Comparison of Coffee Flavored Protein Shakes

I was introduced to the world of protein shakes when I had gastric bypass surgery a few years ago and needed to supplement my diet. Protein shakes are used by many people, though, not just those that have had weight loss surgery. People trying to lose weight sometimes replace one or more meals with protein shakes and some busy people like them because they are quick and easy to grab on the go. Protein shakes come in all sorts of flavors, including coffee flavors, which are some of my favorites.

Atkins Mocha Latte Ready-to-Drink Protein Shake

Atkins mocha latte ready-to-drink protein shakes are readily available in many grocery stores and pharmacies. They only have five grams of carbohydrates and one gram of sugar, which is a plus in a protein shake. However, they are relatively low in protein as compared to many other coffee flavored protein shakes, with only 15 grams per 11 ounce, 160 calorie serving. Still, ready-to-drink protein shakes are convenient, especially if you're on the go, and while I don't love the taste of these, they aren't bad, either.

Click Mocha Protein Powder

I tried Click chocolate mocha protein powder on the recommendation of several friends that absolutely love it. I mixed the powder with milk but you can also mix it with water if you prefer for a thinner shake. You can also serve it hot if you prefer, but I sampled it cold. Click chocolate mocha protein powder has 120 calories and six grams of sugar per serving. It also has 15 grams of protein, which is relatively low for a protein shake. Click contains caffeine, something not found in many coffee flavored protein shakes. I thought it tasted pretty good, but I prefer the taste of Syntrax Nectar cappuccino protein powder, which has more protein and no caffeine. Still, I have several friends that swear by Click.

Optimum Nutrition Mocha Cappuccino Protein Powder

Optimum Nutrition mocha cappuccino protein powder is much higher in protein than Atkins and Click, with 36 grams of protein per serving. One serving has 195 calories and only 1.5 grams of sugar. Despite the fact that it provides more protein than many other coffee flavored protein shakes, I have to say I don't really care for this one. When I tried to use it in a hot protein drink, the powder clumped up (normally if I mix protein powder with room temperature liquid, then stir that into a hot drink it does not clump up, but with this one, it did). Also, the chocolate flavor seemed much stronger than the coffee flavor to me.

Syntrax Nectar Cappuccino Protein Powder

Syntrax Nectar cappuccino protein powder is my favorite coffee flavored protein shake. I prefer it mixed with cold milk but you can mix it with water if you prefer. One thing I like about it is that I don't have to mix it in my blender; I can put it in a cup with a lid, shake and enjoy. Syntrax Nectar cappuccino protein powder has only 90 calories and 23 grams of protein per serving, and it contains no sugar or carbohydrates, making it a great choice for diabetics and those on a low carb diet.

Sources:

Atkins. http://www.atkins.com/Products/Advantage/Mocha-Latte-Shake.aspx. Mocha Latte Shake.

Click. http://drinkclick.com/shop/mocha. Mocha.

Vitalady. http://www.vitalady.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=3350X002. Optimum 100% Whey Mocha Cappuccino.

Syntrax Nectar. http://www.si03.com/reg_index.htm. Nectar Lattes.