We Put More Than 50 Protein Shakes to the Test — Here Are the 12 Worth Buying, According to Dietitians

Not every protein shake is designed to replace a meal, but Kate Farms Nutrition Shakes stand out as the best option for people who need a nutrient-dense substitute due to low appetite, medical needs, or skipping meals. At 330 calories per serving, it provides more substance than most protein shakes, making it appropriate for use as a light meal replacement. While the sugar content may not be ideal for strict weight loss goals, the balance of protein, fiber, and micronutrients makes it one of the most complete options available.

“Kate Farms Nutrition Shake is an excellent choice for a meal replacement shake because it contains 16 grams (g) of organic pea protein, 6 g of prebiotic fiber to support healthy gut microbiota, and 27 vitamins and minerals,” says Glinski. “Pea protein is a good option for a wide variety of dietary needs, and the shakes are free from the top nine allergens, making them a good choice for people with dietary restrictions.”

I tested this product and found the vanilla flavor to be one of the better-tasting drinks, with minimal chalkiness and no lingering artificial aftertaste. The added sugar gave it a smoother flavor profile, though that also makes it better suited for those needing extra calories rather than those trying to reduce them.

While the ingredient list includes extracts like turmeric, green tea, and ginger, the company doesn’t provide details on the amounts included. Without that information, it’s difficult to determine whether the blend adds significant nutritional value. Still, with or without that feature, the shake delivers on its primary purpose of a nutrient-dense option for those who need a true meal replacement.

“If you want to drink vanilla ice cream, this is it!” says writer Raki Swanson of the vanilla bean flavor. “This tastes just like vanilla ice cream you can buy in the store.” While she did notice a mild chalkiness with a protein aftertaste, she described it as “very bearable,” with a thin, easy-to-drink texture that kept her full until her next meal. She also liked the other creative flavors, like Chocolate Truffle and Café Latte, adding that the flavors are not overwhelming.

It’s worth noting that Iconic isn’t designed to replace a full meal. “While they shouldn’t be used as a meal replacement, due to their lower calorie and carbohydrate content, they’re a good option for a quick, on-the-go snack,” explains Glinski. In other words, this shake works best as part of a weight loss plan, not as the entire plan itself.

Most protein drinks are creamy and dairy-based, but PWR LIFT stands out as the best clear option we tested. With its light, fruit-forward flavors and water-like texture, it feels more like a sports drink than a traditional shake, making it ideal for those who want something refreshing after exercise.

“The flavor is sweet — particularly the berry ones — but the citrus flavors like Lemon Lime and Orange Mango are lighter, almost like a Gatorade or diluted Tang,” says fitness and sports nutrition writer Brittany Scanniello, who tested and reviewed this product. “There’s no chalky feel, just flavored water.” She adds that she preferred PWR LIFT over the other protein waters she tried because it was more tolerable in both taste and texture. Of the four flavors she sampled, Lemon Lime was her favorite, while she noticed a more noticeable aftertaste of monk fruit and stevia from the berry flavors.

For these reasons, PWR LIFT is best used with other recovery nutrition sources rather than as a stand-alone solution. It’s an excellent option for anyone seeking a lighter, fruit-flavored protein drink that also provides hydration. Pair it with a snack or meal for a more complete post-workout nutrition option.

Many vegan protein shakes taste chalky or gritty, but Evolve Plant-Based Protein Shakes feature a smooth pea protein base, balanced flavors, and added nutrients specifically tailored to meet the needs of people following a vegan diet.

Scanniello was pleasantly surprised at the taste, especially the Double Chocolate flavor. “For a ready-made protein drink, I was impressed. I didn’t get much of a chalky feel. The flavors are mild but present,” she says, adding that the high fiber content is a plus, but also a source of caution for some. “This is nearly half of the daily recommended intake in one shake. It definitely kept me full for a couple of hours, but it may be too much for people with sensitive stomachs or irritable bowel syndrome,” she explains.

Beyond nutrition, she also appreciates the company’s sustainability focus. “The website and company emphasize outdoors and sustainability,” she says. The company does so by marketing to outdoor enthusiasts who want a sustainable protein product.

Overall, Evolve earns its place as the best vegan shake, combining a smooth texture, strong satiety, and extra micronutrients, even if the stevia aftertaste in some flavors may not appeal to everyone.

Protein drinks aren’t just for adults, and Koia Kids prove that kid-focused options can be both nutritious and fun. These ready-to-drink cartons are made with pea protein and contain 21 vitamins and minerals, as well as 4 g of fiber. They’re USDA Organic, gluten-free, soy-free, and kosher, appealing to households with dietary restrictions. “The Fruity Cereal tastes just like Froot Loops milk, and my 20-month-old loved that flavor, and so did I,” says writer and editor Nicole Bonaccorso. “It has a thin, creamy mouthfeel, smooth and not gritty at all. These drinks are not chalky.”

