Ryse Protein Review: Sweet Taste, Bitter Price (Worth It?)

Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.

Ryse Supplements is one of the brands that has exploded on social media in the past year (because they pay their athletes to heavily promote their products). 

As a result, customers frequently come into my supplement store looking for specific Ryse products that they saw recommended online. 

As someone who isn’t affiliated with them, I decided to crack open a bottle and put the Ryse Supps Protein to the test to see if it lives up to the hype.

(New here?  I’m Jenn, a nutrition coach and supplement store manager for the last 10 years.  I independently review supplements so you can get an honest look before buying.)

Key Takeaways

Honest Review Guarantee from FeastGood: Our testing team purchases each product 100% independently and uses the product for several weeks up to several months before writing a review. Learn more about our review process here.

• Ryse protein falls within a “reasonable” to “good” range of protein percentage, depending on the flavor, but it falls below our threshold of a “great protein” source (see below for how we categorize “reasonable”, “good”, and “great”).  

•  At ~$1.67 per serving, it’s more expensive than other whey blends on the market (the average being $1.34 per serving).

• The product blends easily and has a great texture, but it is very sweet and leaves a slight chemical aftertaste that may be undesirable for some consumers.

• Overall, this wouldn’t be my first pick to recommend unless you wanted to try one of the unique flavors, such as “marshmallow”.   

• After testing over 50 protein powders in my career, I believe most people would be better off going with a brand like Transparent Labs, which has a higher percentage of protein and tastes better (click to read my review). 

About Ryse Supplements

Ryse Supplements are brand new to the industry, on a relative timeline. 

They launched in November of 2017 with only 2 flavors across three products and a few pill products. 

In 2018 they added their protein and expanded globally through Europe, Australia, and South Africa which included getting their products into every GNC in the United States. 

Fast forward just a few years, and the company now has several pre-workout formulas, amino acid products, multivitamins, and an expanded protein lineup that includes flavor collabs like Jet-Puffed^TM Marshmallow and MoonPie^®.

Ryse  has a large social media following, particularly dominating the TikTok realm with 152.4K followers. 

For comparison, MuscleTech has 28.9K followers, Ghost Lifestyle has 69.2K followers and Optimum Nutrition, who has potentially the most globally recognized protein powder, Gold Standard Whey, has 496 followers on TikTok (That’s not a typo). 

This strong presence on TikTok, for whom 60% of US users are between the ages of 16 and 24, gives you an idea of their target audience. 

Overview of Ryse Loaded Protein Protein Powder 

Ryse Loaded Protein uses a blend of whey isolate, whey concentrate, and sodium caseinate, which are fast, medium, and slow-digesting proteins respectively. 

Since peanut flour and MCT powder are both listed before sodium caseinate in the ingredients list, we can infer that there is very little casein protein in the product. 

They have added MCT oil (which they claim on their website is for increasing strength), which adds a creamy texture to the protein powder. 

They have also added organic inulin fiber, which provides a host of benefits including satiety and improved calcium and magnesium absorption. 

The macronutrient breakdown of Ryse Loaded Protein is: 

• Protein: 25g  
• Carbohydrates:  3-6g (depending on flavor)
• Fat:  2.5-3g
• Sugar: 1-2g

Depending on the flavor, the total calorie content of Ryse Protein is 130 to 150. With each flavor offering the same 25g of protein per scoop, the protein percentage ranges from 67-77%. 

For this reason, my most recommended flavors of Ryse Protein would be Cinnamon Toast and Fruity Crunch (77% protein per serving) which fall within our criteria for a Good protein source. 

Vanilla Peanut Butter (71% protein), Chocolate Cookie Blast (67%), and Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup (67%) fall within our criteria for a Reasonable protein source. 

The cost of Ryse Loaded Protein is around $1.67 (this goes down to $1.35 per scoop if you invest in the 5lb tub). 

This is similar to other popular lifestyle brands that appeal to younger audiences, like Ghost Whey and Alani Nu who offer a similar protein percentage and cost per serving. 

There are, however, higher-quality protein powders that fall within this price range. 

Ascent Whey, for example, has the same 25g of protein but costs as little as $1.06 per serving with no added gums or artificial flavors. 

Highlights: What I Liked About Ryse Loaded Protein Protein

Great Texture

Due to the combination of added MCT oil, inulin fiber, as well as the gum blend (cellulose gum, xanthan gum, carrageenan), Ryse Loaded Protein Powder has a nice, creamy texture. 

Typically, whey isolates and concentrates tend to mix up on the thinner side, especially if they contain more isolate than concentrate. 

