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Ritual Essential Daily Protein Shake Review: Taste-Tested
See how this supplement company’s plant-based powder performed in our assessments with older adults
Products and services featured here are independently researched and tested. AARP may earn commissions from affiliate links, which support our mission and do not influence our objective reviews. Brand references do not imply endorsement by AARP. Learn more about how we test.
AARP Smart Picks
Maintaining muscle mass and strength as we age is crucial. It may help reduce the risk of frailty and falls, and help older adults maintain greater independence, says Morgan Pearson, a registered dietitian and AARP medical reviewer.
Medical professionals sometimes recommend that older adults increase their protein intake and do strength training to combat sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and function. If you’re unable to get enough protein from whole foods, supplements — like protein powders — may help bridge the gap.
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One such option is the Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake, a plant-based protein powder made from organic yellow peas. Our AARP Smart Picks team worked with older adult consumer testers to evaluate this product on criteria such as mixability, taste, texture, composition and value to help you decide if it’s right for you.
Read on for our in-depth review of Ritual's plant-based protein powder and learn whether it could help you reach your protein goals.
AARP Smart Picks reviews are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Talk with your doctor or another health care provider before starting a new supplement or health product, especially if you have a medical condition or take prescription or over-the-counter medications. Supplements are not FDA-approved for safety and effectiveness and can cause side effects and interact with medications.
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Pricing may fluctuate. You can visit Ritual’s website for the latest pricing.
Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake
What to know about Ritual
Ritual is a health and wellness company selling dietary supplements, including protein powder, daily multivitamins, and products to support pregnancy and perimenopause. It’s a Certified B Corporation, meaning the company is committed to responsible business practices and meets certain social, environmental and governance standards.
The Essential Protein Daily Shake is made from organic yellow peas and contains no dairy, soy, gluten or artificial sweeteners (we tested the vanilla flavor). Also worth mentioning: While the pea protein used in this powder is organic, not every ingredient meets that standard. The added L-methionine, an amino acid, also gives this product a complete profile — containing adequate amounts of all nine essential amino acids that our bodies can’t make on their own and must get from our diets. As a result, this supplement earned a spot in our list of the best protein powders.
This product is Clean Label Project Certified, meaning it has been independently tested for and found free of harmful contaminants like pesticides.
Additionally, this powder is NSF Contents Certified for Sport, which confirms that what’s on the label matches what’s actually in the supplement. Finally, Ritual independently tests every batch for heavy metals and microbes, with results available through its Certificate of Traceability.
But how did Ritual fare in our assessments? It earned near-perfect marks from our testers for its packaging, easy-to-follow instructions and mixability. Testers also remarked that the texture was smooth, and they appreciated that the protein powder contains zero sugar and no dairy.
Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake
AARP Smart Picks
- Pros and cons
- Features
Pros
No dairy, soy or gluten
Smooth texture
Convenient, portable packaging
Cons
Expensive
So-so taste score
Type: Pea protein (organic yellow peas)
Protein per serving: 20 grams
Cost per serving: $3.33 or $2.93 (member price)
Flavors: Vanilla and chocolate
Third-party tested: Yes, Clean Label Project and NSF Certified
Key takeaways from our testing
Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake is made from organic yellow peas grown in the U.S., and thanks to the addition of the amino acid L-methionine, it delivers a complete protein profile.
Its formula is dairy-free, soy-free and gluten-free and contains no artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors. Instead, it uses monk fruit and other natural flavors.
However, Pearson, the registered dietitian, notes that it contains coconut-derived oil, so anyone with a coconut allergy should avoid it or consult their allergist. She also points out that its ingredients include xanthan gum, which may cause bloating or gas in those with sensitive stomachs.
Testers gave this powder an almost-perfect rating for mixability and a respectable mark for texture. Consumer tester Cindy, 65, found no clumps or grittiness after shaking the powder with 8 ounces of water in a shaker bottle for 60 seconds. Consumer tester Sandra, 71, agreed, noting there were “no chunks or frothiness.”
Both testers said that with just water, the shake had a thick consistency. Sandra said it was “almost like [she] used milk as a base.”
This supplement also earned a near-top-level rating for its packaging. It comes in a smaller container (1 pound, or 15 servings) and is in a flexible bag rather than a large, solid tub like many other protein powders.
