Many of us lead busy lives and don’t have time to prepare breakfast in the morning. Enter instant breakfast. They come in either liquid or powdered forms, and in a range of dietary variations to suit your needs. Some drinks double as meal replacements, others as simply snacks to jumpstart your morning!
To save you even more of your valuable time, we've compiled a list of our 10 favorite instant breakfast drinks. Read our buying guide reviewed by a registered dietitian that outlines how you can find a great breakfast drink on your own!
Quick List - Top Instant Breakfast Drinks
Nestlé
Quick Nutrition for Busy Mornings
Nestlé
A High-Protein Drink With Essential Vitamins and Minerals
Nestlé
A Drink Offering Balanced Nutrition and a Fiber Boost
Rachel Binkley is a registered dietitian who helps individuals develop healthy habits that fit into their lifestyle. She recommends adequate intakes of all micronutrients to help prevent deficiency as well as chronic conditions that may arise. You can keep up with her recipes, lifestyle, and more on Instagram or her blog, S'more Satisfaction.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
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Table of Contents
Points to Consider:
We often consider breakfast drinks to be chocolatey, fatty beverages like Nesquik that fill your tummy up and only that. That’s simply not the case. There are high protein, nutrient-rich, and--yes--very sweet options to choose from. Let’s examine them.
You should space out your protein intake throughout the day. Taking some in early, as breakfast, is a good way to make sure you do that. Our bodies can’t metabolize large sums of protein at once, anyways. For individuals who exert lots of physical strength, you need to ingest between 25-35 grams of protein in a meal.
If you work out in the early morning before work, a protein-rich breakfast drink is a great way to make sure you maintain your muscle mass. When you work out, you’re essentially breaking muscle fibers apart. Protein is required to repair them. To maximize muscle protein synthesis, consume your breakfast drink within 30 minutes of working out.
Extra protein doesn't equal extra muscle mass. If you consume more than what your body needs at one time, the extra protein will either be excreted or moved to other areas in the body.
Incorporating snacks and breakfast can help spread your protein intake throughout the day. Breakfast shakes can be great options for substantial snacks as well. The combination of carbohydrates and protein is perfect post-workout and to maintain energy throughout the day.
In order to be satisfactorily full for the next 5-6 hours, you’re going to need to choose a breakfast drink that has 600-800 calories. That sometimes might mean adding milk or drinking two at once.
Also, ensuring you get enough protein, fiber-rich carbohydrates, and fats will help keep you full until lunch. How much is enough? Well, if you’ve got no dietary restrictions, go for about 70 grams of carbs. About 20 grams of protein has been shown to fend off sudden cravings.
And, there’s no minimum amount of fat, per se–just get some in so both your mood and energy levels stay high. Instant breakfast drinks are designed to get you the necessary macro (carbs, proteins, fats) and micronutrients. Check the nutritional chart on the back to make sure you’re getting enough calcium, iron, Vitamins A, C, and B.
If you're not used to eating a big breakfast, it can be beneficial to add a snack before lunch. This prevents that starving feeling that often leads to overeating. If you're a new breakfast eater and don't have much of an appetite in the morning, getting your nutrients from a liquid can make that a little bit easier.
Shakes tend to give more concentrated calories and protein. Fats are important for satiety and so your body can absorb appropriate amounts of vitamins A, D, E and K. These vitamins are fat-soluble.
A diet high in fiber makes your food easier to digest. When you have a good amount of fiber in your breakfast drink, you’ll find it easier to focus for the rest of the day. According to the American Dietetic Association, it’s better to get your fiber from actual foods (including instant breakfast drinks) rather than pills or supplements.
The ADA recommends that males get at least 38 grams of fiber per day and females ingest 25 grams of fiber per day. A high fiber diet leads to “normal” and healthy bowel movements, too.