Ryse Protein has a thick and smooth texture, whether mixed with water or milk. 

Good Digestibility

Because of the combination of high-quality protein and prebiotic fiber, I found Ryse Protein to digest easily, with no negative side effects like gas or bloating. 

Even with my dairy sensitivity, I found this protein left me feeling really good afterward, though it is technically not lactose-free and may be more reactive for individuals with more severe allergies. 

• Related: How To Add Fiber To Your Protein Shakes

Mixed Easily Into Drinks, Smoothies, and Oatmeal

I was really impressed by how completely this protein dissolved. It took very little effort to mix it into water/milk and stirred easily into oatmeal. 

It added a really nice thickness to oatmeal, whereas other proteins can leave the oats with a runny texture. 

Drawbacks: What I Didn’t Like About Ryse Loaded Protein Protein

Weird Aftertaste

I specifically tried the Vanilla Peanut Butter flavor, and while it was good, I found that when I had it just mixed with water, there was a slightly chemical aftertaste. 

I can’t pinpoint exactly what the aftertaste is, or what it might be caused by. I handed out some samples to friends and family members for them to try, to see if their experience was the same as mine.

Some people found a similar aftertaste whereas others didn’t notice one. 

A Bit More Expensive Than Comparable Proteins

Currently, Ryse Protein is listed between $42.99 and $44.99 for a 27-serving tub, or $72.99 for a 54-serving tub. This makes the cost anywhere from $1.35 to $1.67 per serving. 

Other whey isolates and concentrate blends, like Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey retail for as low as $1.15 per serving. 

On the other hand, brands like Ascent Whey are Informed Choice Certified certified and certified gluten-free, and don’t use artificial flavors or colors retail for the same cost as Ryse. 

Ryse protein isn’t off-the-charts expensive but may be out of budget for some consumers. 

Ryse Protein Powder Review: My Experience

Overall, I really liked Ryse Loaded Protein. In fact, I think I went through this protein tub faster than a lot of others that I have tested because I really enjoyed integrating it into my day. 

I am still not a huge fan of the aftertaste, and I can’t pinpoint exactly which ingredient(s) specifically contribute to the taste. I would be curious to try the other flavors to see if they have a similar effect. 

For transparency, as I mentioned above, I sampled this product with some friends and family, and not everybody experienced this same aftertaste that I did. 

That being said, I found the protein digested really well, and didn’t leave me feeling bloated or uncomfortable. The easy digestibility combined with the good texture and mixability outweighed the poor aftertaste, for me anyways. 

I particularly liked this one for breakfast or as a late-night snack. The thick texture made it feel a lot more filling than just 140 calories, so when I had it after my morning workout as part of my breakfast (in a smoothie or paired with oatmeal), I felt decently full and satisfied until lunchtime. 

Being quite sweet (the vanilla peanut butter flavor at least), also made this an appealing snack in the evenings or throughout the day when I was craving something sweet. 

If you make protein energy balls or do any kind of baking, I think this protein would make a fantastic addition. 

Despite really liking the overall experience, this isn’t likely to become a protein that I add to my daily routine. The protein percentage varies quite a lot based on which flavor you buy, and for the flavors that offer only 67% protein per scoop, I don’t feel that the cost is justified. 

Since Ryse Protein comes in unique flavors but doesn’t come in traditional flavors like chocolate or vanilla, this is a protein that I would buy for those specialized flavors and use occasionally as a treat. 

Other Ryse Products I’ve Tested:

• Ryse Loaded Pre-Workout

How Does Ryse Loaded Protein Stack Up Against Our Criteria For Whey Protein

At FeastGood, we have 8 different criteria for ranking whey protein powders.  Here’s how Ryse Loaded Protein Whey Protein stacked up:

Nutrition Label Transparency 

Our rating: 3.5/5

They pride themselves on having zero proprietary blends and completely transparent ingredient lists, which is true on the actual bottles, but there is no ingredient information available online.

While everything was clearly labeled on the actual protein tub, when I was trying to compare the flavors for different potential allergens, I had to go to several different retailer websites to try to find the accurate nutrition labels for each flavor. 

Fat Content Transparency 

Our rating: 4.5/5

The nutrition label clearly labels the fat content (2.5g to 3g, depending on the flavor) and lists the amounts of saturated (1.5g) and trans fats (0g). 

Ryse Protein is very upfront about the added fats (MCTs or Medium Chain Triglycerides) added to their formula, and it’s well advertised multiple times on the label and website. 

Effective Ingredients 

Our rating: 4/5

We like the performance additives of MCT oil and Inulin fiber to help with energy and digestive health but have taken some points off due to the high amount of additional ingredients. 

