purpose of a budget protein is to have different price points available to the consumer.

Does Premier Protein Amino Spike?

When looking for possible protein spiking, all signs point to no when examining the label and ingredients list. Here’s the deal with this protein, it’s a low-grade isolate.

The label is clean and is not trying to overwhelm the consumer with facts and statements. All it’s saying is, “here is our product, this is what you’ll get with our product.” It’s refreshing to see a nice clean label.

Does Premier Protein Amino Spike, Amino Spiking: 10. No signs, evidence, or confusing statements of protein spiking.

Mixability

When it comes to mixability, this product is quite unique. It’s similar to Syntha-6 but lighter in consistency. You’re putting 2 scoops into your shaker cup, which is a large volume. But it doesn’t shake up completely.

I think the problem with the mixability of this product is the addition of the soluble corn fiber. The fiber is added to provide stability and viscosity to the product when mixing up.

I also believe the fiber is added to provide “taste” to the flavor profile. The fiberis also the reason why Premier Protein provides an annoying clumping experience.

If you add more water, it still clumps. If you try milk, there is still SOME clumping.

Mixability: 7. It isn’t a clean mix but at the same time, it’s still serviceable. You will experience small clumps when drinking the product. Premier Protein powder is serviceable.

Premier Protein Ingredients Review

A budget protein with a clean label and a clean ingredient list.

Ingredient	Description
Whey Protein Isolate	A highly purified form of whey protein with a high protein content.
Whey Protein Concentrate	Protein derived from whey, with a lower protein content than isolate.
Soluble Corn Fiber	A type of dietary fiber that dissolves in water, potentially aiding digestion and promoting gut health.
Sunflower Lecithin	An emulsifier derived from sunflower seeds, used to improve mixability.
Natural and Artificial Flavors	Flavorings that provide the product’s taste.
Acesulfame Potassium	Artificial sweetener used for sweetness.
Sucralose	Another artificial sweetener for sweetness.
Xanthan Gum	A thickening agent used to improve texture and consistency.
Salt	Common seasoning used to enhance flavor.

Isolate is the first ingredient listed, then a concentrate, then all the other ingredients that help the product to maintain its shape before mixing it up.

The catch, however, is that the protein (isolate and concentrate) used here is of a lower grade, which explains the lower price point.

Here are the indicators of a low-grade isolate

• Compared to other high-grade isolates with 30g of protein per serving, you’re doubling up the scoops. Each scoop is 15g, whereas one scoop is 30g.
• Compared to other high-grade isolates, the calories are higher
• Compared to other high-grade isolates, THIS ONE IS A CARDINAL SIN IN MY BOOK, you will get bloating and GI distress

You’re probably thinking, “Does Premier Protein have lactose?”

Yes, Premier Protein is loaded with lactose. Your stomach is going to get wrecked.

Here is what I do to offset bloating and GI distress in a protein powder: use Fairlife protein milk or lactose-free milk.

Did it work? No.

Ingredient Profile: 6. Premier Protein is a low-grade protein isolate blend. I experienced horrible GI issues with this protein powder. It’s a nice to see no more than 10 ingredients in a protein list.

Premier Protein Powder Nutrition Review

The macro composition is straightforward and quite appealing.

• Calories 150
• Carbs 2; fiber 0
• Protein 30; 2 scoops
• Fat 1

Sodium is high to create a good taste… I’ll write about flavor shortly. Overall, this is solid.

Macro Composition: 7. I don’t think it’s an outright 9 because of the lack of fiber, it’s not an 8 because I’ll talk about that in the flavor section.

This product firmly sits at a 7. Yes, it’s a low-carb and calorie protein. But if they had added more fat than sodium, this COULD have been an 8 or 8.5.

Premier Protein Powder Taste Review

While I initially thought Premier Protein shakes aimed to mimic Syntha-6 lite, they fall significantly short. We all have had a great tasting vanilla milkshake. It even has a shake on the label. It’s the farthest away from tasting like one.

I can’t recommend drinking Premier Protein powder with water as your base. Premier powder shake has a weird taste. You may taste HINTS of vanilla, but then it’s overpowered by something else. It’s not a medicine or processed taste. It’s not something you want to drink with water.

