If you’re looking to get more protein in your diet, a protein shake is a quick and convenient way to boost your intake. The best protein shakes are ones that support a healthy balanced diet, says Samantha Dieras, RN, DCN, the director of ambulatory nutrition services at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “They provide an easy way to increase your protein intake if you’re not able to consume adequate amounts through whole foods alone.”
Protein is one of three essential macronutrients that our body needs to survive. “When we consume protein, it’s broken down into smaller building blocks called amino acids, which are then absorbed into the body where they link together in different combinations to form muscles, enzymes, hormones, and many other vital structures and functions in the body,” explains nutritionist Mia Rigden, MS, CNS. “Protein does a lot of ‘work’ for the cell—it builds, repairs, and regulates everything from tissues to chemical reactions.”
To find the ten best protein shakes to support your dietary protein goals, we turned to dieticians and nutritionists on what to know, what to look for, how to find the right protein shake for you.
Vogue’s Favorite Protein Shakes:
- Best Overall Protein Shake: Ritual Vegan Protein Powder with BCAA, $49
- Best Vegan Protein Shake: Ka’Chava All-in-One Nutrition Shake Blend, $80
- Best Chocolate Protein Shake: Iconic Protein Drink, $50
- Best Unflavored Protein Shake: Be Well by Kelly Unflavored Grass-Fed Beef Protein Powder, $60
- Best Whey Protein Shake: Vital Proteins Vital Performance Protein Shake, $30
- Best Pea Protein Shake: OWYN Pro Elite Vegan High Protein Shake, $47
- Best Lactose-Free Protein Shake: Slate High Protein Iced Latte, $35
- Best Tasting Protein Shake: Fuel For Fire Protein Smoothie Pouch, $35
- Best Vanilla Protein Shake: Ripple Vanilla Plant Based Protein Shake, $34
- Best Organic Protein Shake: Orgain Organic Nutritional Protein Shake, $36
In This Story:
- Why We Love It: Made from organically, regeneratively-farmed peas, this protein shake delivers a dose of plant-based protein with a full amino acid profile. It’s supremely mixable—you can ultimately blend it with any cold liquid to make a shake with a consistency to suit your preference. We love that the brand is extremely transparent, too. “Many protein powders on the market aren’t third-party tested and can be contaminated with things like heavy metals, artificial sweeteners, or unnecessary fillers,” says integrative nutrition health coach Ale Lubezki. Ritual is proudly Clean Label Certified and has been rigorously tested against heavy metal contamination.
- Protein Per Serving: 20g
- Protein Source: Organic yellow pea protein
- Dietary Considerations: Vegan, gluten-free, allergan-free, and non-GMO
- Sweetener: Monk fruit
- Why We Love It: Packed with over 85 nutrients, superfoods, and plant-based ingredients, this protein shake delivers 25 grams of plant-based protein and a whole lot of delicious flavor. But that’s not all you can expect—it also has digestive enzymes, prebiotic fibers, probiotics, electrolytes, and more for a well rounded option. What it doesn’t have? There’s no soy, no animal products, no gluten, no GMOs, no preservatives, and no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners. With five delicious flavors, it’s an amazing choice for anyone who wants more from their protein shake.
- Protein Per Serving: 25g
- Protein Source: Yellow pea protein, organic brown rice protein
- Dietary Considerations: Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free
- Sweetener: Organic coconut flower nectar
- Why We Love It: Founder and CEO Billy Bosch set out to create this delicious protein drink when he couldn’t find a ready-made protein shake that was full of protein and fiber, without extra calories and sugar. The brand works with nutritionists, registered dietitians, and food scientists to develop their supernutrient drinks. They also sustainably source their grass-fed milk protein isolate from Ireland, where the cows are humanely raised and graze on open pastures. Beyond all the good the brand is doing for the environment and ingredient transparency, it also tastes incredible. While it comes in a vanilla bean and café latte flavor, too, this chocolate truffle protein shake version almost tastes like dessert.
