While it seems like everything has protein in it now, I (among many others) usually like to stick to the liquid form. According to Google Trends, searches around protein drinks have increased 50 to 90% in the past month alone. Some of the keywords that have seen an increase in search volume include “good protein drinks,” “best clear protein,” “best tasting protein shake” and “best protein drink.”
If you’ve ever tried a protein drink of any kind before, you know they don’t always go down easy. There are endless options on the market so, to help you sort through the shelves, I gathered a few colleagues to conduct a blind taste test of various types of protein drinks. After many sips (and deep breaths... and water in between), we’ve narrowed down our list to the best of the best. Read on to find out which protein drinks are something you’ll actually want to drink.
What should you look for in a good protein shake/drink?
“To find the best protein shake, you first need to decide what purpose they are meant to serve,” says Olivia Hamilton, registered dietician at Factor. “If they are truly just being used as a pure protein source, you can look for ultra-filtered options that are typically lower in calories, fat and carbs, but rich in protein. However, I find most people are using them as a more well-rounded snack or breakfast option, so the nutrient breakdown should match that.”
The experts generally recommend looking for shakes that have 15-25 grams of protein per serving. For those on GLP-1 medications, “It may also be helpful to choose options that are slightly higher in calories and contain fat and fiber along with protein,” she notes.
If you’re looking for specific ingredients in a protein drink, Hamilton says chicory root fiber and avocado or olive oil are a plus as she says they ensure you’ll feel more full and satisfied while helping with the digestion and absorption of certain nutrients.
“In small quantities, gums are safe for consumption and required for ready-to-drink shake to maintain a smooth and enjoyable texture. So I would not sweat over these ingredients in small amounts!” she advises. “Companies are required to list their ingredients in order from largest quantity to smallest, so I would just check [that] gums are listed towards the bottom of the ingredients list. Water and/or the protein source should always be at the top of the list!”
While the source of your protein is up to personal preference, nutritionist Jackie Newgent calls out pea, whey and soy proteins for offering “desirable high-quality amino acid profiles.”
Best overall chocolate protein shake
Average mouthfeel score: 4/5 | Average texture/consistency score: 4.13/5 | Average flavor score: 3.25/5 | Overall average score: 3.79/5
It was a close call, but the Quest chocolate milkshake just surpassed the other 11 in the chocolate category. While scores for flavors varied across testers, it consistently scored a 4 or higher for texture across the board. Testers particularly called out the thicker consistency and higher concentration of chocolate you can taste in this one.
Best overall vanilla protein shake
Average mouthfeel score: 3.5/5 | Average texture/consistency score: 4.25/5 | Average flavor score: 3.63/5 | Overall average score: 3.79/5
The consistency of this Fairlife shake is what set it apart for testers. It’s thin, but not too thin, and goes down easily. The scent was described as sweet and marshmallow-like. One person thought it was the vanilla version of their favorite from the chocolate round (it was not). But, unbeknownst to them, it was one they previously admitted to reaching for most when looking for a protein shake out in the wild.
Best overall coffee protein drink
Average mouthfeel score: 3.13/5 | Average texture/consistency score: 3.63/5 | Average flavor score: 3.38/5 | Overall average score: 3.38/5
Coffee flavors can be hard to get right, but Quest seemed to hit the mark for most testers. It was generally regarded as “pretty tasty” and testers said it has a light coffee flavor that’s not overwhelming or too artificial. Most people liked the thinner consistency, with just one tester wishing it was a little thicker.
I tried this for the first time a few months ago and, admittedly, went into it with low expectations. It only took one sip to immediately change my mind. I was so surprised at how much I enjoyed it, I immediately texted my husband about it. The vanilla latte flavor is actually good, which is perfect for the person like me who has (at least) one everyday.
Best overall dairy-free protein drink
Average mouthfeel score: 3.5/5 | Average texture/consistency score: 4.38/5 | Average flavor score: 3.13/5 | Overall average score: 3.67/5
The testers surprised themselves with how much they enjoyed this one. The expectations were low going into the dairy-free round, especially since only one person is dairy-free full time. The flavor of this one was described as similar to soy milk that’s not overly sweet. People really loved the consistency of this one and said they could see themselves adding it to coffee as creamer.
Best yogurt protein drink
Average mouthfeel score: 4.5/5 | Average texture/consistency score: 3.83/5 | Average flavor score: 4.83/5 | Overall average score: 4.39/5
Most testers knew exactly what this one was as soon as the cup was placed in front of them and they were visibly excited. It goes down so smoothly that you can’t even tell there’s 30 grams of protein in there. “I would take this over anything else I drank today,” one tester said.
