FEATURED PARTNER OFFER Partner Offers feature brands who paid Forbes Health to appear at the top of our list. While this may influence where their products or services appear on our site, it in no way affects our ratings, which are based on thorough research, solid methodologies and expert advice. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services 15% Off The First Subscription Order Using Code SUBSCRIBE15 Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate On Transparent Labs' Website
Our Top Protein Shakes
- Best Overall: Lean Body by Labrada
- Best Budget-Friendly: Fairlife Core Power
- Best Plant-Based: OWYN Plant-Based Protein Shake
- Best Flavor Variety: Premier Protein
Best Protein Shakes of 2024, According to Experts
Best Overall
Lean Body by Labrada
5.0
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- $4 per shake
- Comes in 20 grams of protein and 40 grams of protein
- Features milk protein isolate
- Flavors available: Salted caramel, chocolate, vanilla, cookies and cream, strawberry, banana, caffeinated cafe mocha, mint chocolate, chocolate peanut butter
On Amazon
Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
- Sugar free, gluten free, soy-protein free
- Independently tested for banned substances, according to the company
- Features 22 vitamins and minerals
- Comes in varying amounts of protein
- More expensive than others on this ranking
Best Budget-Friendly
Fairlife Core Power
4.5
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- $2.26 per shake (for vanilla flavor)
- Comes in 26 grams of protein and 42 grams of protein
- Features low-fat grade A, ultra-filtered milk
- Flavors available: Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry banana
On Amazon
Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
- Recommended by both panelists on our ranking
- Available in varying amounts of protein
- Lactose-free
- Committed to animal welfare, according to the company
- Contains 5 grams of sugar
- Limited flavor variety
Best Plant-Based
OWYN Plant-Based Protein Shake
4.0
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- $3.08 per shake
- 20 grams of protein
- Features plant-based protein sourced from pea, pumpkin seed and flax seed
- Flavors available: Dark chocolate, cold brew coffee, smooth vanilla, cookies and creamless, sea salted caramel, strawberry banana
On Amazon
Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
- Non-GMO, gluten-free and free from the top eight allergens
- No sugar alcohols, artificial sweeteners or stevia
- Features a superfoods greens blend
- Third-party tested, according to the company
- More expensive than others on this ranking
- On the lower end of amount of protein per serving, compared to others on this ranking
Best Flavor Variety
Premier Protein
3.0
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- $2.50 per shake
- 30 grams of protein
- Features milk protein concentrate
- Flavors available: 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, vanilla
On Amazon
Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
- Only 1 gram of sugar
- Gluten-free
- Available in a wide variety of flavors
- Premier Protein’s parent company is currently facing a lawsuit that alleges the company failed to monitor lead levels in Premier Protein shakes, exposing users to potentially unsafe levels
Meet Our Experts
Jose Antonio, Ph.D, F.N.S.C.A., F.I.S.S.N.
Exercise and Sports Science / Sports Nutrition
Toby Amidor, M.S., R.D., C.D.N, F.A.N.D.
Food / Nutrition / Food Safety
Methodology: How We Picked the Best Protein Shakes of 2024
To determine the best protein shakes of 2024, the Forbes Health editorial team created a panel of accredited nutrition experts, who provided their recommendations. Star ratings were determined by the Forbes Health editorial team based on factors including cost per shake, amount of protein per serving, total sugars per serving, third-party certifications and the overall number of recommendations.
Read more about our vitamins and supplements review methodology.
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER Partner Offers feature brands who paid Forbes Health to appear at the top of our list. While this may influence where their products or services appear on our site, it in no way affects our ratings, which are based on thorough research, solid methodologies and expert advice. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services Jacked Factory Authentic Protein Powder ISO On Amazon
What is a Protein Shake?
A protein shake is a type of blended drink that is high in protein. While you can make your own protein shake at home, many packaged varieties are also available as a convenient alternative. These drinks are usually shelf-stable or refrigerated and often come in a wide range of flavors.