- Protein Per Serving: 20g
- Protein Source: Grass-fed milk protein isolate
- Dietary Considerations: Kosher, vegetarian, gluten-free
- Sweetener: Stevia extract
- Why We Love It: If a protein shake that’s as natural as it gets is your top priority, this unflavored protein shake has a super clean and simple formula without unnecessary additives. Instead, there’s three or less ingredients and it contains nine essential acids and three BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids). It works great for homemade protein shakes—the taste is clean and undetectable in your shake. “I love a protein shake formula that includes protein, fat, and fiber,” says Lubezki. “A scoop of clean protein powder, full-fat Greek yogurt or nut butter, a handful of berries, leafy greens (because it’s the easiest place to sneak it in), and maybe coconut water or unsweetened almond milk, is an amazing recipe to reach your protein goals—and then some.”
- Protein Per Serving: 23g
- Protein Source: Grass-fed beef isolate
- Dietary Considerations: Keto, paleo, soy-free, dairy-free, gluten-free
- Sweetener: Organic monk fruit extract
- Why We Love It: With collagen peptides and 25 grams of lactose-free milk protein, this NSF-certified protein shake helps fuel and energize you each day. “Whey protein is a great choice because it's rich in essential amino acids, particularly leucine, which plays a key role in muscle growth and recovery,” says Ridgen. “Whey protein is also highly bioavailable, meaning your body can absorb and use it efficiently.” Rigden likes to add collagen protein to her morning coffee—this high-quality protein shake comes in a coffee flavor with 100mg of caffeine, too, so it’s a brilliant midday latte boost.
- Protein Per Serving: 25g
- Protein Source: Whey, casein blend
- Dietary Considerations: Lactose-free, gluten-free
- Sweetener: Monk fruit
- Why We Love It: More than just a protein shake, OWYN made sure to add superfoods, omega-3s, and pre-and-postbiotics in this energizing blend. “Pea and soy-based proteins, two of the most common plant-based protein options, are typically well-tolerated,” says Maddie Pasquariello, MS, RD. However, it’s worth noting that pea protein can cause some digestive upset in some, so you may be better off with a different option if you’re sensitive.
- Protein Per Serving: 32g
- Protein Source: Pea protein, organic pumpkin seed protein, flaxseed oil
- Dietary Considerations: Kosher, vegan, keto
- Sweetener: Monk fruit extract, cane sugar
- Why We Love It: Supercharged with pea protein, this protein shake has a smooth, creamy texture that’s never chalky and isn’t overly sweet like many protein shakes. It’s made without the most popular nine allergens—soy, dairy, gluten, nuts, tree nuts, eggs, sesame, shellfish, and crustaceans—so it’s excellent if you’re concerned about potential allergens. It’s also a great option if you’re sensitive to stevia as it’s sweetened with cane sugar and monk fruit.
- Protein Per Serving: 20g
- Protein Source: Pea protein
- Dietary Considerations: Dairy-free, nut-free, soy-free, gluten-free, vegan
- Sweetener: Cane sugar, monk fruit
- Why We Love It: Perfect for a boost at breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up, this creamy and delicious shake is made with milk filtered specially to remove the lactose sugars, making it a great choice for those who can’t quit caffeine but have a hard time digesting lactose. There’s four different latte flavors to choose from and with 20 grams of protein and 175 milligrams of caffeine, it’s a great two-in-one with a smooth texture and great coffee taste.
- Protein Per Serving: 20g
- Protein Source: Ultrafiltered skim milk
- Dietary Considerations: Keto, lactose-free
- Sweetener: Stevia, monk fruit
- Why We Love It: Made from 10 ingredients or less, this protein shake is a great alternative to traditional frozen smoothies, shakes and powders. With 10 grams of whey protein isolate, it contains zero alternative sweeteners or added sugars—a huge plus. They still taste delicious thanks to each formula being chock full of real fruits. There’s many flavors to choose from and each is even tastier than the next.
- Protein Per Serving: 10g
- Protein Source: Whey protein isolate
- Dietary Considerations: Gluten-free, soy-free, peanut-free
- Sweetener: Apple, banana, strawberries
- Why We Love It: When it comes to protein shakes, Ridgen likes simple organic ingredients, mixed with unsweetened milk, and some whole foods, like spinach, fruit, nuts, nut butter, avocado, or seeds. If you’re looking for a good grab-and-go option, this shake has 16 grams of organic, grass-fed beef protein and is certified USDA organic, meaning that 95% of the ingredients on the label are organic. It also has vitamins, minerals, an organic vegetable blend of tomato, spinach, beet, carrot, and kale, and an organic fruit blend of acai, apple, banana, blueberry, and raspberry.
