Equip Protein Powder Review: Does It Taste Like Beef?
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If the words beef protein powder make you picture a chocolate milkshake with a side of pot roast, I understand. That was one of my first questions too.
Fortunately, Equip Prime Protein does not taste like beef. It tastes like a creamy, lightly sweet protein powder—and it has become one of my favorite easy ways to add more protein to my day.
I have tried all of the Equip Prime Protein flavors, and while they are all good, Mocha and Cookies & Cream are my favorites. I use the powder in simple shakes, fruit smoothies, and even homemade coconut-milk ice cream.
In this Equip protein powder review, I am sharing what it tastes like, what makes it different from whey and plant-based powders, my favorite flavors, easy ways to use it, and whether I think it is worth buying.
Want to try it? Shop Equip Prime Protein here and use coupon code DANA15 at checkout to save.
What Is Equip Prime Protein?
Equip Prime Protein is a protein powder made with grass-fed beef protein isolate. Each serving provides about 20 grams of complete protein.
Before you quietly close this tab at the phrase “beef protein,” let me reassure you again: it does not taste like a hamburger. The beef protein isolate is used as the protein source, but the flavored powders taste like the flavor written on the bag.
One of the biggest reasons people choose Equip is its short ingredient list. For example, the chocolate flavor contains beef protein isolate, cocoa powder, and stevia (you can also choose the non-stevia blends if you'd prefer). Equip says its Prime Protein is made without fillers or artificial additives and is free from whey, dairy, and gluten.
That makes it an interesting option for someone who wants a complete animal-based protein but does not want a traditional dairy-based whey powder.
My Honest Equip Protein Powder Review
The short version? I really like it, I use it regularly, and I would buy it again.
I originally started using Equip because I wanted a convenient way to get more high-quality protein. I have tried enough “healthy” products to know that an impressive label does not help much if the product tastes like sweetened sidewalk chalk.
Equip is different. The flavors are genuinely enjoyable, it is easy to add to drinks and frozen treats, and—most importantly—I actually want to use it.
The texture depends somewhat on how you prepare it. Blending it with milk and frozen fruit makes a thicker, creamier drink than simply stirring it into water. I personally prefer it blended, especially when I want something that feels like a milkshake.
Does Equip Protein Powder Taste Like Beef?
No. Equip Prime Protein does not taste like beef to me.
This is probably the most common question people have about it, and it is a fair one. “Grass-fed beef protein isolate” sounds as though it should come with a baked potato. It does not.
The flavored varieties taste sweet and dessert-like, not savory or meaty. I can taste the mocha, cookies and cream, chocolate, or whichever flavor I am using—not beef.
Of course, taste is personal. But if fear of a beef flavor is the only thing holding you back, I would not let that stop you.
The Best Equip Protein Powder Flavors
I think all of the flavors are good, but these are the two I reach for most often.
1. Mocha
Mocha is one of my absolute favorites. It has that chocolate-and-coffee combination that feels a little more interesting than plain chocolate without being complicated.
It is a great choice for mornings, an afternoon pick-me-up, or anytime you want your protein drink to feel more like a coffee-shop treat. I especially like it blended with frozen strawberries and milk.
Because mocha contains coffee, check the current label if you are watching your caffeine intake or planning to drink it late in the day.
2. Cookies & Cream
Cookies & Cream is my other favorite. It is creamy, sweet, and easy to turn into a shake that tastes like dessert.
This is the flavor I would recommend to someone who wants their protein powder to feel fun rather than overly “health food-ish.” It works well with milk and ice, but it is also delicious blended into thicker frozen recipes.
What About the Other Flavors?
I have enjoyed the other flavors too. Your best choice will depend on what you normally like:
- Choose Mocha if you love chocolate and coffee flavors.
- Choose Cookies & Cream if you want something creamy and dessert-like.
- Choose a classic flavor such as Chocolate or Vanilla if you want the most flexibility for smoothies and recipes.
- Choose Unflavored if you want to add protein without changing the flavor of a smoothie as much.
Flavor availability can change, so check the Equip website for the current selection.
My Favorite Ways to Use Equip Prime Protein
You can mix Equip with water or milk, but blending it opens up far more delicious possibilities. These are a few of my favorites.
This works well if you want to make your own ice cream.
Easy Strawberry Protein Milkshake
This is simple, creamy, and easy to adjust depending on how thick you like your shakes.
Ingredients
- 1 scoop Equip Prime Protein
- 1 cup milk of your choice
- 1 to 1½ cups frozen strawberries
- A few ice cubes, optional
Directions
Add everything to a blender and blend until smooth. Add a splash more milk if the shake is too thick, or add more frozen strawberries if you want it thick enough to require serious straw commitment.
