Active individuals need more protein than the average person. After working out, it’s crucial to refuel with enough protein and carbs for better training and faster recovery. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, protein needs are typically achievable through dietary means alone, without resorting to supplements. Protein is present in foods like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, tofu, tempeh, and to varying degrees in grains and legumes. Consumers mostly prefer banana protein shakes for weight gain. Bananas in homemade protein shakes make weight gain enjoyable and nourishing. Join the conversation about the must-try protein shakes of the year.
Top 7 Protein Shakes: Worth Trying
When selecting which protein shake to purchase, take into account the protein content, protein source, ingredients, and cost. We’ve integrated both ready-made, bottled protein shakes and protein powders that can be mixed with your preferred water or milk or added to a smoothie.
1. Best Overall Protein Shake: OWYN Vegan Shake
Owyn Plant-Based Protein Shake encompasses all nine essential amino acids essential for improving muscle recovery.
Please note, however, that Owyn uses monk fruit as a sugar- and calorie-free sweetener, resulting in the shake having just 10 grams of carbohydrates. If you’re utilizing this shake for post-workout recovery, ensure to also consume a carbohydrate-rich food source, such as a banana, to effectively recover and replenish your energy levels.
Pros:
- Free of common allergens
- Contains omega-3 fats, potassium, and calcium, and provides 30% of the Daily Value for iron
- Suitable for vegans
Cons:
- Might not provide sufficient carbohydrates for energy before or after workouts
Key specs:
| Form | Liquid |
| Protein Per Serving | 20 g |
| Protein Source | Pea protein, pumpkin seed protein |
| Carbohydrates Per Serving | 10 g |
| Fiber Per Serving | 7 g |
| Sweetener | Monk fruit extract, organic cane sugar |
2. Ideal for Athletes: Momentous Whey Protein Chocolate
If you experience digestive discomfort from protein shakes and powders, Momentous Essential Protein could be a suitable option. Just like Amul protein shakes it offers 20 grams of protein per scoop in the form of whey isolate, featuring an ideal amino acid profile and BCAAs to aid muscle repair and synthesis.
Pros:
- NSF Sport Certified and Informed-Sport Certified
- Whey isolate formulation offers an ideal amino acid profile, including BCAAs, promoting muscle repair and synthesis
- Whey derived from milk sourced from grass-fed cows
Cons:
- Might not provide sufficient carbohydrate energy for pre or post-workout needs
- Powder format necessitates blending with liquid
Key specs:
| Form | Powder |
|---|---|
| Protein Per Serving | 20 g |
| Protein Source | Whey isolate |
| Carbohydrates Per Serving | 3 g |
| Fiber Per Serving | 1.5 g |
| Sweetener | Stevia |
3. Best Vegan Protein Shake: Evolve Plant-Based Shake
If you seek a vegan protein shake, Evolve Plant-Based Protein Shakes present an exceptional option. These shakes deliver 20 grams of protein via pea protein isolate. Pea protein, akin to whey and casein, is a complete protein, containing all essential amino acids and branched-chain amino acids crucial for exercise recovery.
Pros:
- Suitable for vegans
- Provides 20% of the Daily Value for zinc, calcium, and iron, and 15% DV for B12
- A viable choice for stabilizing blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes
Cons:
- Might not offer sufficient carbohydrate energy for pre or post-workout needs
- Elevated fiber content could potentially induce gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed before exercise
Key specs:
| Form | Liquid |
| Protein Per Serving | 20 g |
| Protein Source | Pea protein isolate |
| Carbohydrates Per Serving | 15 g |
| Fiber Per Serving | 2 g |
| Sweetener | Stevia, Cane sugar |
4. Best-Yogurt Based: Chobani-Mixed Berry Vanilla Shake
Chobani Complete Mixed Berry Vanilla Shake offers a convenient on-the-go solution, furnishing 20 grams of protein from cultured, low-fat milk and 16 grams of carbohydrates from a blended mixture of berries. This option is ideal for a quick snack. To enhance its nutritional profile into a full meal, consider adding a handful of nuts for additional healthy fats. Depending on your exercise intensity and duration, it could serve as a suitable pre or post-workout snack.
Pros:
- Includes probiotics and antioxidants
- Features carbohydrates for energy sourced from mixed fruit and dairy
- Delivers 25% of the Daily Value for calcium
Cons:
- Demands refrigeration
Key specs:
| Form | Liquid |
| Protein Per Serving | 20 g |
| Protein Source | Cultured low-fat milk (yogurt) |
| Carbohydrates Per Serving | 16 g |
| Fiber Per Serving | 2.5 g |
| Sweetener | Monk fruit, stevia |
5. High Calcium Drink: Orgain Grass Fed Clean Protein Shake
For active individuals, adequate calcium intake is vital to promote bone strength and muscle function. Orgain Nutritional Shakes offer 45% of the Daily Value for calcium, ensuring you receive a substantial dose. It is one of the best protein shakes for weight gain.
Pros:
- Provides 45% of the Daily Value for calcium and lesser quantities of iron and potassium
- Includes carbohydrates for energy sourced from agave and dairy
Cons:
- Inappropriate for individuals with lactose allergy or intolerance
Key specs:
| Form | Liquid |
| Protein Per Serving | 20 g |
| Protein Source | Milk protein concentrate |
| Carbohydrates Per Serving | 11 g |
| Fiber Per Serving | 2 g |
| Sweetener | Agave, monk fruit, stevia |
6. Best Coconut Base: Aloha Plant-Based Vanilla Protein Shake
While many protein shakes are water-based, those seeking a creamier alternative can opt for Aloha’s coconut-based protein shake. These Protein shakes for weight gain involve muscle support and strength, crucial as we age.
Pros:
- Suitable for vegans
- Provides 40% of the Daily Value for iron
- USDA Organic and Fair Trade Certified
Cons:
- Incompatible with tree nut allergies
- Might not serve as an adequate carbohydrate energy source for pre or post-workout needs
Key specs:
| Form | Liquid |
| Protein Per Serving | 20 g |
| Protein Source | Pea protein and brown rice protein |
| Carbohydrates Per Serving | 11 g |
| Fiber Per Serving | 5 g |
| Sweetener | Monk fruit, coconut sugar |
7. Best Organic: Kate Farms Organic Vanilla Nutrition Shake
Kate Farms utilizes a vegan protein source, pea protein, and incorporates 5 grams of dietary fiber from inulin. These organic Protein shakes for weight loss keep you full, aiding slimming efforts.
Pros:
- Elevated carbohydrate content is ideal for replenishing energy reserves after exercise
- Enriched with a phytonutrient blend sourced from organic fruits and vegetables and fortified with vitamins and minerals.
- Suitable for vegans and USDA Organic Certified
Cons:
- Marginally lower protein content compared to alternative options
Key specs:
| Form | Liquid |
| Protein Per Serving | 16 g |
| Protein Source | Pea protein |
| Carbohydrates Per Serving | 38 g |
| Fat Per Serving | 12 g |
| Sweetener | Agave and brown rice syrup |
Protein Shakes – Who Needs Them?
Kathryn A. Bohling, MD, a family medicine specialist at Mercy Medical Center in Maryland, states, “Individuals who might benefit from protein shakes include those not consuming sufficient protein due to dietary restrictions, individuals attempting weight loss, or those aiming to increase muscle mass.” Moreover, protein shakes can serve as a convenient option for individuals seeking a high-protein breakfast or on-the-go snack. So, if you need a protein boost, a protein shake for muscle growth. So, if you need a protein boost for muscle growth, experiment with various protein shake recipes in your daily regimen.
