We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. What to Buy Nutrition Products & Supplements The 11 Best Tasting Protein Shakes, Tested & Reviewed These protein shakes got high marks for taste, nutrition and convenience By Sarah Anzlovar MS, RD Sarah Anzlovar MS, RD Sarah Anzolar, MS, RD is a private practice dietitian, Health nutrition writer, recipe developer, food photographer, and brand consultant. health's editorial guidelines and Shushy Rita Setrakian MS, RD Shushy Rita Setrakian MS, RD Shushy has worked for a variety of private practices and organizations, gaining a wide range of experience in gastrointestinal health, pediatric nutrition, eating disorders and oncology. She is also certified through Precision Nutrition. health's editorial guidelines Updated on November 26, 2024 Medically reviewed by Barbie Cervoni, RD Medically reviewed by Barbie Cervoni, RD Barbie Cervoni, MS, RD, CD/N, CDE, is a registered dietitian (RD) and certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES). She has spent most of her career counseling patients with diabetes, across all ages. learn more Fact checked by Richard Scherr Fact checked by Richard Scherr Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Health.com. He is a seasoned journalist and editor with over two decades of experience, he has held several leadership roles at major publications. health's fact checking process In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews How Much Protein Do I Need? A Note About Supplements More To Consider Our Supplement Research Process The Experts Ingredients: What to Pay Attention To Your Questions, Answered Who We Are Health Protein shakes are a convenient way to consume protein on the go, and they can also be helpful if you have higher protein needs or struggle to get enough protein in your diet. Athletes and active individuals may find them particularly beneficial to meet their higher protein needs, and they make a great post-workout recovery snack. Keep in mind that you need both protein and carbohydrates for adequate post-workout replenishment, so if you opt for a low-carb shake, pair it with a source of healthy carbs like a piece of fruit. When choosing the best protein shakes, our dietitians considered recommendations from experts, including sports and prenatal dietitians. We also taste-tested 19 shakes in our testing lab and rated them for taste, aftertaste, flavor, and consistency. Other criteria we considered when choosing our top protein shakes were the amount of protein included, whether added sugar or alternative sweeteners were used, as well as other added nutrients, flavors, or additives to bring you our top 11 picks. How Much Protein Do I Need? The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. However, research suggests that consuming more protein could be beneficial, and 0.8 grams should be considered the minimum amount of protein consumed, especially for active people. Athletes and people with higher activity levels may need anywhere from 1.2 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram (0.45 to 0.9 grams per pound) of body weight daily. A good target for most active people who exercise regularly is around 1.6 grams per kilogram (0.72 grams per pound) daily. Another way to think about protein needs is as a percentage of calorie intake. Registered dietitian Anne Cook Carroll, MS RD, CDN, recommends 20-30% of calories from protein, depending on the person's needs and goals. That translates to about 90 to 135 grams of protein on a 1,800 calorie per day intake. While there is no set upper limit for protein intake, some research indicates that healthy adults can consume as much as 2.0 to 3.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight without any negative side effects.However, more isn't always better, and exceeding your protein needs isn't likely to support better health outcomes or yield more muscle gains. A Note About Supplements Dietary supplements are minimally regulated by the FDA and may or may not be suitable for you. They also may interact with other supplements or medications you are taking. Our team of medical experts review supplements according to our rigorous dietary supplement methodology. We also had a registered dietitian review this page for its scientific accuracy. Please always speak with a healthcare provider to discuss any supplements you plan on taking. Editor's Take As a registered dietitian, I know many people struggle to meet their daily protein needs. Protein can be time-consuming to prepare, especially for breakfast and snacks, and it’s also expensive. Protein shakes can make life easier; they’re quick, can be enjoyed on the go, and affordable options exist. The key to finding the best one is to determine your individual