Protein Drink Mix vs. Protein Drink Mix Vegan: Which Should You Choose?

By Dogus Dilan, Herbalife Independent Wellness Coach  ·  Last updated 12 August 2026

Both versions deliver 15g of protein per standard serving, but the real differences matter: standard Protein Drink Mix contains milk (calcium caseinate) alongside soy, while the Vegan version is soy-only and 100% plant-based. The Vegan formula also has notably more calcium (1163mg vs 746mg per 100g), more fibre (3.2g vs 1.3g per 100g), and uses a natural stevia-derived sweetener instead of sucralose. The Vegan version also offers a third serving size (3 scoops) for 23g of protein when you need more.

Herbalife Vegan Protein Drink Mix Vanilla 560g

The One Difference That Actually Matters Most

Standard Protein Drink Mix contains calcium caseinate and sodium caseinate, both milk-derived — meaning it’s suitable for vegetarians but not vegans, and its allergen statement reads “contains soy and milk.” Protein Drink Mix Vegan removes dairy entirely, using soy-based minerals and vitamins instead, with an allergen statement of “contains soy” only.

If you’re avoiding dairy for any reason — lactose intolerance, a vegan diet, or personal preference — this is the one detail that actually decides which product is right for you, more than any of the smaller nutritional differences below.

Side-by-Side: Per Standard Serving (28g / 250ml Water)

Nutrient Protein Drink Mix Protein Drink Mix Vegan
Energy457kJ / 108kcal456kJ / 109kcal
Protein15g15g
Fat2.3g2.6g
Carbohydrate7g6g
Fibre0.4g0.9g
Calcium209mg (26%)326mg (41%)
SweetenerSucraloseSteviol glycosides (stevia)
AllergensSoy, MilkSoy only
Servings per tub21 (588g)20 (560g)
See the full vitamin & mineral breakdown for both (per 100g)
Nutrient Standard (per 100g) Vegan (per 100g)
Vitamin A1086µg RE (136%)777µg RE (97%)
Vitamin D6.8µg (136%)6.8µg (136%)
Vitamin E12mg (100%)16mg (136%)
Vitamin C109mg (136%)109mg (136%)
Riboflavin1.9mg (136%)2.0mg (140%)
Folic acid271µg (136%)271µg (136%)
PotassiumNot stated2178mg (109%)
Chloride1591mg (199%)1200mg (150%)
Calcium746mg (93%)1163mg (145%)
Zinc14mg (140%)6.8mg (68%)
Selenium75µg (136%)90µg (164%)
Molybdenum151µg (302%)130µg (260%)

Which One Should You Choose?

Herbalife Protein Drink Mix 588g
🥛 Standard

Protein Drink Mix

Choose if: You’re vegetarian (not vegan) and have no preference around dairy — both deliver the same core 15g of protein.

How to use: 2 tablespoons (28g) with 250ml cold water, mid-morning or mid-afternoon as a snack.

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Herbalife Vegan Protein Drink Mix Vanilla 560g
🌱 Vegan

Protein Drink Mix Vegan

Choose if: You’re vegan, avoiding dairy, prefer a stevia-sweetened option, or want the flexibility of a 23g high-protein serving.

How to use: 2 scoops/250ml water, or 3 scoops/375ml water. For a full vegan meal, blend with 2 scoops of Formula 1 in 300ml water.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the actual difference between Protein Drink Mix and Protein Drink Mix Vegan?
Standard PDM contains milk-derived caseinate alongside soy; Vegan PDM is soy-only. Vegan also has notably more calcium and fibre, and uses stevia instead of sucralose.
Do both provide the same amount of protein?
Yes, both provide 15g per standard 28g serving. Vegan additionally offers a 3-scoop option for 23g of protein.
Is Protein Drink Mix suitable for vegans?
No, the standard version contains milk. Use Protein Drink Mix Vegan instead.
Can I combine either with Formula 1?
Yes, both are designed to be added to a Formula 1 shake for extra protein.
Which has more fibre?
The Vegan version, at 3.2g per 100g versus 1.3g per 100g for standard.

Related Reading

Sources & References

  • Herbalife Nutrition — official UK product labels for Protein Drink Mix and Protein Drink Mix Vegan.

These are food supplements. Enjoy within a balanced and varied diet, as part of a healthy, active lifestyle.

🎖

Dogus Dilan — Herbalife Independent Member / Wellness Coach

Writes every guide on this site from official Herbalife product labels and published data rather than marketing copy. As a Herbalife Independent Member, the products discussed here are sold through this shop.

More about the author

Herbalife Shop UK Read more Herbalife guides Product breakdowns, official label data and evidence-based nutrition articles. All Articles →
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