The chocolate flavor earned solid marks too. “The chocolate tastes like a less-sweet chocolate milk,” she adds. “My 3.5-year-old was into that flavor, and it helps when you can just say it’s chocolate milk.” Vanilla, however, was the least popular flavor. “It tastes like artificial vanilla — pretty fake tasting,” Bonaccorso says. She also notes that each carton contains 8 ounces, which she found to be a bit too much for toddlers or younger kiddos.

While these shakes aren’t sugar-free, 4 g of sugar is still a minimal amount, as they are also sweetened with monk fruit. Overall, these shakes earned Bonaccorso’s approval. “It’s great to have a protein drink for kids — my older toddler is going through a picky phase, so it’s great to get him a bit more protein,” she says. “I would recommend this to someone who is vegan or has a kid with allergies who wants to get their kids more protein.”

As a registered dietitian nutritionist and tester, I found this shake to be light, smooth, and easy to sip. The taste is very neutral, with minimal chalkiness and a mild aftertaste. At just 160 calories, it’s not designed to replace a meal, but it works well to tide you over between meals or to boost protein after exercise. I felt hungry a few hours after drinking it, but it held me long enough to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner.

One drawback is that this shake can be harder to find than others, as it’s currently only available at select retailers. It also only comes in chocolate. While the flavor is approachable and not too artificial, some may find it either a bit too sweet or not rich enough. Still, compared with many artificially sweetened shakes, the monk fruit and stevia blend used here makes it more blood sugar–friendly without an overpowering sweetness.

Ultimately, Vital Proteins Collagen and Protein Shakes are best for people who want a two-in-one option with protein and collagen, or those who struggle to meet their protein goals solely through food. It’s worth noting that 10 g of collagen is slightly less than you’d find in many stand-alone collagen powders, but this still offers a convenient way to add more of it to your diet. This product isn’t appropriate for vegetarians and vegans, since the collagen is from a bovine source.

As an affordable, tasty, high-protein product, Ratio Protein Dairy Drink clearly earns its spot as the most budget-friendly option. “Ratio Protein Dairy Drinks are a budget-friendly option with 26 g of protein for under $3 per bottle,” says Durston. “They come in a variety of flavors — Mixed Berry is my personal favorite — and make an easy, affordable way to get a quick protein boost.”

“It tastes like yogurt, it is not chalky, and it has natural flavoring — not overbearing, but just enough,” says Swanson, describing this drink as a yogurt drink without the thickness of a smoothie. “I could finish this, and while you can taste the yogurt, I feel this hides the chalky taste,” she adds.

The smooth, yogurt-like texture paired with a refreshing berry flavor makes this easy to drink daily. While it isn’t filling enough to be a meal replacement, and Swanson was hoping for more flavor options, at this price point, Ratio was one of the most impressive budget-friendly shakes we tried.

“The smell of this drink is amazing ... the best way I can describe it is like a regular fruit smoothie,” says Swanson. “The thickness was perfect — smooth, not gritty.” She notes that while the banana flavor stands out, the berry and apple flavors also come through, making it feel balanced and refreshing. She also says that the smoothie kept her full for about three hours when she drank it for breakfast.

The only drawback she noted was a mild chalky aftertaste from the added protein. It’s also worth noting that, although it doesn’t contain added sweeteners, this product is higher in sugar than any other drink on our list (26 g, which is higher than the protein content), due to the natural sugars in the fruit. Still, for those who want a fruit-forward drink with a protein boost, Naked Protein is a standout.

Low-sugar protein drinks can be hit or miss — some taste overly artificial, while others cut back on sweetness at the expense of flavor. Of the 50-plus shakes we tried, OWYN High-Protein Complete Nutrition Shakes are our favorite low-sugar option. “This protein drink is low in sugar and provides 26 g of protein, making it a strong option for supporting daily nutrition and protein needs,” says Andrea Ballenthin, CNS, LDN, a functional nutritionist located in Woodbury, Minnesota. “It’s free of major allergens and contains no artificial sweeteners or colors, making it a clean choice for those looking to boost their nutrient intake.”

I tested this drink and found OWYN to be one of the smoother vegan shakes I tried. The chocolate flavor was mild and easy to drink — not overly sweet, and without a chalky aftertaste. The vanilla had a slightly more noticeable aftertaste, but it was not unpleasant. The texture is thinner and less creamy than some other shakes, which makes it refreshing but might not appeal to people who prefer a richer consistency.

