The Skippy Peanut Butter flavor is a standout, reminding me of my childhood favorite.
The whey blend mixes smoothly with just a few ounces of cold water, making it perfect for post-workout shakes if you’re short on time.
As someone who has tried numerous protein supplements over the years, I appreciate Ryse’s commitment to offering tasty options that keep me excited about hitting my daily protein goals.
Considerations
While I don’t mind the occasional artificial flavor or sweetener, it may not work for everyone. Ryse’s ingredient profile may not be ideal for those individuals.
At $1.66 per serving, Ryse is pricier than some of my go-to brands like Optimum Nutrition. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to consider if you’re on a tight budget.
Overall
Ryse protein is a strong contender in the world of fitness supplements. The Peanut Butter flavor is a personal favorite, and I love how easily the whey blend mixes with just a small amount of water. While not every flavor is a home run (looking at you, Fruity Crunch), Ryse offers enough variety to keep things interesting.
The ingredient profile may not be the cleanest, and the price point is slightly higher than some competitors, but the taste and convenience make it a worthwhile choice for me. If you’re looking for a protein supplement that feels like a treat rather than a chore, Ryse is definitely worth checking out.
Protein Content25gCalories150kcalCarbs3gProtein Density67%Sugar1gFat2.5gSodium240mgSweetenersSucralose,Acesulfame PotassiumAllergensMilk, Soy, Peanuts
First up was the Peanut Butter, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. As soon as I opened the tub, I smelled Skippy peanut butter, instantly taking me back to my childhood.
I mixed one scoop with about 6 ounces of cold water (though you could definitely get away with less for a stronger flavor) and gave it a good shake. The result? A creamy, smooth shake that tasted just like a peanut butter cup. The flavor was spot-on, and the texture was perfect – no chalky aftertaste or gritty bits. Peanut Butter earns a solid 8/10 in my book.
Unfortunately, Fruity Crunch, didn’t quite live up to my expectations. The smell was fruity but artificial, and it tasted more like fruity punch than cereal like I was hoping for. It mixed well, but nowhere near the same as the Skippy Peanut Butter. I give Fruity Crunch a 6.8/10.
Compared to other brands I’ve tried, like Ghost and Optimum Nutrition, Ryse holds its own in terms of taste. However, taste is subjective, and what didn’t work for me may not be the case for you.
Just before tasking the Skippy Peanut Butter flavor
Protein density
Each serving of Ryse protein contains 25 grams of protein across 130-150 total calories, depending on which flavor you choose.
That means you’re getting anywhere from 67% to 77% of your calories from protein. This is better than Muscle Milk’s Genuine Whey Protein (46%), on par with Optimum Gold Standard (74%) and Ghost Whey Protein (67%), and worse than Dymatize ISO 100 (83%) and Isopure (99%).
But there are some tradeoffs with higher density proteins. Generally speaking, the more “pure” a protein is, the less flavoring it has. So if taste is really important to you, you may want to sacrifice some protein density.
Bang for your buck (cost)
A 2-lb tub (27 servings) will set you back around $44.99, which works out to about $1.66 per serving, which is on the average to high side of protein prices.
The flavors (especially Peanut Butter) are some of the best I’ve tried, while maintaining a solid price per serving and caloric density. Plus, the powder mixes well, making it easy to drink.
Ryse might not be the most cost-effective choice. But if you’re willing to pay a bit more for a premium product that delivers on both taste and performance, I think Ryse is a solid option.
Mixing up the Fruity Crunch flavor
Nutritional value
Ryse uses a blend of whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate, which is standard for many protein supplements. Whey is a quality, complete protein source that’s easy for your body to digest and absorb. Each scoop of Ryse packs 25 grams of protein, which is what you’d expect from a premium protein powder.
Each serving contains 3-5 grams of carbs (depending on the flavor) and 1-2 grams of fat. This is pretty low, which is great if you’re trying to minimize your macros.
Ryse does use artificial flavoring and sweeteners in their blend. This isn’t a dealbreaker for me, personally, but I know it is for some people. If you’re looking for all natural and organic supplements, Ryse may not be the best choice.
Fruity Crunch has 130 calories vs Skippy Peanut Butter at 150 calories
Mixability
I scored Ryse’s mixability a 6.9 out of 10. Even after shaking it for 15-30 seconds (which is my standard mixing time), there was still some leftover residue and powder at the bottom of my shaker bottle. But, despite the leftover bits, the actual consistency of the shake was decent. It wasn’t thick or clumpy, which is a problem with other protein powders I’ve tried.
I did experiment with adding more than the recommended 4-6 ounces of water, and it helped. But even then, I still couldn’t quite achieve that perfect, lump-free consistency I would have liked.
If you’re picky about texture and consistency, it may not be for you. But if you’re willing to overlook a bit of residue for the sake of taste and overall performance, I would recommend buying it.
Third party testing
Ryse claims to test their products “multiple times” but it’s unclear whether that testing is done in-house or by a third party. This ambiguity isn’t great, but I chalk it up to them being a newer brand on the market.
Hopefully they’ll clarify the language on their website soon. And add third-party testing to their production process, if that is indeed not the case now.
What Other People Are Saying
Here’s what other customers are saying about Ryse protein:
Customers generally love the taste and agree that the powder mixes well, and is easy to drink.
Flavors like Cinnamon Toast and Marshmallow are repeatedly mentioned as favorites.
Gingerbread Cookie and Chocolate Cookie Blast, were among the least favorite flavors, described as lacking in expected flavor or having an unpleasant taste.
Some consumers think the sweetness is too intense, which is not all that surprising given there are 10 flavors to choose from.
They have received some criticisms for occasional quality control issues, like the presence of an unexpected wood chip.
Ryse Whey Protein Vs The Market:
Protein
Price per serving ($)
Price per gram of protein (g)
Protein density (%)
Calories per serving (kcal)
Ryse Whey Protein Powder
$1.67
$0.07
67% to 77%
130-150
Optimum Gold Standard
$1.56
$0.06
74%
130
Dymatize ISO 100
$1.24
$0.05
83%
120
Muscle Milk Genuine Whey
$1.77
$0.06
46%
280
Ghost Whey Protein
$1.65
$0.07
67%
150
Compared to other popular whey proteins on the market:
Ryse’s price per serving is above average at $1.67
Ryse’s protein density is above average with 67-77% of its calories from protein, depending on the flavor
Ryse’s calories per serving are average with 130-150 calories per serving, depending on the flavor
Ryse Protein Powder Full Ratings
Final Thoughts:
Overall, Ryse is a quality protein supplement that caters to those prioritizing taste and muscle-building. It may not be the most budget-friendly or “natural” choice, but it delivers on its promises. If you’re willing to invest in a premium product and can overlook minor mixability issues, Ryse is worth considering.
Ryse can be a helpful tool in your weight loss journey thanks to its low carb and fat content. Just keep in mind that it’s not a complete meal replacement on its own.
You can pick up a tub directly from the Ryse website or from Amazon. Note, if you buy using the Amazon link, my team and I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Thanks for stopping by and wishing you all the best on your self-improvement journey!
Corey Lewis is the Co-Founder of 1AND1. He has been featured in NY Weekly, GQ, Bustle, and Ask Men. Corey played football in the Big Ten Conference at The University of Illinois, and in the NFL with the New England Patriots. Corey has personally tested over 50+ protein powders and hundreds of nutritional supplements throughout his career. Follow Corey on Instagram here.