Testers said this packaging design makes it easier to store and take the product on the go. Sandra said the seal on the bag was “easy to open and close,” and likened it to “plastic velcro.” Cindy added that it was “easy to open and reseal.” For older adults with dexterity or grip strength issues, that could be a big benefit.
Testers Cindy and Sandra awarded the shake near-perfect mixability scores and impressive texture ratings.
AARP Smart Picks
Testers Cindy and Sandra awarded the shake near-perfect mixability scores and impressive texture ratings.
Ritual’s protein powder contains 20 grams of protein per serving, which is on the lower end of the protein supplements we have tested. Experts recommend that women over 50 eat at least 25 grams of protein per meal and that men over 50 get at least 30 grams.
To evaluate a protein powder's value, we consider both the price and the grams of protein per serving. The Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake comes out to a per-serving price of about $3.33. That makes this product one of the most expensive protein powders we tested, leading it to receive a below-average overall value score.
Another knock: Testers gave this product an average taste score. “The taste isn't awful, but I was expecting more flavor from this,” Sandra said. “It's not very vanilla-forward, but it's not a bad flavor,” Cindy said.
Both testers also mentioned that this protein powder didn’t taste very sweet.
How much does Ritual protein powder cost?
Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake comes in a 1-pound bag with 15 servings and costs $50 as a one-time, non-member price, before $10.99 shipping. This makes the price per serving about $3.33 — the highest among the protein powders we tested.
To get the best price, the company offers a monthly subscription model that charges a recurring fee of $44 every 30 days. Members also get free shipping. At this member rate, the price per serving comes to about $2.93.
How we test protein supplements
We began our process by researching the market: Which protein powders are popular and why? Which companies have positive reviews — and are those reviews legitimate? We also surveyed 300 adults ages 50-plus and convened a focus group with older adults who regularly take protein supplements. Their insights helped us pinpoint which factors matter most to older adults when choosing a protein powder and what drives overall satisfaction with these products. (We quote participants using pseudonyms to preserve their privacy.)
We consult with medical professionals to review the nutritional information and formulation of every supplement we test. Experts weigh in on each product’s active ingredients, potential additives and appropriateness for various age groups or health conditions. With the experts’ help, we ensure each supplement has independent third-party verification from organizations such as ConsumerLab.com, NSF International or the U.S. Pharmacopeia Convention. That’s especially important because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) typically does not evaluate supplements for safety or effectiveness.
Our lab team then purchases supplements that pass this initial screening. We recruit independent older adult testers who prepare and evaluate the protein powders and answer questions about packaging, instructions, mixability, taste, texture and more. We also assess factors such as value and protein content per serving. For additional information, see our supplements testing methodology.
Is Ritual right for you?
With so many protein powders on the market, it can be hard to narrow down which one best suits your needs. To help you decide whether the Daily Shake is the right fit, consider the following.
Do you want a plant-based protein source?
If so, the Essential Protein Daily Shake may work for you, since it doesn't contain dairy-derived protein sources such as whey or casein.
“For someone who has a milk allergy, whey protein would not be appropriate,” says Alexander LeRitz, a registered dietitian at JM Nutrition based in Toronto. Someone “following a vegan diet … may find that pea, soy or other plant-based proteins are more appropriate.”
Alternatively, experts we consulted say animal proteins may be easier for some people to digest than plant proteins. ”For older adults who experience digestive discomfort, a whey powder may be easier on the gut than a pea protein,” says Dustin Moore, a nutrition scientist, registered dietitian and brand manager at Swanson Vitamins in Los Angeles.*
Do you want at least 20 grams of protein per serving?
Everyone has different goals when it comes to protein intake. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends eating or drinking 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram (about 2.2 pounds) of body weight each day. For a 150-pound person, that’s at least 82 grams of protein per day.
Of the protein powders we tested, Ritual’s content is on the lower end. “Its 20-gram serving is slightly lower in protein and leucine [an amino acid] than many whey isolates, but it can still support older adults’ muscle health, especially when paired with adequate total protein and resistance exercise,” says medical reviewer Pearson.
If 20 grams per serving is sufficient for your protein goals, this supplement may work for you.
