I also really dislike EAS carb control shakes...watery and chemically to me. I hate the strawberery/bannana or strawberry cream I tried it was very chemically, the chocolate was not so bad but still thin tasting. I really like Atkins choclate, vanilla and cafe au lait, don't really care for strawberry...chemically.

I agree ATkins are pricey so usually I by Carb Solutions from Walmart...they are several dollars less than Atkins but a little more than EAS.
Choclate carb solutions 4carbs 2fiber 20g protein 200 cal
vanilla carb solutions 3 carbs no fiber 20 g protein 200cal

Good luck