A food-first approach is helpful when trying to improve nutrition. You may have several micronutrients and a couple of macronutrients in the same food item. Complex carbohydrates tend to be from plant-based sources meaning they can be packaged with plenty of extra micronutrients.
Carbohydrates get a bad rap, but they are absolutely necessary for your brain and the rest of your body to function properly. It's best to incorporate them at all meals, including breakfast.
So, you opted for a breakfast drink because you don’t have time to cook breakfast. We don’t blame you. It can be hard to factor in that extra 15-30 precious minutes in the morning to make breakfast. You’d rather be sleeping, and so would we.
Instant breakfast drinks come in powdered or liquid forms, and your decision will boil down to social factors and how much time you have.
Additionally, powdered foods can be added into other foods like soup, pasta, and even stir fries if you’re feeling bold. But you probably aren’t going to want to add a chocolatey powdered drink into a tomato soup. The meal replacement powders (like Huel and Ambronite) or smarter for this choice because they taste more basic.
If you like to eat breakfast with your family, think about getting a powdered drink. It might take more prep time, but you also get the ability to mix it in with others’ foods.
Breakfast drinks can make a great base for a smoothie. You can be creative with the flavors and it doesn't take much more effort to include all the nutrients that will fuel your day. Some awesome add-ins are fruits, vegetables, and peanut butter. The best part is that you can still take this on the go if you'd like.
The liquid breakfast drinks are meant to give you the nutrients you need to start your day in as little time as possible. If you’ve got other things on your mind and don’t want to mess with the prep work involved in powdered drinks, go liquid.
Carnation is probably the most well-known instant breakfast drink brand, and their liquid forms come in three flavors: rich chocolate, french vanilla, and strawberry. Their powdered forms add dark chocolate, chocolate malt, and café mocha to the menu. Ensure has even more variation: chocolates, vanilla, strawberry, butter pecan, and coffee latte.
If you want liquid deliciousness, then, by all means, go for these big brands. They’ve even got variety packs, if you’re looking to shake things up. But, they’re fairly high on sugar and use synthetic nutrients as opposed to natural ones.
When you look at the list of ingredients on a Carnation bottle, for example, corn syrup and sugar are listed second and third. Ingredients in food are listed in descending order of predominance, meaning the first listed ingredient is the most plentiful. That’s a lot of sugar.
On the other hand, newer or lesser-known companies like Ambronite, Huel, and even Soylent focus more on the nutritional component rather than the flavor. Their brands are targeted more towards simply getting the nutrients you need rather than crafting a delicious drink.
Now, taste is all a matter of opinion, so you might enjoy the chalky, “oatmealey” taste of the aforementioned brands. Huel, for example, touts itself as having at least “100% of the FDA’s Daily Values of all 27 essential vitamins and minerals.”
If you buy enough of it, each breakfast will set you back 2 bucks, and the powder is good for a year! Ambronite has a similar nutritional and mineral spectrum to Huel, but is also non-GMO and minimally processed. It’s more expensive, though.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Item Weight | Number of Items | Flavor | Calories per Serving | Serving Size | Servings per Container | Protein per Serving | Fiber per Serving | Form | Specifications | |||||
