The 10 Best Protein Shakes for Women, According to Dietitians and Our Own Hands-On Testing

As a registered dietitian-nutritionist (RDN), mom, and someone who has to squeeze workouts into busy days, I’m always looking for protein options that provide a quick solution after workouts when I don’t have access to my blender or only have a few minutes to shower and run out the door.

Koia Elite delivers a lot of protein — 32 grams (g) from pea protein — in a shake that actually tastes good and feels satisfying after a workout. I found it smooth and not overly sweet compared with many other ready-to-drink shakes I tried.

The vanilla flavor is creamy and lightly sweetened with monk fruit and 4 g of added cane sugar, so it doesn’t have the artificial aftertaste I notice in many shakes, and the chocolate flavor is rich without being overly sweet.

The small amount of avocado oil contributes to a creamy texture and adds a bit of healthy fat. I also noticed it kept me full for a few hours when I didn’t have time for a meal.

It’s worth noting that this shake contains 210 calories, so it’s not meant to replace a full meal and is better as a quick post-workout snack. It’s also helpful to know that the chicory root fiber is a plus if you need more fiber in your diet, but it can cause gas for some people.

But as a high-protein, low-sugar shake that tastes good and is easy to drink, we are impressed by Koia Elite.

“This was for sure the best tasting of the proteins I tried, both powders and drinks,” says writer and RD Tori Martinet, who tested several flavors. She noted its smooth texture and lack of chalkiness.

Martinet tried the chocolate, vanilla, and salted caramel flavors and liked all of them, with chocolate being the richest and salted caramel the sweetest. Nutritionally, it’s a straightforward supplement: mostly protein with minimal fat and carbohydrates, but it does contain 720 milligrams (mg) of calcium.

Because it’s low in carbohydrates and fiber, it’s not a complete meal option on its own, so Martinet recommends pairing it with a carb source. It also contains the artificial sweetener sucralose, which may not suit those who choose to avoid these ingredients.

But overall, Quest is a simple choice for women who want an easy way to increase protein intake for weight management.

Evolve is our pick for best vegan protein shake because it’s plant-based and delivers solid nutrition without being overly sweet or chalky.

“I was impressed. I didn’t get much of a chalky feel,” says Colorado-based RD and fitness and sports nutrition writer Brittany Scanniello after trying multiple flavors. “The flavors are mild but present,” she adds. Scanniello especially liked Double Chocolate, describing it as “rich ... like chocolate milk or hot cocoa” with a smooth, easy-to-drink texture.

There are a few caveats: The high fiber content may cause bloating for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or sensitive stomachs, and Scanniello recommends skipping pea protein if you have legume allergies.

Overall, Evolve offers a vegan-friendly, sippable shake to help you meet your protein goals.

Sometimes low-sugar shakes can have an unbearable artificial or overly sweet aftertaste, but this is not the case with OWYN.

“OWYN’s High Protein Complete Nutrition Shake is a great way to get solid protein without all the sugar,” says Alyssa Simpson, a digestive health RDN in Phoenix. “Its low sugar content helps keep blood sugars and cravings in control, which is especially helpful for women who notice more energy dips or afternoon hunger.”

Each 12-ounce (oz) bottle provides 26 g of plant-based protein from a blend of pea and pumpkin seed proteins, plus 23 added vitamins and minerals. I tested this shake and found the chocolate flavor smooth and just sweet enough with no chalky aftertaste. The vanilla had a slightly more noticeable aftertaste, but both flavors were thin, smooth, and easy to drink, more like a light snack than a thick shake. I liked using this protein shake between meals; it kept me full for a couple of hours.

Simpson also notes that OWYN is vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and free from the top nine allergens, making it compatible with many dietary restrictions. “It’s best to use this truly as a supplement or a convenient boost, not as a full replacement for whole-food balanced meals, since this drink is not going to provide enough calories or the balance of macros that a real meal would,” says Simpson.

People who already take a multivitamin may also not need the additional micronutrients. Still, for women who want a low-sugar shake that’s easy to drink and high in protein, OWYN High Protein Complete Nutrition Shake stands out.