Nutritionally, OWYN offers more than just protein: Each bottle includes a greens blend (spinach, kale, broccoli), 535 milligrams (mg) of omega-3s from flaxseed oil, and 23 vitamins and minerals. While these additions can be a bonus for some, people who are already taking multivitamins or supplements may not need the extra micronutrients.

Ultimately, OWYN earns its spot as the best low-sugar shake thanks to its allergen-friendly formulation, smooth drinkability, and nutrient-dense profile. 

If you’re looking for a dairy-free protein shake that’s allergen-friendly and anything but boring, Rebbl is one of the best options we’ve tried. Instead of whey, they use an upcycled plant protein blend, which Rebbl describes as a novel ingredient created from destarched grains, a by-product from the brewing industry that would otherwise be thrown away. Combined with pea protein, it provides all nine essential amino acids to support muscle recovery, as well as prebiotic fiber for added gut health benefits.

“This protein drink is a great choice for individuals with lactose intolerance or those who choose a vegan diet,” explains Ballenthin. “Because both pea protein and the added agave inulin act as prebiotics, some people may experience mild bloating. If that occurs, it can help to start with smaller servings and gradually work up to a full bottle.”

Nutrition and weight loss writer SaVanna Shoemaker, RDN, tested the Rebbl drinks and describes the texture as slightly thick, smooth, and creamy, without being chalky. “These were some of the best-tasting and best-textured shakes I tried,” says Shoemaker. “They’re USDA Organic, non-GMO, and many flavors are vegan, though some are sweetened with honey.”

In terms of taste, Shoemaker found the lineup to be a mix of standouts with only a few misses. “The Lavender Tea Latte was delicious — like a mild and creamy cold chai tea — and one I’d definitely buy again,” she says. “The protein dark chocolate was mildly sweet with a rich flavor, while the vanilla had an overwhelming cinnamon note that was too strong for me.” She also points out that while the adaptogens and botanicals (such as ashwagandha and maca) make these shakes unique, the small amounts in each serving may not be sufficient to have a meaningful effect.

Ultimately, Rebbl shines for people seeking lactose-free protein shakes with creative flavors. While the flavors may be hit or miss, the smooth texture, adaptogen blend, and robust flavor options make it a standout among plant-based options.

Slate High-Protein Iced Coffee tops our list for coffee lovers and anyone else who wants to combine their morning caffeine with a protein boost. Each can delivers 20 g of protein and 175 mg of caffeine (about as much caffeine as two cups of coffee).

Swanson describes the Mocha Latte flavor as similar to chocolate milk. “It’s very chocolatey, so if you like the flavor of chocolate, this will hit those taste buds,” she says. “I honestly couldn’t tell you the difference between an iced latte from Starbucks or this drink.”

Swanson also notes the smooth texture and minimal chalky taste. “I liked that it didn’t taste like a protein drink,” she says. However, with only 100 calories, she did notice that it didn’t keep her full for long, with hunger setting in about two hours later, making it more of a coffee replacement or snack than a meal substitute.

One important consideration is the caffeine load. Despite being a regular coffee drinker, Swanson described the effect as intense. “I had a caffeine buzz for about five hours after this drink was finished,” she explains. For heavy coffee drinkers, the boost might be a plus, but those who are sensitive to caffeine may want to stick to half a can or opt for another brand.

Overall, Slate is a winner thanks to its café-inspired flavors, smooth texture, and budget-friendly price compared with coffeehouse drinks. Just be mindful of the caffeine hit.

With 14 flavors ranging from classics like Vanilla Bean and Cacao Bean to more adventurous options like Cinnamon Horchata, Fruity Cereal, and Pumpkin Spice, Koia Plant-Based Protein Shakes offered the most variety of any product we tested. “The flavors are fun and exciting to try,” says Scanniello, who tested and reviewed the brand. “It’s so much more than your basic chocolate and vanilla.”

Scanniello found the flavors to be true to their names: “Banana Crème had a distinct banana flavor, Maple Pecan hit on the maple, and Matcha Latte surprised me with a light, balanced matcha taste.” While some flavors were better than others, Scanniello always appreciated the texture, describing Koia as thicker than water but lighter than a milkshake.

The main drawbacks were the aftertaste from the monk fruit and a distinct almond flavor in some varieties. These are more of a snack than a meal replacement, as they contain less than 200 calories per serving. Still, for anyone looking for a plant-based protein snack with exciting flavors, Koia is a clear winner. “As a working mom of three, on-the-go protein is a staple, and these were convenient and enjoyable,” says Scanniello.