Looking for the best protein shake can be difficult. Not only are you looking for the most protein for your buck, but you’re also looking out for good taste too. Protein shakes are one of the most convenient ways to consume protein.

The recommended daily intake of protein is 46 grams for women and 56 grams for men. This amount of protein can be hard for some people to consume due to dietary restrictions or problems with digestion.

It can also be hard to get enough protein if you don’t have the time, money, or energy to prepare all of your meals ahead of time. Even the simplest meals made with your instant pot or slow cooker can sometimes not be possible. But skimping out on such an important macronutrient like protein is not an option.

Related: The Best Fat Burners of 2020

Luckily, with the right protein shake, you can get the protein you need along with other essential nutrients all in one bottle. It’s easy for those constantly on the go or those who aren’t always hungry for a full meal after a workout,

Still, protein — when in powder form — is not always the tastiest. So we’ve rounded up some of the best protein shakes for you so that you can stay healthy without sacrificing taste.

One of the struggles with protein shakes is that they’re not always for the lactose-intolerant. Whey protein, derived from milk, can trigger reactions in lactose-intolerant folk. With the Core Power Elite High Protein Shake by Fairlife, however, you can get a whopping 42g of whey protein even if you have lactose-intolerance. That’s because, with this protein shake, they added in lactase and used lactose-free milk. Lactase is the enzyme needed to digest milk so you can also digest the whey protein in this shake.

While you get quite a high amount of protein in this bottle, it’s not the best meal replacement. There aren’t a lot of other nutrients in it besides the protein and some amino acids. It’s great as a post-workout shake because its goal is to aid muscle recovery.

With such a high protein content, you might expect it to taste chalky. But the good thing about this shake is that it’s flavored quite well. You can get it in only two flavors, vanilla or chocolate, but it doesn’t leave a bitter or chalky taste behind. Though there are only two flavors, the vanilla one can be a great base if you want to add fruit or peanut butter. It can be a bit sweet for some people but it only contains 8g of sugar which isn’t too bad at all. It’s shelf-stable so you don’t have to keep it in the fridge until you want to chill it, and is gluten-free for those with sensitivities to gluten.

Key Features
  • Made with ultra-filtered, lactose-free milk
  • Contains 9 essential amino acids, calcium, and vitamin D
  • Ready-to-drink
Specifications
  • Protein per Serving: 42 grams
  • Sugar per Serving: 8 grams
  • Number of Flavors: 2
  • Brand: Fairlife
Pros
  • No chalky aftertaste
  • Very high in protein
  • Good for those who are lactose-intolerant
Cons
  • Too sweet for some
  • Not enough nutrients to serve as a meal replacement
  • Contains artificial sweeteners

Many athletes and gym enthusiasts shy away from sugar as too much of it can cause weight gain, fatigue, low energy (in the long run), and cravings. A lot of protein shakes contain sugar to help make them taste better and hide the chalky taste of protein powder. Luckily, there are shakes out there that aren’t loaded with sugar. This way, you can get the protein you need without the extra sugar rush.

Enter the Premier Protein Shake.

Each bottle contains 30 grams of protein, 1 gram of sugar, 5 grams of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of fiber. These shakes are also only 160 calories so they don’t take up much of your daily caloric intake. With only 5 grams of carbs and 3 grams of fiber, it’s a good thing they’re also a bit low on calories. You won’t be able to substitute meals with this shake as it might not keep you full for that long. But it's still a great meal supplement.

Premier Protein Shakes come in 6 flavors, one of which is Pumpkin Spice, a limited-edition flavor available during the fall season. The Café Latte flavor contains caffeine equal to one cup of coffee, so it’s great for breakfast or as a creamer in your regular cup of joe. If you want regular flavors in your protein shake or just some with a twist, Premier Protein comes in Chocolate, Vanilla, Caramel, and Cookies and Cream as well.

The taste of these shakes could be better, and some found them too sweet to down in one go. Still, the shakes work well as a coffee creamer.