protein needs and then choose whether you prefer an animal or plant-based protein source (such as whey, casein, or pea protein). Next, check the label. Ideally, a protein shake should provide over 15 grams of protein per serving, more than 3 grams of fiber, and less than 7 grams of added sugar. Consider taste and texture, we did the work for you by testing them in our NYC-based lab to help you pick the best tasting ones. When grabbing breakfast on the go, I love to add the vanilla or chocolate flavor of our Best Overall OWYN Plant-Based Protein Shake to my morning coffee. It adds a creamy flavor with sweetness from monk fruit and contains 20 grams of protein per container. I also love our Best for Gut Health pick, Chobani Complete, as a high-protein afternoon snack. It not only tastes delicious, but it’s lactose-free and provides gut-health-boosting probiotics. -Amy Fischer, Senior Nutrition Editor Our Top Picks Best Overall: OWYN Vegan Protein Shake at Amazon $37 Jump to Review Best Budget: Premier Protein Chocolate Protein Shake at Amazon $32 Jump to Review Best Meal Replacement: Kate Farms Nutrition Shake at Amazon $44 Jump to Review Best Vegan: Ripple Protein Shake at Amazon $34 Jump to Review Best Fruity: Fuel for Fire Original Smoothies at Amazon $44 Jump to Review Best with No Added Sugar: Iconic Protein Drinks at Amazon $48 Jump to Review Best for Gut Health: SALE Chobani Mixed Berry Vanilla Shake at Amazon $4 $3 Jump to Review Best Chocolate: Fairlife Core Power Protein Milk Shake at Amazon $36 Jump to Review Best Vanilla: Orgain Protein Shake at Amazon $32 Jump to Review Best for Muscle Gain: Fairlife Protein Shake at Amazon $80 Jump to Review Best Overall OWYN Vegan Protein Shake PHOTO: Health $37 at Amazon $37 at Walmart View on Vitamin Shoppe Why We Like It The OWYN Plant-Based Protein Shake is our top choice because of its winning combination of quality nutrition and tasty flavor. It has 20 grams of plant-based protein to help you meet your total daily protein goal. There are a few different flavors to pick from, but we really liked the dark chocolate and "cookies & creamless" flavor and enjoyed its creamy texture. This shake can also be a good option for pregnant people who have trouble reaching their higher protein needs. It contains all essential amino acids as well as omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for a baby's brain and eye development. Omega-3s are also beneficial for heart health, inflammation, and brain health. The pea and pumpkin seed protein provides 20% of the Daily Value (DV) of iron. If you are iron deficient, an athlete, currently pregnant, or following a vegan diet, you may especially benefit from the iron in this shake. OWYN's shakes are also low in added sugar (4 grams), making them a good choice for anyone managing their blood sugar. Like many other bottled protein shakes, OWYN protein shakes don’t need to be refrigerated until after opening, so you can keep one with you at your desk or in your gym bag for when you need it. These shakes are vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-friendly. It's Worth Noting Keep in mind that this shake includes a blend of broccoli, spinach, and kale that may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners. Product Details: Protein: 20 gramsProtein source: Pea, pumpkin seed, and flax oilCalories: 180Sugar: 5 grams (4 grams added sugar)Fiber: 5 gramsSweetener: Cane sugar and monk fruit extractDietary considerations: vegan, gluten-free, and top 8 allergen-free PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health Best Budget Premier Protein Chocolate Protein Shake PHOTO: Health / Jessica Juliao $32 $30 at Amazon $27 at Target $10 at Walmart Why We Like It Premier Protein Shakes are one of the most popular shakes on the market, and for good reason. Not only do these shakes taste great, but they also provide 30 grams of protein, which is more than most other shakes. You may think you would be paying extra for the higher protein content, but we love that these are budget-friendly. We like the creaminess and the variety of flavors this shake comes in, including Caramel, Strawberries & Cream, Cookie Dough, and more. This convenient option is great if you're in a rush and need a solid source of protein after a workout or as part of a balanced meal. The protein source is a blend of whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and milk protein concentrate, which all support muscle recovery and growth. Note this shake is low in carbohydrates, at only five grams per serving, with no added sugars. Premier Protein also includes a blend of vitamins and minerals, making it a great addition to your diet if you lack variety and may need additional nutrients. Because of the higher