Click Shakes - My New Treat of Choice (And a Giveaway)

First, the review...

I'm coming up on my first Vegiversary, and even after almost a year of eating a vegetarian diet, I still struggle some days to get enough protein. So when I received a packet of CLICK Espresso Protein Drink in my Fitbloggin'10 swag, I was psyched to give it a try. I mean, protein AND caffeine in a shake! What's not to like, right?

Unfortunately, my initial experience with the Vanilla Latte flavored CLICK Protein Drink was less than stellar. I didn't have a shaker and didn't think to use a blender, so I tried mixing it in a cup with a spoon. NOT. GOOD. It was grainy, clumpy and just plain gross. I was going to write up a negative review and let it go at that, but thankfully I didn't. On the drink-mix packet was an offer to receive a CLICK Pack (a shaker and a canister of the CLICK Espresso Protein Drink), so I decided to take them up on it and give CLICK another try.

When my CLICK pack arrived, I didn't hesitate to make my first shake, but I made sure to use the shaker to mix it. I found the flavor to be much better and the consistency to be much smoother. I didn't stop there, though. The canister gave me plenty of opportunities to try different preparations and I went all out in sampling CLICK this time. First, I made it just using cold water. Then I tried it as a frozen shake, adding ice and blending it. I tried it a third time using an immersion blender to mix in half a banana. I haven't tried it warm yet, but I imagine it wouldn't be bad that way either. My favorite preparation so far has been the frozen shake, but it's much easier to just shake it up, add some ice and hit the road with a protein filled breakfast.

Overall, I found CLICK refreshing and tasty, with great espresso flavor, and would recommend you give it a try. With only 120 calories, 15g of protein, and less than 2g of fat per serving, it's a simple, low calorie, low fat addition to your diet. Especially if you need an extra protein kick. CLICK is also low in sodium and added sugar, so you won't be getting a bunch of crap in your diet along with the good stuff. CLICK does have additives like maltodextrin and quar gum, so I wouldn't recommend a daily CLICK-fix, but I think it's fine as an occasional way to get your protein (or caffeine). If you're sensitive to caffeine, I'd also avoid drinking CLICK as an evening snack or dessert. I tried this without thinking one night, and the double shot of espresso kept me up much of the night on a caffeine high.

And now for the giveaway...

If you'd like to give CLICK a try, here's your chance. You have two ways to win some CLICK! (NOTE: This contest is open to US residents only, as the company is sending the products directly to the winners.)

Option #1:

The first 25 people to email me at writingherlife at gmail dot com with "I want to CLICK it!" in the subject line and your mailing address in the body will receive a free packet of CLICK Espresso Protein Drink.

Option #2:

One (1) lucky winner will receive a full CLICK pack, including a shaker and a canister of CLICK Espresso Protein Drink.

To enter for Option 2:

• Leave a comment on this post telling me why you want to try CLICK. (If your profile doesn't include an email address so that I can contact you, please leave it in the comment.)
• For an additional entry, tweet "I want to win a CLICK pack from @drinkclick and @smtwngrl! http://tinyurl.com/27aud6s" and leave an additional comment letting me know you tweeted it.

That's it. Easy-peasy!

The Technical Stuff

Contest ends Wednesday, April 28th at 11:59PM and I'll randomly select a winner (using Random.org) from the eligible comments on Thursday, April 29th. I'll email the winner and he/she will have 24 hours to contact me with a mailing address. If the winner doesn't respond a new winner will be drawn.

Disclaimer: I received a free sample of CLICK at FitBloggin' and was provided with a free CLICK pack for review. I am not, however, receiving any compensation for writing this post. The prize offered in this post is provided by CLICK.