We know, we know. Years ago, we told you to stick to a high-quality product from a reputable company and use it as an anchor in your diet so that you can make sure you get enough protein without taking in too many calories. Well, years have passed and you’ve made progress, but at this point, you sure could use some relief from that same morning protein smoothie that you have. Luckily, Optimum Nutrition has perfect timing and a new product that is exactly what you might be looking for.
Well… actually, they have two new products. Whey & Oats has a larger serving size with more calories and protein than the Greek Yogurt Protein Smoothie, but neither of these products are high in the sugar/carb or fat departments. They walk that fine line of trying to fill you up in the morning so you’re not reaching for snacks all day without leaving you so stuffed and weighed down that you just want to go back to bed.
We indulged in the Vanilla Almond Pastry flavor of Whey & Oats. While I can’t say it tasted exactly like the product (mainly because you’re missing that texture) it had a hint of sweetness. Fortunately, it wasn’t too sweet because we know how hard it can be to down a whole shake that is nothing but sweet. As you can see in the photos, it blends rather nicely with milk in the Ninja. It ended up being a lot lighter and less dense than I might have expected. Still, it definitely left me full enough that I wouldn’t need to eat more for breakfast. (I had two scoops and about 12 oz milk, for the record.)
As for the Greek Yogurt Protein Smoothie… the flavor of choice was blueberry and yes, you can tell it is blueberry by the smell, the look and the taste! As you’ll notice in the photos, the smoothie definitely has a blue tint to it. There are actually pieces of dried blueberry in the powder, although they (more or less) dissolved when the shake was blended. This one is a little bit sweeter, but still not too sweet. It also comes together a little thicker than the other one. Notice the far less number of air bubbles at the top of the glass.
What is great about this release is that these two products are different enough in their nutritional value, texture, and flavor to warrant having both. We were most pleased after drinking half of each and then pouring them together, even though we were stuffed at that point. (This was after I developed a sausage recipe and was bursting at the seams.) Either way, whether you go with the Whey & Oats to fill yourself up for a high-octane day or the Protein Smoothie to cut some calories out of your morning, let us know what you like to do to fuel your mornings. Why? Because starting the day strong is a key way to get and stay hungry and fit.
Whey & Oats – Vanilla Almond Pastry
27g Protein, 190 calories, 4g Fiber – 14 servings, 50g
Contains Milk and Soy. May Contain Wheat.
Low in sugar and fat, some cholesterol and sodium, amounts of calcium, iron and potassium.
Greek Yogurt Protein Smoothie – Blueberry
20g Protein, 130 calories, 0g added sugar – 14 servings, 33g
Contains Milk and Soy.
Low in sugar and fat, some cholesterol and sodium, amounts of calcium and potassium.