Slate High Protein Iced Coffee combines the convenience of a grab-and-go latte with protein without the protein shake taste.

“If you’re one of those people who tends to just drink coffee for breakfast, Slate High Protein Iced Coffee is a quick option that gives you the caffeine you need to get going, plus a healthy dose of protein to kick off your day,” says Glinski. ”With 20 g of protein from ultra-filtered milk and 175 mg of caffeine (about the amount you’d get from two 8-oz cups of coffee), these shakes can be the perfect way to ensure you’re nourishing your body as you head out the door.”

“[It] tastes just like a thinner chocolate milk ... not chalky at all,” says writer Raki Swanson of the Mocha Latte flavor. She notes it “didn’t taste like a protein drink.” The Vanilla Latte had a slightly stronger coffee note, while the Caramel Latte had a much milder caramel flavor than she expected.

Slate is also sweetened with monk fruit and stevia instead of artificial sweeteners. “While they’re definitely one of the sweeter protein shakes on the market, when combined with the coffee flavor, they feel like an indulgence while actually being a practical solution for busy mornings,” Glinski says. “If you have special dietary needs, don’t worry: They’re lactose-free, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and keto-friendly.”

The primary concern is the caffeine load — a bonus for some but a caveat for others. With the equivalent of roughly two cups of strong coffee, Swanson found the buzz surprisingly intense: “I had a caffeine buzz for about 5 hours ... and then a crash,” she says. It may be too much for people who are sensitive to caffeine.

Nutritionally, it’s not a full meal; each can contains only 2 g of carbohydrates, so Glinski recommends pairing it with something like fruit, oatmeal, or toast.

Still, for busy mornings when you want your caffeine and protein to go, Slate is one of the most enjoyable options we tested. It’s smooth, sweet, and easy to drink.

If you want something other than the standard vanilla and chocolate flavors, REBBL offers a high-protein option in many creative flavors. With options ranging from Dark Chocolate to Lavender Tea Latte, REBBL shakes have a creamy texture and a strong nutritional profile.

“These were some of the best-tasting and best-textured shakes I tried,” says RDN and nutrition writer SaVanna Shoemaker, highlighting the brand’s standout organic and non-GMO ingredients.

REBBL uses a pea protein blend. Some varieties incorporate an upcycled grain-based protein, which REBBL explains is a novel ingredient derived from de-starched grains. One bottle offers 26 to 32 g of protein, depending on the flavor.

Several varieties also include prebiotic fiber, functional mushrooms, and botanicals like ashwagandha and maca, although Shoemaker points out that “the small amounts in each serving may not be enough to have a meaningful effect.” Still, she saw these additions as a bonus for those who appreciate functional ingredients.

Flavor-wise, REBBL’s line has something for everyone. Shoemaker found the Lavender Tea Latte “delicious — like a mild and creamy cold chai tea.” Vanilla was not her favorite, but those who love cinnamon may love the flavor.

With an array of flavors and functional ingredients, REBBL is an excellent option for women who want to mix it up.

Collagen is a supplement people most often take to support skin and joint health. It usually comes in a powder form, but Vital Proteins now offers one of the only 2-in-1 protein shakes that also includes collagen.

As a tester, I found the shake light, smooth, and easy to sip. The chocolate flavor is mild and slightly sweet, and the texture is creamy but not thick. It has a subtle aftertaste, similar to many protein shakes, but it’s much more neutral than artificially sweetened options. Since it’s only 160 calories, it makes a good snack, not a meal replacement. It held me over for a couple of hours, but I was hungry again soon after.

Glinski liked that these shakes are sugar-free and made without artificial sweeteners. “They’re lightly sweetened with monk fruit and stevia, and compared to a lot of other protein shakes on the market, they’re noticeably less sweet,” she says.

The main drawbacks are that it comes only in chocolate and, while approachable, it may not be sweet or rich enough for some people. Additionally, while collagen is a bonus, the 10 g per bottle is a bit less than what collagen powders typically provide. It’s still beneficial but something to keep in mind if collagen intake is your primary goal.

