PROTEIN SHOTS COMPARED
Protein shots, compared. What to look for in 2026.
Compare protein, calories, sugar, serving size and price. Find the format that fits your day.
Written by the Easy Protein® team. We make one of the products below.
Last checked
Four things worth comparing.
Start with your priorities. A bigger protein number is only one part of the picture.
Protein per calorie
Compare the protein grams and total calories together. Protein type matters too; this ratio does not measure protein quality.
Sugar & sweeteners
Zero sugar does not always mean no artificial sweeteners. Read the ingredient list as well as the nutrition panel.
Size & prep
A small shot, a full-size shake and a powder fit different routines. Check the serving size and whether you need to mix it.
Price per serving
Check the pack total, cost per serving and cost per 20g of protein. Compare one-time prices before subscription savings.
THE NUMBERS, SIDE BY SIDE
Same questions. Different formats.
One serving of each product. One-time prices in USD, before shipping, tax or offers.
Swipe to compare all columns
| Product | Protein | Calories | Calories from protein¹ | Sugar | Serving size | Price / serving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OursEasy Protein® ShotsCollagen peptides + added L-tryptophanLabel / product page ↗ | 16g | 65 | 98% | 0g | 1.2 fl oz | $2.42 $58.00 / 24 shots$3.02 / 20g protein |
| Pure GeniusBlueberry Lemonade · whey + collagenLabel / product page ↗ | 23g | 100 | 92% | 0g | 3.38 fl oz | $4.00 $48.00 / 12 servings$3.48 / 20g protein |
| VKTRYCitrus Edge · protein shotLabel / product page ↗ | 23g | 100 | 92% | 0g | 3.38 fl oz | $4.50 $26.99 / 6 servings$3.91 / 20g protein |
| Premier ProteinVanilla · milk-protein shakeLabel / product page ↗ | 30g | 160 | 75% | 1g | 11.5 fl oz | Retailer price variesNo direct price published |
| Vital ProteinsUnflavored Collagen Peptides · 9.33 ozLabel / product page ↗ | 18g | 70 | ≈100%¹ | 0g | 20g powder | $1.93 $27.00 / 14 servings$2.14 / 20g protein |
Figures checked against the manufacturers’ product pages and nutrition labels on November 11, 2026. Flavor, format and pack size are identified in each row. These are label comparisons, not a taste test or independent ranking.
¹ Estimate = protein grams × 4 ÷ labeled calories. Rounded labels can produce estimates above 100%: Vital Proteins’ 18g and 70 calories work out to 103%, shown as approximately 100%. This is not a score for absorption, amino acid balance or muscle-building potential.
Prices use the listed one-time pack shown, without bulk, sale or subscription offers. Premier Protein does not list a direct purchase price on its product page. Check each source for current pricing and availability.
AN HONEST LOOK AT OURS
Where Easy fits. Where it doesn’t.
A fit for a smaller daily protein snack
- 16g of protein in just 1.2 fl oz.
- 65 calories, 0g sugar and no artificial sweeteners.
- Ready to sip, with no mixing or refrigeration before opening.
- Collagen protein in the same small pouch.
A different choice may fit you better
- For 30g of protein at once, the shake in this table provides more.
- Collagen has a different amino acid profile from whey. We do not position it as an equivalent replacement for a whey isolate.
- A 24-shot box is a bigger upfront purchase than one bottle.
- If mixing powder already works for you, there are lower-cost options per gram of protein.
Shot, shake or powder?
Protein shots
A compact, ready-to-drink portion. Useful when you want less liquid and nothing to mix. Check the protein source: shots can be whey-based, collagen-based or a blend.
Protein shakes
A larger drink that can deliver more protein per serving. The Premier example has 30g in 11.5 fl oz. A good fit if a full-size, creamy drink suits you.
Protein & collagen powders
Flexible portions you mix into a drink or food. Often economical per gram, but you supply the liquid and preparation. Collagen and whey powders are different protein sources.
OUR PICK FOR SMALL & SIMPLE
Protein in a sip.
Not a shake.
If you want the most protein in one serving, a 30g shake offers more. If you want 16g in a small, ready-to-sip collagen shot, that’s what we built.
Watermelon · Citrus Passion · Berry Burst
Up to 23% off your first order
Maximum savings with 3+ subscription boxes. Future deliveries save 15%, every 4 weeks. Pause or cancel anytime.
Find your protein numberA few good questions.
Are protein shots as good as shakes?
The format alone does not determine protein quality. Compare grams, protein source, calories and serving size. A shake may provide more total protein; a shot offers a smaller portion. Neither format replaces a varied diet.
Is collagen protein a complete protein?
Collagen naturally lacks tryptophan and has a different amino acid profile from whey. Easy Protein® combines bovine collagen peptides with added L-tryptophan. We do not claim that it is nutritionally equivalent to whey or a replacement for all other protein sources.
How many protein shots a day?
One Easy Protein® shot provides 16g of protein; two provide 32g. Our calculator suggests no more than two a day, as part of a varied diet. That is a planning suggestion, not a universal requirement. Follow the product label and individual dietary guidance.
Do Easy Protein® shots need refrigeration?
Unopened shots are shelf-stable and do not need refrigeration. You can enjoy them at room temperature or chilled. Follow the storage and use directions on the pouch.
What do they taste like?
They are fruit-flavored, ready-to-sip shots rather than creamy shakes. Choose Watermelon, Citrus Passion or Berry Burst, or try all three in the Variety Box. Taste is personal; we have not conducted a blinded taste comparison for this guide.
Check the sources
Manufacturer pages and labels, checked November 11, 2026. Prices and formulations can change.
- Easy Protein® Shots
- Pure Genius — Blueberry Lemonade · whey + collagen
- VKTRY — Citrus Edge · protein shot
- Premier Protein — Vanilla · milk-protein shake
- Vital Proteins — Unflavored Collagen Peptides · 9.33 oz
- Vital Proteins nutrition label
- Protein-type research: whey and collagen in a randomized trial