When it comes to ready-to-drink protein shakes, few brands have earned the kind of loyal, widespread following that Premier Protein has. Walk into any Costco, Target, Walmart, or Kroger and you’ll see their brightly colored boxes stacked high. Browse Amazon’s grocery bestsellers and there they are again — sitting comfortably at the top. But with so many protein shakes crowding the market, does Premier Protein actually deserve all the love? We put the fan-favorite Premier Protein Bananas & Cream flavor to the test, and here is our full, honest review.
What Is Premier Protein?
Premier Protein is one of the most recognized protein shake brands in the United States. Known for their ready-to-drink (RTD) protein shakes, Premier Protein has built its reputation on delivering a powerful combination of high protein content, low sugar, low calories, and genuinely enjoyable flavor — all in a convenient grab-and-go bottle. They currently offer 12 core flavors, ranging from classic Chocolate and Vanilla to indulgent options like Cookie Dough, Cinnamon Roll, and the subject of today’s review: Bananas & Cream.
Premier Protein has earned the American Master of Taste Gold Medal for superior-tasting ready-to-drink protein beverages in a national taste test by Chefs In America, winning the award in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. That’s not a one-time fluke — that’s a brand that consistently delivers on flavor, year after year.
Premier Protein Bananas & Cream — Product Overview
The Premier Protein Bananas & Cream shake is a smooth, fruity, dessert-inspired protein drink available in convenient 11.5 fl oz bottles. It’s one of the most popular flavors in the Premier Protein lineup, and it’s easy to see why — banana and cream is a universally beloved flavor combination that’s both familiar and comforting.
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Nutrition Facts at a Glance
| Nutrient | Per Shake (11.5 fl oz) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Added Sugar | 0g |
| Total Sugar | 1g |
| Total Fat | 3g |
| Vitamins & Minerals | 24 (including Vitamin C, D, A & Calcium) |
| Artificial Colors | None |
| Soy | None |
| Gluten | Gluten-Free |
| Kosher | Yes |
Each Premier Protein shake contains 30g of protein complete with all essential amino acids, 1g of sugar, 3–5g of carbs depending on flavor, 160 calories, 24 vitamins and minerals, and is low in fat. For a ready-to-drink shake, those numbers are genuinely impressive.
Ingredients: What’s Actually Inside?
Understanding what goes into your protein shake matters just as much as the macros on the label. Premier Protein uses a proprietary blend of milk protein concentrate and calcium caseinate — a combination of fast and slow-digesting dairy proteins that provides both immediate amino acid delivery and longer-lasting satiety. This protein blend is designed to help fuel muscles quickly and for several hours, helping support your fitness goals.
Key highlights of the ingredient profile include:
- No artificial colors — a cleaner formulation than many competitors
- No soy ingredients — great news for those avoiding soy
- No added sugar — naturally and artificially flavored to achieve sweetness
- Gluten-free and Kosher certified
- BPA-free packaging
- Made in the USA from imported ingredients
It’s worth noting that the Bananas & Cream flavor is listed as “naturally and artificially flavored,” which is something to be aware of if you prefer 100% natural formulations. That said, the flavoring delivers a very realistic banana taste that most people enjoy.
How Does It Taste? Our Honest Take
Let’s get to what everyone actually wants to know — does it taste good?
Yes. Genuinely, surprisingly yes.
The Premier Protein Bananas & Cream shake delivers a smooth, creamy banana flavor that leans more toward banana pudding or banana cream pie than a fresh banana. It’s sweet but not cloyingly so, and it has a pleasant richness that makes it feel like an indulgent treat rather than a “health food” drink you have to choke down.
The texture is very smooth — no grittiness, no chalky aftertaste, no powder clumps. It’s thin enough to drink quickly but thick enough to feel satisfying. Served ice cold straight from the fridge is the way to go. Give it a good shake before opening, and you’ll get the best consistency.
Is there a slight artificial aftertaste? For some people, yes — this is a common trade-off with protein shakes that use artificial sweeteners to keep sugar counts low. However, compared to many competitors, Premier Protein‘s aftertaste is much more subtle, and the Bananas & Cream flavor is widely regarded as one of the better options for masking it.
