This is one of three reviews on the Core Power protein shakes. We had three bloggers from varied backgrounds sample them, to give you a diverse range of opinions on this product. These are a true milk shake, but contains no lactose. It comes in both regular and ‘light’ forms, with a difference of 6 grams of protein and 90 calories. The light one contains 20 grams of protein and 150 calories. They come in 11.5 FL OZ containers, perfect for on the go.
First, a little background on myself, so you are able to understand my point of view. I am a thirty one year old, high energy, competitive runner. I actually recently started drinking protein shakes on a semi-regular basis and changed my diet to include more meat to allow me to be more competitive in longer races. I had connected my tendency to ‘bonk’ to my lack of fat reserves, as I am almost six feet tall yet was under 140 pounds. After half a year of a protein heavy diet and daily shakes containing 34 grams of protein, I had gained 8 pounds, drastically reduced the bonk occurrences, and nearly curbed my incessant hunger.
The first one I tried was a light, strawberry banana flavored version. I had it after a run, and it went down rather smoothly. The flavor was better than most similar ones I have tried with a similar taste. It wasn’t gritty or syrupy either. I found it actually lighter than a typical strawberry milk, and not very filling.
The next day I tried the chocolate flavor, and it was also light. It was not as smooth as the strawberry banana and actually seemed a bit gritty. The deal breaker for me was the flavor, as it had the distinctly bitter taste of dark chocolate. That may have been a factor of me consuming it rather soon after a hard run, as I have noticed happens sometimes, so I would not completely write it off. I had the same issue with the first flavor, in regards to it not being filling.
On day three I tried the regular one, it had a vanilla flavor. I chose well, as it was the recovery drink after a nice hilly twelve mile run. It is by far the best protein drink I have ever tasted, and the texture was perfect. Thicker and heavier than the other two, it was easily my favorite. Usually my stomach can be a bit finicky after a long run, but it set well, which surprised me.
After making shakes from powder, it is nice to have the convenience of a pre-packaged one. The only drawback is the size and protein amounts are smaller than I am used to. They make a great post workout recovery beverage but for me personally, they do not work as a meal replacement. Overall, I’d be happy alternating the vanilla and strawberry banana flavors, just not in the light version. The flavor is definitely better than any powdered mix and that I will definitely miss.
I’ve tried the regular Vanilla, Chocolate, and Banana flavors, as well as the light chocolate. I like them all, especially compared to certain other prevalent protein drinks. I like the regular and light chocolate the best. I agree that the thicker texture of the regular kind is better, and that they’re more filling though.
Glad to see I am not completely off base in my opinion.
I started drinking these because of almost a year of digestive medical issues that have not been solved. I was not able to eat much and was lacking all nutrients and vitamins. I was hesistant because most shakes are gritty and untasteful. I was desperately seeking something my body could keep on and had any form of flavor,being I was on a bland food regimen. I started by trying the straw berry banna light…I instantly fell in love. It was smooth and tasty. It reminded me of strawberry quick milk as a kid. I then tried the chocolate light,again yum. A bit rich but delicious. I really could not believe I found something healty that tasted so good and I got a small piece of sweetness. Now my grocery store stopped caring them and I have no clue where to get them. Please help.
I think Albertsons and CVS are the big carriers. Amazon does too, but may only be worthwhile if you have a Prime account.
I purchase it by the case through Amazon.
I buy the light chocolate 20G drink. I have been having a problem with them being spoiled. I have now purchased 4 that have been horrible! They are a very thin consistency and taste like paint thinner. I took one gulp of one this morning and am now suffering severe stomach cramps. I am planning on contacting the manufacturer.