Protein shakes have become a popular nutritional supplement for athletes, bodybuilders, and anyone looking to up their daily protein intake. With so many protein shake brands on the market, it can be tricky deciding between favorites like Quest and Premier Protein.
This comprehensive guide will compare Quest and Premier Protein shakes across their ingredients, taste, price, and more. Read on to learn the pros and cons of each shake so you can determine which best fits your fitness goals and lifestyle needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | Quest | Premier Protein |
| Protein Sources | Whey isolate, casein, milk protein isolate | Whey concentrate, milk protein isolates |
| Ready-to-Drink Shakes | 30g protein, 190 calories, 15g net carbs | 30g protein, 160 calories, 5g net carbs |
| Powder | 24g protein per serving | 30g protein per serving |
| Taste | Thick, indulgent, milkshake-like | Smoother, lighter taste |
| Flavors | Cookies & cream, cinnamon, banana | Chocolate, vanilla, caramel, cafe |
| Mixability | Can clump if not mixed well | Mixes smoothly |
| Price Per Serving | $3 per RTD, $1.50 per powder serving | $3 per RTD, $1 per powder serving |
| Availability | Online, specialty shops | Major retailers like Costco, Walmart |
Overview of Quest and Premier Protein
Before diving into the details, let’s first understand what each brand offers:
What is Quest Protein?
Quest Nutrition makes a variety of protein powders and ready-to-drink shakes. Their shakes contain whey and casein protein along with milk protein isolates.
Quest aims to provide high protein content with limited sugar and carbs. Their shakes come in flavors like chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and more.
What is Premier Protein?
Premier Protein specializes in ready-to-drink protein shakes containing whey protein concentrate and milk protein isolates.
Their shakes offer calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients. Premier Protein aims for healthy, low sugar nutrition on-the-go. Shakes come in chocolate, vanilla, caramel, and other flavors.
Also Read: Comparison Between Muscle Milk and Orgain
Key Differences Between Quest Protein And Premier Protein
Now that you know a bit about each brand, let’s see how their protein shakes compare.
- Quest Protein Shake Vs. Premier Protein Shake
The Quest Protein Shake and Premier Protein Shake represent the ready-to-drink options from each brand. Here’s an in-depth comparison:
Protein sources
- Quest: Contains whey protein isolate, milk protein isolate, casein.
- Premier: Includes whey protein concentrate, milk protein isolates.
Both shakes use a combination of fast-absorbing whey and slower casein or milk proteins. Quest has whey isolate while Premier uses whey concentrate.
Protein content
- Quest: 30g protein per bottle
- Premier: 30g protein per bottle
The shakes contain identical protein content. Both offer 30 grams of protein per bottle.
Calories and carbs
- Quest: 190 calories, 15g net carbs
- Premier: 160 calories, 5g net carbs
Premier Protein has slightly fewer calories and carbs than Quest. Making it better for low carb diets.
Sugar content
- Quest: 2g sugar
- Premier: 1g sugar
Premier Protein is lower in sugar than the Quest shake. Good for those limiting sugar.
Taste and flavors
- Quest: Thicker, milkshake-like taste. Flavors like cookies & cream, banana, cinnamon roll.
- Premier: Smoother, lighter taste. Flavors like chocolate, vanilla, caramel, cafe, banana.
Quest has a richer taste while Premier is more subtle. But Premier comes in more flavor varieties.
Price and availability
- Quest: Around $3 per bottle when purchased individually. Available online and at supplement shops.
- Premier: Around $3 per bottle if bought solo. Sold at major retailers like Costco and Walmart.
The shakes cost about the same per bottle. Premier Protein is arguably easier to find.
Overall for a quick protein-packed drink, both shakes excel. Quest offers indulgent taste while Premier Protein wins for lower sugar and carbs.
- Quest Protein Powder Vs. Premier Protein Powder
In addition to ready-to-drink shakes, Quest and Premier Protein both make powder formulations:
Ingredients
- Quest: Whey protein isolate, milk protein isolate, micellar casein. Contains milk, soy (lecithin).
- Premier: Whey protein concentrate, milk protein isolates, cocoa powder, natural flavors. Contains milk.
