Best Equip Prime Protein Flavors Ranked: A Functional Nutritionist’s Honest Review (2026)
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- 8 min read
Protein powder is one of the supplements I recommend most often, but finding one that actually tastes good can feel like a part-time job and a biiiig waste of money.
Over the years I’ve tested a lot of protein powders. Whey protein. Plant protein. Egg protein. Protein powders that tasted like cake batter. Protein powders that tasted like sidewalk chalk.
Equip Prime Protein has become one of my favorite options because it uses grass-fed beef protein isolate instead of whey, contains a relatively short ingredient list, and tends to be well tolerated by people who don’t do well with dairy-based proteins. Each serving provides about 20-21 grams of protein from grass-fed beef with minimal ingredients and no gums, fillers, or artificial sweeteners. [Shop Equip>>]
But the question I get most often isn’t: “Is Equip good?”
It’s: “Which flavor should I buy?”
I’ve worked my way through every flavor in the lineup, trying them in everything from smoothies and coffee to oatmeal and yogurt. So if you’re wondering which one to buy, I’ve done the taste-testing for you. Here’s my honest ranking.
Before We Talk Best Equip Prime Protein Flavors: Stevia vs. Stevia-Free Matters More Than You Think
Before we get into the flavor rankings, there’s one detail that deserves its own section because it significantly impacts taste.
Equip Prime Protein offers both stevia-sweetened and stevia-free options. Stevia is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener derived from the stevia plant. It’s popular in protein powders because it doesn’t spike blood sugar and has a clean sweetness. However, some people find stevia’s aftertaste bitter or medicinal.
The stevia-free flavors use a small amount of coconut sugar instead, which means they contain a few grams of added sugar per serving (typically up to 4 grams, depending on the flavor).
If you’re someone who enjoys stevia or doesn’t notice its flavor, this probably won’t matter much.
I am not one of those people. Personally, I can almost always detect stevia, and once I notice it, it’s hard for me to ignore. That lingering sweetness or slightly bitter aftertaste tends to stand out more than the actual flavor I’m trying to enjoy.
Because of that, I consistently prefer Equip’s stevia-free flavors.
Yes, they contain a small amount of added sugar. And for some people that may be a deal-breaker. But for me, 3-4 grams of sugar is a very reasonable tradeoff for a protein powder that tastes significantly better and that I’m actually excited to use.
This is one of those situations where “perfect” can get in the way of practical. Most people are not developing metabolic disease from 4 grams of coconut sugar in a protein shake. They are far more likely to benefit from consistently hitting their protein goals.
My personal favorite flavor in the entire lineup is Cinnamon Roll, which happens to be one of the stevia-free options. It tastes like an actual cinnamon roll-inspired protein powder rather than a cinnamon-flavored supplement. Mixed into a smoothie or blended with milk, it’s one of the few protein powders I genuinely look forward to drinking.
As a functional nutritionist, I spend a lot more time helping people eat enough protein than helping them avoid 4 grams of coconut sugar. For most people, the bigger win is choosing a protein powder they’ll actually use consistently.
If you’ve tried protein powders in the past and thought, “Why do they all have that weird sweetener taste?” I’d strongly consider starting with one of Equip’s stevia-free flavors.
My Favorite Stevia-Free Flavors
Cinnamon Roll 🏆
Vanilla
Cookies & Cream
Chocolate Mint*
My Favorite Stevia-Sweetened Flavors
Strawberry
Peanut Butter
Iced Coffee
My Overall Equip Prime Protein Flavor Rankings
Here’s my detailed review of each Equip Prime Protein flavor, ranked from most to least favorite based on taste, mixability, and versatility.
Vanilla: The Safe Choice for Almost Everyone
If someone asks me which Equip flavor to start with, my answer is almost always Vanilla.
It’s versatile, mixes well, works in smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, baking, and coffee, and doesn’t get old.