Key Features
  • Coffee flavor contains caffeine
  • Kosher, free of soy and gluten
  • Low sugar and low fat
Specifications
  • Protein per Serving: 30 grams
  • Sugar per Serving: 1 gram
  • Number of Flavors: 6
  • Brand: Premier Protein
Pros
  • Low sugar
  • Flavors like Pumpkin Spice and Café Latte can be used as a coffee creamer
  • Café Latte contains caffeine
Cons
  • Can taste too sweet
  • Not for the lactose-intolerant
  • Doesn’t taste the best

Protein shakes aren’t just for people who hit the gym regularly. Oftentimes, those who purchase protein shakes are people who are lacking in nutrition but can’t get what they need from regular food. These people include those who are recovering from eating disorders, senior citizens, and children who are ill.

When it comes to nutritional drinks, these kinds of consumers aren’t always looking for the most amount of protein. While they do need a good amount of it, there are other factors to consider like the number of calories and the taste. With the Boost High Protein Complete Nutritional Drink, you get a decent amount of protein, calories, and sugar.

With the relatively high numbers of calories and sugar, it might not be the best option for people watching their weight. But it still made the list because gym-goers and weightlifters aren’t the only customers of protein shakes. According to some customers, it’s great for people suffering from Crohn’s disease as it’s easier to digest than other protein shakes.

The taste can be on the sweet side but it does make it more palatable to children and older folk, and there’s no chalky flavor from the protein powder. The sugar content might be high but this shake doesn’t contain any artificial sweeteners.

The three flavors to choose from — Rich Chocolate, Creamy Strawberry, and Very Vanilla — give you enough to keep things varied throughout the week and all taste pretty good. The Very Vanilla flavor can also be used as a base for smoothies and other drinks if you’re looking to add some protein to a recipe or want to change the flavor of the protein shake a bit.

Key Features
  • Contains 27 vitamins and minerals
  • No artificial colors and sweeteners
  • Gluten-free
Specifications
  • Protein per Serving: 20 grams
  • Sugar per Serving: 15 grams
  • Number of Flavors: 3
  • Brand: Nestlé
Pros
  • No artificial sweeteners
  • No chalky aftertaste
  • Good for seniors who need high calories
Cons
  • High in sugar
  • High in calories
  • Doesn’t contain as much protein as other shakes

Protein shakes are often made with milk which just doesn’t appeal to everyone. There’s got to be another way to drink protein that doesn’t make you feel like you’re chugging down glasses of milk right?

There is, thanks to Protein2O Low Calorie Whey Protein Infused Water + Energy. These protein waters are great for those who don’t like the taste or texture of milk but still want to get the protein benefits. It’s technically not suitable for vegans due to the presence of whey protein, but it could work for vegetarians and those who are slightly lactose intolerant. There’s no lactose in this drink, but you might need to take a lactase supplement to digest the whey.

On the plus side, this drink has the highest score for Protein Digestibility Amino Acid — meaning it should be easier to digest.

Each bottle also contains 125 mg of caffeine — less than the 200 mg found in a regular cup of coffee. The caffeine boost means this can be great as a pre-workout drink or as a breakfast companion.

This drink comes in three flavors: Blueberry Raspberry, Cherry Lemonade, and Pomegranate Blueberry. Many people enjoy the taste of these drinks but the Cherry Lemonade flavor can be likened to cough medicine. The other flavors taste like Kool-Aid and due to the zero sugar content, you can even add in a pack of Kool-Aid for more flavor.

If you’re looking for a milk-free way to consume whey protein, this might be the best option for you. It’s low in calories and free of sugar, so it might be one of the healthier ways to get more protein in your diet.

