Decent taste with a satisfying thickness
I recently received this protein powder for review.  Having consumed a wide variety of protein powders, both milk and plant based, I have a large pool of powders to compare this to.  This Carlyle powder is quite good.  It bears no resemblance in taste to products from Orgain, but does remind me in both texture, grittiness and taste to Vega's products.  It also has some texture and taste similarity to the Purely Inspired line of plant based protein powders. Carlyle's powder is, however, thicker when mixed with the recommended amount of liquid.<br /><br />I mixed one scoop with 6 ounces of water, and found it a bit too thick for me.  When mixed with 8 ounces, it was quite a bit thinner and more to my liking.  The taste is definitely plant based vanilla protein powder, and if you drink it right after mixing, it is gritty.  Let it sit for a few minutes and the grittiness greatly diminishes.  As for clumping, I couldn't get it smooth with just a spoon, but in a shaker bottle (without a blender ball) it mixed up perfectly clump free.<br /><br />I really appreciate the high fiber content in this, and while there is a bit of an aftertaste, it isn't unpleasant.  The powder is quite sweet, which may not be to everyone's liking, but mixed with a bit more liquid it diminishes.  I also really like that it has a variety of plant proteins, although the main protein is from peas, adding to the grittiness.  There is a nice vitamin and mineral profile in this powder which adds to its value and health benefits.  If you're already high on consuming those vitamins though, you may want to look elsewhere.<br /><br />I've been liking this as a breakfast drink and it tides me over until lunchtime just fine, with a satisfied feeling without bloating.  Nice protein, but at it's current price, it's a bit expensive when compared with better known brands.
Rating: 4 stars