protein amount, people who have low appetites due to illness, GLP-1 use, or bariatric surgery may also find this to be a good option. It's Worth Noting The taste of this shake is pretty mild, but our testers noted a slight artificial aftertaste. It does contain artificial sweeteners, including sucralose and acesulfame potassium, which can potentially have negative side effects if consumed in excess. Because of the additional vitamins and minerals, be mindful that you're not getting too much of a vitamin or mineral if you are also taking other vitamin supplements. Product Details: Protein: 30 gramsProtein source: Whey proteinCalories: 160Sugar: 1 gramFiber: 3 gramsSweetener: Sucralose and acesulfame potassiumDietary considerations: gluten-free PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health Best Meal Replacement Kate Farms Nutrition Shake PHOTO: Health / Jessica Juliao $44 at Amazon View on Katefarms.com Why We Like it Kate Farms Nutrition Shake is one of the higher-calorie shakes on the market and provides a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fat, making it a meal replacement option. Each bottle contains 330 calories, 16 grams of protein, 38 grams of carbohydrates, and 12 grams of fat. It's a great option to refuel after a long, hard workout to jumpstart recovery when you're short on time or don't have the appetite for a meal. If you're experiencing low appetite, such as during illness or when taking a GLP-1 medication, a meal replacement shake can be helpful to have on hand. This shake contains a vitamin and mineral blend, which provides a significant amount of 27 different nutrients, including vitamin D, calcium, and iron. These nutrients may help fill gaps in your diet, and the shake could also potentially take the place of a multivitamin on the days you drink it, depending on your individual needs. Kate Farms also adds a phytonutrient blend from fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, and other "superfoods." One that stands out is tart cherry, which has some research to support its usefor recovery by reducing inflammation.However, this shake's exact amount of tart cherry isn't listed. Kate Farms Nutrition Shake is USDA Organic, vegan, gluten-free, and Kosher, and is available in coffee, chocolate, and vanilla. It's Worth Noting While it is great that this shake includes so many vitamins and minerals, it is important to avoid overconsuming these nutrients, especially if you are taking other supplements like a multivitamin. Kate Farms doesn’t use any artificial sweeteners, but it is relatively high in added sugar (18 grams per shake) from agave and brown rice syrups. It’s important to consider how this fits into your daily intake, as it may not be the best choice if you have diabetes or other blood sugar concerns. During taste-testing, we liked the vanilla flavor and creamy texture, but it was too sweet for some people. Product Details: Protein: 16 gramsProtein source: Pea proteinCalories: 330Sugar: 20 grams (18 grams added sugar)Fiber: 5 gramsSweetener: Agave and brown rice syrup solidsDietary considerations: vegan, gluten-free and top 8 allergen-free PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health Best Vegan Ripple Protein Shake PHOTO: Health / Jessica Juliao $34 at Amazon $8 $7 at Target $13 at Walmart Why We Like It We love the Ripple protein shake for its great flavor, strong nutrition profile, and relatively simple ingredient list. It has a smooth and creamy consistency without the chalkiness that you sometimes expect from a vegan protein shake. It has 20 grams of plant-based protein that also comes with over 500 milligrams of calcium (around 45 percent of your daily needs) and 4 milligrams of iron (around 25 percent of your daily needs)—two nutrients that may be difficult to get enough of on a vegan diet. Calcium is important for bone health, muscle movement, and nerve signaling. If you’re drinking this after a workout, you’ll want to pair it with some carbohydrates like a banana, raisins, or oatmeal to help replenish your glycogen stores. With 200 calories per bottle, it’s perfect for a snack but not quite enough to replace a meal. When it comes to taste, this shake was a winner. It's delicious and tastes like chocolate milk without the milk. There was no artificial taste whatsoever, and the smell matched the taste. It's Worth Noting The biggest drawback is that it contains 9 grams of added sugar (cane sugar) and monk fruit extract, which gives it a sweeter flavor that may not be suitable for everyone. However, if you consume this post-workout, the sugar can help replenish your energy stores. This shake is available in chocolate, vanilla, and coffee flavors. The coffee flavor contains 75 milligrams of caffeine, about 75 percent