Ready-to-drink protein shakes make it easy to add more protein to your day without measuring, mixing or cleaning a shaker bottle. They can be especially convenient after a workout, between meals or anytime you need something quick and portable. After consulting with nutrition and fitness experts and drawing on firsthand experience with several shakes on this list, our pick for the best protein shake overall is the Core Power Protein Shake. It has a smooth texture, is one of the better-tasting shakes we tried and is lactose-free; the brand also makes an Elite version with 42 grams of protein.
We spoke with a dietitian, sports nutritionist and a professor of kinesiology to find the best protein shakes.
illustration: Forbes / Photos: Retailers
While protein shakes can be an easy way to boost your protein intake, they shouldn’t replace protein-rich whole foods altogether. “A shake is a tool for convenience,” says Stuart Phillips, Ph.D., a professor in the department of kinesiology at McMaster University. “Traveling, no appetite, no time, older adults who struggle to eat enough—that’s where it earns its place.” With that in mind, we considered taste, texture, ingredients and nutrition as well as how easy each shake is to work into your day.
Protein per serving: 26 grams | Protein source: Ultra-filtered milk | Calories per serving: 170 | Added sugar: 0 grams | Flavors: 3
Best for:
- Great taste and texture
- Lactose-free
- No added sugar
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Why We Named It Best Overall
Fairlife’s Core Power is the rare protein shake that delivers a solid amount of protein without tasting much like a protein shake. I’ve tried all three 26-gram flavors, and while the chocolate is my personal go-to (it reminds me of a richer chocolate milk), the vanilla and strawberry banana are equally good. They all have a smooth, easy-to-drink texture that isn’t too thick or too thin. Core Power is also made with ultra-filtered milk, which concentrates the milk’s naturally occurring protein, and lactase helps make the shakes lactose-free. If 26 grams isn’t enough for your needs, the shake is also available in an Elite version, which I’ve found tastes exactly the same but packs in 42 grams of protein.
Who Might Not Like It
The 26-gram Core Power line comes in just three flavors, so there’s less variety than you get with some of the other options on this list. The shakes not only contain sucralose and acesulfame potassium but also stabilizers, such as cellulose gum and carrageenan. Phillips explains that additives aren’t inherently something to be afraid of, but Core Power may not be the best fit if you prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners or prioritize a shorter ingredient list.
Premier Protein High Protein Shake
Protein per serving: 30 grams | Protein source: Milk protein concentrate, calcium caseinate | Calories per serving: 160 | Added sugar: 0 grams | Flavors: 11+, including seasonal options
Best for:
- 30 grams of protein per bottle
- 11+ flavors
- Lower price per bottle than most of our picks
Skip if:
- You prefer a thicker consistency
Why We Named It Best Value
Premier Protein is one of the more recognizable and established shakes on the market—and a 12-pack costs less than most of the options on our list without skimping on protein. Deputy sleep and wellness editor Bridget Chapman has been drinking the shakes for years and says “they’re great for after a workout or when I need a quick snack.” She also appreciates their “smooth, delicious taste.” Each shake gets its 30 grams of protein from a blend of milk protein concentrate and calcium caseinate, a slower-digesting protein that can help with satiety. The 11-ounce shakes also contain 25 vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, calcium and zinc. There are about a dozen flavors, ranging from classic chocolate to seasonal options like pumpkin spice.
Who Might Not Like It
Some customers report that the shakes have a thin consistency, likening it more to milk than a milkshake. Keep that in mind if you prefer a thicker or creamier texture, such as Core Power’s. Chapman also notes that the shake can sometimes settle at the bottom of the container, so you should give it a good shake before opening.
Protein per serving: 40 grams | Protein source: Milk protein isolate, calcium caseinate | Calories per serving: 270 | Added sugar: 0 grams | Flavors: 14
Best for:
- High amount of protein per serving
- Third-party tested
- Good source of vitamins and minerals
Skip if:
- You need a shake with less sodium
Why We Named It Best For Muscle Gain
With 40 grams of protein from milk protein isolate and calcium caseinate, the Labrada Lean Body Protein Shake is a strong option for those using protein shakes as part of a muscle-building routine. Milk protein isolate contains both casein and whey, the latter of which Jose Antonio, Ph.D., a certified sports nutritionist, says is “particularly effective” for muscle gain because of its high leucine content. Leucine is an essential amino acid that plays an important role in stimulating muscle protein synthesis. The shake also contains 22 vitamins and minerals, including calcium, potassium and vitamins A and E. Labrada’s protein shakes are certified by Informed Choice, an independent program that regularly tests certified products for banned substances.
Who Might Not Like It
Labrada’s shakes can be relatively high in sodium compared with some of the other options on our list, depending on the flavor. If you’re monitoring your sodium intake or following a low-sodium diet, check the nutrition label for the specific flavor before buying.
Huel Black Edition Ready-To-Drink
Protein per serving: 35 grams | Protein source: Pea protein, faba bean protein | Calories per serving: 400 | Added sugar: 4 grams | Flavors: 6
Best for:
- Meal replacement
- Good source of fiber
- No artificial sweeteners
Skip if:
- You want a cheaper protein shake
Why We Named It Best For Weight Loss
Huel Black Edition is designed to serve as a meal replacement, so it’s more substantial than most protein shakes. Each bottle contains 35 grams of plant-based protein from peas and faba beans, along with 6 to 7 grams of fiber and around 400 calories. It also contains 27 vitamins and minerals, so it’s a useful option when you need something closer to a meal than a snack. Unlike some of the other shakes on our list, Huel Black Edition is made without artificial sweeteners and instead uses stevia and organic coconut sugar.
