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When it comes to boosting your protein intake, protein shakes are an ideal option. Meeting your daily protein requirements through diet alone isn't always easy, especially when trying to lose weight or gain muscle. Protein powders aren't just limited to before and after workouts either. Adding a protein shake to your regular meal plan is a fast, convenient, and often delicious way to up your protein intake when your schedule is hectic.
No matter why you're drinking protein, you can find a perfect fit on our list of the best high-protein drinks. We've included not just whey protein but also plant-based protein options, too! Just grab one, slam it, and get on with your life!
The Best Protein Shakes - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Protein Shake: Xwerks Grow
- Best Protein Shake for Weight Loss: Transparent Labs Whey Isolate
- Best Vegan Protein Shake: KOS Organic Plant Protein
- Best Tasting Protein Shake: Xwerks Grow Strawberry
- Best Low-Carb Protein Shake: Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
- Best Organic Protein Shake: KOS Organic Plant Protein, Chocolate Peanut Butter
- Best Vanilla Protein Shake: Transparent Labs Organic Vegan, French Vanilla
- Best Chocolate Protein Shake: ONNIT Whey Isolate, Mexican Chocolate
We've rounded up the best protein powders for women and men that are nutrient-rich and mix well when shaken for those times when you need the kind of dietary boost that only a protein shake can provide. Read on for our top picks!
Why Trust Us?
The health and safety of ACTIVE's readers is of the utmost importance to us. To ensure your well-being when consuming protein shakes, the ACTIVE.com editorial team prioritizes products that are independently tested by a third party. We've also consulted with a team of nutritionists and dieticians to ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. This helps us create the most accurate, authentic review content for our readers.
Best Overall Protein Shake - Xwerks Grow
SPECS
- Protein per serving: 25g
- Protein source: Whey protein isolate
- Form: Powder
- Sweetener: Stevia
Low-carb, keto-friendly, and high in quality 100% grass-fed whey protein isolate, Xwerks Grow is our choice for the best overall protein shake. Grow contains 25 grams of easily digestible protein and 6 grams of recovery-boosting BCAAs per serving. The bloat-free digestibility is because whey protein isolates are ultra-filtered to minimize the amount of carbohydrates, fats, and lactose. The latter is the root cause of whey protein bloat and stomach distress, especially in lactose-intolerant people. It's also naturally flavored and sweetened using Stevia to create its tasty chocolate, vanilla, peanut butter, and strawberry flavors.
Xwerks Grow is also clump-free and can mix easily in a shaker bottle with your liquid of choice, a must-have for a great protein shake on the go. Grow is a pricier option due to the high-quality ingredients used in this protein formula, but shipping is free, and there is a subscribe-and-save option for an additional 5% off.
Best For
- Those looking for a low-carb, high-protein shake
- Those who prefer whey protein sourced from grass-fed cows
- People who value a third-party tested protein powder
Not Best For
- Athletes who need a carbohydrate boost
- Those on a tight budget, as this is $2/serving
Best Protein Shake for Weight Loss - Transparent Labs Whey Isolate
SPECS
- Protein per serving: 28g
- Protein source: Whey protein isolate
- Form: Powder
- Sweetener: Stevia
The team at ACTIVE loves a good whey protein isolate, not just for the ease of the stomach but because this filtered whey protein is also lower in cholesterol and calories than its protein competitors. Further, many protein powders will use extra additives and sweeteners to create more appealing flavors, resulting in the opposite outcome of why you chose to drink a protein shake in the first place.
We highly recommend Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate as the best protein shake for weight loss because this grass-fed powder has an impressive 28 grams of fast-digesting protein powder per serving, is low in calories, and has less than 1 gram of sugar per serving with zero added sugars. It also comes in a variety of flavors ranging from chocolate peanut butter to cinnamon French toast for the dieter with a sweet tooth who is looking for a less indulgent option.
