In the world of sports nutrition, the best whey protein powders are starting to find competition with the market’s rising plant-based options. However, many plant-based protein products can have a weird texture and grainy aftertaste, which makes some hesitant to try them. Others have macros that aren’t always ideal for some fitness goals. So, how does Evolve measure up? We decided to find out.
For this Evolve Plant-Based Protein Shake review, we had Frieda Johnson, NASM-Certified Nutrition Coach and an ISSA-Certified Specialist in Exercise Therapy, test the vegan protein first-hand. From flavor and consistency, to side effects, cost, and more, here are the details from our experience with this on-the-go plant-based protein shake.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.
100+ Protein Shakes Tested, Personally By Our Health Experts
Our team of registered dietitians, certified personal trainers, and other fitness experts don’t just know protein shakes—we love them, too! That’s why we have no issue personally testing all the brands we review (over 100 shakes and powders, to date) in an effort to give you our raw and honest thoughts. Using GGR’s unique supplement testing methodology, we evaluate and rate protein options based on these criteria and more:
- Formulation: We evaluate supplements for ingredients that have been scientifically proven, aren’t full of fillers and additives, and include research-backed doses of active ingredients.
- Taste: Since a taste test will often result in subjective and variable feedback, we compile opinions from both our testers and customer reviews. That said, our tester’s personal feedback is still a factor in our taste score — and worth considering prior to checkout.
- Side effects: Did our testers experience any unwanted side effects? Did the Amazon reviews report similar experiences? In such cases, we include it in our rating.
- Third-party testing: The FDA does not regulate nutritional supplements, so third-party testing from organizations like NSF, Informed Sport, and BSCG ensures that they’re safe, especially for drug-tested athletes. Tested products from trusted organizations receive a 4 or 5 out of 5, according to our testing methodology.
Evolve Plant-Based Protein Shakes are a great choice for those with dairy intolerances, or living a vegan lifestyle. With 20 grams of protein, these shakes are naturally sweetened with cane sugar and stevia. They also are free of artificial flavors and are non-GMO certified.
What our tester says:
““It’s not flavored exactly like a mocha, but I can tell what they’re going for, and it doesn’t just taste like chocolate milk.”
A Quick Look at Evolve Plant-Based Protein Shake
Owned by PepsiCo, Evolve is a plant-based protein company committed to providing vegan protein powders and shakes with a mission of protecting the planet. Evolve’s stated intention is to provide products that reduce the brand’s carbon footprint, with practices ranging from the packaging itself to the use of pea protein, which uses less water than wheat-, soy-, or corn-based compounds.
Before You Buy
- You can only buy Evolve Plant-Based Protein Shakes in-store or through a third-party online retailer, which may impact your ability for potential refunds.
- This formulation is keto-friendly and contains just 5 grams of net carbs per serving.
- Each shake is relatively high in fiber, which can lead to GI distress in some athletes.
- Evolve Plant-Based Protein Shakes can contain trace amounts of soy—those with sensitive allergies may want to opt for a different protein formulation.
Are Evolve Plant-Based Protein Shakes Worth It?
Compared to whey protein powder or vegan protein powders, ready-to-drink protein shakes can often be more expensive, so you want to be sure you’re getting a quality product from the start. Though these Evolve shakes aren’t third-party tested, they do feature great macros for keto diets and weight loss, in my opinion.
Furthermore, the high protein and fiber content makes each shake a satiating protein option that can be ideal for hunger control and weight management. Just note, though, that you can only buy this product from third-party sellers, so beware if you’re expecting to take advantage of returns or refunds if you are not satisfied with your order.
Great for:
- Those who need a low-calorie protein source
- Individuals on a low-carbohydrate diet
- People who drink protein shakes for satiety
Not recommended for:
- People with sensitive stomachs
- Those on a tight budget for supplements
- Individuals with a present soy allergy
Evolve Plant-Based Protein Shake Specs
| Price per serving | $2.41 |
| Serving size | 1 carton (330 mL) |
| Calories per serving | 130 |
| Protein per serving | 20 g |
| Third-party testing | No |
| Sweeteners | Cane sugar, purified stevia leaf extract |
| Flavors | Berry, Chocolate Caramel, Double Chocolate, Mocha, Vanilla Bean |
Experience Using Evolve Plant-Based Protein Shake
We asked our tester Frieda Johnson, NASM-CNC, ISSA-SET, to test Evolve Plant-Based Protein Shakes. Frieda had a generally positive experience with the taste, texture, and solubility, though she did experience some mild side effects and found some gaps in the customer experience.
