Protein shakes are one of those wellness products that come with a lot of questions. What type of protein drink do you need? Can you use a protein powder for weight loss? When’s the best time to drink a protein shake? What about weight gain shakes? Which are the best protein shakes anyway? 

There’s much to learn, so let’s start with the basics. Do you need to drink a protein shake?

If you regularly eat a balanced diet, you’re already getting optimum nutrition with enough protein, so there’s little need for supplements. 

If you regularly skip meals, lead a very active lifestyle, or require a high protein diet to meet your weight goals or build and maintain muscle, a protein supplement could help you meet your needs.

Drinking a protein shake as a snack or meal replacement is a convenient way to increase your daily protein intake. The gold standard amount of protein per serving is between 20 and 26 grams, which is enough to satisfy your hunger and curb any cravings you may have. 

If you want to build muscle mass or stimulate faster muscle recovery after your workout, you need a supplement that delivers a complete protein with additional amino acids. These amino acids are essential to stimulate muscle growth and repair.

Several protein sources are used in shakes and powders and fall into two categories: animal and plant-based proteins. The best vegan protein powders and shakes use a combination of plant-based proteins from peas, brown rice, hemp, and soy blended with seed proteins from sunflower, chia, and pumpkin seeds. Animal-based protein comes from dairy and eggs and includes casein, whey, collagen, and egg whites.

Regardless of the source you choose, pre-packaged protein drinks and powders can contain a lot of sugar and chemical additives. Check the ingredients list, and choose a product with no added sugars, artificial flavors, or colorings. There are even some brands that contain allergen-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO ingredients.

If you’re still on the fence or have additional questions, talk to a sports nutritionist or a registered dietitian. They’ll assess how much protein you need daily and suggest the best ways to incorporate a protein shake or powder into your diet.

Now that you know more, let’s look at our top picks for the best-tasting protein shakes on the market to fuel your workouts and keep you on track to meet your nutritional goals. 

1. Iconic Chocolate Truffle Protein Drink 11.5oz

This is the perfect breakfast, afternoon snack, dinner, or shower protein shake. Drink in 20 grams of protein from grass-fed milk protein isolate, plus four grams of fiber. It’s sweetened with monk fruit, zero sugar, and only eight grams of carbs. It’s a delicious protein drink that’s gluten-free, soy-free, and lactose-free. You can indulge in its decadent taste whenever you desire.

$3.99

2. Cellucor COR-Performance Whey Peanut Butter Marshmallow 2lb

When's the last time you saw peanut butter marshmallow flavored whey protein powder? Shakes made with Cellucor’s COR-Performance deliver 24 grams of easy-to-digest whey protein isolate with only 130 calories, all gluten-free. It blends easily into water or other liquids and makes a great addition to baked goods.

$31.99

3. Aprés Cold Brew Coffee Plant-Based Protein Shake 11oz Btl

Perk up with Après enhanced protein shake. This vegan protein shake combines 15 grams of chia, hemp, cacao, and pea protein concentrate blended with a silky smooth, hydrating base of coconut water and oil for a flavorful drink rich in electrolytes and MCT fats. Similar in taste to iced lattes, Après has 85 milligrams of caffeine to kick start your day or power you through the 3 PM slump.

$4.39

4. Soylent Complete Nutrition Protein Meal Replacement Shake, Mint Chocolate, 14 oz

This delicious dessert-inspired, dairy-free shake is packed with 20 grams of plant-based protein, only one gram of sugar, and no artificial sweeteners. It’s a complete meal in a bottle that includes all nine essential amino acids, low glycemic index carbohydrates, 28 essential vitamins and minerals, and healthy fats. Get the nutrition you need from one protein-rich shake.

$3.99

5. Core Power Strawberry Banana Protein Milkshake 14oz

Recover from a hard workout faster with Core Power Protein Milkshakes. Core Power combines strawberry banana flavors with electrolytes, nine essential amino acids, and 26 grams of protein from whey and casein into a rich, satisfying shake that’s the perfect way to rehydrate and refuel your body. 

$3.29

6. TrueFit Grass-Fed Protein Shake Vanilla 11oz Bottle

TrueFit is a nutritionally complete, ready-to-drink protein shake made with ultra-premium grass-fed protein, fruits and vegetables, prebiotic fiber, and MCT oil. TrueFit contains no added sugar and about three grams of net carbohydrates, making it ideal as a post-workout shake or an on-the-go meal replacement that provides whole food nutrition and sustained energy. 

