Losing weight has never been an easy task. In addition to focusing on building a regular, reasonable exercise regimen, paying attention to a diet with nutrient groups, especially protein, is equally important. There are many protein supplement products on the market and protein shakes are an outstanding product. So, among the countless types of protein shakes that support weight loss on the market, which one should consumers choose the best? We will provide you with the most optimal options for you to choose from to meet your weight loss goals.
WHAT IS A PROTEIN SHAKE?
A protein shake is a drink that has a lot of protein in it. It’s made to give your body extra protein, which is important for building muscles and staying healthy. People often drink protein shakes after exercising to help their muscles recover.
These shakes can come in different flavors, like chocolate or vanilla, and they may be made with ingredients like milk or plant-based proteins. Some protein shakes also have vitamins and minerals to make them even more nutritious. Overall, a protein shake is like a tasty and convenient way to get more protein in your diet.
Additional ingredients often found in protein shakes consist of:
- Various oils, such as sunflower or safflower oil
- Thickeners, like guar gum
- Natural or artificial flavors
- Blends of fruits and vegetables
OUR TOP PROTEIN SHAKES
BEST OVERALL: OWYN PLANT-BASED PROTEIN DRINK
The OWYN Plant-Based Protein Drink is the top choice for protein drinks. It’s made from plant-based stuff, so it’s good for different diets. OWYN is known for its yummy taste and helps your body with important stuff. It’s great for staying healthy and reaching fitness goals. OWYN gives you a mix of tasty flavors and plant-based protein to keep you energized and happy all day. It’s vegan, has no dairy or allergens, has fiber, and probiotics. But, it can be a bit expensive, has some sodium, and only comes in four flavors.
BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY: FAIRLIFE CORE POWER
The Chocolate OWYN Plant-Based Protein Drink costs $2.49 per shake and offers 26 to 42 grams of protein. Made with low-fat grade A ultra-filtered milk, it comes in flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry banana. Panelists in our ranking recommend it, and it’s available in different protein amounts. This lactose-free option is committed to animal welfare, containing only 5 grams of sugar. However, it has a limited flavor variety.
BEST VEGAN: RIPPLE
Ripple is the top pick for vegans looking for a protein drink. It’s well-known for being plant-based, making it great for those who follow a vegan lifestyle. This drink is made without any animal stuff, which means it’s kind to animals and good for the environment. Even though it’s wallet-friendly at $0.39 per 12 pack or $2.53 per shake, it’s still organic and free from nuts, soy, and gluten, making it safe for people with allergies. Ripple might have only a few flavors, but it’s a yummy addition to your day. Keep in mind that it has a bit more calories, fat, sodium, and carbs compared to some other shakes.
BEST FOR MUSCLE GAIN: MUSCLE MILK PRO ADVANCED NUTRITION PROTEIN SHAKE
Muscle Milk Pro Advanced Nutrition Protein Shake stands out as an excellent choice for muscle gain enthusiasts. Boasting high protein content, it provides a substantial dose of this essential nutrient crucial for muscle development and recovery. Additionally, the inclusion of fiber enhances digestive health, contributing to overall well-being. The low sugar content aligns with fitness goals, promoting lean muscle growth without unnecessary additives. While the product excels in its nutritional profile, some users have noted that the bottle can be challenging to open, which may be a minor inconvenience. Overall, Muscle Milk Pro Advanced Nutrition Protein Shake emerges as a reliable and effective option for those seeking a protein-rich supplement to support their muscle-building journey.
BEST HIGH-FIBER : LEAN BODY BY LABRADA
Priced at $3.83 per shake, this plant-based protein shake offers two protein options: 20 grams or a higher 40 grams. It utilizes milk protein isolate and boasts a variety of flavors, including salted caramel, chocolate, vanilla, cookies and cream, strawberry, banana, caffeinated cafe mocha, mint chocolate, and chocolate peanut butter. The shake is sugar-free, gluten-free, and soy-protein free, accommodating various dietary preferences. Independently tested for banned substances, it ensures high quality. With 22 vitamins and minerals, this shake addresses nutritional needs effectively. However, it comes at a higher cost compared to other plant-based options on this ranking.
BEST FLAVOR VARIETY: PREMIER PROTEIN
Premier Protein offers a protein-packed choice with 30 grams per serving. It uses milk protein concentrate and comes in a wide array of flavors, including banana, cafe latte, cake batter delight, caramel, chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, cinnamon roll, cookies and cream, peaches and cream, pumpkin spice, root beer float, strawberries and cream, and vanilla. With only 1 gram of sugar, it’s a gluten-free option. It’s essential to note that Premier Protein’s parent company is currently facing a lawsuit alleging a failure to monitor lead levels in Premier Protein shakes, potentially exposing users to unsafe levels. This raises concerns about the safety of the product and the company’s monitoring practices.
BEST MEAL REPLACEMENT: KATE FARMS NUTRITION SHAKE
Kate Farms Nutrition Shake has more calories compared to other shakes out there. It has a mix of protein, carbs, and fat. You can have it as a quick light meal or pair it with an apple and almonds for a fuller option. It’s also good to recharge after a tough workout when you don’t feel like having a whole meal. The shake has a bunch of vitamins and minerals, giving you 27 nutrients like vitamin D, calcium, iron, vitamin A, B vitamins, zinc, choline, and more.
