Best Protein Instant Breakfast Drinks of 2025

Ashley Abels Avatar
Ashley Abels
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Protein Instant Breakfast Drinks are a convenient and nutritious option for those who are always on-the-go. These drinks are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, as well as a healthy dose of protein to keep you feeling full and energized throughout the day. They come in a variety of flavors, such as chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, and can be enjoyed either hot or cold. Whether you're rushing out the door in the morning or need a quick pick-me-up in the afternoon, Protein Instant Breakfast Drinks are a great option for anyone looking for a healthy and convenient meal replacement.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Carnation Breakfast Essentials High Protein with Fiber Ready-to-Drink Cover #TOP 1
Carnation Breakfast Essentials High Protein with Fiber Ready-to-Drink
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Carnation Breakfast Essentials High Protein Ready-to-Drink Cover #TOP 2
Carnation Breakfast Essentials High Protein Ready-to-Drink
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Carnation Breakfast Essentials Light Start Ready-to-Drink Cover #TOP 3
Carnation Breakfast Essentials Light Start Ready-to-Drink
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Protein Instant Breakfast Drinks

#TOP 1

Carnation Breakfast Essentials High Protein with Fiber Ready-to-Drink

Carnation Breakfast Essentials High Protein with Fiber Ready-to-Drink Cover
Carnation Breakfast Essentials High Protein with Fiber Ready-to-Drink, 8 FL OZ Carton, Rich Milk Chocolate 8 Fl Oz (Pack of 24) (Packaging May Vary)

Carnation Breakfast Essentials High Protein with Fiber Nutritional Drinks make it easy to start your day with key nutrients at breakfast. Each 8 fl oz serving is packed with 15 g of high-quality protein to help build & maintain muscle. Provides an excellent source of 21 vitamins and minerals to help meet daily nutritional needs plus 3 g of fiber for digestive health. Carnation Breakfast Essentials with Fiber Nutritional Drinks contain 100 percent daily value (DV) of vitamin C and 50 percent DV of vitamin D, key nutrients for immune support. Also gluten free and kosher.

What We Like
15g of high-quality protein per serving
Excellent source of 21 vitamins and minerals
Contains 3g of fiber for digestive health
100% DV of vitamin C and 50% DV of vitamin D for immune support
No artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners
#TOP 2

Carnation Breakfast Essentials High Protein Ready-to-Drink

Carnation Breakfast Essentials High Protein Ready-to-Drink Cover
Carnation Breakfast Essentials High Protein Ready-to-Drink, Classic French Vanilla, 8 FL OZ Carton (Pack of 24)

Carnation Breakfast Essentials High Protein Nutritional Drinks provide an easy and delicious way to start your day with key nutrients. Each 8 fl oz serving contains 15 g of high-quality protein to help build and maintain muscle, as well as an excellent source of 21 vitamins and minerals to help meet daily nutritional needs. Additionally, it contains 100% daily value (DV) of vitamin C and 50% DV of vitamin D, key nutrients for immune support. This drink is also free of artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners, gluten-free, and kosher.

What We Like
High-quality protein to help build and maintain muscle
Excellent source of 21 vitamins and minerals
Contains 100% DV of vitamin C and 50% DV of vitamin D for immune support
No artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners
Gluten-free and kosher
#TOP 3

Carnation Breakfast Essentials Light Start Ready-to-Drink

Carnation Breakfast Essentials Light Start Ready-to-Drink Cover
Carnation Breakfast Essentials Light Start Nutritional Drink, 13g Protein Ready-to-Drink, 70% Less Sugar, Immune Support, Vitamins, Gluten Free, Chocolate, 8 FL OZ Carton (24 Pack)

Carnation Breakfast Essentials Light Start Nutritional Drinks make it easy to start your day with key nutrients at breakfast. Each 8 fl oz serving is packed with 13 g of high-quality protein to help build & maintain muscle. Provides an excellent source of 21 vitamins & minerals to help meet daily nutritional needs and fill nutritional gaps. Carnation Breakfast Essentials Nutritional Drinks contain 100% daily value (DV) of vitamin C and 50% DV of vitamin D, key nutrients for immune support. Also gluten free and kosher.