Best For
- Those wanting a low-calorie protein that is bloat-free
- Athletes who prefer quality, transparent ingredients
- Users who enjoy having flavor variety
Not Best For
- Athletes or hardgainers who require more carbohydrates and calories
- Those avoiding sweeteners like Stevia
BUY: Transparent Labs Whey Isolate
Best Vegan Protein Shake - KOS Plant Protein
SPECS
- Protein per serving: 20g
- Protein source: Organic pea protein, organic quinoa protein, organic flaxseed, pumpkin seed, and chia seed protein
- Form: Powder
- Sweetener: Stevia, organic monk fruit
It isn't impossible to meet your daily protein requirements on a vegan diet from whole foods; it's just a lot harder than a diet featuring animal products. Creatine a protein shake with a plant-based protein powder like KOS Organic Plant Protein can really help nail down those daily macronutrient numbers. KOS Organic Plant Protein is a sustainably-sourced formula featuring a 20-gram-per-serving combination of organic pea and quinoa protein, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds. KOS also contains a blend of organic fruits and vegetables, digestive enzymes, and vitamins and minerals for gut health. It mixes well—a spectacular achievement for any plant protein—comes in a resealable package to stay fresh while stored.
KOS only uses high-quality ingredients without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. They also have a range of seven flavors, including an unflavored option, that are as satisfying as they are environmentally friendly.
Best For
- Vegans or vegetarians looking to meet their daily protein requirements
- Users wanting a great-tasting plant-based powder with less grit
- Those avoiding artificial sweeteners like erythritol
Not Best For
- Users avoiding protein powders that are higher in calories and carbs
- Those looking for more protein per serving
Best Tasting Protein Shake - Xwerks Grow, Strawberry
SPECS
- Protein per serving: 25g
- Protein source: Whey protein isolate
- Form: Powder
- Sweetener: Stevia
When you think about protein shake flavors, variations on chocolate, vanilla, and pastry-based options probably come to mind, but what about strawberry? Hear us out. Xwerks Grow Strawberry is counted among the best-tasting protein powders among reviewers for its excellent fruity flavor and clump-free mixability. It is also low-carb, easier on the digestive system, and uses 25 grams of 100% grass-fed whey protein isolate per serving. Still not completely sold on strawberry protein powder? Xwerks Grow's chocolate, vanilla, and peanut butter options are just as delicious.
Best For
- Those looking for a low-carb, high-protein shake
- Those who prefer whey protein sourced from grass-fed cows
- People who value a third-party tested protein powder
Not Best For
- Athletes who need a carbohydrate boost
- Those on a tight budget, as this is $2/serving
Best Low-Carb Protein Shake - Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
SPECS
- Protein per serving: 25g
- Protein source: Whey protein isolate
- Form: Powder
- Sweetener: Steviol glycosides, sucralose
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate is our pick for the best low-carb protein shake because its 25 grams of pure ultra-filtered whey protein isolate that mixes like a dream and has had the majority of fat, lactose, and carbohydrate content removed and can for faster digestion. At 3 grams per serving, it's not entirely carb free, but significantly lower than some of its competitors. You will still want to consume some carbs for energy production, especially if you train regularly.
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate is also stomach-friendly because of its use of ProHydrolase®, a protease blend. Protease is an enzyme that helps the body break down proteins for absorption and digestion.(1) Including it in the mix helps to ensure that your body is functioning optimally with little to no stomach distress. Kaged is also gluten-free, non-GMO, and doesn't use artificial flavors or coloring in their products. Lastly, this protein powder is third-party tested for purity and quality.
Best For
- Users who want a protein powder that is both low-carb and stomach-friendly
- Those looking for a fast-digesting protein for fuel and recovery
- Athletes who prefer a third-party tested protein powder
Not Best For
- Those avoiding artificial sweeteners like sucralose
- Users who want more flavor variety
BUY: Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
Best Organic Protein Shake - KOS Organic Plant Protein, Chocolate Peanut Butter
SPECS
- Protein per serving: 20g
- Protein source: Organic pea protein, organic quinoa protein, organic flaxseed, pumpkin seed, and chia seed protein
- Form: Powder
- Sweetener: Stevia, organic monk fruit
Touted as the all-in-one-protein shake, KOS Organic Plant Protein is our pick in this category because this product features sustainably-sourced ingredients that are produced organically on responsibly-managed farms. Nearly every item used is USDA-certified organic and free of hormones, pesticides, and artificial sweeteners; nothing to see here but pure plant protein.