of the caffeine in a cup of coffee. Product Details: Protein: 20 gramsProtein source: Pea proteinCalories: 200Sugar: 9 grams (9 grams added sugar)Fiber: 2 gramsSweetener: Cane sugar and monk fruit extractDietary considerations: vegan, gluten-free, and top 8 allergen-free PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health Best Fruity Fuel for Fire Original Smoothies PHOTO: Health / Jessica Juliao $44 at Amazon $51 at Walmart View on Fuelforfire.com Why We Like It While not technically a shake, Fuel for Fire Protein Smoothies are a great alternative if you prefer a ready-to-go smoothie-like protein drink. It has 10 grams of protein from whey protein isolate, which is on the lower end for a protein shake. Whey protein is considered a top protein choice for athletes—though it’s a great option for anyone who wants to increase their protein intake. The 15 grams of carbohydrates come from fruits; some flavors even include vegetables. This makes Fuel for Fire a good pre-workout snack when you want something light. We also like that these don’t contain any added sugar or alternative sweeteners since the fruits provide enough sweetness. Fuel for Fire's original smoothies come in six different flavors, including one that contains caffeine. If you like a thicker texture, you'll enjoy these smoothies. Our testers found drinking them from the squeeze pouch easier than drinking them out into a glass. It's Worth Noting We don't love that these contain 0 grams of fiber, which is important to help keep you full. However, if you use this shake as a pre-workout, it may help avoid any digestive upset. Product Details: Protein: 10 gramsProtein source: Whey proteinCalories: 110Sugar: 16 gramsFiber: 0 gramsSweetener: None (sugar comes from fruit)Dietary considerations: gluten-free PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health Best with No Added Sugar Iconic Protein Drinks PHOTO: Health / Jessica Juliao $48 at Amazon Why We Like It With no added sugar, Iconic Protein Drinks are a good option if you have diabetes or for anyone else watching your sugar intake. They are made from grass-fed milk that has been filtered to be lactose-free and are low-carb and low-fat. While the filtering process removes the lactose, it actually increases the concentration of protein and calcium, providing 20 grams of protein and 40 percent of your daily calcium needs in one serving. These shakes are also soy-free and gluten-free. We find these to make a great addition to breakfast or a quick on-the-go snack. If you’re using them as post-workout refuel, you may want to add a source of fiber-rich carbohydrates, like a piece of fruit, to replenish muscle energy stores (glycogen). Our testers found this to be on the watery side with a subtle taste. If you don't love an overwhelming and creamy shake, this is a good option. It's Worth Noting Iconic protein shakes come in four flavors—cacao and greens, vanilla bean, cafe latte, and chocolate truffle (which tastes just like chocolate milk). The cacao and greens flavor contains a greens blend with broccoli, kale, and spinach, which adds vitamins and minerals to the mix. However, green powders may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners. All flavors are sweetened with monk fruit extract and stevia, which may not suit everyone's taste preference. Product Details: Protein: 20 gramsProtein source: Milk protein isolateCalories: 140Sugar: 0 gramsFiber: 4 grams Sweetener: Monk fruit extract and Stevia Dietary considerations: gluten-free, lactose-free, soy-free PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health Best for Gut Health Chobani Mixed Berry Vanilla Shake PHOTO: Chobani $4 $3 at Amazon $3 at Target View on Chobani.com Why We Like it Chobani Complete is a great option if you are lactose intolerant or want a protein drink that also supports gut health. It’s a Greek yogurt-based drink, meaning there is no added protein source, and it provides 20 grams of protein and 25 percent of your daily calcium needs per bottle. This shake has probiotics that can promote healthy digestion by regulating our gut microbiome. While specific strains and amounts work best for different gastrointestinal issues and symptoms, a yogurt-based drink like this one can be a good option for overall digestive health. Chobani Complete is available in strawberry cream, vanilla, mixed berry vanilla, and banana cream, all of which are sweetened with stevia and monk fruit extract. Because the protein comes from yogurt, this is one of the smoothest and creamiest options on the market. We like that it isn't overwhelmingly sweet and has a tangy undertone. All flavors are gluten-free, lactose-free (thanks to the addition of lactase), Kosher, and contain no artificial flavors. It's Worth