What We Like
High-quality protein to help build & maintain muscle
Provides an excellent source of 21 vitamins & minerals
Contains 100% DV of vitamin C and 50% DV of vitamin D for immune support
No artificial flavors or colors
Gluten free and kosher
#TOP 4

Carnation Breakfast Essentials High Protein Powder Drink Mix

TS0417-A700ML-M388
Rich Milk Chocolate
Carnation Breakfast Essentials High Protein Powder Drink Mix Cover
Carnation Breakfast Essentials High Protein Powder Drink Mix, Rich Milk Chocolate, 10 Count Box Packets (Pack of 6) (Packaging May Vary)

Carnation Breakfast Essentials High Protein Powder Drink Mix is a nutritious powder drink mix that comes in a lower calorie option than the original. The powder drink mix can be mixed with skim milk or blended into a smoothie for a tasty, easy mini-meal or breakfast drink, providing you with protein and other nutrients. It helps families get the vitamins and minerals they need to start their day. With fewer calories and good nutrition, Carnation Breakfast Essentials nutritional drinks make it easy to start your day with good nutrition.

What We Like
Lower calorie option than the original
Provides protein and other nutrients
Helps families get the vitamins and minerals they need to start their day
Easy to prepare and consume
#TOP 5

Carnation Breakfast Essentials with Fiber Nutritional Drinks

Carnation Breakfast Essentials with Fiber Nutritional Drinks Cover
Carnation Breakfast Essentials Ready to Drink with Fiber, Rich Milk Chocolate, 8 FL OZ Carton (Pack of 24) (Packaging May Vary)

Carnation Breakfast Essentials with Fiber Nutritional Drinks is a ready-to-drink breakfast drink that contains 10g of high-quality protein, 21 vitamins and minerals, and 3g of fiber per serving. With 100% DV of vitamin C and 50% DV of vitamin D, it provides key nutrients for immune support. The drink is free from artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners, and is also gluten-free and kosher. It is an easy and convenient way to get essential nutrients to start your day and support digestive health.

What We Like
High-quality protein helps build and maintain muscle.
Contains 21 vitamins and minerals to help meet daily nutritional needs.
Provides 3g of fiber for digestive health.
#TOP 6

Carnation Breakfast Essentials Powder Drink Mix

Carnation Breakfast Essentials Powder Drink Mix Cover
Carnation Breakfast Essentials Powder Drink Mix, Rich Milk Chocolate,1.26 Ounce (Pack of 22), (Packaging May Vary)

Carnation Breakfast Essentials Powder Drink Mix is a powdered nutritional drink that can be consumed as a snack or breakfast. It provides 13g of protein when mixed with 1 cup of fat free milk, making it a great source of essential nutrients. This drink mix is available in two easy forms, and can be mixed with skim milk or added to smoothies for a tasty and easy snack or breakfast drink. Carnation Breakfast Essentials helps families get the vitamins and minerals they need to start the day, and is a great option for busy individuals looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

What We Like
Provides 13g of protein when mixed with 1 cup of fat free milk
Available in two easy forms
Can be mixed with skim milk or added to smoothies
Helps families get the vitamins and minerals they need to start the day
Great option for busy individuals looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle
#TOP 7

Carnation Breakfast Essentials Tropical Smoothie

Carnation Breakfast Essentials Tropical Smoothie Cover
Carnation Breakfast Essentials Fruit and Protein Smoothie Nutritional Drink, Tropical, 24 – 8 fl oz Cartons

Carnation Tropical Smoothie offers a convenient way to kickstart your morning. Each pack contains 24 reclosable 8-ounce cartons, making them easy to enjoy at home or on the go. You’ll receive a 1/3 cup equivalent of fruit in every serving, which helps you meet your daily fruit intake. Plus, it’s a good source of protein to keep you feeling full and energized. With 21 essential vitamins and minerals, including Zinc and Vitamin B12, this smoothie supports your brain health, ensuring you start your day on the right note.