$4.29

7. OWYN 20G Smooth Vanilla 12oz Btl

OWYN is a delicious plant-based vanilla flavor shake that delivers 20 grams of protein. Its vegan formula uses allergen-friendly ingredients, including a multi-source plant protein blend, a combination of green superfoods, and vegan omega-3 fatty acids. Containing only 180 calories and five grams of carbs, it’s the perfect fuel for keto, low-carb, and low-calorie diets. 

$3.99

8. Muscle Milk Chocolate Protein Shake 14oz

Muscle Milk delivers 25 grams of high-quality protein that helps support muscle rebuilding, growth, and maintenance. The protein blends of fast-absorbing whey isolate and peptides mixed with milk protein and casein. It contains zero sugars and six grams of hunger-busting fiber and is a good source of calcium and vitamins A, C, and D for well-rounded nutrition.

$3.69

FAQ

When is the best time to drink a protein shake?

You’re probably asking yourself when to drink protein shakes. Generally, it’s best to spread your protein consumption throughout the day. Protein shakes can be used as snacks, especially if you’re going long periods between meals. Find a shake such as Muscle Milk Chocolate Protein Shake with added fiber to help you feel fuller longer and curb your appetite for junk food.

Recent studies have answered the question of when to take protein powder or shakes if you want to bulk up or optimize your recovery post-workout. The results indicate that the best time to consume protein is within two hours of completing your workout, especially if it’s rigorous. You can also drink a shake like Aprés Cold Brew Coffee Plant-Based Protein Shake ahead of time for a quick energy boost.

What’s the best protein shake?

The best protein shake for you depends on your individual needs and how you want to use them. Let’s take a look at a few suggestions.

Best protein shake overall:  Iconic Chocolate Truffle Protein Drink is the perfect anytime protein shake. It’s a good source of protein, delivering 20 grams per serving, eight grams of carbs for energy, and four grams of fiber. Its rich chocolate flavor will make this seem more like an indulgent treat than a healthy snack.

Best post-workout protein shake: For a protein shake to help build muscle after a workout, it needs the nine essential amino acid building blocks to kick muscle tissue production and repair into gear. Core Power Strawberry Banana Protein Milkshake includes these amino acids plus a combination of fast-absorbing whey and slow-absorbing casein to prolong the length of time your body has access to protein. It also supplies electrolytes to help rehydrate you after a grueling workout.

Best meal replacement protein shake: Soylent Mint Chocolate Complete Nutrition Protein Meal Replacement Shake contains 250 calories, making it the perfect grab-and-go food when you don’t have time for a sit-down meal. It also serves up an impressive 30 grams of protein and a reasonable 10 grams of carbs with zero sugar. 

Best protein shake for people with food sensitivities: People with food sensitivities can still enjoy a healthy protein shake. OWYN 20G Smooth Vanilla is a delicious vegan shake free of all major allergens. It combines 20 grams of protein and five grams of fiber with all nine essential amino acids plus omega-3 fats, iron, potassium, and calcium.

Best protein shake for weight loss: TrueFit Grass-Fed Protein Shake Vanilla delivers 20 grams of protein in a nutritionally complete formulation that’s also low-carb and sugar-free. At only 130 calories per serving, it’s perfect for a snack, and its rich vanilla flavor will curb your cravings for sweets.

What are the benefits of protein?

Protein is a vital nutrient for optimal health. It carries out five essential functions in your body.

Construction: Protein is your body’s primary building material, helping make not only muscle but bone, skin, and cartilage.

Maintenance: Protein is used in tissue regeneration and repair.

Oxygenation: The protein hemoglobin found in red blood cells carries the oxygen we breathe from our lungs to our tissues throughout our body. 

Digestion: About half the protein we consume is converted into enzymes that break down our foods into base nutrients that we can absorb.

Regulation: Protein plays a role in regulating our hormones, especially during puberty.

On top of these functions, consuming protein also helps speed recovery after an injury or a heavy workout, builds metabolism-boosting lean muscle, prevents muscle loss as we age, and helps maintain a healthy weight by curbing your hunger.