Noting Unlike many of our other picks, this requires refrigeration, so it’s a bit less convenient, but we think the added nutritional benefits are worth it. Although it contains 12 grams of sugar, this drink has no added sugar. Because of the naturally occurring carbohydrates, this would also make a good post-workout choice. Product Details: Protein: 20 gramsProtein source: Cultured low-fat milkCalories: 170Sugar: 12 gramsFiber: 3 gramsSweetener: Monk fruit extract and stevia Dietary considerations: gluten-free, lactose-free, soy-free Best Chocolate Fairlife Core Power Protein Milk Shake PHOTO: Health / Jessica Juliao $36 $33 at Amazon $4 at Target $47 at Walmart Why We Like It Fairlife Core Power High Protein Milk Shake is a great choice if you want something like chocolate milk. Unlike most protein shakes, the high protein in this one comes from ultra-filtered milk, giving it that chocolate milk feel and taste. We like that there's no aftertaste, unlike some other protein shakes and the texture is extremely smooth and creamy, Fairlife Core Protein can also help you meet your daily calcium needs, as each serving provides 50% of the Daily Value (DV) of calcium. It also has 25% of the DV of vitamins A and D and 20% of the DV of potassium. This is a plus because most Americans don't get enough potassium, and it can help support healthy blood pressure. Another ingredient in this shake is lactase enzyme, which is helpful if you are lactose intolerant. Like most other protein shakes, the Core Protein shake is shelf-stable until opened, though some recommend chilling it for a better drinking experience. If you aren't a huge chocolate fan, the shake also comes in strawberry banana, banana, and vanilla. It's Worth Noting While this has no added sugar, it contains stevia, monk fruit extract, and acesulfame-K. Some people may not love the taste of these sweeteners, but we don't think it's overly sweet. It also contains carrageenan as a thickener. Some research suggests that consuming high amounts of carrageenan promotes inflammation, but more research is needed to confirm this potential association. Product Details: Protein: 26 gramsProtein source: Low-Fat milkCalories: 170Sugar: 5 gramsFiber: 2 gramsSweetener: Monk fruit extract, stevia, and acesulfame-KDietary considerations: gluten-free, lactose-free PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health Best Vanilla Orgain Protein Shake PHOTO: Amazon $32 $30 at Amazon $32 at Target View on Vitacost Why We Like It If you love vanilla, we recommend Orgain Organic Nutrition Plant Protein Shake. This thicker shake tastes like a creamy vanilla milkshake and has 16 grams of protein from a blend of pea protein, brown rice protein, and chia seeds, which makes it a complete plant-based protein source with all essential amino acids. In addition to protein, Orgain shakes are fortified with a range of nutrients, including vitamins C, D, B12, and iron. It also contains a fruit and vegetable blend providing added nutrients and antioxidants. With 230 calories and a higher carbohydrate content of 28 grams per serving, this is a good option for post-workout or a more filling snack. If you prefer grass-fed milk as your protein source, Orgain makes a similar protein shake that is not vegan. It's Worth Noting Although the vanilla flavor doesn't taste overly sweet, this shake includes 10 grams of added sugar from organic rice dextrin and organic cane sugar. So, this may not be the best choice if you want a lower-sugar option. Product Details: Protein: 16 gramsProtein source: Pea protein, brown rice protein, and chia seedsCalories: 230Sugar: 10 grams (10 grams of added sugar)Fiber: 2 gramsSweetener: organic rice dextrin and organic cane sugarDietary considerations: gluten-free, soy-free, vegan, non-GMO, organic, and free of major allergens Best for Muscle Gain Fairlife Protein Shake PHOTO: Amazon $80 $75 at Amazon $5 at Target $56 at Walmart Why We Like It If you want a bigger dose of protein from your shake, Fairlife Core Power Elite offers 42 grams of protein. This may be especially helpful if you’re a serious athlete or have elevated protein needs. Getting enough protein in your diet can help repair and maintain muscle tissue, along with strength training, so this higher-protein pick can be a great choice if you are trying to build more muscle. Similar to our other favorite Fairlife shake, this texture is smooth and creamy, with just enough sweetness. The protein comes from filtered low-fat milk and includes lactase enzymes, making this suitable for those with a lactose intolerance or sensitivity. This shake also contains the most calcium, 900 mg (70% of Daily Value), and is a good source of vitamins A and D. It comes in vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate