Most Premier Protein shakes are not lactose free. The brand’s core lineup of ready-to-drink shakes uses milk protein isolate and milk protein concentrate as primary protein sources, both of which contain small amounts of lactose. However, Premier Protein does offer a separate non-dairy line made with almondmilk that contains no lactose at all.
What’s in the Standard Shakes
The classic Premier Protein shakes (the ones you see in 11 oz bottles at Costco, Target, and most grocery stores) list milk protein concentrate and milk protein isolate as their main protein sources. Both are derived from cow’s milk. The isolate form is more heavily filtered, which removes most of the lactose, but not all of it. A typical whey isolate contains up to 1 gram of lactose per 100-calorie serving, while a concentrate can contain up to 3.5 grams. Premier Protein does not disclose the exact grams of lactose per shake on its label or website.
For context, a cup of regular milk has about 12 grams of lactose. So the amount in a dairy-based Premier Protein shake is substantially lower, but it isn’t zero. Most people with mild to moderate lactose intolerance can handle small amounts without symptoms. If you fall into that category, a single shake may sit fine. But if you have severe lactose intolerance or a true dairy allergy, even trace amounts can trigger bloating, cramping, or worse.
The Non-Dairy Almondmilk Line
Premier Protein sells a separate line of non-dairy shakes made with an almondmilk base. These use soy protein isolate instead of any milk-derived protein. The ingredient list for the Vanilla Almondmilk shake, for example, contains almondmilk (water and almonds), soy protein isolate, sugar, soluble corn fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. No milk, no casein, no whey, no lactose.
These shakes are clearly labeled “Non-Dairy Protein Shake” on the packaging. They come in flavors like chocolate and vanilla. The allergen statement lists soy and almonds but not milk. If you need a genuinely lactose-free option from this brand, the almondmilk line is the one to look for.
How to Tell the Two Lines Apart
The packaging difference is easy to miss if you’re shopping quickly. The standard dairy-based shakes and the almondmilk shakes sit in similar-looking bottles. Look for the words “Almondmilk” and “Non-Dairy” on the front label. You can also check the allergen line at the bottom of the ingredient list: if it says “Contains Milk,” it’s the dairy version. If it says “Contains Soy and Almonds” with no mention of milk, it’s the non-dairy version.
If You’re Lactose Intolerant but Want the Dairy Version
Many people with lactose intolerance can tolerate milk protein isolates without significant issues because the lactose content is so low compared to regular dairy products. The amount in these shakes is likely well under 3 grams per bottle. A reasonable approach is to try half a shake first and see how your body responds before committing to a full serving or making it a daily habit.
That said, individual tolerance varies widely. Some people react to even small traces of lactose, while others can handle several grams without discomfort. Taking a lactase enzyme supplement before drinking the shake is another option that works for many people. If you’ve had strong reactions to other dairy-based protein powders or supplements in the past, the non-dairy almondmilk line is the safer bet.
Other Ingredients Worth Knowing About
Some people who drink Premier Protein shakes and assume lactose is causing their stomach trouble may actually be reacting to other ingredients. The dairy-based shakes contain sugar alcohols and various thickeners that can cause gas, bloating, or loose stools in sensitive individuals. These symptoms overlap with lactose intolerance, which makes it hard to pinpoint the cause without some trial and error. Switching to the non-dairy version and still experiencing symptoms would suggest lactose wasn’t the problem in the first place.