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%Â Vitamin A, 25%Â Vitamin C, 20%Â Calcium, 20%Â Iron, 25%Â Vitamin D, 25%Â Vitamin E, 25% Vitamin K, 25% Thiamin, 25% Riboflavin, 25% Niacin, 25%Â 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%Â 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:Â $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.Â
Tastes too good to be good for you!
I tried a chocolat flavor from 7-11 was hooked immediately. I’ve since purchased a bunch from Amazon and are my daily go to. Love em!
Wonderfully drinkable
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.
14 Comments
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I’ve looked all over for the number of vegetable/fruit servings per shake. The powder gives 6 vegetable/fruit servings per drink. But, I cannot find anywhere what the vegetable/fruit serving per ready-to-drink is. Can you help, please? Thank you.
I wish we had this in Europe. The US is always ahead of us with great vegan protein shakes. Still on the lookout for the perfect one!
Anyone else experience terrible gas when drinking these??! I love them but WOW do they do a number on my stomach
Yikes! Perhaps the high protein is getting you?
Huh. A quick look on their site showed that for 12 servings of this premade shake it was a good $10 cheaper (!?) than a tub of Vegan one protein powder with the same number of servings…..
These have been dangerous for me because I like them more than anticipated, but they are higher in calories than if I just scoop it out of the tub!! Great on the go option!
I love my Vega and cannot wait to try this next week at Expo! Great for on the go and they’re like an adult milk box. Haha!
Oh you are going to be so busy Sarah! I wish I was going this year just to meet you!
Vega is one of my favorite plant-based proteins! These look perfect to have on hand when you don’t have time to make a shake in the blender in the morning!
Looks like a great dairy-free option! Look perfect for on the go too!
I didn’t even know they had ready-to-use containers like this. Great for on-the-go. The powdery finish might be a bit of a turn off though. I’d definitely prefer the chocolate I think!
They’re brand new! JUST released.