Key Features
  • Contains 125 mg of caffeine per bottle
  • Highest Protein Digestibility Amino Acid Score
  • Free of gluten, lactose, artificial flavors, preservatives, and BPA
Specifications
  • Protein per Serving: 15 grams
  • Sugar per Serving: 0 grams
  • Number of Flavors: 3
  • Brand: Protein2O
Pros
  • Good for people who don’t like shakes
  • No sugar and low in calories
  • Contains 125 mg caffeine
Cons
  • Slight chalky aftertaste
  • Taste isn’t for everyone
  • Caffeine isn’t necessary for everyone

Active kids and young athletes need a lot of fuel and energy. One of the ways to increase their nutrient intake is through protein shakes, but many protein shakes are geared towards weight loss or management and don’t taste that appealing for kids. Even adults find it hard to keep some protein shakes down simply because of their taste.

Enter one of the leading brands in sports drinks: Gatorade. They designed a post-workout protein shake to help with recovery and muscle rebuilding.

The Gatorade Recover Protein Shake comes in two flavors: Chocolate and Vanilla. It contains 20 grams of protein and 45 grams of carbs. It’s enough to fuel a young athlete’s breakfast or midday snack. However, this protein shake has a whopping 20 grams of sugar. It’s definitely not the healthiest of protein shakes, but the high sugar content does improve the shake’s taste. It also is high in calories, so it’s not for those who are trying to be in a caloric deficit.

This shake is also low in fiber so it won’t do so much in helping you feel full in between meals. If you live a very active lifestyle and need a protein shake that’s pretty much high in everything except fiber, then this is the shake for you. If coupled with a balanced diet and a lot of exercises or physical activity, consuming this shake regularly shouldn’t be a problem. It contains sugar and artificial sweetener in the form of sucralose, which can be tasted in the Vanilla flavor.

Key Features
  • Post-workout recovery drink
  • High-quality whey and milk protein
  • Contains carbs
Specifications
  • Protein per Serving: 20 grams
  • Sugar per Serving: 20 grams
  • Number of Flavors: 2
  • Brand: Gatorade
Pros
  • Designed for active people or young athletes
  • Taste is decent
  • High in carbs
Cons
  • Low in fiber
  • Higher than others in calories and sugar
  • Can taste the artificial sweetener

Many protein shakes are chock full of preservatives and unnatural ingredients to make them shelf-stable and taste better. As people are getting more conscious of what they put into their bodies, more are looking for organic or more natural products to consume. The beef and dairy industry is notorious for using antibiotics, hormones, and other chemicals in their products, but protein shakes are made mostly with milk and milk-derived protein.

While many protein shake brands make use of milk that’s not organic or free of any preservatives, there are brands like Orgain who do. Orgain’s Clean Protein Grass-Fed Protein Shakes are made with milk from grass-fed cows in New Zealand. The milk is free of any hormones and antibiotics, so it’s great for those who want to incorporate more organic food into their diet. It’s also good for those with certain illnesses that make them more vulnerable to such hormones and antibiotics, as well as for children and senior citizens. It’s also great for vegetarians who are looking for healthier and cleaner ways to increase their protein intake.

However, It’s not for the lactose-intolerant as it makes use of milk protein.

This shake is not sweetened with any artificial sweeteners. To give it a sweet flavor, Orgain adds agave, monk fruit extract, and organic stevia. There are only 4 grams of sugar in this drink and stevia is the last ingredient to be listed, but some customers noted the strong taste of stevia and the other sweeteners. If you don’t mind a healthier tasting protein shake that’s on the sweet side, this is for you.

Key Features
  • Made with grass-fed milk from New Zealand
  • Free of soy, gluten, artificial colors and preservatives, and antibiotics
  • Vegetarian-friendly
Specifications
  • Protein per Serving: 20 grams
  • Sugar per Serving: 4 grams
  • Number of Flavors: 2
  • Brand: Orgain
Pros
  • Contains grass-fed protein
  • Low in sugar
  • Ok at room temperature
Cons
  • Thin, watered-down consistency
  • Has a slight chalky taste due to the protein
  • Strong Stevia flavor