After the protein and MCT oil, there is a long list of added ingredients including silicon dioxide, sunflower lecithin, natural and artificial flavors, salt, cellulose gum, xanthan gum, carrageenan, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium. 

Some of these ingredients are emulsifiers, some help with shelf life and texture, and some contribute to the taste and sweetness of the product.

While the FDA has deemed all of these ingredients safe, other companies have achieved similar tastes and textures with far fewer added ingredients. 

Protein Percent of Calories

Our rating: 3/5

Depending on the flavor, Ryse Loaded Protein has anywhere from 66-77% protein per scoop. Total calorie content ranges from 130 to 150 calories per scoop depending on the flavor, but protein stays consistent at 25g. 

Our criteria for assessing protein powders are the following: 

• Great: >85% protein per scoop
• Good: 75-84% protein per scoop
• Acceptable: 65-74% protein per scoop
• Unacceptable: <65% protein per scoop

None of the flavors fall out of our acceptable range, but due to the higher carbohydrate content of some flavors, you might opt for the cinnamon toast or fruity crunch flavors which have the highest protein percentage. 

Taste/flavor

Our rating: 4/5

Overall, the product tasted great and most online reviews echo this feeling. I experienced a chemical-like aftertaste with the vanilla peanut butter flavor, but only when mixed with water. 

When added to smoothies or oats, I found this aftertaste to be much more subdued, almost unnoticeable. 

To its credit, this had a really great peanut flavor which is sometimes lacking in peanut flavored protein powders. 

Mixability

Our rating: 4.5/5

I think its good mixability is one of Ryse’s most redeeming qualities and kept me coming back to drink more. 

Ryse mixed easily with no clumps when shaken with a traditional shaker cup for 15-20 seconds. 

I also tried it stirred into water with a spoon, and I was surprised by how completely it mixed. 

Texture (Thick or Thin)

Our rating: Thick

Ryse Protein has a thick and creamy texture, even when mixed with a full 8oz of water. 

Satiety

Our rating: 3.5/5

I found Ryse Protein to provide decent satiety when used as part of a meal or as a snack between meals. When taken on its own, I was hungry about 2 hours later. 

Being made of mostly whey isolate and concentrate, this protein will take between 2 and 3 hours to digest completely. 

For me, the thick texture made this seem like a higher-calorie shake which helped me feel full when drinking it. 

Who Is Ryse Loaded Protein For? 

Ryse Loaded Protein is for: 

• Someone who enjoys sweet and unique flavors, since they offer unique collaborations like Jet-Puffed^TM marshmallow

• Somebody with gluten allergies. All Ryse supplements are gluten-free.

Who Shouldn’t Take Ryse Loaded Protein Whey?

Ryse Loaded Protein Whey protein is not for: 

• Anyone with a milk or soy allergy

• Someone on a more restrictive budget

Ryse Loaded Protein Customer Reviews

Ryse Loaded Protein has a great rating on Amazon, with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on over 2100 ratings. 

On the Ryse website, it appears as though the product has a full 5/5 star rating after more than 7000 reviews. I do find the 5/5 star rating to be slightly suspicious because every single product on their website apparently has a full 5/5 star rating. 

And frankly, if there’s one thing I have learned after the dozens of product reviews I have done, it’s that it is literally impossible to please everyone. 

This screenshot from the Ryse website shows the review page, where you see the apparent 5/5 star rating up top. 

Unlike websites like Amazon, this doesn’t provide a breakdown of how many 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1-star ratings the products got. 

This makes it seem like they either cherry-pick only the 5-star reviews or have a remarkably loyal and enthusiastic fanbase. Maybe it’s both. 

Reading through the comments on both Ryse and Amazon, it’s clear that people are obsessed with the flavor of Ryse. Cinnamon Toast flavor specifically had a ton of reviews detailing how great and true to taste it was. 

Marshmallow is the one flavor that customers were disappointed in, remarking that it just tasted like plain vanilla. 

Some users also reported that the flavors were a little bit too sweet for their taste when mixed with just 6oz of water, but tasted great with the full 8oz. 

I was hard-pressed to find any really negative opinions on the product. 

A breakdown of the rating by category provides more insight into how customers feel about Ryse Loaded Protein Whey:

• Ingredient Quality: 4.5/5
• Flavor: 4.4/5
• Value: 4.1/5

Ryse Loaded Protein Promotions & Discounts

I couldn’t find anything obvious on the website indicating loyalty programs, rewards, or discounts. 

Where To Buy Ryse Loaded Protein? 

