Why is Premier Protein classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The shake combines concentrated milk proteins, refined oils, multiple emulsifiers and sweeteners that undergo extensive industrial processing, placing it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category. Its additive list includes cellulose gum (E466), carrageenan (E407), sucralose (E955), acesulfame‑K (E950), tripotassium phosphate (E340 III), dipotassium phosphate (E340 II) and sodium hexametaphosphate (E452 I).

How does the sugar and salt content in this product affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With only 1 g of sugar per serving, the shake adds minimal extra glucose, which is generally acceptable for most diabetic meal plans, but the 0.69 g of salt exceeds the average for protein shakes and may contribute to higher sodium intake, so hypertensive individuals should monitor their overall daily sodium and consider limiting consumption.

Is the milk protein concentrate in this shake a concern for people with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance?

Milk protein concentrate is derived from dairy and contains casein and whey proteins, so it can trigger reactions in anyone allergic to milk proteins. It also contains lactose, albeit in small amounts, which may cause discomfort for those with lactose intolerance; such consumers should avoid this product or choose a dairy‑free alternative.

Premier Protein • 11fl oz

Premier Protein

Dietary Supplements

Product Insights

Premier Protein offers an 11 fl oz ready‑to‑drink protein shake sold at Costco and positioned as a dietary supplement. It delivers 30 g of protein, only 1 g of sugar, 4 g of carbohydrates and 3 g of fat per serving, but it is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and contains several additives such as cellulose gum (E466), sucralose (E955), acesulfame‑K (E950) and carrageenan. Because it is a supplement, it carries a Nutri‑Score of “not applicable,” and it contains milk and soy allergens, making it unsuitable for those with dairy or soy sensitivities.

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 ml

Fruits & Vegetables0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average protein‑shake, this Premier Protein drink contains markedly less sugar (1 g vs 4.34 g) and slightly less fat (3 g vs 3.33 g), but its salt is about double the typical 0.34 g and it delivers almost 50 % more protein (30 g vs 19.8 g).

Ingredients

WATER, MILK PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, CALCIUM CASEINATE, COCOA POWDER (PROCESSED WITH ALKALI), CONTAINS LESS THAN 1% OF HIGH OLEIC SUNFLOWER OIL OR SOYBEAN OIL, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL, FLAVORS, INULIN, CELLULOSE GEL AND CELLULOSE GUM, SALT, SUCRALOSE, ACESULFAME POTASSIUM, CARRAGEENAN, TRIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM HEXAMETAPHOSPHATE, VITAMIN AND, MINERAL BLEND (DL-ALPHA-TOCOPHERYL ACETATE [VITAMIN E], ZINC GLYCINATE CHELATE, FERRIC ORTHOPHOSPHATE, VITAMIN A PALMITATE, NIACINAMIDE, PHYTONADIONE [VITAMIN K1], POTASSIUM IODIDE, CHOLECALCIFEROL, [VITAMIN D3], COPPER GLUCONATE, CALCIUM D-PANTOTHENATE, MANGANESE SULFATE, SODIUM SELENITE, BIOTIN, SODIUM MOLYBDATE, FOLIC ACID, THIAMINE MONONITRATE (VITAMIN B1], CYANOCOBALAMIN [VITAMIN B12]., PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE (VITAMIN B6), RIBOFLAVIN (VITAMIN B2), CHROMIUM POLYNICOTINATE), MAGNESIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM ASCORBATE.

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