As with the RTDs, both use a blend of fast and slow-digesting dairy proteins. The Quest powder has soy lecithin.
Protein content
- Quest: 24g protein per serving
- Premier: 30g protein per serving
Premier Protein powder packs 25% more protein than Quest. Making it better for boosting protein intake.
Watch This Review Video:
Taste and mixability
- Quest: Available in flavors like vanilla, chocolate, cookies & cream, banana. Tastes rich and indulgent. Can be a bit gritty if not mixed well.
- Premier: Comes in chocolate, vanilla, and unflavored options. Mixes smoothly with a lighter taste.
The Quest powder offers bolder taste but clumps more easily. Premier Protein is smoother and subtler.
Price and value
- Quest: Approximately $1.50 per serving
- Premier: Around $1 per serving
When comparing cost per gram of protein, the Premier Protein powder provides better value with its higher protein content for a lower cost.
For a powdered protein boost, Premier Protein is the winner for its smoothness, light taste, and amount of protein per dollar spent. But Quest offers decadent flavors.
- Additional Factors to Consider
Aside from nutrition facts, here are some other factors that may help determine whether Quest or Premier Protein is better for your needs:
- Dietary restrictions: Premier Protein contains milk ingredients only making it better for those avoiding soy. Both shakes are gluten-free.
- Convenience: Premier Protein ready-to-drink shakes are easier to find at major stores compared to Quest. But Quest powders are just as accessible online.
- Purpose: Quest suits low carb, high protein diets well. Premier Protein excels when you want balanced nutrition.
- Unique features: Quest offers fun flavors like cinnamon roll, cookies & cream, mint chocolate. Premier has shakes with immune-supporting ingredients.
Consider your taste preferences, dietary needs, and nutrition goals when choosing between Quest or Premier Protein.
Also Read: Comparison Between Curious Elixirs And Kin Euphorics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some easy ways to improve the taste of Quest protein shakes:
Use milk instead of water for a creamier, richer taste. Add peanut butter or nuts for more flavor.
Blend in fresh or frozen fruits like bananas, berries, or pineapple. Stir in vanilla, almond, or maple extracts. Sweeten slightly with honey, maple syrup, or zero-calorie sweeteners. Top with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa powder. Drop in a few coffee ice cubes for an iced mocha flavor. Play around with blending in greens, oats, chia seeds, or yogurt for flavor and texture.
Most experts recommend taking protein powder within 60 minutes after your workout for optimal muscle protein synthesis and recovery. However, taking a serving about 30-60 minutes pre-workout can also help provide energy and prime your muscles to fully utilize protein after training. Listen to your body and experiment to see what feels best.
Yes, you can absolutely drink Premier Protein shakes even if you are not working out. The shakes make a convenient, high-protein breakfast or snack for extra nutrition at any time of day. However, they are especially useful post-workout when muscles are primed to use protein for repair and rebuilding. Feel free to enjoy Premier Protein shakes as a protein-packed addition to your diet no matter your activity level.
It’s fine to enjoy Premier Protein shakes either before or after a workout. Pre-workout, the protein can help provide energy and prime your muscles for recovery. Post-workout, the protein in Premier Protein helps replenish nutrients for optimal muscle repair and growth. Just be sure not to overdo your protein intake for the day by having shakes both before and after training. Time it based on when your body feels it needs the protein boost most.
Also Read: Is Thorne Better Than Klean Creatine?
Final Thought
So which protein shake ultimately wins this battle – Quest or Premier Protein?
For a delicious ready-to-drink shake on-the-go, Quest is the winner. The bolder flavors, higher protein, and thick indulgent taste make it excel as a grab-and-go protein drink. Just expect more carbs and sugar than Premier Protein.
On the other hand, for an affordable protein powder to mix into smoothies, baking, and recipes, Premier Protein comes out on top. Thanks to its smooth texture, light taste, stellar protein content, and price value, it’s ideal as a versatile protein supplement powder.
Ultimately, choose the shake that best matches your taste preferences and nutrition goals. Both Quest and Premier Protein make excellent options depending on your needs. Fuel your fitness routine with the perfect protein boost for you.