Who Might Not Like It
At almost $5 per bottle, the Huel Black Edition Ready-To-Drink is the most expensive protein shake we recommend. It also might not be the best option if you’re looking for a protein shake to drink as a snack or after a workout rather than for meal replacement.
Protein per serving: 18 grams | Protein source: Brown rice protein, pea protein, chickpea protein | Calories per serving: 190 | Added sugar: 4 grams | Flavors: 11
Best for:
- Low sugar content
- Unique flavors
- Contains natural prebiotic fiber
Skip if:
- You want to buy a protein shake in bulk
Why We Named It Best Plant-Based
Whether you’re vegan or simply prefer to avoid dairy, Koia is a great plant-based protein shake option. Each shake has 18 grams of protein from brown rice, pea and chickpea proteins, along with 7 grams of fiber in most flavors from a blend that includes agave and chicory root fiber. Commerce writer Alex Garrett appreciates that Koia’s dairy-free formula doesn’t upset her stomach and says the shakes taste “smooth and sweet without a chalky aftertaste.” She also likes the variety of flavors, which range from traditional vanilla and chocolate to more unusual options like cinnamon horchata and Dubai chocolate.
Who Might Not Like It
Koia currently doesn’t sell its plant-based shake in bulk, so its shakes can only be purchased individually, which might be inconvenient for some. However, it does give you the opportunity to mix and match flavors.
How We Chose The Best Protein Shakes
We selected protein shakes based on the following criteria:
- Expert insights: We consulted several experts to determine what to look for and what to avoid when choosing a protein shake, including protein type, additives and third-party certifications.
- Staff recommendations: We relied on our own experience with protein shakes to inform our choices, providing firsthand insight on factors like taste and texture when relevant.
- Protein type: We understand that everyone has different fitness goals, dietary needs and use cases, which is why we made sure to feature shakes with different types of protein, from plant-based blends to milk-based proteins like whey and casein.
- Nutrition: We compared protein, calories, added sugar and other nutritional details to understand how each shake might fit different needs.
What To Look For In The Best Protein Shakes
When it comes to picking the right protein shake for your diet and preferences, there are a few things you’ll want to consider:
Protein Source
“Most of the more popular ready-to-drink protein shakes on the market right now use ultra-filtered milk (which removes lactose, fat and carbs so that you are left with more protein),” says registered dietitian nutritionist Laura Ligos. Some protein shakes use a combination of milk protein and casein. For example, calcium caseinate is a slow-digesting complete protein that can help with feeling fuller longer.
For plant-based and dairy-free proteins, common types include pea, brown rice, soy and hemp proteins. If you’re seeking a plant-based protein shake, Phillips recommends opting for a blend, such as pea and brown rice protein, rather than a single source, which helps to ensure you’re getting the necessary amino acids.
Flavor
The better a protein shake tastes, the more likely you are to keep drinking it and the easier it becomes to achieve your desired protein intake. While most protein shakes are already sweet, some brands add artificial sweeteners to make them even sweeter, so look for the addition of sweeteners like sucralose if you don’t (or do) like an overly sweet taste.
Ingredients
As always, it’s important to check a protein shake’s label for ingredients like soy, dairy or gluten, particularly if you’re sensitive or allergic. In terms of additives to avoid, Phillips says there isn’t really any need to fear them. “Most additives in these products are there to help them mix or taste decent,” says Phillips, who recommends keeping an eye out for added sweeteners if that’s important to you. “I’d be more skeptical of a label making big ‘clean’ claims than of the odd stabilizer.”
Anabolic Window
“The traditional 30-minute anabolic window is much less important than once believed,” says Antonio, referring to the theory that consuming protein 30 to 60 minutes after working out leads to better muscle repair and growth. “Drinking a [protein] shake after resistance training is practical and supported by evidence, but consuming adequate protein throughout the day (roughly every 3 to 5 hours) appears to matter more,” he says. Both Antonio and Phillips agree that getting enough protein throughout the day matters more than hitting a strict post-workout window.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Our gear team frequently covers health and wellness topics, and our guides include everything from the best plant-based protein powders to the best meal replacement shakes.
- Lee Cutlip, author of this guide, is an editorial assistant at Forbes Vetted working across the health and wellness and sleep categories. She has covered several topics for the health and wellness vertical, including the best protein bars.
- Bridget Chapman is the deputy sleep and wellness editor at Forbes Vetted and oversaw the production of this article. She has tried several protein shakes, including the Premier Protein High Protein Shake.
Our ExpertsFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is The Healthiest Type Of Protein Shake?
The healthiest type of protein shake depends on your specific dietary needs and fitness goals, but plant-based shakes, such as the Koia Plant Protein Shake and Huel Black Edition Ready-To-Drink, offer a solid amount of protein, are low in sugar and use natural sweeteners, such as stevia and monk fruit extract.
What Is The Best Protein Shake?
Based on our research and firsthand experience, we determined the Core Power Protein Shake to be the best protein shake for most people. Although it’s only available in three flavors, all three taste exceptional, plus it’s available in either 26 or 42 grams of protein.
When Is The Best Time To Drink A Protein Shake?
The best time to drink a protein shake is the time that is most convenient for you. While consuming a protein shake post-workout is useful, your overall protein consumption throughout the day matters much more. “If you’re eating enough protein across the day, sprinting to drink a shake before the gym timer runs out does nothing,” says Phillips.