Evolve Protein Shake

I had a large stash of Premier Protein shakes in various flavors: chocolate, café latte, and strawberries & cream. They tasted fine and I was drinking almost one per day for a quick breakfast. The only worrisome item was the high calcium content (650 mg or 50% DV) since my calcium level were borderline high. Well, my supply ran out last week so I was looking to order some more. I am pretty agnostic on the actual brand, and more concerned with the nutritional content and price.

I checked my local supermarket, Amazon, and Costco, and there was not anything on sale. Most shakes were selling for about $2 per bottle. I finally came across this at costco.com. Right now, it is $27.49 for 18 bottles, but it was only $21.99 at the time so I bought two boxes. I was a bit concerned that I have never tasted the brand before but most shakes taste about the same in the past.

I received the shipment via UPS yesterday and I already drank two bottles. The flavor is definitely not similar to the Premier Protein or Ensure. Evolve is advertised as a plant-based protein shake, and I think I can taste the difference. It is not my favorite, but that the price of being cheap. I think I will go back to Premier Protein next time it is on sale at Costco. First I have to finish all 36 bottles of the veggie shake.

Nutritional comparison between Premier Protein and Evolve:

Nutritional Item	Evolve Double Chocolate	Premier Protein Chocolate
Serving size	330mL	11 fl.oz
Calories	140	160
Total fat	2.5g	3g
Cholesterol	0mg	20mg
Sodium	350mg	180mg
Total carbs	17g	5g
Total sugars	4g	1g
Protein	20g	30g
Calcium	200mg	650mg
Iron	4.5mg	2.5mg
Potassium	230mg	320mg

Some minor differences. Is that due to the “plant-based” protein? What is the source of other protein shakes if not plants? Animals? Also, Premier Protein website has a huge list of other minerals and vitamins in their shakes whereas there appears to be no other information for Evolve on their website. The nutritional information listed is the exact same as found on the actual shake packaging. Does that mean Evolve does not have additional nutrients?