What We Like
Convenient reclosable cartons
Good source of protein
Supports brain health
Lower sugar content
#TOP 8

Carnation Breakfast Essentials Ready-to-Drink

Carnation Breakfast Essentials Ready-to-Drink Cover
Carnation Breakfast Essentials Ready-to-Drink, Classic French Vanilla, 8 FL OZ Carton (Pack of 24)

Carnation Breakfast Essentials Nutritional Drinks provide a delicious and easy way to get key nutrients at breakfast. Each 8 fl oz serving contains 10 g of high-quality protein and an excellent source of 21 vitamins & minerals to help meet daily nutritional needs and fill nutritional gaps. With 100% DV of vitamin C and 50% DV of vitamin D, it also provides key nutrients for immune support. This breakfast drink is gluten-free, kosher, and contains no artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners.

What We Like
Provides high-quality protein for building and maintaining muscle
Contains 21 vitamins & minerals for daily nutritional needs
Includes 100% DV of vitamin C and 50% DV of vitamin D for immune support
Gluten-free and kosher
No artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners
#TOP 9

Carnation Breakfast Essentials Powder Drink Mix Variety Pack

Carnation Breakfast Essentials Powder Drink Mix Variety Pack Cover
Nestle Carnation Breakfast Essentials Complete Nutritional Drink Rich Milk Chocolate / Classic French Vanilla / Strawberry Sensation Flavor 10 Ct

Carnation Breakfast Essentials Powder Drink Mix Variety Pack is a quick, easy, delicious and nutritious way to start your day. It contains 21 vitamins & minerals and 13 g of protein per prepared serving. This instant breakfast drink is an easy and nutritious snack or mini meal that comes in a 10 count box of 1.26 ounce packets. It is perfect for those who are always on the go and need a quick and healthy breakfast option.

What We Like
Quick and easy to prepare
Contains 21 vitamins & minerals
13 g of protein per prepared serving
Perfect for those on the go
Comes in a variety pack
#TOP 10

Carnation Breakfast Essentials Powder Drink Mix, Variety Pack, 10 Count Box of Packets

Carnation Breakfast Essentials Powder Drink Mix, Variety Pack, 10 Count Box of Packets Cover
Carnation Breakfast Essentials Complete Nutritional Drink Rich Milk Chocolate / Classic French Vanilla / Strawberry Sensation Flavor 1.26 oz. 60 Ct

Carnation Breakfast Essentials Mix is a high protein, balanced nutritional drink that comes in both ready-to-drink bottles and powder form. With 15g of protein, 220 calories, vitamin C and calcium per serving, it is a great way to start your day. Whether you're on-the-go or have time to mix it into a protein shake, this nutritional drink makes it easy to get the vitamins and minerals you need. Carnation Breakfast Essentials Mix is perfect for busy people who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. With a variety pack of 10 count box of packets, you can enjoy different flavors every day.

What We Like
High protein
Ready to drink
Convenient
Good nutrition
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does Carnation Instant Breakfast have protein?

Key Benefits. Mix Carnation Breakfast Essentials® High Protein Drink Mix with 1 cup skim milk for a protein-packed drink that provides 18 g high-quality protein to help build muscle and 220 nutrient-rich calories with 23 vitamins and minerals including calcium and vitamin D to build strong bones.

2. How much protein is in Carnation breakfast drink?

Key Benefits. Mix Carnation Breakfast Essentials® Drink Mix with 1 cup skim milk for a nutrient-packed drink that provides 13 g high-quality protein to help build muscle and 220 nutrient-rich calories with 21 vitamins and minerals including calcium and vitamin D to build strong bones.

3. Is breakfast essentials a good source of protein?

Carnation Breakfast Essential's high caloric content and high protein count are a win, according to Jonathan Valdez, RDN, owner and founder of Genki Nutrition and member of the Verywell Fit Review Board.

4. Can you use Carnation Instant Breakfast as a meal replacement?

Using Carnation Instant Breakfast for Weight Loss Meal replacements work for dieters because they not only aid in calorie control but are also convenient. Additionally, as a fortified food, Carnation Instant Breakfast can help you meet your vitamin and mineral needs.

Editor's Notes

During our protein instant breakfast drink research, we found 24 protein instant breakfast drink products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 169,263 customer reviews through our big data system to write the protein instant breakfast drinks list. We found that most customers choose protein instant breakfast drinks with an average price of $21.27.

The protein instant breakfast drinks are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of protein instant breakfast drinks, including Carnation Breakfast Essentials and more. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Ashley Abels Avatar

Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!