Several Shop TODAY editors — myself included — are fans of all of the flavors and protein options across Chobani’s drinks, including the 15- and 20-gram offerings.
More protein drinks, taste tested and approved by editors
A thinner yogurt option:
Average mouthfeel score: 4.17/5 | Average texture/consistency score: 4.33/5 | Average flavor score: 4.33/5 | Overall average score: 4.28/5
Oikos came in at a very close second to Chobani, only because it had a bit more of a sour flavor and a thinner consistency that most testers didn’t prefer over Chobani’s sweeter flavor (though one tester really liked the sourness and thinner consistency of this one). The peach flavor was overall enjoyed by the group.
An OG chocolate shake:
Average mouthfeel score: 3.5/5 | Average texture/consistency score: 3.63/5 | Average flavor score: 4/5 | Overall average score: 3.71/5
Atkins is one of the OG protein shake brands we’ve seen on the shelf for years. With so much innovation in the market, I almost expected this one to fall far behind the others. Much to my surprise, it did the exact opposite and was the second best performing chocolate flavor of the bunch. “I like this because you get chocolate flavor without it being overly sweet,” said one tester.
Best for protein shake newbies:
Average mouthfeel score: 3.5/5 | Average texture/consistency score: 3.75/5 | Average flavor score: 3.5/5 | Overall average score: 3.58/5
The original 16 grams of protein version of the vanilla Orgain shake actually far outperformed the higher 30-gram version of it. It was liked by almost every tester and regarded as a straightforward option that’s, essentially, inoffensive. (The only person who wasn’t a fan has a palate that often wasn’t aligned with the rest of the group.)
High-protein, milk forward:
Average mouthfeel score: 3.5/5 | Average texture/consistency score: 2.88/5 | Average flavor score: 3.5/5 | Overall average score: 3.29/5
Fairlife Core Power shakes both performed well in the taste tests, with this high-protein version also getting good reviews from testers. The group was split on consistency with some saying it was too thin for their liking and others saying it was perfect. Everyone agreed that it had a light, milky taste and mouthfeel.
For those who like their chocolate a little sweeter:
Average mouthfeel score: 2.88/5 | Average texture/consistency score: 3.5/5 | Average flavor score: 3/5 | Overall average score: 3.13/5
Opposite the vanilla, the higher-protein version of Orgain’s chocolate shake outperformed the original 16-gram version. While testers noted that it has more of an artificial sugar taste, it wasn’t something that necessarily deterred them. Most feelings around this shake were pretty neutral, but one tester loved it so much that they gave it 5’s across the board.
New launch:
Average mouthfeel score: 3/5 | Average texture/consistency score: 3.5/5 | Average flavor score: 2.75/5 | Overall average score: 3.08/5
Don’t let the average flavor score fool you — this new launch from Premier Protein was received well by almost all of the testers. There was one person who wasn’t a fan and that skewed the average a bit lower, but generally, people were content with it. It was noted that there was a slight aftertaste, but nothing unbearable. The flavor was also good, and none of the testers could tell that this had such high protein content.
A step up from your basic vanilla shake:
Average mouthfeel score: 3/5 | Average texture/consistency score: 3/5 | Average flavor score: 3.13/5 | Overall average score: 3.04/5
This plant-based, coconut milk shake held its own in the regular vanilla round. According to the brand, it’s infused with organic vanilla, cardamom and cinnamon, and testers were able to pick up on those last two notes almost immediately. It was compared to horchata in a way that people seemed to enjoy.
Average mouthfeel score: 3.13/5 | Average texture/consistency score: 3.5/5 | Average flavor score: 2.38/5 | Overall average score: 3/5
This is the classic Premier Protein shake that was recognizable to some testers almost immediately. While it sat very middle of the road for flavor, it was deemed passable for both mouthfeel and texture. It was described as having a bit of a thicker consistency and several testers noted that it didn’t taste overly sugary. One person described it as tasting like the milk left behind after having chocolate cereal.
While I wasn’t part of the tester group for this, I’ve personally been a fan of Premier Protein for years. This chocolate one is my favorite flavor and I often drink it after long runs or grab one in the morning when I’m running out the door and don’t have time for breakfast.
Frequently asked questions
“For the average healthy adult, the USDA recommends anywhere from 1.2-1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day,” Hamilton tells us. “This comes out to about 0.55-0.72g/lb. So, for example, if you weigh 150 pounds, daily intakes should be around 82-109 grams per day.”
She notes that these numbers will differ depending on several factors including your activity level, age and health status, so it’s important to consult a professional to determine what’s best for you.