You can buy Ryse Protein directly from the Ryse Supplements website and from Amazon. 

They are distributed in over 21 countries, and can be found in local supplement stores and retailers like The Vitamin Shoppe and Walmart.  

Ryse Loaded Protein Alternatives? 

MyProtein Impact Whey

If you want the really sweet and rich taste that Ryse offers, but at a cheaper cost per serving then check out Impact Whey Protein by MyProtein. 

• Check out my full MyProtein Whey Review

It uses exclusively whey concentrate, rather than a blend of protein, but is available for less than $1.00 per serving. 

Impact Whey offers 19g of protein per serving and 100 total calories, making it 77% protein per serving, on par with the highest percentages available for Ryse.

Impact Whey is available in 16 different flavor varieties including Marshmallow Cereal, Birthday Cake, and Cinnamon Cereal. 

Ascent Whey+

If you want a product that contains a higher protein percentage per scoop for a similar cost, I recommend Ascent Whey Protein Powder. 

• Check out my full Ascent Whey Protein Review

Ascent is Informed-Sport Certified, meaning it undergoes additional third-party testing to ensure quality and purity so that it can be used by drug-tested athletes. Ascent Whey is also certified gluten free and uses no artificial flavors or colors. 

With 25g of protein and 120 calories per serving, Ascent Whey delivers over 83% protein per scoop for between $1.39 and $1.66 per scoop. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Is Ryse Loaded Protein Made? 

Ryse Supplements are made in the USA with their headquarters based out of Frisco, Texas. 

What Is Ryse Supplements’ Shipping Policy? 

Ryse ships all orders within 1-3 business days (Monday through Friday) with delays possible when new items drop, during key promotions, and during holidays. They ship USPS priority (3-5 days) or UPS Ground (3-7 days).

They cannot ship to Mexico and can’t shop protein to Europe. Domestic shipping is free over $150.

What Is Ryse Supplements’ Return Policy? 

Returns must be issued within 30 days of shipment. Proof of purchase required. Returns and exchanges will be given once item(s) have been returned. Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer. 

Is Ryse Loaded Protein Third Party Tested? 

They state on their About Us page that all products are tested multiple times throughout manufacturing, but they do not specify anywhere whether they are third party tested or if the testing is done in house. 

Is Ryse Loaded Protein Good For Weight Loss? 

Ryse Loaded Protein offers 25g of protein and is relatively low calorie (130-150 cals) and could support losing weight if consumed while maintaining a calorie deficit. 

Is Ryse Loaded Protein Keto Friendly? 

Ryse Protein powders are low carb (3-6g, depending on the flavor) and 1-2g of sugar and would be suitable for keto dieters. The Cinnamon Toast and Fruity Cereal flavors have the lowest carbohydrate and sugar content. 

Is Ryse Loaded Protein Gluten Free? 

All Ryse products are certified gluten free. 

What Are The Best Ways To Mix Ryse Loaded Protein? 

Ryse Loaded Protein mixes easily and tastes great with water, milk, or when added to smoothies, yogurt, and oatmeal. 

What Flavors Are Available For Ryse Loaded Protein? 

Ryse Protein is available in Cinnamon Toast, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup, Vanilla Peanut Butter, Fruity Crunch, and Chocolate Cookie Blast. 

Does Ryse Loaded Protein Make You Gain Weight? 

Because it is low calorie, Ryse Protein alone is unlikely to contribute to weight gain. When added to a calorie surplus, the protein and ingredients in Ryse Protein can help support muscle recovery and protein synthesis. 

Can you use Ryse Loaded Protein as A Meal Replacement? 

Ryse Loaded Protein is too low calorie to be used as a meal replacement on its own, but would be suitable as part of a meal or added to oatmeal or a smoothie to make a complete meal. 

When Is The Best Time To Take Ryse Loaded Protein? 

Ryse Loaded Protein powder is suitable for use any time of day: post-workout, breakfast, as a meal, or between meals.

How To Contact Ryse Loaded Protein 

Ryse has a contact page where you can track orders or submit a ticket. 

You can also reach out to them by email at info@rysesupps.com. Customer service is available weekdays from 9am to 5pm central time and they try to respond to e-mails within 48 hours. 

Under their return policy, they also list the phone number 1-855-RYSEUP1 that you can call to initiate return and refund requests. 

You can find Ryse Supps very active on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, and Youtube. 

Other Protein Powder Reviews

• BodyTech Whey Protein Review

Reference

Sarah Kobylewski & Michael F. Jacobson (2012) Toxicology of food dyes, International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, 18:3, 220-246, DOI: 10.1179/1077352512Z.00000000034