1 | Nestlé Carnation|Breakfast Essentials® Original Nutritional Powder Drink Mix | ![]() | Quick Nutrition for Busy Mornings | 1.26 oz. | 22 items | Chocolate | 140 cal | 1 packet | 22 servings | 5g | 0g | Powder | ||
2 | Nestlé Carnation|Breakfast Essentials® High Protein Nutritional Drink | ![]() | A High-Protein Drink With Essential Vitamins and Minerals | 8 fl. oz. | 24 items | Chocolate | 220 cal | 1 bottle | 24 servings | 15g | 0g | Liquid | Gluten-free | |
3 | Nestlé Carnation|Breakfast Essentials® Nutritional Drink with Fiber | ![]() | A Drink Offering Balanced Nutrition and a Fiber Boost | 8 fl. oz. | 24 items | Chocolate | 240 cal | 1 carton | 24 servings | 10g | 3g | Liquid | Gluten-free | |
4 | Nestlé Carnation|Breakfast Essentials® High Protein Ready to Drink | ![]() | Fuel Your Day with Every Sip | 8 fl. oz. | 24 item/s | Classic French Vanilla | 240 cal | 1 carton | 24 serving/s | 10g | 0g | Liquid | Gluten-free、Kosher | |
5 | Nestlé Carnation|Breakfast Essentials® Light Start® Nutritional Powder Drink Mix | ![]() | Light Start, Powerful Day | 8 fl. oz. | 24 item/s | Rich Milk Chocolate | 150 cal | 1 carton | 24 serving/s | 13g | 0g | Liquid | Kosher | |
6 | Nestlé Carnation|Breakfast Essentials® Fruit & Protein Smoothie Nutritional Drink | ![]() | Fruitful Nutrition in Every Sip | 8 fl. oz. | 24 item/s | Strawberry Banana | 220 cal | 1 carton | 24 serving/s | 5g | 0g | Liquid | Gluten-free、Kosher | |
7 | Toddy Chocolate Powder Drink | ![]() | Fuel Your Day with the Taste of Venezuela | 14.1 oz. | 1 item/s | Chocolate | 120 cal | 2 tbsp | 13 serving/s | 2g | 1g | Powder | ||
8 | kencko Smoothie Mix Starter Kit | ![]() | Your Daily Dose of Fruits and Veggies, Simplified | 22 g | 10 item/s | Variety | 80 cal | 22g | 10 serving/s | 2g | 3g | Powder | ||
9 | Nestlé BOOST®|Original Nutritional Powder | ![]() | A Powder Mix Rich in Protein, Vitamins and Minerals | 31 oz. | 1 item | Chocolate | 220 cal | 7 tablespoons | 16 servings | 10g | <1g | Powder | Kosher | |
10 | Compañía Nacional de Chocolates Chocolisto|Chocolate Powder Drink Mix | ![]() | A Fat-Free Powder Drink Mix Rich in Vitamins | 10.5 oz. | 1 item | Chocolate | 80 cal | 2 tablespoons | 15 serving/s | 1g | 0g | Powder |
Flavor | Chocolate |
---|---|
Calories per Serving | 140 cal |
Protein per Serving | 5g |
Specifications |
Item Weight | 1.26 oz. |
---|---|
Number of Items | 22 items |
Serving Size | 1 packet |
Servings per Container | 22 servings |
Fiber per Serving | 0g |
Form | Powder |
Flavor | Chocolate |
---|---|
Calories per Serving | 220 cal |
Protein per Serving | 15g |
Specifications | Gluten-free |
Carnation Breakfast Essentials® High Protein Nutritional Drink has 15g of protein per serving, aiding in muscle building and maintenance. It also has essential vitamins and minerals, including 100% of the daily value of vitamin C and 50% of the daily value of vitamin D. In addition, it contains 3 grams of fiber per serving, promoting digestive health.
This drink is free from artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners, and is certified gluten-free and kosher, catering to various dietary preferences. However, individuals with sensitivities to ingredients such as milk protein concentrate or soy protein isolate should exercise caution.
Item Weight | 8 fl. oz. |
---|---|
Number of Items | 24 items |
Serving Size | 1 bottle |
Servings per Container | 24 servings |
Fiber per Serving | 0g |
Form | Liquid |
Flavor | Chocolate |
---|---|
Calories per Serving | 240 cal |
Protein per Serving | 10g |
Specifications | Gluten-free |
Carnation Breakfast Essentials® Nutritional Drink with Fiber contains 10 grams of protein per serving. Additionally, it’s a source of 21 vitamins and minerals, including 100% of the daily value of vitamin C and 50% of the daily value of vitamin D for immune support. With 3 grams of fiber per serving, it also promotes digestive health.
