7 Things to Look for in Protein at Costco Canada

Standing in the Costco aisle staring at a wall of protein? Same. The tubs are huge, the labels all shout, and it's hard to tell what's actually worth putting in your cart.

Here's the short answer: the best protein at Costco Canada is the one with real protein per serving, zero sugar, third-party testing, and a format you'll actually drink every day. 

Below are the 7 things to check before you buy, plus why SURGE, North America's first clear plant-based protein, is now on Costco.ca and touring Costco warehouses across Canada.

1. Protein per serving (and per scoop, not per "portion")

Start with the number that matters. Check grams of protein per serving, then check what a "serving" actually is.

Some labels split a serving into smaller portions to make the sugar or calorie numbers look friendlier.

SURGE gives you 25g of complete plant protein per full serving (two sachets), with an 84% protein density. That means most of what you're drinking is actual protein, not filler.

2. Sugar: aim for zero

A lot of protein drinks quietly double as dessert. If you're drinking protein every day, the sugar adds up fast. Look for 0g sugar on the panel.

SURGE has zero sugar, so it fits whether you're fuelling a long run or just trying to hit your protein goal on a busy Tuesday.

3. Third-party testing (this one's non-negotiable)

Supplements in Canada aren't all tested the same way. A third-party certification means an independent lab has checked the product for banned substances and contaminants. If you compete, or you just want to know what's in your shaker, look for a certification logo on the pack.

SURGE is Informed Choice certified and third-party tested for heavy metals and microbials. It's one of the reasons Olympic-level athletes and pro teams choose it.

4. How it sits in your stomach

Ever had a protein shake that left you feeling like a balloon? You're not alone. About 70% of people have some degree of lactose intolerance, which is why dairy-based protein doesn't agree with everyone.

If that sounds familiar, look for a dairy-free, lactose-free option. SURGE is made with hydrolyzed Canadian pea protein, and it's dairy-free, soy-free and gluten-free. In other words: protein without the bloat.

5. The format you'll actually use

The best protein is the one you don't skip. Think about when you'll drink it. Giant tubs are great at home, but single-serve sachets are easier to toss in a gym bag, a desk drawer or a ski jacket.

At Costco, SURGE comes in a multipack of 20 single-serve sachets. Tear, pour into cold water, shake, done. No blender, no chalky cleanup.

6. Taste and texture (because you have to drink it)

Traditional protein shakes are thick and milky. Clear protein drinks are different: light, refreshing, and closer to a juice or sports drink. Search interest in clear protein has been climbing fast, and once you try one, it makes sense.

SURGE comes in Mango Pineapple and Summerberry Lemonade. Think of it like drinking a sports drink, but with zero sugar and packed with protein.

7. Who made it

Ingredient transparency is one of the biggest reasons people pick a protein in 2026. Look for a brand that tells you where its ingredients come from and where it's made.

SURGE is made in Canada by VEGAIN, a small, independent Canadian company, using Canadian-grown peas. It's GMP certified and was named Product of the Year 2025 by BC Food & Beverage.

Where to find SURGE at Costco Canada

You've got two options:

Online: SURGE is now available on Costco.ca in two different formats – a 2-pack of tubs or 20 pack of individual sachets, shipped to your door anywhere in Canada.

In person: our team is touring Costco warehouses across Canada with free samples. Upcoming stops include Kelowna, Winnipeg and Sainte-Foy (Oct 27 to Nov 8), St Albert (Nov 24 to Dec 6), and Pointe Claire and Mississauga (Dec 8 to 20). Come say hi and try it before you buy.

The bottom line

Next time you're shopping for protein at Costco, flip the pack over and check the basics: real protein per serving, zero sugar, third-party testing, and a format that fits your day. If you want something that checks every box and actually tastes like a treat, grab SURGE on Costco.ca.

Shop SURGE at Costco