Protein shakes and unsweetened teas have a reputation of tasting like punishment. Up2U Nutrition might be changing that.
Located on Northwest 23rd Avenue, Up2U Nutrition offers “SpecialTeas,” water-based protein shakes and protein-filled desserts with an emphasis on serving nutritionally dense drinks and meals.
Nicolas Echavarria, 26, and his wife Rosie Gil, 35, started Up2U Nutrition to bring traditional Latino-inspired drinks to Gainesville with a menu tailored to reflect the community’s tastes.
The pair’s “SpecialTeas” combine three types of teas, Echavarria said, which contain aloe concentrate and vitamins C, B12 and B6. They use plant-based protein and avoid lactose in their protein shakes to ensure those with dietary restrictions can enjoy them.
For students looking to start the semester off on a healthier diet, Up2U Nutrition is a good place to start.
Tea time
Echavarria recommends the “Miami Vice Tea,” he said, a combination inspired by his Miami upbringing.
The “Miami Vice Tea” tastes like a watermelon Jolly Rancher — sweet, fruity and almost candy-like — while still managing to be refreshing.
Made with mango, coconut, raspberry, strawberry and pineapple, the rich pink tea offers plenty of flavor with no carbonation. Tasting the drink’s sweetness, you’d have no idea it’s sugar-free like all the others.
But if sweet isn’t your style, the “Tropic Like its Hot”’ tea is the way to go. Mango, peach, tropical passion fruit and tropical punch come together to resemble the flavor of a SweeTARTS Rope.
Meanwhile, the “Dragon Slayer” offers the perfect in-between with its blackberry, mandarin, strawberry, kiwi and dragon fruit. Of the three teas I tried, I’d have to say this was my favorite — owed partly to my love of dragon fruit, but also because the fruit combination comes together to create such a vibrant flavor.
Shake it up
If you’re hesitant to try the protein shakes: Don’t worry; I was, too. But Echevarria said one of his focuses when constructing the menu was finding a protein powder that didn’t taste like traditional ones.
The “Caramel Pie” shake contains dulce de leche, vanilla protein, apple, caramel syrup and cinnamon, and it has 32 grams of protein and 11 grams of fiber, all for under 350 calories. For something with that much protein, it was surprisingly indulgent and tasted exactly like a caramelized apple.
Its rich flavor and smooth texture made it feel like I was drinking a Frappuccino. “Caramel Pie” was the perfect fall flavor recommendation, especially for those who don’t love pumpkin.
Abs-olutely delicious
Up2U’s protein options aren’t limited to shakes. The menu also boasts treats like protein acai bowls, churros and waffles.
The protein waffle completely exceeded my expectations. Given a wide variety of toppings and syrups, I chose to top my waffle with bananas, blueberries and a peanut butter drizzle. The waffle was extremely soft and tasted like cinnamon, reminding me of a snickerdoodle.
When Echevarria told me it was packed with 40 grams of protein but was only 420 calories, my jaw dropped. These waffles are the perfect snack to share with friends and family and are made with such clean ingredients.
After trying three teas, a protein shake and a protein waffle, I left Up2U Nutrition with one conclusion: Eating high protein doesn’t mean flavor has to be sacrificed. While the “Dragon Slayer” tea was my favorite, the “Caramel Pie” shake and protein waffle proved the menu goes beyond a stereotypical healthy drink.
For students in Gainesville looking for a post-workout snack, a sweet treat, a quiet study spot with free wifi or even a quick breakfast, Up2U offers plenty of options that don’t make wellness feel like a chore.
Maybe protein shakes and unsweetened teas don’t have to taste like punishment after all.
Contact Katharine Litman at klitman@alligator.org. Follow her on X @katealligator.