It’s also free from artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners, and is certified gluten-free and kosher. However, individuals with sensitivities to ingredients such as milk protein concentrate or soy protein isolate should be mindful.
Item Weight | 8 fl. oz. |
---|---|
Number of Items | 24 items |
Serving Size | 1 carton |
Servings per Container | 24 servings |
Fiber per Serving | 3g |
Form | Liquid |
Flavor | Classic French Vanilla |
---|---|
Calories per Serving | 240 cal |
Protein per Serving | 10g |
Specifications | Gluten-free、Kosher |
Start your morning strong with Carnation Breakfast Essentials Classic French Vanilla Nutritional Drink. Packed with 10 grams of high-quality protein, this smooth and creamy drink helps build and maintain muscle, making it the perfect partner for an active lifestyle. Each 8 fl oz serving delivers an excellent source of 21 essential vitamins and minerals, filling nutritional gaps and supporting your body's daily needs.
Crafted with key nutrients like 100% daily value of vitamin C and 50% daily value of vitamin D, this drink bolsters immune health while tasting deliciously satisfying. Free from artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners, and certified gluten-free and kosher, it’s a convenient, wholesome choice for anyone seeking balanced nutrition on the go.
Item Weight | 8 fl. oz. |
---|---|
Number of Items | 24 item/s |
Serving Size | 1 carton |
Servings per Container | 24 serving/s |
Fiber per Serving | 0g |
Form | Liquid |
Flavor | Rich Milk Chocolate |
---|---|
Calories per Serving | 150 cal |
Protein per Serving | 13g |
Specifications | Kosher |
Carnation Breakfast Essentials Light Start Rich Milk Chocolate Nutritional Drink offers a lighter way to power through your day without sacrificing flavor. With 70% less sugar and 1/3 fewer calories than the original formula, it delivers the same trusted nutrition in every 8 fl oz bottle. Packed with 13 grams of high-quality protein, it helps build and maintain muscle, while the rich chocolate flavor satisfies your taste buds.
Each serving provides an excellent source of 21 essential vitamins and minerals, including immune-supporting nutrients like vitamin C and D, making it a perfect option for breakfast or a mid-day boost. Free from artificial flavors, colors, gluten, and suitable for those with lactose intolerance, it’s a convenient and nutritious choice for anyone seeking a healthier start.
Item Weight | 8 fl. oz. |
---|---|
Number of Items | 24 item/s |
Serving Size | 1 carton |
Servings per Container | 24 serving/s |
Fiber per Serving | 0g |
Form | Liquid |
Flavor | Strawberry Banana |
---|---|
Calories per Serving | 220 cal |
Protein per Serving | 5g |
Specifications | Gluten-free、Kosher |
Start your day right with Carnation Breakfast Essentials Strawberry Banana Nutritional Drink, a refreshing blend of fruit and protein in a convenient 8 fl oz reclosable carton. Each serving provides a 1/3 cup equivalent of fruit along with a good source of protein to fuel your busy mornings. Packed with 21 essential vitamins and minerals, including brain-supporting nutrients like Zinc, Folate, Iron, and Vitamin B12, it’s a delicious way to meet your nutritional needs.
With 50% less sugar than leading refrigerated juice and drink smoothies, this gluten-free and kosher drink offers a guilt-free boost for your day. Whether at home or on the go, the recyclable carton ensures sustainability, while the delightful strawberry banana flavor makes every sip a treat.
Item Weight | 8 fl. oz. |
---|---|
Number of Items | 24 item/s |
Serving Size | 1 carton |
Servings per Container | 24 serving/s |
Fiber per Serving | 0g |
Form | Liquid |
Flavor | Chocolate |
---|---|
Calories per Serving | 120 cal |
Protein per Serving | 2g |
Specifications |
Experience the rich, indulgent flavor of Venezuelan cocoa with Toddy Chocolate Powder Drink Mix. Perfect for busy mornings or on-the-go snacking, this versatile powder transforms into a nutritious beverage packed with essential vitamins and proteins, making it ideal for both kids and adults. Enjoy the perfect fusion of dark and milk chocolate that brings a touch of indulgence to every sip.
