When I started working with a registered dietitian, she quickly introduced me to Chobani 20G Protein Drinks, which aren’t your typical yogurts. Yes, they’re drinkable yogurts, but they’re actually made with Greek yogurt, which is why they provide 20 grams of protein per bottle. I was skeptical at first because I usually need to jazz up Greek yogurt to make it more palatable, but I was pleasantly surprised. These drinkable yogurts helped me increase my protein intake in a way that was tasty and convenient.
The only problem? The cost adds up quickly. They’re typically priced around $2.50 at most supermarkets, but of course, you can get a better deal if you spot them at Costco.
Greek Yogurt, But Make It Taste Better
Greek yogurt is packed with benefits. It’s a rich source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics. But if we’re being honest, it doesn’t always taste the best. Greek yogurt is a fermented food, which is good for your gut, but it has a tartness that not everyone will love.
Speaking from experience, these yogurt drinks don’t taste like your typical Greek yogurt. They taste much more like regular yogurt—creamy with a fruity flavor and a hint of sweetness. Though regular yogurt has some benefits, Greek yogurt comes out on top, nutritionally speaking. So, I like that you get the taste of regular yogurt but the nutritional benefits of Greek yogurt with these drinks.
One tip I’ve learned? You need to give these a good shake. The yogurt can form clumps, but shaking the bottle breaks them up so the consistency is smooth and drinkable.
No Artificial Sweeteners
Another selling point of these yogurt-based protein drinks is that they’re sweet without added artificial sweeteners. Oftentimes, Greek yogurt is a hidden source of added sugars because sugar is introduced to mask the tartness. While these drinks contain 0 grams of added sugars, they’re still sweet because they contain stevia and monk fruit extract. “Stevia and monk fruit are natural, plant-based sweeteners that provide sweetness without adding significant calories or causing major spikes in blood sugar levels,” explains Mia Syn, RD, a Charleston-based registered dietitian. They’re generally recognized as safe, but some people are sensitive to them, Syn adds.
Dietitians Approve
I first learned about these high-protein drinks by working with a registered dietitian, so it was only fitting that I asked RDs for their thoughts. They were just as impressed as I was.
“I have tried several of Chobani’s high-protein yogurt drinks and think they can be a great option as snacks or as part of a quick breakfast,” says Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN, a registered dietitian and best-selling cookbook author in Brooklyn, New York. “They deliver 20 grams of protein, as well as 25% of your daily calcium needs and 90% of the B-12 you need.” To make one of these drinks part of a complete breakfast, Largeman-Roth recommends pairing it with a slice of avocado toast, half a bagel with peanut butter, or a bowl of oatmeal to keep you full until lunch.
They’re also lactose-free but not dairy-free, making them suitable for those with lactose intolerance but not dairy allergies, says Kristi Ruth, RDN, a registered dietitian and recipe developer in Pennsylvania.
And Shoppers Love Them
These yogurt drinks have a way of garnering attention on the Costco subreddit. Users shared that their local warehouse doesn’t always have these yogurt drinks in stock, but if they do, they’re quick to nab a box or two. “We buy two cases anytime we see them,” one shopper commented. As for the taste and texture, customers raved about them. They’re “like Danimals but for adults,” the poster wrote. Someone else compared the smooth texture to soft-serve ice cream.
The verdict is that Chobani makes one outstanding yogurt drink. High in nutrients like protein and calcium, they’re a nutritious way to start the day. They also taste great—no tartness like you might expect from a Greek yogurt. Shoppers, including myself, just wish they were in stock more often at Costco! Unsurprisingly, they sell out quickly, so don’t hesitate if you spot these at your local Costco.
