Protein is a key building block for your body, supporting muscle growth, weight management and overall health. But getting enough protein daily isn’t always easy — especially if you’re constantly on the go.
Ready-to-drink protein shakes can help with this. These pre-prepared drinks are meant for when you’re on-the-go and offer a smooth, well-balanced alternative without the hassle of mixing powders.
We’ve rounded up the best protein shakes, tested for taste, nutrition and texture. Whether you’re fueling workouts, managing your diet or just looking for an easy protein boost, these top picks have you covered.
Best overall protein shake
We didn’t choose a best overall protein shake since everyone has different dietary needs and preferences. Therefore, this list consists of top protein shakes we tried and liked that are plant-based and milk-based. Sometimes people like to mix it up, so it’s ideal to know the best options to pick from at your local supermarket or deli.
These are our top protein shake picks.
Giselle Castro-Sloboda/CNETThere are two common types of protein shakes: whey-based and plant-based. We’ve tested many protein shakes for taste and nutritional value to help you determine which ones are worth your money.
If protein powders are more up your alley, these are some of our favorites for mixing at home.
Kate Farms
Kate Farms uses organic yellow pea protein in its plant-based shakes that are free of gluten, soy, dairy and artificial sweeteners. I loved how creamy and delicious these protein shakes were. They’re higher in calories (330 calories), which isn’t a problem since it’s considered a meal replacement beverage, not just a protein shake. This product almost made the best list, but it fell short in one important area: It only has 16 grams of protein per serving compared to the other plant-based brands, which have at least 20 grams of protein. If Kate Farms reworked its formula to include 20 grams or more of protein, it would’ve easily made the best list.
Orgain Organic Nutrition Shake
I’m familiar with Orgain’s plant-based protein powders because I’ve had them in the past. I had never tried its shakes before, and they fell short for me. I really wanted to like them, but they had an aftertaste that their powders normally don’t have, and even the creamy chocolate fudge flavor (that I usually like) didn’t taste the same to me. If it were up to me, I’d stick to Orgain in powder form and mix it with my dairy-free milk of choice as I normally do.
Iconic Life Protein Drink
This whey-based protein shake was not a hit for me as I could not get past the artificial taste. I often enjoy vanilla flavors, but I was not a fan of this version of vanilla protein. The chocolate flavor was slightly better, but ultimately the mix of sweeteners was not the right fit for me.
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Flavor: We taste-tested to see if the flavor reminded us of the flavor profile. We also made sure there wasn’t a bad aftertaste.
Ingredients: We looked at ingredients to see if they include additional minerals and nutrients to support the protein profile. We also checked for questionable additives.
Grams of protein: We made sure that the products had at least 20 grams of protein per serving.
Side effects: We observed whether gastrointestinal issues arose, because they can be a potential side effect to consuming supplements with whey or artificial sugars.
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- Make sure to read the ingredient label, especially if you have lactose intolerance.
- Some protein shakes are sold as a pack or individually depending on where you buy them.
- Whey concentrate and whey isolate commonly make up whey-based proteins. The difference is in the way they are processed, with whey isolate having more protein but less fat and carbs. There also ultra-filtered protein shakes that are ideal if you like milk-based shakes but without the lactose. Plant-based protein main ingredients tend to be a mix of peas, brown rice, hemp, pumpkin seeds or soy.
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What should you look for when shopping for protein shakes?
The US Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate supplements, such as protein shakes, but a good way to make sure you’re getting a quality protein powder is by checking which brands are tested by third-party companies. These include NSF International or Informed Choice certifications.
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Are whey-based protein shakes better than plant-based ones?
Whey-based protein is isolated from whey and contains lactose. It is considered the gold standard for muscle growth because it is a complete protein, meaning it has all nine essential amino acids. Plant-based protein is only considered a complete protein if it is made up of soy. There are many plant-based shakes made up of peas, hemp and pumpkin that, when combined, form a complete protein with all the essential amino acids and branched-chain amino acids. With plant-based shakes, avoid ones that have added sugars or fillers. Be mindful of any allergies or sensitivities to specific ingredients.
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Do you even need protein shakes?
It’s important to remember that supplements are intended to support a balanced diet and should not be used as a substitute for real food. You don’t need to drink protein shakes if you’re getting enough protein throughout the day. They’re helpful if you need an on-the-go option to meet your protein quota.
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Are there any negative side effects from drinking protein shakes?
If you’re lactose intolerant or sensitive to dairy, whey-based protein shakes may not be the best choice because they can upset your stomach. Additionally, some protein shakes may contain artificial sweeteners or ingredients that may also cause bloating or other gastrointestinal issues, so it’s important to read the nutrition labels first.
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Is it OK to drink a protein shake daily?
Taking whey protein daily is generally considered safe for most people. If you’re working out and need protein for recovery, a protein shake can be a great choice. However, keep in mind that excessive protein intake can cause bloating and cramps for some.
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Do protein shakes help with weight loss?
While protein shakes don’t directly promote weight loss, replacing a meal with a shake can help you reduce your calorie consumption. This would indirectly help with weight loss.
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Our Experts
Written by
Giselle Castro-Sloboda
Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission.
Giselle Castro-Sloboda Fitness and Nutrition Writer
I’m a Fitness & Nutrition writer for CNET who enjoys reviewing the latest fitness gadgets, testing out activewear and sneakers, as well as debunking wellness myths. On my spare time I enjoy cooking new recipes, going for a scenic run, hitting the weight room, or binge-watching many TV shows at once. I am a former personal trainer and still enjoy learning and brushing up on my training knowledge from time to time. I’ve had my wellness and lifestyle content published in various online publications such as: Women’s Health, Shape, Healthline, Popsugar and more.
Expertise Fitness and Wellness
English