Overall, Vital Proteins Collagen and Protein Shake is best for women who want a convenient way to increase protein and collagen at the same time.

Kate Farms offers a ready-to-drink protein shake with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic ingredients. “I love Kate Farms because it’s certified organic, free of the top nine allergens, and plant-based, making it a clean, gentle protein option that works even for sensitive individuals, which is something a lot of women really appreciate,” says Simpson.

Each carton provides 25 g of pea-based protein, 6 g of prebiotic fiber, and zero sugar in just 160 calories. “You’re getting a lot of nutrition in a metabolically friendly package that supports steady energy and satiety,” Simpson adds.

During testing, I found the texture smooth and easy to drink, with just a slight protein aftertaste. Kate Farms is available in two flavors: chocolate and strawberry. Chocolate was my favorite; strawberry was slightly sweeter, with a mild aftertaste that was still pleasant. These aren’t dessert-style shakes, but I appreciate that they’re simple and drinkable.

Kate Farms also includes a phytonutrient blend (including blueberry, broccoli, and turmeric) and more than 20 vitamins and minerals. These additions can help fill small nutritional gaps, though they won’t replace the variety found in whole foods.

“If you rely on it too much instead of whole meals, you can miss opportunities to get the healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, phytonutrients, and other whole-food benefits that are especially important for women’s hormone balance and overall health,” says Simpson.

But for a backup plan on busy days, Kate Farms is a good choice for women who prioritize organic ingredients.

Orgain’s Organic Nutrition Grass-Fed Protein Shake is an easy-to-tolerate formula without the ingredients that commonly cause digestive discomfort.

The shake provides 16 g of protein per bottle, along with 20 vitamins and minerals. Instead of fiber additives or sugar alcohols, it’s sweetened with organic cane sugar and brown rice syrup (though it contains 12 g of added sugar as a trade-off).

During testing, I found the flavors (Chocolate, Vanilla Bean, and Strawberries & Cream) easy to drink. Each one had a mild flavor and only a slight chalky aftertaste, with a smooth, thin texture that makes it feel more like a snack than a heavy shake. Chocolate tasted like a lighter chocolate milk. Vanilla resembled a sweet nut milk. Strawberry had a “melted ice cream” vibe.

Women who already take a multivitamin should pay attention to the combination of added vitamins and minerals to avoid oversupplementing. But for those who want an easy-to-digest shake without artificial sweeteners, gums, or extra fiber, Orgain is a top choice.

Ready Protein Water is our pick for Best Clear because it delivers 20 g of whey protein in a hydrating format that’s more like flavored water than a shake. It’s perfect for those who want a protein drink that doesn’t taste like your typical shake.

“The first time I heard of ‘protein water,’ I rolled my eyes,” says VenHuizen. She had assumed clear protein drinks were a gimmick. “But Ready Protein Water has done it right: highly absorbable whey protein mixed with electrolytes and a touch of sweetness and flavor ... and that’s it.”

Swanson found the drink surprisingly enjoyable, noting that Mixed Berry tasted similar to a mild flavored water enhancer: “The flavor is there ... you’re not just tasting water,” she says. The texture is thin, which makes it easy to sip quickly. “I didn’t think I was drinking protein water ... it felt like a rehydration drink that just happened to have protein in it,” says Swanson.

Because it’s only 90 calories, this won’t keep you full for long. Swanson reports it quenches thirst and gives a noticeable hydration boost, but it doesn’t offer satiety. VenHuizen sees this as a strength: “Because it’s low calorie and hydrating, it makes the perfect high-protein accompaniment to your lunch salad or midafternoon snack.”

Ready Protein Water comes in seven flavors, including Black Cherry, Lemon Ice, Mango Orange, and Cotton Candy Grape. Some may find the sweetness stronger than expected in certain varieties, but the mild berry flavors we tested were well liked.

“Whether you’re a busy professional or a multitasking mom with little time to prep a balanced meal, throw this one in your bag for protein support on the go,” VenHuizen says.