Ensure is one of the oldest and most well-known brands of nutritional drinks. They’re geared toward providing enough nutrition for the elderly, the sick, and the diabetic. But with their Max Protein Nutrition Shake, people who are just looking to increase their protein intake can benefit from this product too. This shake contains only 1 gram of sugar so it’s still safe for those with diabetes. The 30 grams of protein is a decent amount, making this shake work well as a meal replacement. It’s only got about 4 grams of carbohydrates though so you might want to pair it with some starchy vegetables or bread. It’s also quite low in calories so it’s great for those who are watching their weight while trying to increase protein consumption. The Ensure Max Protein Nutrition Shake comes in 4 flavors: Milk Chocolate, Café Mocha, Mixed Berry, and Vanilla. While the nutrition information of Ensure is quite good, the taste doesn’t always follow suit. Some customers found that the Mixed Berry flavor can taste like cough syrup. Others also noted the artificial taste that this shake has, which might be bearable to some. The Café Mocha has caffeine in it which makes it suitable as a breakfast replacement. The Vanilla flavor is a bit on the mild side and some customers said that it could use more vanilla flavor but it didn’t taste as sweet as the other flavors. If you’re looking for a protein shake with a decent amount of protein and very low sugar, then this might be the best protein shake for you.

Key Features
  • High protein drink with less sugar
  • Safe for the lactose-intolerant
  • Doctor-recommended brand
Specifications
  • Protein per Serving: 30 grams
  • Sugar per Serving: 1 gram
  • Number of Flavors: 4
  • Brand: Ensure
Pros
  • Suitable for those with lactose-intolerance
  • Low in sugar and calories
  • Good for diabetics
Cons
  • Can have an artificial taste
  • Packaging is non-recyclable
  • Mixed Berry flavor can taste like cough syrup

Looking for a truly plant-based protein shake isn’t a problem these days thanks to brands like OWYN (Only What You Need) and their Vegan Protein Shake. While some protein shakes make use of plant-based protein, they also tend to use ingredients like soy milk and tree nuts which can trigger allergic reactions in some people.

Looking for a little less from your shake? We've got a protein shake that’s filled with ingredients that are meant to nourish you and get you the protein that you need without any fillers or extra gunk. OWYN Vegan Protein Shakes contain 30 grams of protein and 4 grams of sugar. They’re great for kids or for those easing into a plant-based diet but who still need to keep their protein intake high.

These plant-based protein shakes are free of any allergens like peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, shellfish, and fish. They’re also gluten- and dairy-free for the lactose-intolerant or gluten-sensitive folks out there. There’s also a good amount of vegan omega-3 fatty acids which help fight inflammation in the body.

The shake comes in 6 flavors: Chocolate, Cold Brew Coffee, Cookies and Cream, Strawberry Banana, Turmeric Golden Mylk, and Vanilla. This wide variety of flavors will make sure you don’t get bored of consuming more plant-based protein. The taste of some of the flavors isn’t the best, as they can seem watered-down or gritty from the protein. However, this protein shake also contains a blend of broccoli, kale, and spinach so you get a nice amount of greens along with your protein. It may not taste super amazing but you'll get a good amount of nutrients aside from protein.

Key Features
  • Vegan
  • Free of soy, gluten, dairy, and other common allergens
  • Shelf-stable for 18 months with no need for refrigeration until opened
Specifications
  • Protein per Serving: 20 grams
  • Sugar per Serving: 4 grams
  • Number of Flavors: 6
  • Brand: OWYN
Pros
  • Plant-based and suitable for vegans and vegetarians
  • Relatively low in sugar and calories
  • No unnecessary ingredients
Cons
  • High in sodium
  • Slight rice-cake flavor
  • Some flavors can taste watered-down

Sometimes a plant-based protein shake just doesn’t make the cut. But if you’re still looking for clean ingredients and a healthier protein shake, then the Iconic Grass-Fed Protein Drink might be the right one for you. It’s made with lactose-free protein so it won’t upset any lactose-intolerant stomachs, but it’s still got the complete blend of whey and casein so you’re getting the amino acids, BCAAs, and electrolytes from milk. These are great nutrients to have in a protein shake that you won’t usually find in a plant-based version.

