【Taste Comparison】Available at convenience stores! Five protein drinks that are hard to choose from

Protein drinks allow for easy protein intake even when busy. Based on taste, ingredients, and the actual experience of drinking, I've picked five that can be easily found at convenience stores, which can be helpful not only during training but also for nutritional intake before work or while on the go.

Comparison of 5 Protein Drinks

While these protein drinks boast high protein and low sugar, looking at the actual numbers reveals their unique characteristics. There are differences not only in protein content but also in sugars, calories, and volume, and the recommended drink can change depending on the drinking scenario.

Let's check each product's specs and features in the comparison table above.

I actually tried them! A real review from the author

Numbers alone do not convey taste or drinkability. Many people might worry when they hear "high protein, low sugar" and think, "Does it taste bland?" or "Is it hard to drink?" Therefore, this time, I personally tried all five varieties and summarized my honest impressions. I'll provide straightforward reviews on drinkability, satisfaction, and the scenarios in which they might be useful.

Just right before heading to work in the morning, SAVAS Cocoa flavor

My first impression upon drinking it was "just like coffee milk." There is not a hint of the powdery texture typical of protein, and the aftertaste is light. The sweetness is moderate, and the fact that it doesn't leave a sticky feeling in the throat after drinking is also a plus.

With 15g of protein per bottle, the calories are about 100kcal. I noticed that drinking it in the morning before work helps suppress hunger until lunch, allowing me to maintain focus.

It has a strong sense of being a standard item that makes you want to have "just one" before or after work or exercise. Additionally, it's shelf-stable without refrigeration, so keeping it at your desk or in your bag gives you peace of mind as a "rescue item when you're feeling peckish."

Product name: ZAVAS MILK PROTEIN Fat Free (Cocoa flavor)
Calories: 103kcal, Protein: 15.0g, Fat: 0g, Carbohydrates: 10.5g, Dietary Fiber: 0-0.7g, Sodium Equivalent: 0.26g, Calcium: 476mg
● Meiji

inPROTEIN Peach, feeling the sweetness of peach

The first sip reveals the fresh aroma of peaches. It has a refreshing drinkability like juice, providing a feeling of coolness that you can gulp down on a hot summer day.

The sweetness is felt firmly, but the aftertaste is light. Because it contains 15,000mg of collagen, drinking it when you want to care for your skin or body shape lifts your spirits.

When you actually drink it, it feels close to "drinking a beauty drink," and having one before going to work or before a meal gives a sense of reassurance. It’s a product that changes the image of protein being just for after exercise.

Product name / inPROTEIN Peach
Calories / 94kcal, Protein / 15.4g, Fat / 0g, Carbohydrates / 8.0g, Salt equivalent / 0.05g, Collagen / 15,000mg
● Morinaga Milk Industry

A substitute for snacks, Ultra Matcha Latte flavor

The scent of matcha spreads softly, making it feel just like drinking a regular café drink. It's easy to drink with a natural sweetness, and the aftertaste is refreshing. In addition to 16g of protein, it contains a day's worth of multivitamins, giving you a sense of reassurance that "you've gotten enough nutrition with just this one."

When I tried drinking it instead of breakfast, it curbed my snack cravings in the morning, allowing me to focus on my work. The simple package design doesn’t stand out in the office, so it doesn’t feel out of place on the desk, which leaves a good impression.

It was the perfect choice for those who want to naturally incorporate health-conscious options into their lives.

Product name: Ultra Protein Shake Matcha Latte Flavor
Calories: 100kcal | Protein: 16g | Fat: 0g | Carbohydrates: — | Vitamins: Daily dose (with multivitamins)

●ULTORA

I wanted to drink it after muscle training, Oikos Banana Flavor

The moment I poured it into the glass, a sweet banana aroma spread. When I drank it, it had a rich taste, providing a sense of satisfaction as if I were eating a dessert.

With a high-protein design of 18g, drinking it after muscle training helped suppress my hunger and prevent overeating at dinner. It contains 11g of sugars, but in turn, the flavor is robust, providing a great sense of "satisfaction from drinking."

Continuing to drink it, I found that I could enjoy it guilt-free even late at night, and the fatigue the next day felt lighter, which was also impressive. I recommend it for those who want to enjoy it with a dessert-like feeling.

Product name: Oikos Protein Drink Banana Flavor
Calories: 125kcal | Protein: 18.0g | Fat: 0g | Carbohydrates: 11.0g | Total Carbohydrates: 13.2g | Sodium equivalent: 0.26g | Calcium: 576mg

●Danone Japan

A protein drink that you can put in your bag and drink anytime, MyProtein Chocolate Flavor

When you take a sip, you'll feel "solid chocolate!" but it has a refreshing aftertaste. It's not too sweet and can be enjoyed without getting boring. It comes with a cap, making it convenient to carry around and drink between outings or during transit.

It's also a great appeal as an alternative snack when you feel a little hungry. On days when I actually drank it, my cravings for sweets were satisfied, which significantly reduced my snacking. If you keep it in your bag, it serves well as a "chocolate drink to enjoy during breaks at work."

It's a versatile type that provides both nutrition and refreshment at the same time.

Product Name / MyProtein Protein Drink (Chocolate Flavor)
Calories / 93kcal, Protein / 15.2g, Fat / 0g, Carbohydrates / 8.0g
● Morinaga Milk Industry

Five options to choose from depending on your drinking timing.

Before heading to work in the morning → ZABAS MILK PROTEIN (room temperature storage OK & light taste)
A convenient option that can be easily incorporated even on busy mornings. It doesn't require refrigeration, so you can carry it in your bag and drink it on your way to work, which is a significant advantage. With a light texture that doesn’t burden the stomach, it helps maintain concentration during the morning hours.

For nutritional intake on days when meeting people → inPROTEIN Peach (beauty-conscious + easy to drink)
The refreshing flavor of peach is appealing, as it can be enjoyed like a juice. Since it also contains collagen, it provides a sense of security to drink it on days when you want to care for your skin or before meetings and dinners. Its sweetness is just right, and importantly, it doesn't feel heavy after drinking.

As a snack substitute in the office → Ultra Protein Shake Matcha Latte flavor (with multivitamins)
The matcha latte flavor can be drank at your desk without feeling out of place as a replacement for coffee. It contains a full day’s worth of multivitamins, making it reliable on days when lunch is light or when you're concerned about nutritional balance. Using it as a snack substitute can help reduce unnecessary sweets and maintain concentration during work.

To focus on satiety after training → OIKOS Banana flavor (high protein 18g)
The strong sweetness of banana provides satisfaction. With 18g of high protein, it helps suppress hunger when consumed after a gym session or running, preventing overeating at dinner. It's great for keeping you full, making it useful after late-night workouts.

When out and about or on the move → MyProtein Chocolate flavor (easy to carry with a cap)
With a cap for convenience, it can be easily carried in your bag, making it perfect for drinking between commutes or while out. The mildly sweet chocolate flavor is an enjoyable snack substitute. It allows for protein intake while satisfying a small hunger, acting as a support during a busy day.

Points to consider when choosing based on taste comparison

What I felt after comparing five types was that "there are taste and satisfaction differences beyond just the numbers." While all share common features like being high-protein and low-sugar, the ease of drinking and satiety can vary between them.

For example, before heading to work in the morning, you want something light that doesn’t burden your stomach, while after training, a drink that keeps you full is reassuring. When drinking on the go, portability is also important. By consciously choosing a drinking method that suits you, I realized that you'll want to drink more frequently in your daily life.

Reported & written by SYURI

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