Do you have a flavor preference?
Taste was the most important deciding factor for both our survey respondents and our focus group participants — even over qualities such as cost, protein source and grams of protein per serving.
Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake comes in only two flavors: vanilla and chocolate. Our testers gave the vanilla option a so-so taste score, saying it didn’t have a strong flavor.
But depending on your preferences, a less flavorful supplement may be a good choice. If you plan to mix the powder with other ingredients, such as milk, fruit or peanut butter — or all of the above in a smoothie — you may not want the taste of the powder to overwhelm them.
However, if you want a company that offers protein powders in a variety of fun or unique flavors, Ritual is not a good fit.
Do you have a strict budget?
Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake has one of the highest per-serving costs among the protein supplements we tested.
If you take your protein supplement daily like those in our focus group, you would need to buy two of these packages to reach 30 servings, bringing the monthly cost to about $88 at the member price (and $100 for non-members).
Of our survey respondents who take protein daily, 80 percent said they spend $49 per month or less on their supplement, while only about 10 percent said they spend $60 or more. If you are looking for a more cost-effective plant-based protein supplement, see some options in our roundup of the best protein powders.
You can also check out our list of the 10 best low-cost protein sources for older adults for alternative ways to get in protein throughout the day.
Benefits of protein powders for older adults
As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass. Our bodies become less responsive to protein intake, meaning that older adults generally require more protein to adequately support muscle maintenance and repair.
In addition, “Older adults may experience factors that make it harder to consume adequate protein, such as reduced appetite, chewing difficulties and less energy for meal preparation,” says Kirsten Swantee, a registered dietitian at JM Nutrition based in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Protein supplements — like powders — may bring older adults the following benefits:
- Bridge nutritional gaps, especially for those with less of an appetite
- Stimulate muscle protein synthesis
- Combat age-related muscle loss
- Sustain bone health and density
- Support immune health
- Encourage recovery from illness, injury or surgery
The medical experts we consulted emphasize that protein powders should not be used as the only source of protein in your diet.
But they “can be a convenient and useful option as part of an overall healthy diet,” Swantee explains. “I encourage people to think of protein powder as one more option for protein that can be included alongside other protein sources such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy and legumes.
Potential side effects of protein powders for older adults
Protein powders are generally well-tolerated, but some people may experience unwanted side effects — especially if they have trouble digesting certain ingredients or have food sensitivities.
Potential side effects include:
- Bloating or gas
- Stomach pain or cramping
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Allergic reactions to ingredients such as whey or casein (from cow’s milk)) or soy
“If a powder boasts an ingredient it claims will treat a disease or condition, I would avoid that,” says Moore, the dietitian in Los Angeles. “Similarly, be cautious with protein supplements that include herbal blends, as these may have medication interactions.” If you take prescription medications, it’s always best to check the ingredient list and talk to your dietitian or health care provider about potential interactions.
Protein powders may require special consideration if you have certain health conditions. Experts we consulted say older adults with chronic kidney disease should be especially careful about their total protein intake. Some protein powders contain potassium or phosphorus, which may need to be limited in certain people with kidney disease. Older adults with liver disease may also need personalized guidance.
FAQs
No, the FDA does not test, review or approve any dietary supplements for safety or effectiveness before they are sold to the public. This is why medical experts often recommend looking for protein supplements that have been third-party tested.
Johannah Katz, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Missouri City, Texas, recommends looking for protein supplements with certifications such as NSF Certified for Sport or USP Verified, as these “provide added reassurance that the product has been tested for identity, contaminants, and whether it contains what the label says it contains.”
You can purchase Ritual protein powder directly from the company’s website or through select online retailers like Amazon.
Ritual doesn’t offer a traditional trial period, but it does offer a 30-day “Happiness Guarantee.” You can request a full refund within 30 days of purchasing the product from the company’s website if you aren’t satisfied with the supplement. This refund policy only applies to your first purchase of a Ritual product and requires an order number or proof of purchase, as well as a description of why you are requesting a refund.
Questions or feedback? Email us at AARPSmartPicks@aarp.org.
***Dustin Moore is a brand manager at Swanson Vitamins, which sells vitamins and some supplements, but not protein supplements.
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