Customer sentiment echoes this. Reviewers describe the taste as rich, creamy, and satisfying, with many noting it tastes just like banana cream pie with no artificial bite that’s common in other protein drinks. Banana lovers in particular seem to feel this flavor was made for them.
Who Is Premier Protein Bananas & Cream For?
The beauty of Premier Protein shakes is just how versatile they are. Here’s who benefits most from making them part of their daily routine:
- 🏋️ Gym-goers & athletes — 30g of complete protein with all essential amino acids makes this a premium pre- or post-workout option.
- 🥗 Weight management — At just 160 calories and 1g of sugar, it’s an easy way to hit protein goals without blowing your calorie budget.
- 🍽️ Meal replacement seekers — With 30g protein, 24 vitamins and minerals, and low fat, it can replace a meal in a pinch.
- 🚗 Busy professionals — The ready-to-drink format means zero prep, zero cleanup, and maximum convenience.
- 🩺 Those on GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic or Wegovy) — High protein intake is critical when appetite is suppressed, and Premier Protein makes hitting daily protein goals easy.
- 🥑 Low-carb and keto dieters — At only 5g of carbs and 1g of sugar, it fits most low-carb eating plans.
- 👵 Older adults — Protein needs increase with age, and a convenient, tasty 30g shake is an easy solution for seniors who may struggle to get enough protein through food alone.
Creative Ways to Use Premier Protein Bananas & Cream
One of the things that makes Premier Protein shakes so popular is how incredibly versatile they are beyond just drinking them straight. Here are some crowd-favorite ways to use the Bananas & Cream flavor:
- Straight from the bottle — Ice cold, shaken well. The simplest and most satisfying way.
- Protein smoothie base — Blend with frozen banana slices, frozen berries, and a scoop of greens powder for a nutrient-dense breakfast.
- Protein ice cream — Pour into a freezer-safe container and freeze for a high-protein frozen treat.
- Proffee — Mix with a shot of espresso over ice for a high-protein coffee drink (Bananas & Cream + espresso = surprisingly delicious).
- Protein oatmeal — Use it as a liquid base for overnight oats instead of milk.
- Pour over cereal — A protein-packed way to upgrade your morning bowl.
- Banana pudding — Use it as a base when making low-calorie banana pudding desserts.
Premier Protein Bananas & Cream: Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- 30g of complete protein with all essential amino acids
- Only 160 calories per shake
- 1g of sugar with zero added sugar
- 24 vitamins and minerals for immune support
- Smooth, creamy, non-gritty texture
- Great banana cream flavor that tastes indulgent
- No artificial colors, no soy
- Gluten-free and Kosher certified
- BPA-free, convenient ready-to-drink bottle
- Multiple award-winning taste (American Masters of Taste Gold Medal)
- #1 protein shake brand on Amazon
- Incredibly versatile — drink it, blend it, cook with it
- Available at Costco, Walmart, Target, Kroger, and Amazon
❌ Cons
- Contains artificial flavoring (not 100% natural)
- Slight artificial sweetener aftertaste for some people
- Contains dairy (not suitable for vegans or the lactose intolerant)
- Banana flavor leans artificial rather than fresh banana
- Price per shake can add up without a bulk or Subscribe & Save discount
- Some batches reported inconsistent texture (clumping at the bottom)
What Real Customers Are Saying
Across Amazon, Walmart, and other major retailers, Premier Protein Bananas & Cream consistently earns high praise. Here’s what everyday customers are saying:
“Love this one! Icy cold from the fridge, shaken really well — it is delicious banana goodness! It makes a great base for a protein smoothie with frozen banana slices and frozen berries.” — Walmart Reviewer
“From taste to texture, the Bananas & Cream is one of the better protein shakes I’ve ever tried. I could easily see myself going back to this flavor over and over.” — Walmart Reviewer
“I love bananas! It is delicious and does provide this vegetarian with a lot of her daily protein.” — Amazon Reviewer
“Taste great. They seem a little pricey, but still cheaper than a cup of coffee in the morning, plus keeps me full till dinnertime.” — Walmart Reviewer
The recurring themes are clear: people love the taste, appreciate the satiety it provides, and find the convenience unbeatable for their busy lifestyles. The #1 feedback complaint is the occasional batch inconsistency in texture — something worth noting but not a dealbreaker given how positive the overall reception is.