Because of the dairy-based contents, this shake is not for vegans or vegetarians, but it’s great for kids or those who are looking for a healthier option to protein shakes. The convenient grab-and-go bottles make this great as a quick pre-workout or post-workout snack or a light breakfast.

It’s not the best as a meal replacement because it’s low in fiber and won’t keep you full for long. It’s also low in calories so it won’t be enough to sustain you the way a regular meal would. It’s also great as a coffee creamer and milk or water replacement in recipes for pancakes and baked goods.

The Café Latte flavor contains about 180 mg of caffeine, which is slightly less than the amount found in a regular cup of coffee. Unique flavors like Turmeric and Ginger or Cacao + Greens offer nutrients for recovery, fiber, and antioxidants so you’re getting more than just a normal protein shake. The taste can be a bit off, however, but you’re getting a good amount of benefits so it might just be worth it.

Key Features
  • Lactose-free
  • Grass-fed protein
  • A complete blend of whey and casein protein
Specifications
  • Protein per Serving: 20 grams
  • Sugar per Serving: 3 grams
  • Number of Flavors: 6
  • Brand: Iconic
Pros
  • Lactose-free
  • Low in sugar and calories
  • Different flavors for different functional benefits
Cons
  • Flavor isn’t the best
  • Low in fiber
  • Thin consistency

Kellogg’s is known for a variety of breakfast products, namely cereal. But they've also branched out to other breakfast options like protein bars, protein bites, and protein shakes that are a part of their Special K line of products. Special K products are usually geared towards diet and weight loss, so this protein shake is quite low in calories. The Special K Protein Shakes also contain a decent amount of fiber which is meant to help keep you fuller for longer.

These shakes are suitable as a meal replacement but they do contain a lot of sugar. They don’t contain any glucose syrup, but they do contain sucralose, which is a zero-calorie artificial sweetener. So, if you’re staying away from artificial sweeteners and high sugar content, then this isn’t the shake for you.

The fiber is enough to keep you full until your next meal, so if you’re the type of person who doesn’t have the time or energy to eat a full breakfast, then you can easily grab a bottle of this and feel satisfied until lunch. This shake is also a pretty good energy booster so you can take it before working out or going for a run.

The Special K Protein Shakes aren’t really for muscle building because they only contain 15 grams of protein (already an increase from the previous formulation which contained 10 grams). This is a drink that’s better for people who aren’t looking for too much protein but what a substantial shake.

Key Features
  • Contains 5 grams of fiber
  • 23 vitamins and minerals
  • Made with soy protein and non-fat milk
Specifications
  • Protein per Serving: 15 grams
  • Sugar per Serving: 18 grams
  • Number of Flavors: 6
  • Brand: Kellogg's
Pros
  • High in fiber
  • Relatively low in calories
  • Taste is pretty good
Cons
  • High in sugar
  • Hard to open bottle
  • Somewhat grainy texture

The Owyn Vegan Plant-Based Protein Shake comes in 8 different flavors, and all of them are terrific. You can take your pick from options like vanilla, cookies 'n' cream, cold brew coffee, chocolate, and strawberry banana. Each bottle measures 9.8 x 7.6 x 6.1 inches in size, making it easy to take with you while you’re on the go.

When you’re investing in a new protein shake, noticing what isn’t on the ingredient list can be as important as noticing what is on it. In the Owyn Vegan Plant-Based Protein Shake, you won’t see items like milk, soy, lactose, gluten, peanut, dairy, tree nut, or eggs on the nutrition label. Yet, it comes with a stunning 20 grams of plant protein, it’s high in omega-3s, and its superfood blend is purely unbeatable. This protein shake is also great for both genders, and it comes with an 18-month shelf-life, which makes it a great long-term investment.

