I Tried Costco’s New High-Protein Seltzer

Just in case you thought that protein can’t make its way into literally everything, think again. The trendy and satisfying nutrient just keeps showing up in an array of snacks, desserts and drinks, including a viral find you can snag at Costco.

The protein drink currently taking over the internet isn’t a smoothie or a protein shake. Instead, it’s a fruity seltzer with 30 grams of protein per can. Meet the Genius Gourmet Sparkling Clear Blue Raspberry Lemonade, selling out by the 15-packs at your favorite wholesaler. But what’s in these drinks, are they healthy and do they actually taste good?

In the name of investigative journalism, I tested out these protein-packed seltzers to see if it’s worth the buy. I also rounded up the nutrition breakdown and ingredients to see what makes this sparkling beverage so nutritious.

In each 12-fl-oz. can of Genius Gourmet’s sparkling protein drink, you’ll find:

• Calories: 130
• Carbohydrates: less than 1 g
• Dietary fiber: 0 g
• Total sugars: 0 g
• Added sugar: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Total fat: 0 g
• Saturated fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: less than 5 mg
• Sodium: 95 mg

It’s clear that this drink is packed with protein, and that’s thanks to the whey protein isolate and bovine collagen peptides in each can. It’s also worth noting that even with a sweet flavor, it’s low in carbs and has no added sugar. It maintains its sweetness through sucralose, an artificial sweetener.

This drink can be a good high-protein option, especially if you’re looking to replace a sugary soda habit. But how does it taste?

Let me admit that going into this drink, I was a little skeptical. While initially scared of the drink having an unappetizing texture—I’ve never experienced a protein beverage that wasn’t thick, like a smoothie—the pour settled my nerves. It pours as thin and translucent as your typical flavored seltzer water would, and it almost resembles kombucha as foamy bubbles sit on the top of the glass. 

And with my first sip, I was pleasantly surprised. The drink is immediately sweet, and it nails the blue raspberry lemonade flavor it promises. I love that it mimics such an iconic flavor without any added sugar. It’s almost like a melted popsicle, so the summer beach vibes are on point, and I could see this drink being an incredible base for a refreshing mocktail.

Here’s where the drink lacks: The carbonation throughout the drink is very limited. Usually I’m not gravitating for a carbonated drink or soda, but I expected this “sparkling” sip to pack a little more bubbly punch—and it fell flat, pun intended. Also, the aftertaste takes some getting used to. It’s borderline chalky, which is likely from the protein sources used, though that didn’t put me off drinking some more. But the drink did feel like a lot once I was halfway through, making me wish it was a smaller can.

If you’re interested in this seltzer, I would recommend it. It’s perfect for blue raspberry fans, and it’s a different way to up your protein intake. But it may be an acquired taste, and since it comes in a 15-pack, consider giving some to family and friends to try out. If you’re more of a protein smoothie fan, we get it; our Raspberry-Peach Chia Seed Smoothie may be more up your alley.