- Protein Per Serving: 16g
- Protein Source: Whey
- Dietary Considerations: Gluten-free, soy-free, kosher
- Sweetener: Cane sugar
Everything You Need to Know
Protein plays a role in virtually every biological process in the body. “They help us build and maintain muscle mass, along with other tissues like our organs (including the skin),” says Rigden. Without enough protein, our bodies can’t repair tissues, maintain strength, or produce other compounds that keep us alive and healthy. That means getting protein from our diets is crucial, especially for metabolic health. “Protein is the most satiating macronutrient, meaning it keeps you fuller longer,” adds Rigden. “It also plays a role in keeping blood sugar levels steady, which can lead to better energy throughout the day, fewer cravings, reduced stress, improved sleep, maintaining a healthy weight, and balanced insulin levels.”
What To Look For In a Protein Shake
According to Dieras, to find a protein shake that works for you, you have to start with the ingredient label—and it may take a little trial and error to find one that meets your standards. Some protein shakes are packed with sugar or other less than desirable ingredients. “It’s important to know how to read the ingredient label so you can make an educated decision about which protein shake you’re comfortable consuming,” says Dieras. Palatability also plays an important role. “You may find a protein shake has ideal ingredients and nutrition profile but if it’s inedible, then it won’t be an enjoyable experience you’ll likely stick with,” adds Dieras.
Are Protein Shakes Healthy?
Protein shakes can be healthy for those looking to balance their nutrition and are lacking enough protein intake. But experts agree, protein shakes should not be your primary source of protein. “They’re a great additive to meals that would be otherwise low in protein like a green smoothie or overnight oats,” says Mia Ridgen. “But the majority of your dietary protein intake should come from whole foods like meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, and seeds.”
How Much Protein Should You Drink Per Day?
“Someone’s total protein intake should be proportional to total calories consumed, as well as one’s age, gender, and any weight loss or body composition goals,” says Pasquariello. It’s easy to calculate your recommended daily allowance of protein based on your body weight: Pasquariello says to multiply your weight in pounds by anywhere from 0.65—1.0 to find the grams of protein you should aim for daily.
Of course, there are unique situations that can alter that recommended allowance. For example, someone who is extremely physically active (like a pro athlete) will need more protein than someone more sedentary. “Those looking to gain muscle as well as older adults should be on the higher end of the scale, closer to 0.75 as a multiplier,” says Pasquariello. From there, you can determine how much dietary protein you need to consume via a shake or smoothie if you’re not meeting that goal by eating whole foods alone. “What matters is that generally, over time, you’re hitting that total goal week to week,” says Pasquariello.
What Is the Best Source of Protein to Drink?
While the jury’s still out on the best source of protein to drink, it’s worth noting that there’s a few factors to consider. “Quality is everything,” says Lubezki, emphasizing that third-party testing is her number one non-negotiable. “Beyond that, I look for minimal ingredients: just the protein source, like organic pea/pumpkin, beef isolate, grass-fed whey, maybe a natural sweetener like monk fruit, and that’s it.” Whether you prefer animal or plant-based protein, “clean sourcing and transparency are what make a protein shake the best,” she adds.
If you’re concerned about trace minerals or metals, take a look at The Clean Label Project’s report on heavy metals in protein powders or shakes. There’s a few conclusions to be drawn: generally vanilla, unflavored, whey, or egg-based protein powders have lower levels of heavy metals than plant-based protein (this is likely due to the fact that heavy metals are often found in soil). “That doesn’t mean there aren’t good plant-based proteins available,” says Ridgen. “It just means we need to be more diligent in looking for products that have certifications or are transparent about third party testing.”
Is it Okay to Drink a Protein Shake Daily?
Dieras notes that while it is okay to consume a protein shake daily, it shouldn’t prevent you from eating enough whole foods. “Protein shakes should act as a supplementary tool if you can’t get enough protein intake with nutritious whole food sources of protein,” she says. “But it’s best to try and get adequate protein from those types of foods first.”
- Samantha Dieras, RN, DCN, is the director of ambulatory nutrition services at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
- Mia Rigden, MS, CNS, is a Los Angeles-based nutritionist, chef, and author.
- Maddie Pasquariello, MS, RD is a registered dietician and nutritionist based in Brooklyn, New York.
- Ale Lubezki is an integrative nutrition health coach based in New York City.
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