Common Protein Shake Ingredients
Protein shakes often feature protein derived from one or more sources, including whey and casein, or plant-based proteins, like pea or pumpkin seed. They may also contain sweeteners, such as sugar, stevia, agave or monk fruit, and might even be fortified with certain vitamins or minerals.
Other common ingredients found in protein shakes include:
- Oils (such as sunflower or safflower oil)
- Thickeners (like guar gum)
- Natural or artificial flavors
- Fruit and vegetable blends
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.
Research notes increasing daily protein intake can have a positive effect on lean body mass in resistance exercise, as well as strength gains, and clinical trials show consuming more protein than the recommended dietary allowance can decrease fat mass while preserving fat-free mass. In fact, the International Society of Sports Nutrition recommends exercising individuals aim for 1.4 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.
Additionally, 2020 research in the Journal of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome notes that long-term clinical research shows a connection between high-protein diets and weight loss[1]Moon J, Koh G. Clinical Evidence and Mechanisms of High-Protein Diet-Induced Weight Loss. J Obes Metab Syndr. 2020;29(3):166-173. . The research suggests this may be due to protein’s impact on hormones related to feelings of appetite and satiety, as well as a higher amount of energy required to digest protein.
Protein shakes also often contain other important nutrients besides protein to help support health, according to Ehsani. “Some may be loaded with fruits and veggies providing you with a source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants,” she says.
Side Effects of Protein Shakes
Some protein shakes are low in fiber, which can contribute to constipation, especially if you’re drinking several servings each day, notes Ehsani. It’s also worth keeping in mind that some protein shakes may feature protein powders, which are dietary supplements and are therefore not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same way medications are.
For this reason, Ehsani notes that the precise amount of protein and exact ingredients listed on the label might not be completely accurate. Additionally, if you’re picking a product that’s not third-party tested, there’s a higher risk of contamination. “Some protein powders may [also] contain harmful ingredients, such as heavy metals,” she says.
What to Look for in a Protein Shake
Not all protein shakes are created equal. To help you choose a high-quality product, consider the following factors while shopping:
- Protein content: “Look for one with anywhere between 15 to 30 grams of protein,” says Ehsani, adding that anything higher than this might not be necessary.
- Fat: While many protein shakes are low in fat, Ehsani notes that some may have added creams to improve their taste and texture. She recommends sticking to varieties that are low in saturated fat whenever possible.
- Added sugar: Ehsani advises opting for a product that has little or no added sugar.
- Third-party testing: Look for a protein shake that is tested by an independent lab or accredited organization. This can help ensure that the contents match what’s on the label and that it’s free of harmful heavy metals or other contaminants.
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How to Make Your Own Protein Shake
Making your own protein shake at home puts you in control of what’s going in your glass. Try combining a scoop of protein powder with any liquid (such as milk or water). If you’re using a blender, you can also add in other mix-ins to boost the nutritional value even more, such as fruits or vegetables. Ehsani also recommends including a healthy source of fat in your protein shake. “For healthy fat, add chia, flax or walnuts into your smoothie,” she says, explaining that these foods can all provide anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.