Owyn spent 4 years developing the Vegan Plant-Based Protein Shake, and it shows. Not only is it built to boost overall nutrition, but it’s also flavorful, easy to stomach, and gentle on the belly. Compared to some protein shakes, this option is a pleasure to drink. But it also contains ingredients that are known to be anti-inflammatory, allowing you to boost your body’s ability to fend off illness and recuperate. Even after months of consuming this concoction, you’re likely to continue to appreciate the effects of this product due to its wholesome ingredients and taste.

Key Features
  • 11.14 fl ounces
  • Certified Vegan
  • Gluten Free
Specifications
  • Protein per Serving: 20g
  • Sugar per Serving: 4g
  • Number of Flavors: 3
  • Brand: OWYN
Pros
  • Delicious
  • Overall value
  • 18 month shelf life
Cons
  • Very sweet

It can be tough to get the appropriate amount of protein in your diet if you don’t eat a lot of meat or you’re an athlete. But by incorporating a protein shake like the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Shake, you can make this process a little bit easier. This shake comes with 11 fluid ounces of chocolatey goodness in each bottle. It features a 100% whey blend that contains 7 grams of carbs, 2 grams of sugar, and 2-4.5 grams of fat. But it’s also gluten-free and doesn’t contain any artificial growth hormones.

Each bottle of the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Shakes measures 9.65 x 7.5 x 6.13 inches in size. It’s tested for banned substances, allowing you to rest a little easier. And every serving contains 160 calories of quality ingredients. In fact, you can expect to receive 24 grams of protein in each bottle of this protein shake. And every package contains 12 bottles.

Targeting muscle growth requires a lot of time, attention, and dedication. And even if you’re doing all of the right things, you might not see quick results. One thing that can help with this process is investing in a quality whey protein shake like the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Shake because it was specifically built to cater to athletes. Just drink one of these shakes in the morning and after exercise to set yourself on the path to better results. You’re likely to be blown away by the quality and flavor of this product.

Key Features
  • Available in chocolate and vanilla
  • 9.68 pounds
  • 100% whey blend
Specifications
  • Protein per Serving: 24g
  • Sugar per Serving: 2g
  • Number of Flavors: 2
  • Brand: Optimum Nutrition
Pros
  • 24g protein per serving
  • 160 calories per serving
  • No artificial growth hormones
Cons
  • Flavor is an acquired taste

Protein is one of the most important macronutrients needed by our bodies. It's what makes up our skin, hair, bones, and muscle, and it's essential for muscle-building and tissue repair. Protein also helps promotes hormone and enzyme production.

Protein is a vital energy source and should be found in all meals of a balanced diet. But consuming enough protein isn’t always easy. It can be hard to get the right amount of protein your body needs especially if you’re not making your own meals all the time.

Meat, which is one of the most common ways to consume protein, can be hard to digest for some people or inconvenient to cook when you’ve got a busy schedule. Vegetarians and vegans will also have trouble consuming the right amount of protein, as the average recommended amount is 46g for women and 56g for men.

It’s a good thing that protein can come in many forms. There are plant-based sources of protein like legumes and tofu, and of course, protein shakes. The best protein shakes are usually made with whey protein, but there are more plant-based options available in the market as well. These plant-based options are great for people who are lactose-intolerant. Whey protein, which is common in protein powders and shakes, is derived from milk.

This can trigger reactions in lactose-intolerant folk, and since it’s animal-based it’s not an option for vegans. Eating enough meat is not always an option for a lot of people unless they have the time, budget, and energy to buy or cook their meals. With a bottle of the best protein shake, you can get increase your protein intake without adding too many calories or spending too much time cooking a whole meal.

Related: The Best Protein Bars of 2020

Some of the best protein shakes make a great post-workout snack and can even serve as a meal replacement if you’re out of time. Breakfast is often swapped out for a protein shake because it’s a good grab-and-go option. Whether you’re on the way to work from the gym and need something to fill you up or just woke up a little bit later than usual, the best protein shake can make sure you still get the nutrients you need.

