Does Premier Protein Have Sugar? A Complete Nutritional Breakdown

December 14, 2025 •

3 min read

Most Premier Protein ready-to-drink shakes contain only 1 gram of sugar per serving, a feature designed for health-conscious consumers. The question, "does Premier Protein have sugar?", is often asked by individuals monitoring their carbohydrate and sugar intake, and the answer is that the amount is minimal, thanks to the use of artificial sweeteners.

Quick Summary

Premier Protein offers low-sugar products, with most standard ready-to-drink shakes containing 1 gram and protein powders also formulated with very little sugar, relying instead on non-caloric sweeteners for taste.

Key Points

Minimal Sugar Content: Most Premier Protein shakes and powders contain just 1 gram of sugar per serving, which is naturally occurring and not added.
Artificial Sweeteners Used: The sweet taste is achieved through the use of non-caloric artificial sweeteners, such as sucralose and acesulfame potassium.
Product Variations Exist: While the classic shakes are very low in sugar, other lines like the Almondmilk Non-Dairy and Indulgence shakes contain slightly higher amounts.
Suitable for Special Diets: Due to its low sugar count, Premier Protein is often considered a suitable option for those on a keto diet or managing diabetes.
Digestive Sensitivity is Possible: Some individuals may experience digestive issues or dislike the taste associated with artificial sweeteners.
High Protein, Low Calorie: The products are designed to deliver a significant amount of protein (30g) for moderate calories (160) without the added sugar.

Understanding the Sugar Content in Premier Protein

Premier Protein is a popular brand known for its high-protein, low-fat products, but understanding the sugar content can be confusing for new customers. The short answer is yes, Premier Protein products do contain a minimal amount of sugar, typically 1 gram per serving for their most common ready-to-drink shakes. This is due to naturally occurring sugars from the milk-based protein blend, not added sugars. The brand achieves its sweet flavor profile by using artificial sweeteners rather than high amounts of sugar.

Artificial Sweeteners: The Real Sweetness Source

To keep the sugar and calorie count low while maintaining a pleasant taste, Premier Protein uses several artificial and non-nutritive sweeteners. These ingredients are calorie-free and significantly sweeter than regular sugar, so only a small amount is needed. The primary sweeteners you will find include sucralose and acesulfame potassium. For some protein powder formulas, monk fruit extract may also be used. While these are generally recognized as safe, some individuals prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners, which is an important consideration when choosing your protein source.

Comparing Different Premier Protein Products

The sugar content can vary slightly across different Premier Protein products. It is always important to read the nutritional label for the specific product you purchase, but here's a general overview of what you can expect:

Classic Ready-to-Drink Shakes (11.5 oz): The standard Chocolate, Vanilla, and other creamy flavors typically contain 1 gram of sugar.
Indulgence Shakes: Richer flavors like Decadent Dark Chocolate contain slightly more sugar, at 3 grams per shake.
Almondmilk Non-Dairy Shakes: These products, which are dairy-free, have a higher sugar count, with 5 grams per shake.
Protein Powders (Whey): Most whey protein powders, like the Chocolate Milkshake and Vanilla Milkshake flavors, contain 1 gram of sugar per serving.
Mini Shakes: The smaller, 8.75 oz mini shakes also contain just 1 gram of sugar.

Benefits and Concerns of Low-Sugar Protein

Choosing a low-sugar protein supplement like Premier Protein offers several potential benefits:

Blood Sugar Management: With minimal impact on blood glucose levels, these shakes are a popular choice for people with diabetes or those following a keto diet.
Weight Management: By controlling both calories and sugar, these products can assist with weight loss goals.
Craving Control: The high protein content (30g in most shakes) helps increase satiety and reduce cravings throughout the day.

However, there are also potential drawbacks to be aware of:

Artificial Sweetener Sensitivity: Some people may experience digestive discomfort or have concerns about the long-term effects of artificial sweeteners.
Flavor Intensity: The taste, while highly rated by many, may be perceived as overly sweet or artificial by those accustomed to natural, un-sweetened products.
Hidden Additives: Certain thickening agents like carrageenan, which can be a controversial ingredient, are used in some liquid shakes.

Comparison Table: Premier Protein vs. High-Sugar Alternatives

To better illustrate the difference, here is a comparison of Premier Protein to typical high-sugar protein drinks or dessert-style shakes.


Feature	Premier Protein (Standard Shake)	High-Sugar Protein/Dessert Drink
Protein	30g	Varies widely, often lower
Sugar	1g	Often 15g or more
Added Sugar	0g	Contains significant amounts
Sweeteners	Artificial sweeteners (Sucralose, Acesulfame K)	High Fructose Corn Syrup, Sugar
Calories	160 calories	Often 300+ calories
Best For	Keto, diabetics, weight management	Occasional treat, post-workout carb reload

Tips for Selecting a Low-Sugar Protein Source

Read the Label: Always check the nutritional information for the specific flavor and product type, as sugar content can vary.
Scrutinize the Ingredients: Look for artificial sweeteners like sucralose or natural non-caloric sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract.
Consider Unsweetened Powders: For complete control over your sugar intake, opt for a pure, unsweetened protein powder and sweeten it yourself with natural, low-sugar options like berries or a small amount of honey.
Try Before You Buy in Bulk: If you are sensitive to the taste of artificial sweeteners, it's wise to buy a single shake or a small pack before committing to a larger box.

Conclusion

So, does Premier Protein have sugar? Yes, but in minimal quantities, typically 1 gram per serving in most ready-to-drink shakes and whey powders. This naturally occurring sugar is a far cry from the high sugar content found in many other flavored drinks, allowing Premier Protein to be a suitable option for those managing blood sugar, weight, or simply seeking a high-protein, low-sugar supplement. The sweetness comes from artificial and non-nutritive sweeteners, which is a key factor to consider based on your personal dietary preferences and health goals.

For more detailed nutritional information on their products, you can visit the official Premier Protein website.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard, ready-to-drink Premier Protein shake contains only 1 gram of sugar per serving.

The sugar in Premier Protein is naturally occurring from the milk protein blend, and the classic shakes contain no added sugar.

Premier Protein primarily uses artificial sweeteners such as sucralose and acesulfame potassium to achieve its sweet flavor without adding calories from sugar.

Yes, because of its low sugar content and low glycemic impact, Premier Protein is often recommended for individuals managing blood sugar levels, including those with diabetes.

While not entirely sugar-free due to the minimal natural sugars from milk, the brand is known for its very low-sugar products and has no added sugar in its standard shakes.

Similar to the ready-to-drink shakes, Premier Protein's whey powders typically contain just 1 gram of sugar per scoop.

The Almondmilk Non-Dairy shakes contain 5 grams of sugar per serving because they use a different formulation and ingredients, resulting in a slightly higher sugar content compared to the milk-based products.