How Does Premier Protein Compare to the Competition?
| Brand | Protein | Calories | Sugar | Price (per shake) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier Protein | 30g | 160 | 1g | ~$2.00–$2.50 |
| Fairlife Core Power | 26g | 170 | 6g | ~$3.00–$3.50 |
| Muscle Milk | 25g | 150 | 2g | ~$2.50–$3.00 |
| Orgain Organic | 16g | 150 | 7g | ~$3.00+ |
| Ensure High Protein | 16g | 160 | 4g | ~$2.50 |
When you look at the numbers, Premier Protein stands out as a clear leader in the RTD protein shake category. It delivers more protein per shake than most competitors, at one of the lowest calorie and sugar counts, and typically at a better price point — especially when purchased in bulk through Costco or via Amazon’s Subscribe & Save program.
Where to Buy Premier Protein Bananas & Cream
You can find Premier Protein shakes at virtually every major retailer in the US:
- 🛒 Amazon — Best for convenience, with Subscribe & Save discounts up to 15%
- 🏪 Costco — Best for bulk pricing, often the lowest per-shake cost
- 🏬 Walmart, Target, Kroger, Walgreens — Widely available in store and online
- 🌐 PremierProtein.com — Direct from the brand
For the fastest and most convenient option, Amazon is our top recommendation — especially if you take advantage of the Subscribe & Save option to save up to 15% on recurring deliveries:
Final Verdict: Is Premier Protein Bananas & Cream Worth It?
After putting the Premier Protein Bananas & Cream shake through its paces, the verdict is clear: this is one of the best ready-to-drink protein shakes on the market, and it absolutely earns its #1 bestseller status.
At 30 grams of complete protein, only 160 calories, 1 gram of sugar, and 24 essential vitamins and minerals — all in a delicious banana cream flavor that tastes more like dessert than diet food — it’s an easy, smart choice for almost anyone looking to increase their protein intake without the hassle of meal prep or the blandness of most health shakes.
Is it perfect? Not entirely. Those sensitive to artificial sweeteners may notice a slight aftertaste, and it’s not suitable for vegans or the lactose intolerant. But for the vast majority of people — athletes, busy professionals, weight-loss seekers, older adults, or anyone just trying to eat smarter — Premier Protein delivers exceptional value, great taste, and outstanding nutrition.
If you haven’t tried the Bananas & Cream flavor yet, it deserves a spot in your fridge. And if you’re already a fan, you already know — once you go Premier, it’s hard to go back.
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5 / 5)
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely believe in and think our readers will love.
Frequently Asked Questions About Premier Protein Bananas & Cream
How much protein is in a Premier Protein Bananas & Cream shake?
Each 11.5 fl oz bottle contains 30 grams of complete protein, including all essential amino acids. The protein comes from a blend of milk protein concentrate and calcium caseinate, providing both fast and sustained amino acid delivery.
Is Premier Protein Bananas & Cream keto-friendly?
Yes. With only 5 grams of total carbohydrates and 1 gram of sugar per shake, Premier Protein Bananas & Cream fits comfortably into most ketogenic and low-carb diets.
Is Premier Protein gluten-free?
Yes! Premier Protein shakes, including the Bananas & Cream flavor, are certified gluten-free and are also Kosher certified.
Can I use Premier Protein as a meal replacement?
Premier Protein shakes work well as a meal replacement in a pinch, thanks to their 30g of protein, 24 vitamins and minerals, and low calorie count. However, for a complete meal replacement long-term, you may want to pair it with additional healthy fats or fiber.
Is Premier Protein suitable for vegans?
No. Premier Protein shakes use dairy-based proteins (milk protein concentrate and calcium caseinate), making them unsuitable for vegans. They are also not ideal for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
Where can I buy Premier Protein Bananas & Cream?
You can purchase Premier Protein Bananas & Cream at most major retailers including Walmart, Target, Costco, Kroger, and Walgreens — or conveniently online at Amazon with fast delivery and Subscribe & Save discounts.
How should I store Premier Protein shakes?
Premier Protein shakes are shelf stable before opening and can be stored at room temperature. For the best taste, refrigerate before drinking and always shake well before opening. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 24 hours.
