We Tested Dozens of Protein Shakes for Men — These 10 Are RD-Approved and Worth Your Money

Nutrition writer Tori Martinet, RD, tried the chocolate, vanilla, and salted caramel flavors. She said these were some of the most enjoyable shakes she tried during testing. “Quest protein shakes are a great way to incorporate a lofty 30 g of protein in just a few swigs and without any weird textures or aftertastes — just a sweet flavor and drinkable texture,” she said.

It’s sweetened with sucralose, an artificial sweetener. It also has 250 milligrams (mg) of sodium. These may be considerations for some people who prefer to avoid these ingredients, but neither concern outweighed the benefits during testing. “This was for sure the best-tasting of the proteins I tried, both powders and drinks,” said Martinet.

Writer Raki Swanson tried all four flavors and said the shakes were light, smooth, and satisfying, especially the vanilla bean flavor. She described it as “like drinking vanilla ice cream — thin but really enjoyable.”

“I love the classic flavors they offer, making a delicious choice for both pre- or post-workout support,” said VenHuizen. “Grab their café latte flavor for a protein boost with a punch of caffeine to get you through those morning meetings, [or] ‘cacao + greens’ later in the day for a full serving of antioxidant-rich greens — perfect for energy before or after an afternoon workout session.”

While Iconic can support weight management with its high protein content, it’s not designed to replace a full meal due to its lower carb and calorie content. Those with sensitive palates may notice a slight aftertaste from the stevia and monk fruit sweeteners. But as a low-calorie protein shake that still tastes good, Iconic earns a top spot for weight management.

We tried many vegan protein shakes, but Evolve proved to be the most well-rounded option. “Evolve’s Plant-Based Protein Shake offers a solid protein load with added fiber, subtle flavor notes without overpowering sweetness, and a blend of vitamins and minerals, making it a great non-dairy option to support protein and fiber goals as part of a balanced diet,” said Colorado-based fitness and sports nutrition writer Brittany Scanniello, RD.

Scanniello said that some flavors have a noticeable stevia finish, and those with sensitive stomachs may notice some bloating from the higher fiber content. But overall, she called Evolve her favorite ready-to-drink vegan shake overall for both flavor and function.

Low-sugar shakes can sometimes taste too artificial, but this one stands out as having the best balance of flavor, protein, and minimal sugar in our testing. “Owyn’s High Protein Complete Nutrition Shake is a great way to get solid protein without all the sugar,” said Alyssa Simpson, RDN, who specializes in digestive health in Phoenix, Arizona. “Its low sugar content helps keep blood sugars and cravings in check, while still getting a nice protein boost.”

This shake provides 26 g of plant-based protein, is free from the top nine allergens, and includes added vitamins and minerals. “I also love that it's free of artificial sweeteners and uses monk fruit instead, my favorite no-calorie option,” said Simpson.

I found the chocolate flavor smooth and easy to drink with a thin but not-watery texture. The vanilla option had a slight aftertaste, but I still enjoyed it as a snack between meals to hold off hunger for a few hours. It's easy to drink, but some may find the texture less creamy than thicker alternatives. What's more, the added oils slightly increase the fat content, but this also makes it more satisfying.

At 180 calories, Owyn's shake is best used as a snack or a quick protein boost rather than a full meal. “It's best to use this truly as a supplement or a convenient option on busy days — not as a full replacement for whole food [and] balanced meals,” said Simpson. “This drink is not going to provide enough calories or the balance of macros that a real meal would.” But for those who want an easy-to-sip, low-sugar protein boost, Owyn is our winner.

If the idea of sipping a creamy protein drink after a workout isn’t appealing, clear protein offers a lighter alternative. We chose Ready Protein Water as our favorite clear protein drink because it contains 20 g of whey protein in a format that drinks like flavored water, not a shake. It’s NSF Certified for Sport, which means it’s third-party tested for purity or banned substances.

As a dietitian, VenHuizen initially felt skeptical about protein waters, but this product changed her mind. “Ready Protein Water makes it so simple to get fluids, protein, and electrolytes all in one convenient, ready-to-go drink,” she said.

Swanson said the thin juice-like texture is a major advantage: “I liked that I could drink the entire thing and not be worried about chalky flavor. … It wasn’t heavy and would be perfect for after some type of activity to make you sweat.” She described it as mildly sweet and easy to sip cold after sweating.

Ready Protein Water only contains 90 calories, so it works best as a quick protein boost rather than a meal replacement. “You can add it alongside a meal or simply sip anytime to easily add an extra 20 g of protein to your day,” said VenHuizen. “The electrolytes are a nice add, especially if you sweat a lot while you work out or just need that extra hydration support.”

The variety of seven flavors — including black cherry, lemon ice, and mango orange — is another plus, though some may find them a bit on the sweet side. Overall, Ready Protein Water is an ideal option for men who want protein without a creamy texture.

Koia easily earns our Best Flavor Variety spot, because no other shake we tested came close to its range of options: Fourteen flavors, with classics like vanilla bean and cacao bean, to more-adventurous choices like cinnamon horchata, matcha latte, pumpkin spice, and fruity cereal. If you get bored drinking the same protein shake every day, Koia can help you switch it up.

“Koia protein shakes are a great choice for anyone looking for a vegan or plant-based option that delivers a solid amount of protein and fiber, along with a variety of fun flavors,” said Scanniello.

