This protein powder is supposed to taste identical to dessert — so I tested it for one week

Like most people my age (elder millennials), I’m always looking for ways to make healthier choices. Unfortunately, I can only commit so much time, money and brain space to seeking out and implementing these healthy habits. I find I get most off track when it comes to getting all the nutrients I need on a day-to-day basis, especially when I have an aversion to bland food and a love of sweet treats. In my quest to, at the very least, take the guesswork out of my mornings, I found Good Protein and its line of protein shakes. Good Protein shakes promise 21 grams of protein and seven grams of fibre per serving — all delivered in a delicious creamy shake. I’ve made a Good Protein shake every day for over a week, and I have some thoughts.

I'm not the only one who's been loving these tasty shakes; they have over 19,000 reviews on the Good Protein site.

Good Protein is a Canadian company creating all-in-one protein shakes using 100 per cent natural, plant-based ingredients. They offer a ton of different flavours of vegN protein shakes, super juices and boosters. Their shakes contain 21 grams of protein and seven grams of fibre and feature 20 fruits and vegetables per serving while promising a creamy dessert-like taste. Good Protein boasts over 19,000 five-star reviews on its site, with customers calling the shakes both satisfying and delicious.

I tried the Good Protein shakes in the Bananas & Cream and Strawberries & Cream flavours. Combining the protein powder with water didn't blow me away; however, swapping the water for milk significantly improved the taste and texture. That said, my favourite way to consume the protein power was to blend it with frozen fruit — it elevated the shake from tasty to absolutely delicious (and is an incredibly easy breakfast option).

Good Protein doesn't call its shakes a meal replacement; however, when I drank one first thing, I stayed full and satisfied until midday, even more so with the addition of frozen fruit. I have a very sensitive stomach and I’m happy to report I had no stomach issues with Good Protein.

There are so many flavours to choose from

If you get sick of eating the same thing every day, the variety of these shakes is great. I can go between shake flavours and keep my palette from getting fatigued.

The shakes kept me full for hours

I drank a Good Protein shake for breakfast for more than a week and I didn't think about lunch for at least four hours afterwards.

They taste great

Mixed with water or milk, these shakes taste good, but they get even better with the addition of frozen fruit. Good Protein shakes are more flavourful than any other protein powder I've tried, and they're gentler on my stomach.

Easy and fast

Each bag of protein powder comes with a scoop that portions it for you. Whether you're mixing it with water or milk or adding it to a smoothie, it's fast and easy.

It doesn’t taste like dessert

Good Protein says its shakes “taste just like your favourite desserts.” Though they taste good, they don't quite trick my brain or my tongue into thinking I am eating dessert.

There's an aftertaste

Good Protein uses Reb-M to sweeten their shakes, an organic substance found in the stevia leaf, which they claim is a zero-calorie sweetener that tastes just like real sugar. It’s unclear if that’s what’s creating the unpleasant aftertaste, but I found it can be easily masked by adding some real fruit to the shake.

⭐️ 4.78 stars

💬 19,000+ reviews

With thousands of five-star reviews, I am far from the only fan of Good Protein. One reviewer was "actually shocked at how much [they] love" the protein supplement. Another described it as "creamy and delicious."

"This is the most creamy smooth protein powder I have tried!" they wrote. It's dairy and gluten-free, too. It has a "wonderful taste."

Reviewers found Good Protein "versatile" and vouch that it works well in overnight oats and even ice cream. "[I] use it in my coffee every day," said one shopper.

"The taste is exquisite," wrote another. "I'm addicted!"

While most shoppers were enthusiastic about their Good Protein shakes, some said the "flavours were too sweet and tasted artificial" and picked up on an "aftertaste that lingers long after the drink is finished."

In my younger years, I would often turn to meal replacement shakes in an attempt to lose weight or stifle cravings without ever considering the nutritional value. In contrast, what I’ve come to love about Good Protein is its focus on its high-quality ingredients and nutritional benefits — while actually tasting good. I wake up looking forward to making a shake and I love that it gives my body what it needs.

Though the shakes don’t mimic the taste of real dessert as closely as the brand promises, the addition of a frozen banana or other fruit takes these shakes to another level and helps to eliminate any unpleasant aftertaste.

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.