If you don’t want to spend too much time figuring out exactly how much protein to have per day, nutritionist Samantha Cassetty says to aim for about 20-30 grams of protein per meal. “That’s roughly 3 to 4 ounces of chicken breast or 3/4 cup of Greek yogurt,” she says.
Yes! “You can have too much of anything in a day. More isn’t necessarily better,” says Cassetty.
Cassetty, Hamilton and Newgent agree that, at minimum, having too much protein can mean you’re missing out on other nutrients that come from whole grains, healthy fats, fruits and veggies. At worst, Newgent says excessive protein intake can lead to digestion issues and weight gain.
“While it is low risk for healthy adults, those with chronic diseases, especially kidney disease or on specific medications, should check with their care team on whether a protein-rich diet is safe for them,” advises Hamilton.
According to the experts, some of the negative effects of not having enough protein in your diet are:
- Muscle loss (which can lead to decreased strength, mobility, resting metabolism and even bone mass, according to Hamilton)
- Muscle soreness/weakness
- Brain fog
- Hair loss
- Skin sagging
- Fatigue
- Increased hunger
- Slow wound healing
- Getting sick more often (“Protein builds immune system cells,” explains Cassetty.)
“Dietary protein…serves as the building blocks for all tissues in the body. For this reason, inadequate protein intake can impact all body systems, especially as we age,” says Hamilton.
Hamilton and Cassetty say that daily protein intake recommendations don’t differ from normal USDA guidelines for those on GLP-1 medications. However, each of our experts notes that hitting the typical recommendation may become more difficult while on them.
If you’re looking for a specific number, Newgent recommends “aiming for at least half of a gram per pound can be a healthful minimum goal for muscle maintenance — such as at least 75 grams of protein for [a] 150-pound person; but know this is an individualized goal and many experts may recommend higher levels.”
All of the experts we spoke to recommend taking a protein-first approach to meals to ensure you’re hitting (or getting as close to) your daily intake goals as possible while on GLP-1s. Some of the foods they recommend are:
- Eggs
- Tofu
- Seafood
- Poultry
- Greek yogurt
- Cottage cheese
- Beans
- Nuts (like peanuts or pistachios)
- Seeds
- Whole grains
- Nutritional yeast
- Wholesome protein bars
“Supplemental protein shakes can also be a good tool in between meals as it packs a lot of protein in a smaller package. Liquids also typically are better tolerated and do not contribute to fullness like solid foods,” adds Hamilton.
The experts agree that a whole foods-based diet is best, but protein-packed drinks can help fill in nutrition gaps.
“Many people aren’t used to eating protein at breakfast, so a shake can double as coffee creamer or get stirred into oatmeal,” says Cassetty. “If you’re the type to skip a meal or grab something quick between meetings or on a travel day, a shake can be a step in the right direction.”
Newgent adds that protein shakes can be “especially beneficial post-workout for recovery.”
If you plan on using protein shakes as a meal replacement, Hamilton recommends pairing them with a “quality carb source such as a piece of fruit or oatmeal.”
Generally, all of the experts we spoke to recommend avoiding protein shakes with too many artificial colors or sweeteners (like sucralose or aspartame). Hamilton says the latter, along with high fructose corn syrup, can contribute to “spikes in blood sugar and GI discomfort.”
How we taste tested protein drinks
I gathered a group of six (very courageous) coworkers to blindly try 37 different protein drinks. Each drink was tried by some combination of four out of the six.
The drinks were split into five different rounds: chocolate, vanilla, coffee, dairy-free and other (for things like yogurts, juices and sodas).
Each round had plain white cups labeled by number where testers scored them in the following categories on a scale of 1-5 (1 being the worst, 5 being the best):
- Mouthfeel: Does it coat the tongue/mouth? Does any residue linger after you swallow a sip?
- Texture/consistency: Is it thick or thin? Does it match the typical texture and consistency of other non-protein drinks in that category?
- Flavor: Does it taste good? Does it adequately represent the flavor it claims to be?
Why trust Shop TODAY?
Kamari Stewart-Jackson is an editor who started out writing and reporting for Shop TODAY back in 2021. She’s no stranger to covering Ranked, previously testing reusable paper towels, handheld vacuums and dishwasher pods.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also make sure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
For this story, I consulted two nutritionists and a registered dietician for their expertise on protein:
- Olivia Hamilton, MS, RD, LDN, is a registered dietician at Factor.
- Jackie Newgent, RDN, is a Los Angeles-based nutritionist, chef and author of “The Plant-Based Diabetes Cookbook.”
- Samantha Cassetty, MS, RD, is a nutrition and wellness expert, founder of Sam’s Plate and co-author of “Sugar Shock.”
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