“The amount is just right,” Frieda says. “I feel full after finishing a shake, but I don’t feel overwhelmed trying to get it all down.” Overall, she gave the Evolve protein shake a rating of 3.5 out of 5. Read below to see her detailed notes regarding formulation, taste, and more.
Price Per Serving
A case of 12 cartons will run you around $28.99, which comes out to roughly $2.41 per serving. This price hike can be typical, though, as ready-to-drink shakes are usually a pricier protein source when compared to similar products like protein powder.
Thankfully, though, you can score subscribe-and-save discounts through certain retailers like Amazon, which trade a lower order cost in exchange for regularly scheduled deliveries. As such, we gave Evolve a 3-out-of-5 rating for price.
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Formulation
Frieda thought this formulation deserved a 4-out-of-5 rating, and as a registered dietitian, I have to agree. The ingredient lists are similar across the various flavors, so we wanted to lay out the full list for the Double Chocolate offering here:
Water, pea protein isolate, soluble corn fiber, less than 2% cane sugar, cocoa, natural flavor, tricalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, gellan gum, purified stevia leaf extract, vitamin B12
As far as ingredient lists go, this ain’t half bad, with the only “suspect” ingredient being gellan gum. We knocked part of a point off for this, as well as for the 4 grams of added sugar from cane sugar. To me, this inclusion doesn’t seem necessary, considering stevia is already featured as a sweetening agent. The good news, however, is there are no artificial sweeteners.
We also liked the macros and calories. For only 140 calories per carton, you get 20 grams of protein from pea protein isolate. This comes with only 2 grams of omega-3 fatty acids—a particularly positive perk if you’re in the throes of a cutting phase.
RELATED: Bulking vs. Cutting
Furthermore, there are a whopping 10 grams of fiber per serving, which not only accounts for 35% of your daily value, but can be great for satiety, as well. This means one carton comes out to 5 grams of net carbs, making Evolve Plant-Based Protein Shakes friendly supplement options for keto and low carb diets.
Protein made from peas isn’t complete because it lacks methionine1—one of the essential amino acids. That said, it’s still a decent source of BCAAs and a solid source of vegan protein, in general.
Just note, too, if you’re going for hypertrophy that you might want to supplement your methionine with foods like soy and oats, as complete protein sources are known to produce more favorable muscle mass gains2.
Taste and Solubility
For both taste and solubility, Frieda thought her Mocha Evolve protein shake deserved a 5 out of 5 in both categories. “I liked the Cafe Mocha that I sampled,” Frieda remarks. “Even though it doesn’t taste exactly like a mocha, I can tell they’re trying to achieve the natural flavor, and it isn’t simply chocolate milk.”
Frieda also rated the texture a 4.5 out of 5, saying, “Especially when cold, the texture is good. First, I tried it at room temperature, which did have a faint grainy mouthfeel, but it was creamy and smooth when cold, which is how I recommend to enjoy it.”
Side Effects
We gave a 3 out of 5 for side effects, as our tester did experience some discomfort. “After drinking this, I experience a little bit of GI distress, which isn’t a surprise since there are 20 grams of pea protein and 10 grams of fiber,” Frieda notes.
She continues with a slight warning: “However, I’m mostly bloated and gassy the rest of the afternoon, so it’s not a big deal. Depending on your plans for that day, it’s not the worst thing, but something to keep in mind!”
Third-Party Testing
We didn’t see any evidence of Evolve protein drinks being tested by a third party from a recognized lab like NSF for Sport. However, like all Evolve products—including the brand’s protein powder—the ready-to-drink shakes are Non-GMO Project Verified, so we gave a 2-out-of-5 rating for the category.
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Evolve Plant-Based Protein Shake vs Huel Ready-to-Drink
Huel ready-to-drink is a great macro-balanced option for those who need a meal replacement on the go. Slow-release carbs keep you full and vitamins and minerals give you everything you need.
What our tester says:
“These have seriously become a lifesaver for me in terms of getting in all my calories during Ironman training, especially before early morning workouts when I just don’t want to eat yet.”
Both Evolve and Huel are ready-to-drink protein shakes that are 100% vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO with no artificial sweeteners present in either formulation. Both are also sweetened with stevia and various forms of added sugar.
However, while both can serve your post-workout needs as a protein supplement, Huel is more of a meal replacement for those trying to put on weight. Evolve, on the other hand, can be more suitable for weight loss goals or regular hunger maintenance. Huel also contains additional forms of protein from ground flaxseed and faba beans, which results in its containing nearly twice the grams of protein that Evolve has.
Finally, both are fortified with micronutrients—such as calcium, iron, and vitamin B12—that may be difficult to effectively consume when following a restricted or plant-based diet.
