Health food restaurant · Citrus Heights, CA · reviewed since 2022
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 64%53+33.7Reliability 28%24+6.8Replies to reviews 8%74+6.1Momentum penalty65−3.5Experts Score= 43Not enough data for value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade C: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.43SCORE
CGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#139 of 140 nutritionistsiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 1%
4.6★★★★★95 Google reviews · 24 photos
85%five-star reviews
4.36★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
15.6%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate The Protein Place 4.6 out of 5, highlighting its clean atmosphere, friendly staff, and menu items like protein shakes, waffles, and acai bowls. Customers frequently praise the high-protein content and low-calorie options suitable for fitness routines. However, recurring criticisms involve inconsistent operating hours that conflict with customer schedules, high pricing, and occasional instances of incorrect orders or perceived rudeness in service.
Google rating: 4.6 out of 5 from 95 reviews (85% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 95 Google reviews (80 with written comments, 20 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 9% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 20, 2026.
Service: Nutritionist serving Citrus Heights, California.
Data from Google, last updated October 28, 2026.
Score profile vs other nutritionists
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: replies to reviews and momentum; weakest: reliability.
The Protein PlaceNutritionists median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.The Protein Place: 53/100 on this factor. Category median: 95.C
53
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.The Protein Place: 24/100 on this factor. Category median: 94.D
24
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 99.–
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ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 87.–
–
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.The Protein Place: 65/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.B
65
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.The Protein Place: 74/100 on this factor. Category median: 49.B
74
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
95 Google reviews we collected
4.6of 5
5 stars8185%
4 stars44%
3 stars11%
2 stars33%
1 star66%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 80 written reviews
95%praise
Praise6195%
Complaints35%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
6topics
Staff & attitude2742%
Would recommend1625%
Quality & results69%
Speed & response58%
Price & value58%
Honesty & trust58%
What customers talk about
We read 80 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“The atmosphere is always clean, the vibe is super welcoming, and the staff is genuinely friendly and helpful.”
“It’s the ultimate go-to spot in the area for a healthy post-workout boost or a guilt-free breakfast and lunch.”
“They have always offered amazing service and had a smile on their face as they do it.”
“They’re incredibly hands-on, responsive to feedback, and clearly care deeply about quality, customer experience, and community.”
“Highly recommend if you’re in Fair Oaks and craving something healthy and delicious!”
“The Protein Place is honestly my favorite place to eat.”
People customers mention
Reese4 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
DDirkLocal Guide · 67 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★
Everything on the menu is packed with clean ingredients and incredible flavor—whether you're grabbing one of their signature protein shakes, a thick and satisfying power bowl, or treating yourself to a protein waffle or donut that doesn't make you feel weighed down. The atmosphere is always clean, the vibe is…
JJosh1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★
First of all the place is really good, but their hours are absolutely horrible. They used to close at 5pm, then switched it to 7pm. That was great, but I just showed up today, and they changed it to 4pm. That makes zero sense, most people don’t even get home till after 4, let alone the people who still need to…
JJuliane8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 months ago★★★★★
We saw this place on Instagram and thought everything looked too good to actually be good for you, but we were wrong! I ordered the PB, Chocolate, Banana protein bowl and it was so so so delicious. The woman making my order actually re-made the bowl before serving it to me because she didn’t like how it came out the…
BBrenda1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 months ago★★★★★
Un lugar muy acogedor, y excelente servicio al cliente, Súper recomendado todo especialmente los waffles y Matcha🤩💯
JJacquelyn5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 months ago★
Ordered an Acai Bowl and Kids Smoothie. After a long wait and other people receiving their order before me, I finally received my order for it to be incorrect. He put my daughter’s smoothie in my bowl minus blueberries. This is NOT what I paid for. I even tipped! Definitely don’t go here if you’re in a hurry or…
HHollyLocal Guide · 11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 months ago★★★★★
Wow! Took my kiddos and I here this morning for the first time. I was blown away by how much good stuff they offer here so I had to leave a review! I got an energy drink, the jolly rancher, which is absolutely delicious. I got the chubby hubby bowl which is amazing!!! My kiddos got an Oreo waffle which they scarfed…
Everything on the menu is packed with clean ingredients and incredible flavor—whether you're grabbing one of their signature protein shakes, a thick and satisfying power bowl, or treating yourself to a protein waffle or donut that doesn't make you feel weighed down. The atmosphere is always clean, the vibe is super welcoming, and the staff is genuinely friendly and helpful. It’s the ultimate go-to spot in the area for a healthy post-workout boost or a guilt-free breakfast and lunch. Highly recommend to anyone on a fitness journey or anyone who just loves delicious, healthy food!