flavors. It's Worth Noting This protein shake contains sucralose and carrageenan, two additives that emerging research suggests may have negative side effects when consumed in excess. Product Details: Protein: 42 gramsProtein source: Filtered low-fat milkCalories: 230Sugar: 8 gramsFiber: 0 gramsSweetener: Monk fruit extract, stevia, sucralose, acesulfame-KDietary considerations: gluten-free, lactose-free Best Unique Flavors Koia Protein Shake PHOTO: Amazon View on Amazon Why We Like It The typical chocolate and vanilla protein shakes can get mundane, but Koia Protein Shakes come in a variety of unique flavors you will want to try. Our favorites include Cinnamon Cereal, Coconut Almond, Cold Brew Coffee, and Banana Creme. None of these are too sweet, and our testers didn't find any artificial aftertaste. These shakes are also a bit thicker than others but still well-blended. This is a plant-based shake, and the 18 grams of protein come from a blend of brown rice, pea, and chickpea proteins, making it a complete protein. We like that it includes seven grams of fiber, the highest of all the shakes on our list. The added fiber can help keep you feeling full and benefit your digestive health. It's Worth Noting We like this shake's high fiber content, but note that adding too much fiber at a time can cause bloating. Keep this in mind when planning how many shakes and other high-fiber foods you eat throughout the day. This product also includes almonds and coconuts; therefore, it is unsuitable for those with a tree nut allergy. Product Details: Protein: 18 gramsProtein source: brown rice protein, pea protein and chickpea proteinCalories: 190Sugar: 4 grams (4 grams added sugar)Fiber: 7 gramsSweetener: Organic cane sugar, monk fruit extractDietary considerations: vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free More To Consider We also tried these popular protein shakes, but they didn't quite make our top picks. However, we know taste and ingredient choice are subjective, so they may be a good fit for you. Soylent Complete Protein: We appreciate that this product has 30 grams of protein, which is high for a vegan protein shake. It is also fortified with various vitamins and minerals and is a soy-based protein if you prefer this. While we enjoyed the subtle vanilla flavor, this shake includes a variety of sugar alternatives and fillers like allulose, maltodextrin, cellulose, soluble corn fiber, and sucralose, which may cause digestive upset in some people.Muscle Milk: We love that this product is found in most stores and includes a blend of milk protein isolate and caseinate, making it a great choice for post-exercise recovery. However, it is not suitable for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, and we found it to leave a lingering sweet aftertaste. Plus, this product includes artificial flavors as well as fillers like soluble corn fiber.Slate Core Variety Pack: These lactose-free shakes pack 20 grams of protein per can. Testers were mixed on taste—some loved the taste, while one of our editors did not. Our Supplement Research Process Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements; you can read more about our dietary supplement methodology here. We support supplements that are evidence-based and rooted in science. We value certain product attributes that we find to be associated with the highest quality products. We prioritize products that are independently verified and certified by independent organizations such as USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab.com. It's important to note that the FDA does not review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they go to market. Our team of experts has created a detailed, science-backed methodology to choose the supplements we recommend and gives more details on what we specifically look for in supplements. To choose the best protein shakes, we also interviewed health experts, and our editors tested 19 protein shakes to rate their taste, texture, aftertaste, smell, and overall value. Our registered dietitian nutrition editor also rated these for nutritional content and quality of ingredients to come up with our top recommendations. The Experts We spoke to several experts, including those specializing in gut health, sports nutrition, weight management, and family nutrition: Kristy Baumann, RD, LD: a marathon runner and Registered Dietitian specializing in helping runners learn how to fuel their bodies to support their training and everyday life. Mandy Tyler, M.Ed., RD, CSSD, LD, LAT: a Registered Dietitian specializing in sports nutrition. Dana Peters, MS, RD: a Registered Dietitian who works with families to eat well together. Anne Cook Carroll, MS, RD, CDN: a Registered Dietitian