The KOS plant protein formula features a 20-gram combination of organic pea and quinoa protein, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds. KOS also contains a blend of organic fruits and vegetables, digestive enzymes, and vitamins and minerals for gut health. Not only that, It mixes well, and the chocolate peanut butter flavor is especially satisfying.
Best For
- Users looking for a natural or organic protein shake option
- Those who want a great-tasting plant-based powder with less grit
- Those avoiding artificial sweeteners like erythritol
Not Best For
- Users avoiding protein powders that are higher in calories and carbs
- Those looking for more protein per serving
Best Vanilla Protein Shake - Transparent Labs Organic Vegan, French Vanilla
SPECS
- Protein per serving: 24g
- Protein source: Organic rice protein, organic pea protein isolate
- Form: Powder
- Sweetener: Organic Stevia
For a great-tasting vanilla protein shake that is both high in protein and vegan-friendly, check out Transparent Labs Organic Vegan protein powder in French Vanilla. This formula is a blend of organic rice and pea protein isolate and boasts 24 grams of organic protein, which is pretty significant for a plant-based powder. It's non-GMO and contains no soy, added sugars, or artificial sweeteners, as it's sweetened with organic Stevia. Transparent Labs Organic Vegan is also an excellent source of iron at 4 grams per serving. Reviewers love the vanilla flavor and appreciate that it isn't overly sweet and gentle on the stomach.
Best For
- Those looking for a tasty vanilla protein shake
- Vegetarian or vegan athletes that need more protein per serving
- Users who value organic and transparent ingredients
Not Best For
- Those who don't enjoy vanilla flavoring
- Athletes who use more than 1 scoop daily
BUY: Transparent Labs Organic Vegan, French Vanilla
Best Chocolate Protein Shake - ONNIT Whey Isolate, Mexican Chocolate
SPECS
- Protein per serving: 20g
- Protein source: Whey protein isolate
- Form: Powder
- Sweetener: Stevia leaf extract, monk fruit extract
Many protein shake brands offer a chocolate protein flavor, and some have several varieties, but our pick for the best chocolate protein shake is ONNIT Whey Isolate in Mexican Chocolate. What reviewers love the most about this product is the decadent cocoa flavoring with a slight hint of cinnamon spice. Each serving has 20 grams of easy-to-mix high-quality grass-fed whey protein isolate with no unnecessary fillers such as added sugar. ONNIT's Whey Isolate blend also contains digestive enzymes to help protect your gut and sodium to help replenish electrolytes after training.
Best For
- Users looking for a high-quality chocolate whey protein shake
- Those avoiding gluten and soy products
- Users who want a low-calorie protein powder with 0 added sugar
Not Best For
- Athletes who require more than 20g of protein per serving
- Users who are sensitive to added sodium
BUY: ONNIT Whey Isolate, Mexican Chocolate
Benefits of Protein Shakes
If you are trying to get more protein in your diet, either for health or athletic reasons, protein shakes are perhaps the easiest way to do it. They deliver concentrated blasts of a single crucial macronutrient, but also often contain additional micronutrients. Protein shakes can also be easily enhanced to match your goals or tastes, such as weight gain or weight loss. You can have a protein drink on its own, mix it with fruit, or use it as the base of a protein smoothie recipe.
How We Chose the Best Protein Shakes
We chose our list of the best protein shakes by researching protein powders from brands we trust and often recommend—like Transparent Labs and Xwerks, for example—with clean, transparent ingredients, certifications, cost per serving, and positive word-of-mouth from athletes and reviewers. Additionally, we consider factors like taste, mixability, amount of protein per serving, and overall quality. We also give extra consideration to products that have a proven track record for excellent customer service.
What to Look for in a Protein Shake
Form
First and foremost, look for a protein that fits your dietary needs. If you are lactose intolerant or on a vegan or vegetarian diet, you will want a plant-based protein product instead. Those with mild lactose intolerance may still be able to consume a whey protein isolate as the lactose has been removed during the filtering process, so stay on the safe side by starting with a smaller dosage to assess your tolerance.