From hot chocolate to refreshing milkshakes, Toddy adapts to your cravings. Use it in beverages, ice cream, or baked goods like cookies for a delightful twist. Conveniently packaged for easy preparation, just mix it with water or milk to enjoy a wholesome, chocolatey treat that energizes your day.
Item Weight | 14.1 oz. |
---|---|
Number of Items | 1 item/s |
Serving Size | 2 tbsp |
Servings per Container | 13 serving/s |
Fiber per Serving | 1g |
Form | Powder |
Flavor | Variety |
---|---|
Calories per Serving | 80 cal |
Protein per Serving | 2g |
Specifications |
Discover a world of effortless nutrition with the kencko Smoothie Mix Starter 10-Pack. Packed with 2.5 cups of organic fruits and vegetables per serving, these freeze-dried smoothie powders deliver all the natural fiber and nutrients you need to fuel your day. This starter kit includes three flavors to suit every mood: refreshing Blues with tropical banana and blue spirulina, vibrant Greens with spinach and kale, and energizing Reds with strawberry and chia seed.
Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, kencko smoothies are the ultimate solution for busy mornings or on-the-go snacking. Simply shake a packet with water in the included reusable smoothie shaker bottle, and you’re ready to enjoy nature’s original superfoods without the hassle. Healthy living has never been this convenient—or delicious.
Item Weight | 22 g |
---|---|
Number of Items | 10 item/s |
Serving Size | 22g |
Servings per Container | 10 serving/s |
Fiber per Serving | 3g |
Form | Powder |
Flavor | Chocolate |
---|---|
Calories per Serving | 220 cal |
Protein per Serving | 10g |
Specifications | Kosher |
BOOST Original Nutritional Powder contains 15g of protein per prepared serving to support muscle strength and maintenance. It also contains 16 essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium for strong bones and teeth.
Moreover, it serves as a source of fiber for digestive health. However, it's essential to note that this product contains allergens such as milk and soy, which may not be suitable for individuals with sensitivities.
Item Weight | 31 oz. |
---|---|
Number of Items | 1 item |
Serving Size | 7 tablespoons |
Servings per Container | 16 servings |
Fiber per Serving | <1g |
Form | Powder |
Flavor | Chocolate |
---|---|
Calories per Serving | 80 cal |
Protein per Serving | 1g |
Specifications |
Item Weight | 10.5 oz. |
---|---|
Number of Items | 1 item |
Serving Size | 2 tablespoons |
Servings per Container | 15 serving/s |
Fiber per Serving | 0g |
Form | Powder |
Even though you may have decided on an instant breakfast drink, you may be wondering if it's worth it in the first place. Rachel is here to answer the question that will hopefully help you make your decision!
Rachel says, "It depends on the drink! If you aren't used to eating breakfast, a breakfast drink is a whole lot better than nothing. If you make a perfectly balanced breakfast every morning, it probably isn't necessary for you.
Breakfast drinks are a great way to get nutrients fast. Eating in the morning will give you the energy to start your day and likely prevent you from overeating at lunch."
Here are some delicious options to consume when you do have the time to enjoy a full meal.
No. 1: Nestlé|Carnation|Breakfast Essentials® Original Nutritional Powder Drink Mix
No. 2: Nestlé|Carnation|Breakfast Essentials® High Protein Nutritional Drink
No. 3: Nestlé|Carnation|Breakfast Essentials® Nutritional Drink with Fiber
No. 4: Nestlé|Carnation|Breakfast Essentials® High Protein Ready to Drink
No. 5: Nestlé|Carnation|Breakfast Essentials® Light Start® Nutritional Powder Drink Mix
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