Some protein powders are exciting for three servings and then end up collecting dust in the pantry. Vanilla is the opposite. It’s sweet enough to be enjoyable but not so sweet that it dominates whatever you’re mixing it into.
If you’re buying your first tub and don’t know where to start, start here.
My rating: 9.5/10
Cinnamon Roll: My Personal Favorite
If I’m choosing based purely on enjoyment, Cinnamon Roll wins.
This is one of Equip’s stevia-free flavors, which is already a point in its favor for me. The cinnamon flavor is noticeable without tasting artificial, and it works surprisingly well in smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt bowls, and baked recipes.
It’s one of the few protein powders that I genuinely look forward to using.
My rating: 10/10
If you only read one thing in this entire review: buy Cinnamon Roll. I’ve tried a lot of protein powders over the years, and Cinnamon Roll is the flavor I find myself reaching for most often. The flavor is rich without being overpowering, works well in smoothies, and avoids the stevia aftertaste that tends to ruin otherwise good protein powders for me.
Strawberry: The Sleeper Hit Nobody Talks About [Mitchell's FAVE]
I think Strawberry is one of the most underrated flavors in the entire lineup.
Unlike many strawberry protein powders that taste like candy, this one tastes more natural and has a surprisingly creamy texture. One reason may be the addition of coconut milk powder, which seems to improve both flavor and mixability.
If you’re someone who regularly mixes protein powder into water or a non-dairy milk, Strawberry performs noticeably better than many of the other flavors.
This is probably the flavor that exceeded my expectations the most.
Best for:
Post-workout simple shake [water + powder]
Kids [My go-to flavor mixed into plain yogurt for my little one!]
Summer smoothie season [Fruity / Berry-based smoothies]
My rating: 9/10
Cookies & Cream: The Unexpected Winner
When Equip released Cookies & Cream, I assumed it would be overly sweet or gimmicky. I was wrong.
It’s surprisingly balanced and has more of a dessert feel than most of the other flavors without becoming overwhelming. If you’re bored with vanilla but don’t want something aggressively flavored, this is an excellent option.
Bonus points because this flavor comes in both stevia-sweetened OR stevia-free versions.
My rating: 9/10
Peanut Butter: Better Than It Sounds
Peanut Butter deserves credit for what it doesn’t do.
Many peanut butter protein powders hit you over the head with peanut flavor. Equip’s version is much more subtle AND is not super sweet. Because of that, I find myself using it regularly in oatmeal, yogurt bowls, smoothies, and recipes where I want a hint of peanut butter without making it the dominant flavor.
I’ll even add a half scoop to peanut butter powder (like PB Fit) to make a higher-protein peanut butter spread!
It’s not flashy, but it’s incredibly usable.
My rating: 8.5/10
Chocolate: Good, But Not My Everyday Choice
Chocolate tastes good. Full stop.
The reason it lands lower on my personal list isn’t because of flavor. It’s because I tend to reserve chocolate protein powders as an occasional option rather than an everyday staple due to the known lead content of cacao.
That said, if you’re a chocolate person, you’ll likely rank this much higher than I do. The flavor is lighter than many whey-based chocolate proteins, which some people love and others find too subtle. I personally appreciate that it doesn’t taste artificially sweet or leave a lingering aftertaste.
Pro Tip: When I really want hit-you-in-the-face chocolate flavor, I’ll use this powder as a base PLUS 1 teaspoon of dutch processed cacao powder and a hefty pinch of sea salt! – soooo sooo good in the Ninja Creami.
My rating: 7.5/10
Related : Chocolate Mint
With the same caveats above, Chocolate Mint is one of those occasional flavors that I keep in my rotation. I lean heavier into this in winter months when I want a warm protein shake. I’m telling you, this Chocolate Mint Prime Protein + Warm Milk or Non-Dairy Milk + ½ packet of LMNT Chocolate Salt + 1 shot of espresso tastes better than ANY starbucks sugar-bomb-creation you can dream of. No whipped topping needed.