Ingredients/Dosage
Look for protein powders with clearly labeled ingredients that provide the exact amount of protein per serving. A serving size of about 20 grams is a good dosage to shoot for. Also, be wary of artificial sweeteners, additives, and sugars, as these can hinder your efforts in terms of weight loss.
Certifications
Third-party testing is when manufacturers send their products to an outside lab to get tested for purity and potential contaminants. Most protein users prefer third-party testing, like Informed Choice, for their supplements as they will likely be free of potentially banned or harmful ingredients.
Cost
Regular protein shakes can be a hefty expense, so you'll want to feel certain that the quality of the protein you choose matches the price in terms of quality, flavor, and amount.
How Much Protein Do I Need?
The USDA suggests that the average person should consume between 10 to 35% of their total daily calories from protein. On average, most adults will need a minimum of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, while athletes need about 1.2 to 2 grams of protein per kilogram.(2) Be mindful of these numbers, as overconsumption of protein may lead to excess weight gain.
Try our handy Nutrition Needs Calculator to break down your daily caloric intake into protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
FAQs About Protein Shakes
Are protein shakes actually good for you?
Protein shakes aren't any healthier than equivalent protein from food, but they are definitely more convenient than cooking! Having a shake after working out or as a meal replacement is a simple way to help tip your body composition and workout recovery in the right direction without adding lots of extra calories.
Are protein shakes good for losing weight?
Boosting your daily protein intake with protein shakes can help ensure that when you lose weight, you're losing more body fat and less muscle.(3) You want to hold onto muscle mass when dieting because it powers your activities and is "metabolically active," meaning every pound of muscle you have burns more calories!
What is the healthiest source of protein?
The healthiest source of protein will vary person by person. Let your stomach and your budget determine the best fit for you! If you can tolerate dairy, you can't go wrong with whey or milk proteins. But plant-based proteins like pea and rice are equally healthy and offer a wide range of amino acids, in addition to fiber and other micronutrients.
When should you drink protein shakes?
Having a protein shake after a workout is a tried-and-true way to boost recovery and your fitness results since your body is slightly more sensitive to the effects of protein for several hours after training.(4) Protein shakes are also an easy meal replacement or snack, especially if the alternative is hitting the drive-thru.
Are Protein Shakes OK to drink every day?
It's perfectly safe to drink a protein shake every day, you may even drink up to two if you train regularly and your goal is to build muscle. That said, a protein shake should not be a substitute for a nutritional meal.
Do Protein Shakes Help You Build Muscle?
In short, yes! Studies have shown that high protein drinks like protein shakes can help support muscle hypertrophy—or gains—and aid in muscle recovery when consumed as a part of a consistent training regimen.(5)
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
- López-Otín, C., & Bond, J. S. (2008). Proteases: multifunctional enzymes in life and disease. The Journal of biological chemistry, 283(45), 30433–30437. https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.R800035200
- Mangano, K. M., Sahni, S., Kiel, D. P., Tucker, K. L., Dufour, A. B., & Hannan, M. T. (2017). Dietary protein is associated with musculoskeletal health independently of dietary pattern: the Framingham Third Generation Study. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 105(3), 714–722. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.116.136762
- Longland, T. M., Oikawa, S. Y., Mitchell, C. J., Devries, M. C., & Phillips, S. M. (2016). Higher compared with lower dietary protein during an energy deficit combined with intense exercise promotes greater lean mass gain and fat mass loss: a randomized trial. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 103(3), 738–746. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.115.119339
- Cintineo, H. P., Arent, M. A., Antonio, J., & Arent, S. M. (2018). Effects of Protein Supplementation on Performance and Recovery in Resistance and Endurance Training. Frontiers in nutrition, 5, 83. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2018.00083
- Pasiakos, S. M., McLellan, T. M., & Lieberman, H. R. (2015). The effects of protein supplements on muscle mass, strength, and aerobic and anaerobic power in healthy adults: a systematic review. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 45(1), 111–131. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-014-0242-2
About the Author
For the past 13 years, Erin Chancer has worked in digital publishing in the fitness and sports nutrition field. Erin has experience writing and editing workout-based, human interest, and advertorial stories within the fitness industry.
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