Quest Protein Shakes: A Healthy, Low Calorie, Low Sugar Drink


Overview

Quest Protein Shakes are a big contender in the protein shake market when it comes to low-calorie and low-sugar drinks that are both tasty and healthy. Quest describes these shakes as “delicious” and “mixed to perfection,” but do they live up to the hype?

Ingredients and Nutrition Facts

Quest Protein Shakes keep it simple with just 11 ingredients:

Water, Milk Protein Concentrate. Contains Less Than 1% Of The Following: Cocoa Processed with Alkali (chocolate flavor), Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavors, Sunflower Lecithin, Salt, Sodium Polyphosphate, Trisodium Phosphate, Gellan Gum, Sucralose.

Since the protein comes from milk protein concentrate, it’s not necessarily the highest quality protein. However, this is typical for the RTD (ready-to-drink) protein market.

These shakes contain the following:

Protein: 30g

Carbs: 3g (Chocolate flavor has 4g)

Sugar: 1g

160 calories

Taste and Popularity

These shakes were Quest Nutrition’s first products in the ready-to-drink category. Three exciting flavors are up for grabs: chocolate, vanilla, and salted caramel. Which is the most popular? Find out below! We’ll review each flavor and describe how well the market has received this product.

Are you a fan of cold brew? Blend the salted caramel shake with heavy cream, cold brew, and ice to make a sweet coffee beverage. Better yet, pour a bit into your daily coffee as a coffee creamer.

Do you eat cereal for breakfast? Swap your usual milk choice for one of these protein shakes.

Flavors

The flavors pack a punch. They’re not bland at all, and each flavor is as described.

  • Salted Caramel
    • The salted caramel is mainly a rich caramel flavor and less of the “salt” flavor, but it is the most popular choice. As mentioned, it pairs perfectly with the cold brew coffee of your choice. Additionally, it fits nicely into the seasonal “fall” flavor pallet.
  • Chocolate
    • The chocolate flavor is on par with other chocolate flavors in the market, with that classic “chocolate milk” flavor. It has a true chocolate flavor and has no reports of any aftertaste.
  • Vanilla
    • The vanilla flavor is sweet and creamy. It doesn’t taste watered-down or dull. It’s been reviewed to have a slight aftertaste and seems to be the least popular of the three flavors.

On Amazon, 79% of reviewers awarded these shakes five stars, and the average review was 4.6 stars. Many reviewers describe the shakes as “filling,” and it’s a popular breakfast meal replacement option.

The shakes aren’t as thick as a true milkshake, but the texture is certainly dense and creamy. Nevertheless, it goes down smoothly. For a low-calorie, low-carbohydrate drink, the flavors are very sweet. Some reviewers claim the salted caramel flavor, in particular, is a bit too sweet. Overall, each flavor is generally reviewed as a satisfying and delicious taste.

Are the Shakes Healthy?

Let’s take a look at a few health indicators. The Quest shakes contain 25% calcium per serving, which is a moderate amount. Calcium is an important mineral to support bone, teeth, muscle, and nerve health.

This product is low in artificial flavors and contains no gluten and no GMOs.

As a snack between meals, Quest shakes are a fairly low-calorie, healthy choice. Their low sugar content and ability to keep you full won’t leave you guilty when holding that empty bottle.

A combination of fast and slow-digesting protein is found in the protein content. Therefore, this is a great choice for recovering after your training session.

Quest Protein Shakes for Weight Loss

Due to the low amount of carbohydrates, these shakes fit well in a low-carb diet. Accordingly, they’re a popular choice for anyone on a keto diet. The low sugar level (1g) also can contribute to a weight-loss-focused diet.

They can be used as a meal replacement, most commonly for breakfast. For example, replacing a higher calorie, higher-carb breakfast with one of these tasty and filling shakes will help you cut your daily caloric intake. Consequently, your weight loss journey will benefit.

Quest Protein Shakes for Bulking

We discussed how these shakes could benefit a weight-loss-oriented diet. Alternatively, athletes can use them for bulking when added in between or alongside meals. Many bodybuilders have reviewed these shakes with generally positive feedback.

For anyone looking to bulk, this protein shake makes a great and simple addition to their post-workout recovery schedule. Specifically, athletes with a goal to bulk without gaining too much fat (i.e., stay lean) may want to choose this shake. That’s because it boasts an impressive protein-to-carb ratio.

Side Effects

Depending on your taste buds, you may find a slightly unpleasant aftertaste, possibly due to the sucralose. Also, beware if you’re lactose intolerant, as these shakes contain milk. Further, the label warns that these shakes are made in a location that also processes peanuts, soy, eggs, wheat, and tree nuts.

Since these shakes contain whey protein, they may spike insulin. If necessary, measure your insulin to ensure these are not causing too large of a spike. As with any new product, always start slowly and test your tolerance to that product.

Alternatives

Quest’s protein powders and protein bars are highly rated and very popular if you’re looking for protein-packed alternative choices from the same brand.

If you’re looking for alternative ready-to-drink shakes, here are a few options:

Pure Protein Shake

  • Convenient, grab-and-go shake
  • 160 calories
  • 30g protein
  • Long ingredient list

Premier Protein Shake

  • Ready to drink
  • Seven flavor choices
  • 160 calories
  • 30g Protein, 1g Sugar, 5g Carbs

Muscle Milk

  • 160 calories
  • 25g protein
  • Zero sugar and non-dairy options are available

Conclusion

There is a vast range of ready-to-drink protein shakes on the market. Various flavors and macro profiles exist across each nutritional brand. Quest Protein Shakes are a strong offering with a tasty flavor selection. This healthy, low-calorie, low-carb protein shake will likely be enjoyed by anyone looking to try something new.

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