For more information, check out our Huel Ready-to-Drink review, as well as our comprehensive comparison chart below.
| Evolve Plant-Based Protein Shake | Huel Ready-to-Drink | |
| Price per serving | $2.41 | $2.77 for ½ bottle, $5.54 for full bottle |
| Serving size | 1 carton (330 mL) | ½ bottle (200 mL) |
| Calories per serving | 130 | 200 calories in ½ bottle, 400 calories total |
| Protein per serving | 20 g | 10-11 g in ½ bottle, 20-22 g total, depending on flavor |
| Third-party testing | No | No |
| Sweeteners | Cane sugar, purified stevia leaf extract | Sucralose, stevia, coconut sugar (varies based on flavor) |
| Flavors | Berry, Chocolate Caramel, Double Chocolate, Mocha, Vanilla Bean | Banana, Berry, Chocolate, Cinnamon Roll, Iced Coffee Caramel, Salted Caramel, Strawberry, Vanilla |
Customer Experience
We gave a 2-out-of-5 rating here simply because you have to order through a third-party, which can make it more difficult to receive customer service or coordinate returns. This is especially true if you order through Amazon, which does not accept returns on protein supplements.
Evolve does have a contact page if you submit a complaint about a product, but no information that could lead to a refund or return is provided.
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Ordering Evolve Plant-Based Protein Shake
“Customers must purchase Evolve Plant-Based Protein Shakes from third-party sellers rather than directly from the company,” Frieda points out. Indeed, if you go to Evolve’s website, it redirects you to purchase from Amazon or Target, as well as providing a map for you to find stores near you where you can purchase the supplements.
While this can seem like a burden, we do want to point out that third-party transactions can play to your benefit, depending on where you prefer to shop. For example, you can sign up for a subscribe-and-save service via Amazon, which unlocks a discounted cost per serving in exchange for regularly scheduled orders.
Customer Reviews
We gave a rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on Evolve’s 14,000-plus reviews on Amazon. Since you cannot purchase through the brand’s website, this was the main source for customer reviews. Reviews state the product is an effective meal replacement and has a great texture for a vegan protein shake. Critical reviews, however, complain about the taste and amount of added sugar.
Final Verdict of Our Evolve Plant-Based Protein Shake Review
All in all, our tester had a great experience using this product, despite some slight GI distress due to the high fiber content. Though Evolve Plant-Based Protein Shakes are mostly free of artificial ingredients, it may not be safe for those with soy sensitivities. That said, it can be a safe pick for vegans due to the dairy-free, pea-protein-based formulation.
Furthermore, Evolve’s calcium, iron, vitamin B12, and zinc fortification can be especially beneficial for those whose diets lack meat, eggs, and dairy. Just note—it’s likely more suited for weight loss due to its macros and calorie content. It also is a subpar source of BCAAs when compared to whey protein products.
Evolve Plant-Based Protein Shakes
Evolve Plant-Based Protein Shakes are a great choice for those with dairy intolerances, or living a vegan lifestyle. With 20 grams of protein, these shakes are naturally sweetened with cane sugar and stevia. They also are free of artificial flavors and are non-GMO certified.
Product Brand: Evolve
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 30.59
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.5
Evolve Plant-Based Protein Shake Review: FAQs
Are Evolve Plant-Based Protein Shakes healthy?
Evolve Plant-Based Protein Shakes are high-protein, gluten-free, and non-GMO with minimal additives and zero artificial sweeteners and artificial flavors. That said, the formulation does contain cane sugar. Be mindful, too, that “healthy” can be subjective, so be sure to consider your nutritional needs and preferences before ordering a case for your diet.
What is the lawsuit against Evolve Protein Shakes?
There is not currently, nor has there been, a lawsuit against Evolve. However, some Double Chocolate and Vanilla Bean protein shakes were found to be cross-contaminated and, therefore, not soy-free as advertised. As such, a recall was issued.
What is the cleanest plant-based protein shake?
Popular “clean” plant-based protein powders can be found from brands such as Legion, Ora Organic, Orgain, Ritual, and more. That said, your definition of the term may be different from others, so we recommend browsing the listed ingredients lists prior to purchase to ensure your protein of choice is aligned with your needs and wants.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
References
- Gorissen SHM, Crombag JJR, Senden JMG, et al. Protein content and amino acid composition of commercially available plant-based protein isolates. Amino Acids. 2018;50(12):1685-1695. doi:10.1007/s00726-018-2640-5
- Church DD, Hirsch KR, Park S, et al. Essential Amino Acids and Protein Synthesis: Insights into Maximizing the Muscle and Whole-Body Response to Feeding. Nutrients. 2020;12(12):3717. Published 2020 Dec 2. doi:10.3390/nu12123717
