Daily Harvest Apple Cinnamon Protein vs. Cherry Pie Protein: A Protein Showdown

Quick Answer

If you crave a nostalgic, dessert-like smoothie that feels like a celebration, the Cherry Pie Protein is your pick. But if you prefer a warm, spiced flavor that pairs well with breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up, the Apple Cinnamon Protein (available as an oat bowl) is the better fit. Both are high-protein Daily Harvest options, so your choice comes down to flavor preference and how you plan to enjoy them.

When you're stocking your freezer with Daily Harvest protein smoothies, two flavors often steal the spotlight: Apple Cinnamon Protein and Cherry Pie Protein. Both deliver a satisfying protein boost, but they couldn't be more different in personality. One tastes like a cozy morning, the other like a summer picnic. We compared them on flavor, ingredients, and versatility to help you decide which one deserves a spot in your cart.

In this comparison, we'll look at what makes each smoothie unique, how they fit into different parts of your day, and the honest trade-offs you should know before you buy. Whether you're a protein smoothie newbie or a seasoned Daily Harvest fan, this breakdown will help you choose with confidence.

Flavor Profile: Cozy Spice vs. Sweet Nostalgia

The Apple Cinnamon Protein (available as an oat bowl) leans into warm, familiar comfort. It combines ripe banana and cinnamon with hearty oats, plus sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, and a touch of maple syrup for nutty sweetness. This is a breakfast-forward flavor that feels like fresh-baked banana bread, no oven required. It's grounding and satisfying, especially when you want something that tastes like a treat but still feels wholesome.

Cherry Pie Protein, on the other hand, is pure indulgence. It's built around that unmistakably American slice of summer—cherry pie cooling on a picnic table at golden hour. The flavor is bright, fruity, and a little nostalgic, with a sweetness that feels celebratory. If you're looking for a smoothie that doubles as dessert, this is the one. The trade-off? It's less versatile for breakfast than the apple cinnamon option, which pairs naturally with morning coffee or a busy weekday routine.

• Apple Cinnamon Protein: cozy, spiced, and breakfast-ready
• Cherry Pie Protein: fruity, nostalgic, and dessert-like

Nutrition and Ingredients: What's Inside?

Both smoothies are designed to be complete, single-serve portions, but their ingredient lists tell different stories. The Apple Cinnamon Protein (oat bowl) features oats, banana, cinnamon, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, and maple syrup. It's a grain-based option that provides hearty texture and a nutty sweetness. This makes it a solid choice for those who want a more substantial, fiber-rich start to their day.

Cherry Pie Protein is a smoothie that captures the essence of cherry pie without the crust. While the exact ingredient list isn't specified, its flavor profile suggests a fruit-forward blend with a touch of indulgence. Both options are high-protein, but the apple cinnamon version offers more texture and a grain-forward base, while the cherry pie is all about smooth, fruity satisfaction. If you're counting macros, both fit into a balanced diet, but the apple cinnamon may keep you fuller longer thanks to the oats.

• Apple Cinnamon Protein: oats, banana, cinnamon, seeds, maple syrup
• Cherry Pie Protein: fruit-forward, smooth, and nostalgic

Price and Value: Which One Gives You More Bang for Your Buck?

When it comes to price, the Apple Cinnamon Protein (oat bowl) is the more budget-friendly option at $3.90 per serving, compared to Cherry Pie Protein at $4.74. That's a difference of about $0.84 per smoothie, which adds up if you're buying in bulk. Both are priced below their comparison prices, so you're getting a discount on either choice, but the apple cinnamon is the better deal if you're watching your grocery budget.

However, value isn't just about price—it's about how well the product fits your needs. If you're someone who enjoys a smoothie as a dessert or afternoon treat, the cherry pie's slightly higher cost might be worth it for the flavor experience. On the other hand, if you're using your protein smoothie as a daily breakfast staple, the apple cinnamon's lower price and heartier ingredients make it the smarter investment. Consider how often you'll reach for each one before you decide.

• Apple Cinnamon Protein: $3.90 per serving (oat bowl)
• Cherry Pie Protein: $4.74 per serving (smoothie)

The Trade-Offs: What to Consider Before You Choose

• Flavor Versatility: Apple Cinnamon Protein (oat bowl) is a warm, breakfast-friendly flavor that pairs well with coffee or tea. Cherry Pie Protein is a dessert-like smoothie that's best enjoyed as an afternoon pick-me-up or evening treat. Pick apple cinnamon if you want a smoothie that works for breakfast; choose cherry pie if you want a sweet escape.
• Texture and Fullness: Apple Cinnamon Protein includes oats, which add fiber and a heartier texture that can keep you full longer. Cherry Pie Protein is a classic smoothie—smooth and fruity, but likely less satiating. If you need your smoothie to double as a meal, apple cinnamon wins on fullness.
• Price Point: Apple Cinnamon Protein (oat bowl) costs $3.90 per serving, while Cherry Pie Protein is $4.74. Over a month of daily use, that's a difference of about $25. Budget-conscious shoppers should lean toward apple cinnamon, but cherry pie is worth the splurge for flavor lovers.

Product Facts at a Glance

• Cherry Pie Protein: A picnic table at golden hour, warm grass underfoot, laughter in the air, and cherry pie cooling in the sun. It’s familiar and a little indulgent, built around that unmistakably American slice of summer that shows up at every celebration and disappears first. This flavor is designed for those who want a smoothie that feels like a treat. It's perfect for evenings or weekends when you crave something sweet but still want a protein boost.
• Peach + Cinnamon: Sun-ripened peaches warmed with cinnamon, tossed with crunchy nuts, satiating seeds, and shredded coconut: yes, please. This breakfast bowl is comforting, filling, and...grain-free. We swapped in riced vegetables for a satisfying, comforting texture in a very Daily Harvest take on homemade cobbler. A complete, single-serve breakfast bowl portioned just for you, ready in minutes. STORE FROZEN. If you're looking for a grain-free alternative to the Apple Cinnamon Protein, this oat bowl offers a similar warm, spiced flavor with a different texture. It's a good option for those avoiding oats or seeking variety.

Which One Should You Choose?

Best for

• Apple Cinnamon Protein: best for breakfast lovers who want a cozy, filling start to their day
• Cherry Pie Protein: best for those who crave a sweet, nostalgic treat that still delivers protein

Not for

• Apple Cinnamon Protein: not for those who prefer fruit-forward, dessert-like smoothies
• Cherry Pie Protein: not for those who need a hearty, grain-based breakfast option

Both Daily Harvest protein smoothies have their strengths, but your choice ultimately comes down to flavor and how you plan to enjoy them. If you want a warm, comforting breakfast that keeps you full, go with the Apple Cinnamon Protein. If you're after a sweet, nostalgic treat that feels like a celebration, the Cherry Pie Protein won't disappoint. Whichever you pick, you're getting a convenient, high-protein option that fits your busy lifestyle.