Vega Protein Nutrition Shakes are Ready-to-Drink and Dairy-Free!

Dairy-free nutritional beverages are a frequent request, and I usually respond with information that includes Vega Protein Nutrition Shakes. These ready-to-drink blends have been around for quite a while, but still come in just two staple flavors: Chocolate and Vanilla. They’re high in prtein from pea, hemp, and pumpkin seed, have a modest amount of fiber, pack in some greens, and even have a full gram of Omega-3 ALA fatty acids from flaxseed. They’re also surprisingly low in sugar, since they have a sweet taste.

Tasting Notes for Vega Protein Nutrition Shakes

Vega has changed the packaging and even name of their protein shakes a couple of times. So my pictures below don’t show the current packaging, but they still show an accurate depiction of the product inside. The photo above and the product photos show the current look.

Vega Protein Nutrition Shakes are shelf-stable, before opening, so you can take them on the go. I’ve only tried them after refrigeration, so I can’t comment on how they taste at ambient temperatures.

Vanilla

It had strong hints of vanilla in the scent, but also something else that I couldn’t quite pinpoint. The flavor was less vanilla than I expected, and actually had some caramel coffee-like notes. Tony liked it, since he’s a coffee fan, but I longed for more of that pure vanilla flavor. It was quite smooth and drinkable with a slight powdery finish. I would liken the consistency to flavored 2% milk or whole milk. The greenish hue from the pea protein isn’t the most attractive, but if you drink it straight from the container, it won’t be noticed.

Ingredients: water, pea protein, coconut palm sugar, flaxseed, natural flavors, hemp protein, pumpkin seed protein, spinach powder, cocoa powder, kale powder, acerola cherry extract, carrot juice powder, beet root powder (for color), quinoa sprouts (sprouted in water with vitaimin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7 and K), organic spirulina, marine algae, stevia leaf extract, gellan gum, dried fruit and vegetable blend (spinach, broccoli, carrot, beet, tomato, apple, cranberry, orange peel, blueberry, strawberry), sunflower seed oil powder, mushroom powder. Contains coconut. Manufactured in a facility that also processes soy and other tree nuts.

Nutrition (per bottle): 170 calories, 4.5g fat, 13g carbs, 3g fiber, 7g sugars, 20g protein. Fortified to contain the following RDA percentages: 25% Vitamin A, 25% Vitamin C, 20% Calcium, 20% Iron, 25% Vitamin D, 25% Vitamin E, 25% Vitamin K, 25% Thiamin, 25% Riboflavin, 25% Niacin, 25% Vitamin B6, 20% Biotin, 25% Pantothenic Acid. *

Chocolate

Usually I’m a vanilla girl, but the chocolate was my hands-down favorite. It goes down like rich but refreshing chocolate milk. But the finish does have a slight powdery feel and notable stevia aftertaste to remind you that this is a healthier, lower sugar convenience. That said, if you are a regular stevia user, it may be totally undetectable to your taste buds.

Ingredients: water, pea protein, coconut palm sugar, flaxseed, cocoa powder (processed with alkali), natural flavors, hemp protein, pumpkin seed protein, spinach powder, cocoa powder, kale powder, acerola cherry extract, carrot juice powder, beet root powder (for color), quinoa sprouts (sprouted in water with vitaimin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7 and K), organic spirulina, marine algae, stevia leaf extract, gellan gum, dried fruit and vegetable blend (spinach, broccoli, carrot, beet, tomato, apple, cranberry, orange peel, blueberry, strawberry), sunflower seed oil powder, mushroom powder. Contains coconut. Manufactured in a facility that also processes soy and other tree nuts.

Nutrition (per bottle): 170 calories, 5g fat, 14g carbs, 4g fiber, 7g sugars, 20g protein. Fortified to contain the following RDA percentages: 25% Vitamin A, 25% Vitamin C, 20% Calcium, 30% Iron, 25% Vitamin D, 25% Vitamin E, 25% Vitamin K, 25% Thiamin, 25% Riboflavin, 25% Niacin, 25% Vitamin B6, 20% Biotin, 25% Pantothenic Acid. *

The Facts on Vega Protein+ Shakes

Price: $2.50 per 11-ounce bottle

Availability: You can purchase Vegan Protein+ Shakes via the company’s website below, from Vitacost, and on Amazon. They are also available at some natural food stores and supplement stores in the U.S. and Canada.

Certifications: Vega Protein+ Shakes are Non-GMO Verified and Certified Vegan.

Dietary Notes: By ingredients, Vega Protein+ Shakes are dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegan, vegetarian.*

For More Product Information: Visit the Vega website at myvega.com.

*Always read the ingredient and nutrition statement prior to consumption. Ingredients, processes, and labeling are subject to change at any time for any company or product. Contact the company to discuss their manufacturing processes if potential allergen cross-contamination is an issue for you. No food product can be guaranteed “safe” for every individual’s needs. You should never rely on ingredient and allergen statements alone if dealing with a severe food allergy. 

What Others Are Saying ...

Wonderfully drinkable

4.0 rating

March 8, 2019

These ready-to-drink protein shakes are simply loaded with vitamins, mineral, plant-based benefits, and of course, protein. 20 whopping grams per serving, to be exact. I loved their merits and how wonderfully drinkable they are with just a slight powdery finish. In fact, they’re far creamier than any protein powder drinkable blend I could make at home. The Vanilla is a good option for coffee-fans, with flavor notes that are a bit deeper than classic vanilla. The Chocolate offers a wonderful chocolate milk experience, but does have hints of stevia in the aftertaste.

Alisa