Here's a Summary of the Best Protein Shakes for 2024
Product | company_logo | Forbes Health Ratings | forbes_advisor_rating_image | Best For | View More | learn_more_cta_below_text | Learn More |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lean Body by Labrada | 5.0 | Best Overall | Shop Now | On Amazon | https://www.amazon.com/LABRADA-Convenient-Go-Replacement-Chocolate/dp/B00166BBXW?crid=2Q08AR8MARV6C&keywords=Lean%2BBody%2Bby%2BLabrada&qid=1694675170&sprefix=lean%2Bbody%2Bby%2Blabrada%2Caps%2C588&sr=8-2&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=fce2216d80eefa8cb4b64ed48b1cd903&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow" | ||
Fairlife Core Power | 4.5 | Best Budget-Friendly | Shop Now | On Amazon | https://www.amazon.com/Core-Power-Protein-Shake-Vanilla/dp/B07LCZC2C2?crid=3IHQ9ULW1V5MK&keywords=Fairlife%2BCore%2BPower&qid=1694675359&sprefix=fairlife%2Bcore%2Bpower%2Caps%2C916&sr=8-4&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=a199ae11f8091cc71412ea7caa6a9e18&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow" | ||
OWYN Plant-Based Protein Shake | 4.0 | Best Plant-Based | Shop Now | On Amazon | https://www.amazon.com/OWYN-Prebiotic-supplement-Superfood-nutrition/dp/B087KV9SHM?crid=2CIFFVKVX8J75&keywords=OWYN%2BPlant-Based%2BProtein%2BShake&qid=1694675447&rdc=1&sprefix=owyn%2Bplant-based%2Bprotein%2Bshake%2Caps%2C738&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=7d6fd6e92cf63a2eeee33b5c95b714ac&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow" | ||
Premier Protein | 3.0 | Best Flavor Variety | Shop Now | On Amazon | https://www.amazon.com/Premier-Protein-Shake-Chocolate-11-5/dp/B07MJL8NXR?crid=2Z2VAFJM1IOBI&keywords=Premier%2BProtein&qid=1694675507&sprefix=premier%2Bprotein%2Caps%2C593&sr=8-5&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=8571c825e2a34b778a7d008cf246b278&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow" |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When should you drink a protein shake?
If your main goal is muscle growth, aim to consume a protein shake within two hours after your workout. Protein shakes also make a good snack and can help increase feelings of fullness between meals.
How many protein shakes can you drink a day?
Rather than relying on protein shakes for all of your meals and snacks, Ehsani recommends sticking to around one per day, unless advised by a doctor or dietitian.
How do you prevent gas from protein shakes?
If you experience gas after drinking a protein shake, you might be sensitive to certain ingredients that it may contain, such as lactose or sugar alcohols. Picking a protein shake that is free of these ingredients may help prevent unwanted side effects.
Sources
Footnotes
- Moon J, Koh G. Clinical Evidence and Mechanisms of High-Protein Diet-Induced Weight Loss. J Obes Metab Syndr. 2020;29(3):166-173.
References
- The Scoop on Protein Powder. Harvard Medical School. Accessed 07/19/2023.
- Kerksick CM, et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Nutrient Timing. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017;14:33.
- Njike VY, et al. Snack Food, Satiety, and Weight. Adv Nutr. 2016;7(5):866–878.
- Malik TF, et al. Lactose Intolerance. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. 2023.
- Ruiz-Ojeda FJ, et al. Effects of Sweeteners on the Gut Microbiota: A Review of Experimental Studies and Clinical Trials. Adv Nutr. 2019;10(Suppl 1):S31–S48.
- Lowery LM, Devia L. Dietary protein safety and resistance exercise: what do we really know?. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2009;6:3.
- Campbell B, Kreider RB, Ziegenfuss T, et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: protein and exercise. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2007;4:8.
- Popular Protein Shake Has Unhealthy Lead Levels, New Lawsuit Alleges. Barron’s. Accessed 08/28/2023.
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Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circ*mstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.
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Rachael AjmeraContributor
Rachael Link is a registered dietitian and health writer based in San Francisco. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Central Missouri and holds a master’s degree from New York University. She enjoys balancing her time between the kitchen and the gym and is passionate about all things related to food, sustainability and plant-based nutrition.
Sarah DavisEditor
Sarah is an experienced writer and editor enthusiastic about helping readers live their healthiest and happiest lives. Before joining Forbes Health, Sarah worked as a writer for various digital publications including LendingTree, theSkimm, CNBC and Bankrate. When she isn’t writing or editing, you can find Sarah with her nose in a book or enjoying the outdoors with her French bulldog, Honey.
Jessica DiGiacintoEditor
Jessica is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience in both lifestyle and clinical health topics. Before Forbes Health, Jessica was an editor for Healthline Media, WW and PopSugar, as well as numerous health-related startups. When she isn't writing or editing, Jessica can be found at the gym, listening to a health or true crime podcast, or spending time outside. She also really enjoys bread (even though she's not supposed to eat it).
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