Koia is vegan, dairy-free, and non-GMO. Just keep in mind that having a nut allergy would rule this one out for some. Some varieties do contain sugar, but Scanniello said that it's a plus for those who want to avoid sugar alternatives. “I also appreciate that the formulas use organic coconut sugar or cane sugar (depending on the flavor) rather than relying solely on non-nutritive sweeteners. While it does contain monk fruit, which I could taste, I prefer this blend over shakes that rely heavily on sugar substitutes.”

With flavors ranging from classics to creative, Koia's shake is perfect for anyone who likes rotating flavors rather than sticking to the same shake every day.

With 26 g of protein for under $3 per bottle, Ratio Protein Dairy Drink is an affordable high-protein option. “This is very affordable. It tastes amazing when you consider the amount of protein in it,” said Swanson.

VenHuizen said it's a simple, high protein drink that tastes good. And “because it’s milk-based, it not only offers a highly absorbable form of protein but also a good boost of calcium and potassium — good for both muscles and bones,” she said.

Swanson enjoyed the mixed berry flavor, describing the texture as a smooth, drinkable yogurt — thicker than a clear protein water but not as heavy as a shake. “It tastes like yogurt,” she said. “It’s not chalky, [and] it has natural flavoring (like berry).” The berry flavor wasn't overbearing, either, she said. Plus, it kept her satisfied until lunch when she used it as a morning snack.

Because it’s a yogurt-based beverage, the taste leans naturally creamy rather than artificially flavored. While Swanson wished for more flavors beyond berry, she said she'd buy it again for the convenience, taste, and price.

While most of the options on our list contain natural sweeteners, this one does contain sucralose, an artificial sweetener, which may deter some folks. But for an everyday protein boost that’s gentle on your wallet, Ratio is an excellent pick. “The price point is perfect, and you can find it at most major retailers — a big plus in my book,” said VenHuizen.

For mornings when you need caffeine and protein fast, Slate High Protein Iced Coffee is our top pick. “Each 325-milliliter (mL) shake contains 20 g of protein from ultra-filtered milk, along with 175 mg of caffeine — about the same amount you'd find in two 8-ounce (oz) cups of coffee,” said Vancouver-based health and nutrition writer Sarah Glinski, RD. It’s perfect for those busy mornings when you need a quick pick-me-up before rushing out the door.

Glinski also appreciated that Slate avoids artificial sweeteners like sucralose and aspartame. “They're sweetened with monk fruit and stevia leaf,” she said. “Plus, they're lactose-free, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and keto-friendly, making them suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.”

There are four flavors: mocha latte, vanilla latte, caramel latte, and sweet cream latte. Swanson said mocha latte tasted “like a thinner chocolate milk” (smooth and not chalky), while vanilla latte offered a more-noticeable coffee flavor.

Slate doesn’t deliver the staying power of a full breakfast. “At only 2 g of carbs per serving, you may want to add a quick source of carbohydrates like a banana or a slice of whole wheat toast,” Glinski said. Swanson also cautioned that the caffeine hit is strong. So even as a regular coffee drinker, she felt buzzed for most of the morning.

If you like the idea of combining your latte with your protein shake (and you want to skip the coffee shop on your busy morning), Slate is a convenient, tasty way to start the day.

Orgain tops the list for a protein shake with added vitamins and minerals. “These all-in-one nutrition shakes contain 16 g of grass-fed milk protein, a blend of organic fruit and vegetable powders, and 20 essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12,” said Glinski.

She noted that the organic cane sugar and brown rice syrup give the shake a mild sweetness without sucralose or aspartame, appealing to those avoiding artificial sweeteners. The 12 g of added sugar may not appeal to everyone, but Glinski said that this does provide a natural source of carbohydrates that some may appreciate.

I found the creamy chocolate fudge and vanilla bean flavors easy to drink with a smooth texture. The 250-calorie formula makes it more filling than many ready-to-drink shakes, though Glinski cautioned it’s still not enough protein to count as a complete meal for most people: “I generally recommend having between 20 and 30 g of protein in a meal replacement shake.”

As with any fortified product, more isn’t always better. This product is great for those who need to fill in extra vitamins or minerals, but it’s essential to be mindful if you take any other supplements to make sure you don’t accidentally take too much. And because it’s dairy-based, those with lactose intolerance will want to skip this option. “Orgain also makes a dairy-free version of these shakes, which is a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet,” Glinski said.

Overall, Orgain is a good-tasting option that can help you get more protein, vitamins, and minerals. But it’s best used as a snack or an add-on to a meal rather than as a true meal replacement.

Kate Farms is our favorite contender for Best Organic Protein Shake for Men, because it’s one of the few high-protein, ready-to-drink shakes made with USDA-certified 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,” said Simpson. “It has a solid protein content of 25 g per shake, an amazing 6 g of fiber, all with only 160 calories and zero sugar, packing lots of nutrition into a metabolically-friendly package.”

When I tested the shake, the texture was smooth and easy to drink. It comes in two flavors: chocolate and strawberry. The chocolate flavor was my preference — straightforward and not overly sweet. Strawberry had a slight aftertaste, but was still easy and enjoyable to drink.

Kate Farms also includes a “phytonutrient blend” with fruit and vegetable extracts such as broccoli, turmeric, and blueberry. But it’s unclear exactly how much of each is in the drink. It also contains more than 20 vitamins and minerals, which can help fill nutritional gaps but shouldn’t be considered a substitute for the variety you get from whole foods.

“The downside of a ‘complete shake’ like this is 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 you really need,” said Simpson. But for men who want an organic, nutrition-focused option to boost their intake on days they can’t get enough, Kate Farms delivers.