What should you look for when choosing the best protein shake? The amount of protein is one thing, as most people will want to get the most protein for their dollar. But the amount of sugar and other ingredients are also important to consider.

Too much sugar can cause blood sugar to spike, and this isn’t good especially for those with insulin resistance and diabetes. It’s also good to see if there are other vitamins and nutrients like fiber so that you’re getting the most out of your protein shake. Taste is also important because you want to enjoy your protein shake! It helps if the shake tastes good and has a variety of flavors so you don’t get bored.

With the help of this guide, you can narrow down your protein shake choices and find the right one for your taste preferences and nutrient needs.

Resources— Healthline, SFGate

FAQ

Q: Can increasing protein intake assist with weight loss?

Protein is commonly consumed as an appetite suppressant. But it’s also an essential component for overall body health. Protein shakes are one great way to boost your protein intake in order to increase weight loss potential. When ingested, protein can boost hormones like GLP-1, and CCK. But it has also been shown to decrease the hunger hormone. When these acts are paired, the result often contributes to less food consumption. Since protein can help you to feel full for longer periods of time, it also may help to reduce the overall number of calories that you consume in a day.

Q: What are some of the different kinds of protein?

There are a number of different types of protein that can be consumed at any given time. Among those types, you’ll find whey protein, casein protein, soy protein, hemp protein, rice protein, and even pea protein. Why protein is a dairy-based protein that can commonly be found in protein shakes. Casein protein is another dairy-based protein that comes with essential amino acids. And soy, hemp, rice, and pea protein are plant-based protein options. But even among these plant-based proteins, the nutritional quality varies slightly. For example, hemp protein has extra omega fats while the remaining plant proteins are higher in amino acids.

Q: What ingredients should I look for in my protein shake?

Protein shakes can offer athletes and general health nuts a way to supplement important nutritional components. But not all protein shakes are created equally. While you’re searching for the right protein shake option, it’s important to scour the nutritional label for ingredients like sugar. While sugar may make the flavor of a protein shake more palatable, it may actually counteract some of the quality ingredients in your shake. Additionally, the more whole ingredients your protein shake has, the better. Generally, the human body is better equipped to digest whole ingredients. If you’re an athlete, it can also be helpful to look for extra vitamins and minerals.

Q: How many protein shakes should I drink per day?

Depending on your lifestyle and your metabolism, the number of protein shakes that is safe to consume in a given day may vary. However, in most cases, it may be best to limit your protein shake intake to one per day. It’s also important to vary the type of protein that you’re ingesting since the body needs several kinds of it. While adding a protein shake to your daily routine may help to curb your appetite, your body still needs the appropriate nutritional components to rebuild itself. Vegetarians and vegans may require more supplementary nutrition (like protein shakes) because of dietary restrictions. But it’s always best to consult with a medical professional to find the right balance to fit your needs.

Q: Should my protein shake take the place of a meal?

Protein shakes are generally intended to supplement deficiencies in the diet. Because of this, they’re not usually built to replace an entire meal. Depending on the protein shake, the nutritional profile is going to vary, which means that your dietary needs might vary too. Protein shakes are often most effective at aiding in weight loss and muscle growth when paired with an exercise routine. Many protein shakes are designed to be consumed before or soon after a workout for the best effects. Since active people tend to require more protein than inactive people, adding a protein shake may help to boost your body’s health.

Q: Are protein shakes harmful for your kidneys?

They can be. It’s extremely important to consult a medical professional if you’re consuming multiple protein shakes per day. Since your kidneys help your body to remove waste, overwhelming them with protein can actually have negative consequences. Generally, following the nutritional guidelines on your protein shake offers a good rule of thumb and guidance for protein shake consumers. And try to limit your protein shake intake to one shake per day. Signs of too much protein consumption may include indigestion, diarrhea, nausea, irritability, and more. However, if you have pre-existing health conditions, it's possible that excessive protein may cause irritation or additional harm to the kidneys.

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