Price per person: $1–10
Noise level: Quiet, easy to talk
Seating type: Indoor dining area
F
Frank ChouLocal Guide · 35 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Frank has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
First of all the place is really good, but their hours are absolutely horrible. They used to close at 5pm, then switched it to 7pm. That was great, but I just showed up today, and they changed it to 4pm. That makes zero sense, most people don’t even get home till after 4, let alone the people who still need to get a workout in. As a health food place, these hours are horrible, they should just stay closed, since they can’t make their minds up if they wanna run their business or not
Response from the owner · a month ago
Hi Josh, thank you for your review and for sharing your feedback. Since opening in 2022, our regular hours have changed occasionally based on seasonal demand. During the spring and summer we extended our closing time to 7pm. Now school is back in session and evenings are slower, we’ve adjusted our hours to ensure we can continue providing excellent service and high-quality products.
I’m glad you enjoyed the shake I made you today, and we truly appreciate your support. We hope to see you again during our current business hours:
Monday-Friday: 7:00am - 4:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday: 8:00am - 2:00pm
Y
Yorel WilliamsLocal Guide · 16 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Yorel has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We saw this place on Instagram and thought everything looked too good to actually be good for you, but we were wrong! I ordered the PB, Chocolate, Banana protein bowl and it was so so so delicious. The woman making my order actually re-made the bowl before serving it to me because she didn’t like how it came out the first time. That really spoke to their quality control. I love that they have the macros listed for their items and you can enjoy something tasty that’s not going to set you back while on a health journey. I’ve already told multiple people about this place and I will be back!
Order type: Take out
Meal type: Breakfast
Price per person: $10–20
B
Brenda Rodriguez1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Brenda has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Ordered an Acai Bowl and Kids Smoothie. After a long wait and other people receiving their order before me, I finally received my order for it to be incorrect. He put my daughter’s smoothie in my bowl minus blueberries. This is NOT what I paid for. I even tipped! Definitely don’t go here if you’re in a hurry or looking for a quick item. Was craving Acai and am disappointed because I wasted my time.
Order type: Take out
Price per person: $10–20
Wait time: 10-30 min
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Hi Jacquelyn,
Thank you for letting us know about your experience. The order was not incorrect. You order an açaí protein bowl and for your daughter you order a strawberry, banana, blueberry protein shake essential that’s an açaí shake that’s why they look and taste the same. We do apologize for the wait time if you didn’t notice it was really busy in here when you arrived and everything is made to order therefore the long wait. Also I did check on the amount you paid and we did give you a $2 discount for the wait oh and thank you for the tip that’s really generous of you.
Thank you again for stopping by.
H
Holly Pastor WoltzenLocal Guide · 11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Holly has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Wow! Took my kiddos and I here this morning for the first time. I was blown away by how much good stuff they offer here so I had to leave a review! I got an energy drink, the jolly rancher, which is absolutely delicious. I got the chubby hubby bowl which is amazing!!! My kiddos got an Oreo waffle which they scarfed down in minutes! This will definitely be our new spot! The workers were so friendly and helpful. Really nice to have a healthy food store in the area!