specializing in weight management, as well as supplement research and analysis. Ingredients: What to Pay Attention To It is essential to carefully read a supplement's ingredient list and nutrition facts panel to determine which ingredients are included and how much of each ingredient is included relative to its recommended daily value. Please bring the supplement label to a healthcare provider to review the different ingredients contained in the supplement and any potential interactions between these ingredients and other supplements and medications you are taking. In general, ready-to-drink, bottled protein shakes typically contain additives, including alternative sweeteners, emulsifiers, and others, which help to improve taste and texture and increase shelf life. While these ingredients are considered safe to consume, they do make these shakes more of a processed food compared to making a protein smoothie or shake at home using additive-free protein powders or other sources of protein, like plain Greek yogurt and milk. We recommend consuming bottled protein shakes in moderation and alternating with homemade protein smoothies and other whole-food sources of protein, including both animal and plant-based proteins. When choosing a protein shake, consider your individual needs and preferences. Some ingredients to be mindful of include added sugars, alternative sweeteners, added fibers, additional vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, greens blends, and probiotics, some of which may interact with medications. Some protein shakes may contain potential food allergens like gluten, lactose, and tree nuts, so be sure to read the label carefully. Your Questions, Answered When should you drink protein shakes? Technically, you could drink a protein shake anytime—with a meal or as a snack. There’s no specific time of day that is necessarily best to drink a protein shake. However, some people find getting enough protein at breakfast challenging, especially on busy mornings. Protein shakes can be a helpful addition to a breakfast on the go. They are also particularly helpful if you’ve just finished a workout, especially when you don’t have the appetite for something else or the time to prepare a meal. “You can jump-start the recovery process by drinking a protein shake with at least 20 grams of protein within 30 minutes after a hard-effort workout or strength session,” says Baumann. You’ll also want to get in a good source of carbohydrates after exercising to replenish and build your energy stores, so if your shake is low in carbs, try drinking it alongside a peanut butter sandwich or yogurt with berries and granola. Do protein shakes help you lose weight? Many people use protein shakes in an effort to lose weight, but they don't automatically lead to weight loss. Protein can help fill you up and keep you full, which may support overall calorie balance. “However, because protein shakes don't contain nearly as many nutrients or fiber as real food, they're not as satiating to the body. This can make you hungry later on, which can lead to overeating,” says Lindsay Allen, MS, RDN. Keep in mind that some protein shakes are high calorie and designed to support weight gain, not loss. Can protein shakes replace a meal? Protein shakes can act as meal replacements; however, most are too low in calories, carbohydrates, and fat to replace a meal. If you’re using a shake as an on-the-go meal, look for shakes that contain at least 300 to 350 calories and a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. That may still not be enough calories for some people, so pay attention to how you feel after drinking a protein shake and if it keeps you full for long enough. Protein shakes can be a helpful addition to meals on days when you don’t have time to prepare another source of protein. Who We Are Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RDN, LDN is a registered dietitian, certified intuitive eating counselor, and writer for Health.com. She helps busy moms learn to eat to feel their best, and is always looking for the best, most convenient options to support her clients’ lifestyles. She also works with many endurance athletes to support fueling and recovery, including distance runners and triathletes. Shushy Rita Setrakian, MS, RDN: a Registered Dietitian who works with patients to meet their health goals and educates patients by converting nutrition science into meaningful dietary recommendations. She is a writer for Health.com who also specializes in supplement research and analysis. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit 19 Sources Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Dietary guidelines for Americans 2020–2025. 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