If you’re going to use milk. I would start with 2%. I stuck trying to finish this product with skim milk because I’m trying to drop weight. But having milk with at least 2% or whole milk will really bring that vanilla milkshake flavor forward.

When mixing Premier powder shake with either water or milk, I tried sprinkling in cinnamon to bring the flavor alive. No Bueno!

Does Premier Protein shake taste good? No. Farthest from no!

Which Premier Protein Flavor Is Best?

Premier Protein Isolate comes in 3 different flavors

• Vanilla Milkshake
• Chocolate
• Cafe Lattae (100mg of caffeine)

Examining the Amazon reviews. Majority of the buyers were happy with all 3 flavors. Chocolate and Coffee being what appears to be most purchased.

Warning, buyers of the RTD were surprised by the difference in the flavor profile of the powder. I personally love the flavor and style of Premier Protein’s RTDs.

I appear in the minority of buyers about the flavor; I’m not a fan.

Flavor: 5. Now I know why Premier Protein is only offered in ONE size. Premier Protein shake does not taste good.

I’ve gone through large containers of protein, ranging from 5 to 11 pounds. Even at 11 pounds, near the end of it, I got tired of the flavor profile or the taste got weird.

I can’t recommend the taste of this product. Is this the worst I’ve ever tasted? NOPE! But after trying different liquids to mix this protein, it’s not something you want to experience.

Is Premier Protein Powder Good For You?

Premier Protein – it’s a mixed bag, folks. Priced at $19.99, with a handy $5 discount at times, it seems like a steal. But here’s the real talk: it’s only available in one size; if you’re lactose intollerant, stay away.

• Mixability? It’s okay, but expect some clumps, especially with milk.
• The ingredient profile is clean, but it’s a lower-end isolate, so brace yourself for potential bloating.
• The macro composition is solid, but the high sodium content for flavor might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
• Flavor-wise, it’s a letdown. The Vanilla Milkshake flavor doesn’t live up to its name – especially with water. It’s a far cry from the creamy, dreamy shake you might expect.

My verdict? It’s a budget protein that doesn’t bring its A-game in taste.

In all transparency. I did not finish Premier Protein powder due to the taste and the horrible GI issues I experienced.

If you’re looking for better quality and taste, Alani Nu or Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard might be more up your alley.

Premier Protein is alright if you’re tight on budget and not too fussy about taste, but for those who want a more enjoyable protein experience, you might want to look elsewhere.

In a nutshell, Premier Protein is like that budget-friendly movie ticket – gets you in the show but doesn’t guarantee a blockbuster experience.

Alternatives to Premier Protein Powder

If you’re looking for protein for women, you might think that Premier could be a good choice. No. It’s not. In my opinion, Premier Protein is priced great. You will be unhappy within 40-minutes of drinking a Premier shake.

Here are two alternative protein for women.

MyProtein Whey Isolate vs Premier Protein

If you’re on a budget, you may have come across MyProtein’s Whey Isolate. Let’s compare MyProtein Whey Isolate vs Premier Protein. Here’s how MyProtein’s Whey Isolate is superior to Premier:

• Great value
• Minimal blost
• Mulitple flavor and sizing points
• Higher quality protein

Premier Protein vs Alani Nu

Another budget priced protein that is commonly stocked at most retailers is Alani Nu. Lets look at Premier Protein vs Alani Nu. These are the advantages that Alani Nu has over Premier Protein.

Gold Standard Whey Protein vs Premier Protein

Finally one more comparison, Gold Standard Whey Protein vs Premier Protein. Gold Standard Whey Protein is an industry leader. Here are the reasons why Gold Standard is superior over Premier Protein.

• Best blended protein powder you can buy
• No to low bloating issues
• 18 great flavors
• Mixes great

Here’s how I would rank all the budget priced options, first to last. I’m ranking them based on digestability.

1. Gold Standard Whey Protein
2. Alani Nu
3. MyProtein Impact Isolate
4. Premier Protein

If I had to make a choice, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard is the way I go. If you’re a women looking for a great tasting protein, select Alani Nu.

Premier Protein Whey Protein Powder Final Verdict

Value: 6 out of 10
Protein Spiking: 10 (Not Spiked) out of 10
Mixability: 7 out of 10
Ingredient Profile: 6 out of 10
Macro Composition: 8 out of 10
Flavor: 5 out of 10

Overall Score: 42/60, 70%, C