What are some of the best ready-to-drink protein shakes?

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This article explores protein shakes and provides a list of ready-to-drink protein shakes a person may consider depending on their goals.

Quick links

• Best for flavor variety: Caramel Latte SlimFast Advanced Energy meal replacement
• Best for muscle mass: Creamy vanilla MET-Rx RTD 51
• Best vegan option: Dark chocolate OWYN Vegan protein shake
• Best for muscle mass and weight management: Vanilla Labrada Lean Body shake
• Best for muscle recovery: Chocolate Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% whey

What are protein shakes?

A protein shake is a dietary supplement. Typically, it consists of protein powder mixed with water, milk, or a milk substitute. Depending on the manufacturer, the beverage may contain other ingredients such as flavorings, vitamins, and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs).

Protein powders are available to the general public to buy and make at home with a shaker or blender. Alternatively, a person can purchase ready-to-drink shakes that they can consume when convenient.

Protein shake benefits 

People may choose protein shakes for several reasons, including the below.

Muscle gain

A 2017 systematic review highlights that protein supplements can enhance muscle strength and size in healthy adults engaging in resistance exercise training.

Weight loss

Some research indicates high-protein diets may be beneficial for weight loss. A 2016 meta-analysis suggests these diets may help older adults lose fat and retain lean mass. Meanwhile, a 2019 analysis suggests a higher protein diet may help prevent weight regain after weight loss.

Lean muscle gain

A 2018 review found that protein supplementation significantly increased lean muscle gain in people performing resistance exercise training.

Prevent muscle loss

The American College of Sports Medicine notes that when individuals reach approximately 50 years of age, they need extra protein in their diet — the equivalent of 1 gram (g) extra per kilogram (kg) of body weight. This helps maintain muscle mass.

A 2016 study recommends adults consume 1.2 to 1.6 g of protein per kg of body weight daily to achieve optimal health outcomes.

Learn more about how to get enough protein.

Risks and side effects

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements as strictly as pharmaceuticals. Therefore, it is the responsibility of manufacturers to evaluate product safety and label them accordingly. Alternatively, they may receive certifications from third-party testing services.

This means it can be difficult to verify that the protein powder contains what the makers claim.

Additionally, a person with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance may experience digestive issues if they use a milk-based protein powder. However, there are vegan and lactose-free alternatives for people who cannot have or do not want dairy or lactose.

Finally, few current studies explore the long-term side effects of high-protein intake from protein powder and supplements. This means that people may experience unknown risks in the future.

How and when to use

Each manufacturer will have a specific set of instructions on shake dosages and frequencies. When people wish to drink a shake, they simply need to shake the bottle, and it is ready for consumption.

Although there is debate about when to consume a protein shake for muscle gain, a person should consider drinking it within 1 hour of their workout.

People considering protein shakes to lose weight may consume them instead of a meal or with a small amount of food. However, it is important to ensure the shake contains other nutrients beyond protein to help a person maintain a balanced and healthy diet.

How to choose

When looking to purchase a protein shake, individuals may wish to consider the following:

• the protein type it contains
• whether or not the product contains dairy
• the amount of protein it contains
• whether the product is shelf-stable, meaning if a person can store it at room temperature
• whether or not it contains artificial sweeteners

5 ready-to-drink protein shakes

Below, we list five ready-to-drink protein shakes to consider.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Caramel Latte SlimFast Advanced Energy meal replacement shakes

Best for flavor variety

This SlimFast shake has a caramel latte flavor, so it may make a suitable replacement for breakfast. It also contains caffeine, so it might help people wake up.

To maintain a balanced diet, a person should consider consuming this alongside other healthy breakfast foods.

The product contains dietary fiber, which research suggests can promote weight loss and help individuals stick to their diet. This is likely because fiber takes longer to digest, helping people feel fuller for longer.

This shake is also available in a range of flavors:

• rich chocolate
• vanilla cream
• creamy chocolate
• strawberries and cream
• mocha cappuccino
• orange cream

A four-pack is available to purchase online for around $7.

Creamy vanilla MET-Rx RTD 51

Best for muscle mass

The MET-Rx RTD 51 shake will suit people looking to increase or maintain muscle mass.

It consists of a range of vitamins and nutrients. As well as thiamin, a vitamin that aids energy metabolism, it also contains riboflavin, which may ease muscle soreness and promote recovery.

The MET-Rx RTD shake also comes in the following flavors:

• frosty chocolate
• peanut butter cup
• cookies & creme

A 12-pack is available to purchase online for around $50.

Dark chocolate OWYN Vegan protein shake

Best vegan option

This protein shake comprises pea protein instead of the more traditional whey. It is also free from soy, gluten, egg, peanuts, and tree nuts.

Some research suggests pea and whey protein produce similar outcomes for muscle thickness and strength. Therefore, this shake may suit vegans and people with dairy allergies looking for a post-workout shake.

Other flavors of the OWYN protein shake include:

• vanilla
• strawberry banana
• cold brew coffee
• cookies and creamless

A 12-pack is available to purchase online for around $55.

Vanilla Labrada Lean Body shake

Best for muscle mass and weight management

The company behind the Labrada Lean Body shake claims this drink can serve as a snack or meal. The protein content makes this shake suitable for people looking to gain muscle or lose weight.

As the amount of protein is quite high, it may help a person feel fuller for longer and less likely to indulge in snacking.

Other than vanilla, the Labrada shake is available in the following flavors:

• chocolate
• banana
• cafe mocha
• salted caramel
• strawberry
• cookies and cream

A 12-pack is available to purchase online for around $40.

Chocolate Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% whey protein shake

Best for muscle recovery

This shake contains naturally-occurring BCAAs, making it beneficial for supporting muscle building and recovery. The manufacturer states the packaging is recyclable.

The drinks are also available in vanilla flavor, and a 12-pack is available to purchase online for around $32.

Alternatives 

There are several ways a person can ensure they have enough protein in their diet. If they wish to consume alternatives to protein shakes, they may consider:

• Increasing dietary protein: Foods, such as lean chicken breast, tuna, tofu, and lentils, all contain high amounts of protein.
• Protein powders: A person can purchase protein powder to make shakes at home with milk or water. This allows them to control the amount of protein they consume.
• Homemade shakes: By combining Greek yogurt with fruit, milk, and ice, individuals can create protein shakes at home without protein powders.

Summary

Ready-to-drink protein shakes provide an easy and convenient way to increase protein intake. Depending on a person’s goals, these drinks may help increase muscle mass, lose weight, or gain weight.