As an avid drinker of protein shakes, I was excited to receive this product for review purpose. For the past 15 months, I've made protein shakes regularly for breakfast each morning. That is, until a week and half ago when my husband went on cruise with out friends to celebrate both turning 40 this year. After a week of endless food options and chef-prepared meals, it was hard to go back to a strict routine of morning work outs and shakes. So this trial of Carnation's new Breakfast Essentials came just at the right time.

Available in a variety of flavours, this product comes in convenient individual packages allow you to make a drink in seconds. I received the Chocolate version for testing and it was delicious! Unlike my regular protein mix, there was no weird after-taste that you typically get with drinks made with whey. Instead, it tasted just like a regular chocolate milk. It also heated up well to make a delicious hot chocolate (I heated 8 oz of milk first in my microwave, then added the powder to the already heated milk so not to destroy any of the nutritional properties of the drink).

While the Carnation version did have slightly higher calorie intake (300 calories when prepared with milk as opposed to my regular protein mix which has 260 calories, prepared with water), the flavour was so significantly better, that it was definitely worth the extra intake. The protein factor was also less than my regular morning shake (15 grams when prepared with milk, as opposed to my regular protein mix which has 24 grams, prepared with water); however, it was enough to satiate me until noon and provided necessary energy for my morning work out.

Since most people do not drink protein shakes regularly for breakfast, I also compared this with Shreddies (a heathy whole grain wheat cereal that is popular in Canada) to provide an overview of the nutritional breakdown.

Both breakfast options had the same fat intake of 1 g. Unprepared (without milk), Carnation had slightly higher protein (7 g vs 5 g), less sodium (115 mg vs 200 mg), more sugar (21 g vs 13 g), but less carbohydrates overall (30 g vs 47 g). Where Carnation stood out was with its vitamin content. A 8 oz Carnation drink unprepared (without milk), provided 50% of vitamin A intake (vs 0%), 50 vitamin C intake (vs 0%), 20% calcium (vs 2%), and 60% riboflavin (vs 2%).

Overall, a pretty health breakfast choice that would be big hit with adults and children alike. At a price point of $7.99 for 10 drinks, it is much cheaper than my $57 can of protein. I highly recommend this drink and will definitely be purchasing this the next time I go grocery shopping for my family of five!

I received this product for free from Carnation in exchange for my honest review.

Read more: http://reviewswhatsnew.blogspot.ca/2017/02/carnation-breakfast-essentials-review.html

I received this for free to review through Chickadvisor.

I looove these breakfast packs! So easy to make with almond milk before I head to class. The chocolate is delicious but not too heavy for a breakfast item. Helps me feel more awake and ready for the day.

Essentiels du déjeuner Carnation gout similaire au lait au chocolat contient pleins de vitamines et minéraux ainsi que des protéines dont notre corps a besoin, sans arriere-gout. Pour optimiser le gout je conseille de le faire au shaker Idéal le matin avant de travailler #gotitfree Je le recommande 5/5

Carnation Breakfast Essentials Powder Drink Mix in chocolate flavour is delicious. It is great as a fast grab-and-go breakfast before work in the morning.

The Carnation Breakfast Essentials Powder Drink Mix in Chocolate was easy to use and very tasty. Tasted just like a glass of chocolate milk which is a nice treat in the morning. Love that its packed with protien and good for you vitamins and minerals. The first day I drank it alone but found I got hungry after a couple hours. The next day I tried using a recipe from their website, just adding some fruit to make it into more of a smoothie which was even better. I think I would likely use it that way to add a boost to my smoothies!

Overall i would recommend! Definitely a great thing to have on hand in the mornings for a quick breakfast fix

(I received this item for free to try but all opinions are my own)

This product tastes really good. It is filling and easy to have for breakfast when you need something quick. I love it and so do both of my kids who also tried some.

I've been drinking these breakfast drinks from Carnation for ages, because they're a quick and easy alternative when I just don't have the time for a proper meal in the morning. I try not to use them as meal replacements, but when time isn't on my side I'm always happy to have something sweet yet filling to start the day. Just pour the contents of one packet into a tall glass, add milk and stir. I really enjoy the taste, it's very similar to chocolate protein drinks I've tried, but some people will be put off by the slightly malty taste. It's quite sweet for a breakfast drink, but it tastes great and takes no time at all to make and drink, either at home or on the way to work.

Jai eu la chance de tester ce produit et j'ai adorée ! Je me lève très tôt le matin et je n'ai pas toujours le temps de bien déjeuner alors pour mes matins fous les essentiels du petit déjeuner Carnation sont excellent et me soutiennent jusqu'au dîner. Je recommande ce produit.

#gotitfree Merci Chickadvisor!

Heads up: got to review this when Chickadvisor mailed it to my place! AWESOME.

I have only once drank the Breakfast essentials (chocolate) with ONLY milk: the other times I have blended it with bananas, peanut butter and milk, as well as almond milk and frozen berries. The smoothie recipes on their website are great, and add a lot to the drink.

It's GREAT for when you're on the go (it takes SECONDS to mix up) and keeps you feeling full! I even made a few smoothies the night before and kept them in mason jars overnight in the fridge: and it was just as if I had made it in the morning.

As for the flavour, it's delicious... though that might be due to the high sugar content. I imagine if you have kids they'd love it, and I'd recommend it to you especially! I will continue having it for breakfast, and my boyfriend enjoys it too.

I had ever tried Carnation Breakfast Essentials before. I was super pumped to try the chocolate.
YUMMY!! No chalkie taste, chocolate taste was so good and rich.
Thank you ChickAdvisor