Vanilla or Unflavored Prime Protein would be especially versatile here, but you can experiment with any combination that sounds good to you.
Coconut-Milk Protein Ice Cream
Equip also works surprisingly well in an easy homemade frozen dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cans full-fat coconut milk
- 1 to 2 scoops Equip Prime Protein
- Optional add-ins such as cocoa powder or berries
Directions
Blend the coconut milk and protein powder until completely smooth. Pour the mixture into an ice-cream maker and churn according to the machine's directions.
If you do not have an ice-cream maker, pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze it, stirring it several times during the first few hours to help reduce ice crystals. Let it soften briefly before scooping.
The full-fat coconut milk helps give it a much creamier texture than a lower-fat milk would. Cookies & Cream makes a particularly fun frozen treat.
Quick Mocha Protein Shake
Ingredients
- 1 scoop Mocha Equip Prime Protein
- 1 cup milk of your choice
- A handful of ice
Directions
Blend until smooth and frothy. If you like a thicker shake, use less milk or add more ice.
Equip Protein vs. Whey Protein
The most obvious difference is the protein source. Whey comes from milk, while Equip Prime Protein uses beef protein isolate.
Both can provide complete protein, but Equip may appeal to someone who avoids whey or dairy ingredients. It also has a much shorter ingredient list than many powders loaded with gums, thickeners, fillers, and artificial ingredients.
Is Equip Prime Protein Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free?
Equip describes Prime Protein as dairy-free, whey-free, and gluten-free. However, manufacturing information and individual flavor formulas can change. If you have a serious food allergy or sensitivity, always read the current package label and allergen statement before using it.
Prime Protein is not vegetarian or vegan because its protein comes from beef.
Are Equip Protein Bars Good?
Yes—the Equip Prime Bars are very good too.
The powder is still the star of this review, but the bars are worth mentioning if you want a portable option. Equip says each Prime Bar contains 20 grams of protein and is made with grass-fed beef protein and collagen, with sweetness from dates and honey rather than sugar alcohols.
They are especially handy for a busy day, traveling, or those moments when you realize lunch somehow became three errands and half a granola bar.
The bar ingredients and allergens vary by flavor. Some contain peanuts or dairy-derived colostrum, so check the individual label before ordering if either is a concern.
What Else Does Equip Sell?
In addition to Prime Protein and Prime Bars, Equip offers other animal-based supplements, including collagen, colostrum products, and grass-fed beef organs.
I would keep your first order focused on the products you are most likely to use. For most people reading this review, that will probably be Prime Protein. If you also need a convenient grab-and-go snack, adding a box of Prime Bars makes sense.
Is Equip Protein Powder Worth It?
For me, yes. Equip Prime Protein is worth it because it gives me a convenient way to add 20 grams of complete protein, has a short ingredient list, and—this part matters—it tastes good enough that I actually use it.
Mocha and Cookies & Cream are my personal favorites, but I have liked all the flavors I have tried. I also appreciate that it is versatile: I can make a quick shake, blend it with frozen strawberries, or turn coconut milk and protein powder into a creamy frozen treat.
If you are looking for a whey-free protein powder, prefer animal-based protein, or simply have not found a traditional protein powder you enjoy, Equip is worth considering.
Shop Equip Prime Protein here and enter coupon code DANA15 at checkout to save.
Equip Protein Powder FAQ
What kind of protein is in Equip?
Equip Prime Protein is made with grass-fed beef protein isolate and provides 20 grams of complete protein per serving.
Does Equip protein taste like beef?
No. The flavored Prime Protein powders taste like their listed flavors, not like meat. Mocha and Cookies & Cream are my favorites.
Does Equip protein contain whey?
No. Equip markets Prime Protein as whey-free and dairy-free. Always verify the current label if you have an allergy.
How do you make Equip protein taste best?
I prefer blending it with milk and ice or using it in a smoothie with frozen fruit. It can also be combined with full-fat coconut milk to make a creamy frozen dessert.
What is the best Equip protein flavor?
Mocha and Cookies & Cream are my favorites. Mocha is ideal if you like coffee and chocolate, while Cookies & Cream is creamy and dessert-like. The best flavor for you will depend on your personal taste and how you plan to use it.
Does Equip sell protein bars?
Yes. Equip Prime Bars contain 20 grams of protein and use beef protein and collagen. I think they are very good and convenient when you need something portable.
Is there an Equip coupon code?
Yes. Use coupon code DANA15 at checkout to save when you shop through this Equip link.
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