Best for:
Protein hot chocolate [the IG recipe]
Iced Coffee: Fine, But Bring Your Own Coffee
I wanted to love this flavor more than I actually do.
The coffee flavor is surprisingly subtle. If you’re expecting something that tastes like a coffee-shop protein drink, you’ll probably be disappointed.
In practice, I find it works best when mixed with actual coffee. Once you do that, it becomes a solid option. On its own, it’s just a little too mild for me.
My rating: 6/10
Related : Mocha
Similarly, this is heavy on the chocolate note and light on the coffee flavor. I don't really know the point. If you want mocha flavor, add actual coffee or espresso to Equip Prime Chocolate and skip this one.
Salted Caramel: The Texture Problem (!!)
This is the only flavor I don’t regularly reorder.
The flavor itself is fine. The texture is what loses me.
For whatever reason, Salted Caramel tends to become unusually thick, sticky, and almost gloopy compared to the other flavors. I’ve noticed it repeatedly, and it makes the drinking experience less enjoyable.
The good news is that it performs reasonably well in recipes and baking applications where texture matters less. But as a shake? This one isn’t for me.
My rating: 5/10
Unflavored: womp, womp.
Nobody buys unflavored because they’re excited about the taste.
You buy unflavored because you want maximum flexibility and simplicity.
It works well in smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, soups, and recipes where you don’t want added sweetness. I would say this is the only "flavor" where I can actually pick up on a distinct beef-protein flavor when mixed into certain drinks. You can hide it fairly easily with strong-flavored ingredients like berries or cocoa powder, but it is what it is I guess.
Best for:
Recipe development
Savory applications
People avoiding sweeteners
My rating: N/A (different category entirely)
Which Equip Flavor Should You Buy?
If you’re brand new to Equip Prime Protein:
Vanilla
Strawberry
Cookies & Cream
If you’re looking for something unique and delicious:
Cinnamon Roll
Chocolate Mint
Cinnamon Churro*
*...yes, I realize this is the first mention of this flavor, but it's a limited edition drop so I can't promise it's still available....
If you’re buying for kids:
Strawberry
Vanilla
Chocolate
Why Equip Prime Protein Is One of Our Clinic’s Preferred Protein Powders
At The Facility, we prioritize protein powders that support functional nutrition goals. Equip Prime Protein stands out because it uses beef protein isolate, which is hypoallergenic and easier to digest for many people compared to whey or plant proteins. It’s free from common allergens like dairy, soy, and gluten, making it suitable for a wide range of patients.
The protein quality is excellent, providing all essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and metabolic health. Plus, the ingredient list is clean, with no artificial additives or fillers. This aligns with our physiology-first approach to nutrition, focusing on products that support the body without unnecessary extras.
From a clinical perspective, the biggest win isn’t that it’s beef protein. It’s that patients actually use it consistently to support daily protein intake.
Ready to Try Equip?
Choosing the best Equip Prime Protein flavor can make a big difference in your daily nutrition routine.
Whether you want a sweet treat or a neutral base, there’s a flavor that fits your needs. Remember, taste is personal, so don’t hesitate to try a couple of flavors before settling on your favorite. Good News on that front: Equip just launched a Variety Pack to sample multiple flavors before committing to a full bag.
If you want to try Equip Prime Protein, check out the link below to explore current options. Using our affiliate link supports our clinic’s work without costing you extra [it'll even SAVE you money with our built-in discount code]
For more about how to incorporate protein powder into your routine, check out our other posts:
🌟 Want more DESSERT RECIPES using beef protein isolate?! - Enter your information below to get instant access to the recipe book curated by the team at Equip. It's a gooooood one!
About Kate Daugherty, MS, CNS: Kate is a certified nutrition specialist and functional nutritionist at The Facility Functional Medicine Clinic in Denver, Colorado.
I embarked on my career journey in neuroscience, which seamlessly transitioned into further education in human nutrition. Utilizing food as medicine to treat the mind-body connection is truly remarkable. I believe our eating habits nourish our soul just as profoundly as they do our body.