BEST FRUIT SMOOTHIE: FUEL FOR FIRE ORIGINAL SMOOTHIES
While not technically a shake, Fuel for Fire protein smoothies are a great alternative if you prefer a smoothie-like protein drink that’s ready-to-go. With 10 grams of protein from whey protein isolate and 15 grams of carbs from fruits (and sometimes veggies), they work well as a quick snack before or after exercising. Whey protein is well-researched and is a top choice for athletes or anyone looking to boost their protein intake. These smoothies have no added sugar or sweeteners; the sweetness comes from the fruit. There are six flavors, including one with caffeine. Keep in mind they are pricier than some other protein shakes and might not have enough calories to replace a whole meal.
BEST WITH PROBIOTICS: CHOBANI MIXED BERRY VANILLA SHAKE
Chobani Complete is a good choice if you want a protein drink with whole foods and probiotics for a healthy gut. It’s made with yogurt and gives you 25 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, and 25 percent of your daily calcium needs in each bottle. It’s sweetened with stevia and monk fruit extract, making it a nice option if you’re lactose intolerant. Even though it needs to be kept in the fridge, which makes it a bit less handy than some other shakes, its extra nutritional benefits make it worth considering. You can get it in strawberry cream, vanilla, mixed berry vanilla, and banana cream flavors, all sweetened with stevia and monk fruit. Because it’s yogurt-based, it’s one of the smoothest and creamiest options out there. Plus, it’s gluten-free, lactose-free (thanks to added lactase), Kosher, and has no artificial flavors.
BEST FOR DIABETES: ICONIC PROTEIN SHAKE
Iconic protein shakes are a tasty choice that’s also lactose-free, made from grass-fed milk. They give you 20 grams of protein, fulfilling 40 percent of your daily calcium needs, and don’t have any added sugars. They use monk fruit extract and stevia for sweetness. Be careful with one flavor that has greens powder, as it might interact with certain medications. For those with diabetes or those watching their added sugar, Iconic protein shakes are a good pick since they have no extra sugar. These shakes are made by filtering lactose from grass-fed milk, making them low-carb and low-fat. The filtering boosts protein and calcium, providing 20 grams of protein and 40 percent of your daily calcium needs in one serving.
BEST FOR PREGNANCY: RITUAL ESSENTIAL PROTEIN DAILY SHAKE PREGNANCY & POSTPARTUM
Ritual Daily Shake for Pregnancy and Postpartum has important stuff for when you’re pregnant, like choline, calcium, and iron. It’s certified by Informed Sport, gluten-free, and safe for allergies. This shake uses monk fruit extract and Reb-M as sweeteners, and you need to mix it with water or another liquid to drink. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, having protein shakes can be helpful to get more protein, especially if you’re not very hungry or busy taking care of a newborn and need something quick. Safety is of utmost importance during this time period, which is why third party testing is essential. Ritual prioritizes quality and transparency through their Made Traceable™ program.
BEST KETO-FRIENDLY: PURE PROTEIN MEAL REPLACEMENT SHAKES
Pure Protein Meal Replacement Shakes are the best for keto-friendly diets. They’re good because they are high in protein and low in carbs, which is what you want for keto. They have zero grams of saturated fat, which is good. But, on the not-so-good side, they are low in fiber. So, if you’re doing keto and want lots of protein with low carbs, these shakes are a great choice, but just remember they might not have much fiber.
BENEFITS OF PROTEIN SHAKES
“Protein shakes are convenient, on-the-go nutrition in a cup or bottle,” says Roxana Ehsani, a Miami-based certified sports dietitian and adjunct professor at Virginia Tech. “They are easy to consume and can provide a great source of protein,” she says, noting that they can help you meet your protein needs, which can help promote muscle growth and satiety.
There’s more good news from a study in 2020. It found that people who eat a lot of protein might also lose weight. This could be because protein affects hormones that make you feel hungry or full, and it also takes more energy for your body to process protein.
And here’s the cool part about protein shakes – besides having protein, they can give you other important things your body needs. Some shakes have fruits and veggies, which give you vitamins, minerals, and stuff that’s good for you, like antioxidants.
SIDE EFFECTS OF PROTEIN SHAKES
Protein shakes can be helpful, but it’s important to know about possible side effects too.
Some people might feel a bit gassy or bloated after drinking them, especially if the shake has dairy. Drinking too many protein shakes with lots of calories might also lead to weight gain instead of muscle gain. It’s smart to stick to the recommended amount and not go overboard.
Some shakes might have added sugars or artificial stuff, which could be not so good for your health. And if you have any allergies, always check the ingredients to make sure the shake is safe for you.
Overall, enjoying protein shakes in moderation and picking ones with healthy ingredients can help you avoid any unwanted side effects.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A PROTEIN SHAKE
When you’re choosing a protein shake, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First off, check the protein content – you’ll want a shake that gives you a good amount of protein to support your muscles. It’s also a good idea to look for shakes with low added sugars to keep things healthy.
Check the flavors too, so you can pick one that you really enjoy. If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, make sure the shake fits with what you need – some are plant-based or lactose-free, for example. It’s also great if the shake has extra vitamins and minerals, making it not just a protein boost but a nutritious addition to your day.
Finally, consider the cost and convenience – find a protein shake that fits your budget and is easy for you to grab when you need it.
CONCLUSION
Each shake comes with its unique blend of flavors, ingredients, and nutritional benefits. Whether you prioritize plant-based, budget-friendly, or keto-friendly options, there is a protein shake designed to support your weight loss goals. It’s crucial to consider factors like protein content, added sugars, and additional nutrients to find the shake that aligns with your individual needs and tastes. Remember, while protein shakes can be a convenient and delicious addition to your weight loss journey, it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle for overall success.
