Evolve Plant Based Protein Shake Review: Tasty & Nutritious
Evolve Plant Based Protein Shake offers a delicious, nutritious blend of pea protein and other plant ingredients, perfect for post-workout recovery and daily nutrition.
Looking for a convenient plant-based protein option? Our in-depth Evolve Protein Shake review covers taste, nutrition, and value to help you decide if it’s right for your active lifestyle.
What Is Evolve Plant Based Protein Shake?
Evolve is a ready-to-drink vegan protein shake from the makers of MuscleMilk. Each 12oz bottle provides 20g of pea protein with moderate carbs and minimal fat. Available in chocolate and vanilla flavors, it’s designed for athletes and health-conscious consumers needing quick nutrition.
Key Features
- 20g plant protein (pea protein isolate)
- 7g sugar (from cane sugar)
- 10g fiber (from inulin)
- 260mg sodium
- Vegan & dairy-free
- No artificial sweeteners
Taste & Texture Review
In head-to-head comparisons with dairy-based shakes, Evolve’s chocolate flavor stands out for its rich, authentic taste. The texture is smooth without grittiness common in plant proteins. Unlike some competitors that use monk fruit or stevia alone, Evolve combines cane sugar with organic stevia for balanced sweetness.
Flavor Options
| Flavor | Taste Profile | Sweetness Level |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate | Rich cocoa flavor, slightly earthy | Moderate (7/10) |
| Vanilla | Creamy with subtle vanilla notes | Mild (5/10) |
Nutritional Breakdown
Evolve shakes offer a balanced macronutrient profile ideal for post-workout recovery or meal replacement. The 20g protein comes from pea protein isolate, a complete plant protein containing all essential amino acids.
Macronutrients Per Bottle
- Calories: 140-160
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 20g (7g sugar)
- Fiber: 10g
- Fat: 1g
The 10g of prebiotic fiber (from inulin) supports gut health but may cause bloating in sensitive individuals. For comparison, traditional milk-based shakes typically contain less fiber but more naturally occurring calcium.
Performance Benefits
Evolve shakes work well for:
- Post-workout recovery: The 1:1 carb-to-protein ratio helps replenish glycogen stores while supporting muscle repair.
- Vegan athletes: Provides concentrated plant protein without dairy or soy.
- On-the-go nutrition: Shelf-stable bottles are convenient for travel or busy days.
According to Verywell Fit, pea protein contains branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) that aid muscle recovery, though slightly less than whey protein.
Price & Availability
Evolve shakes retail for $3.50-$4 per 12oz bottle at major retailers like Target and Amazon. Buying in bulk (12-24 packs) lowers the cost to about $2.75 per serving. While pricier than homemade options, they’re competitive with other premium RTD protein shakes.
Cost Comparison
| Brand | Price per serving | Protein Source |
|---|---|---|
| Evolve | $2.75-$4.00 | Pea protein |
| Iconic | $3.50-$4.50 | Grass-fed dairy |
| Premier Protein | $1.50-$2.50 | Milk protein |
Who Should Try Evolve Shakes?
These shakes are ideal for:
- Vegans and lactose-intolerant individuals
- Athletes needing portable recovery nutrition
- Those seeking high-fiber protein options
- People avoiding artificial sweeteners
They may not suit those with sensitive digestive systems (due to inulin fiber) or anyone needing higher-calorie meal replacements. For alternative protein options, check our guide to the best blenders for protein shakes to make your own custom blends.
Final Verdict
Evolve Plant Based Protein Shakes deliver on taste and nutrition with their clean ingredient profile and 20g of pea protein. While slightly more expensive than dairy-based options, they’re a standout choice for plant-based diets. The rich chocolate flavor and smooth texture make them enjoyable to drink, and the added fiber provides digestive benefits missing in many protein shakes.
