The Best Protein Water in 2026, According to Our Editors and RDs Who Personally Tested Every Sip
Despite its growing popularity, not all protein waters are created equal. Some have artificial aftertastes, added sugars, or low protein content, while others offer healthy ingredients and balanced nutrition. “The right protein water depends on your goals and preferences. Whether that’s maximizing protein for post-workout recovery, keeping added sugar low, or simply finding something you’ll actually enjoy drinking,” says Bess Berger, RDN, the founder of Nutrition by Bess, who specializes in women’s health and PCOS, located in Teaneck, New Jersey. Factors like protein type, flavor, and whether you prefer added functional ingredients like electrolytes or branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) can all influence your decision.
To help you choose, we personally tested several protein waters using a standardized rubric that evaluated flavor, texture, ingredient quality, protein content, sugar levels, and overall value. We also consulted registered dietitians (RDs) to help assess nutritional quality and relevance for different lifestyles. The result is a curated list of options we recommend that is backed by both expert insight and real-world testing.
Our Top Picks for Protein Water
- Best for Athletes: Ready Protein Water
- Best-Tasting: Clean Simple Eats Clear Protein Water
- Best High-Protein: Isopure Zero Carb Protein Drink
- Best for During a Workout: PWR LIFT Protein-Infused Water
- Best Sustainably Focused: TATU Protein Infused Water
- Best Low-Carb: WonderSlim Protein Fruit Drink
When to Consult Your Doctor
It’s a good idea to consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian before adding protein water or any supplement to your routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions, such as kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, or digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) because added protein or certain sweeteners may not be appropriate. If you follow a specific dietary pattern, such as a low-protein diet, or have an allergy or intolerance to ingredients like dairy or soy, personalized guidance can help ensure your chosen protein water is a good fit.
It’s also important to consult your healthcare provider if you’re taking medications that affect kidney or liver function, diuretics, or blood sugar–lowering medications because protein and other ingredients like electrolytes or caffeine (that may be present in some varieties) can impact your treatment plan.

Best for Athletes
Ready Protein Water
Pros
- Includes electrolytes for basic hydration support
- Certified NSF, gluten-free, kosher, soy-free, and third-party tested
- 90 calories with 20 g of whey protein isolate
- Natural sweeteners and colors; no artificial ingredients or sugar alcohols
- Light, clean taste with no chalky texture
Cons
- Electrolyte content is lower than in specialized sports drinks
- Sweetened with monk fruit and stevia, which may leave an aftertaste for some
Key Specs
- Protein: 20 g
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0 g
- Flavors: Black Cherry, Orange Mango, Blueberry, Lemon Ice, and two more
“I did enjoy the taste a lot,” says health and fitness writer Raki Swanson. “It was refreshing. It doesn’t taste too sweet, so you don’t think you are drinking a fruit drink or a juice box.” Swanson appreciated being able to finish the bottle without any chalky or heavy aftertaste, which makes it well-suited for post-workout use or casual daily hydration. It’s also something Swanson says she could see both adults and teens enjoying after sports or other activities.
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Best-Tasting
Clean Simple Eats Clear Protein Water
Pros
- Nine fun, fruity flavors
- Third-party tested for quality
- 20 g of grass-fed whey protein isolate
- No GMOs or artificial ingredients
- Smooth, light, enjoyable taste
Cons
- On the sweeter side, which may not appeal to everyone
- May be more of an occasional option than a daily staple
Key Specs
- Protein: 20g
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0 g
- Flavors: Coconut Creme, Blue Razz, Tropical Orange, and six more
“It is sweet, but it kind of tastes like a fruity soda,” says editorial director Simone Scully, who tested this product. “I was actually very pleasantly surprised by how good this was. I don’t know if I’d add it to my diet every day, but for a quick protein top-up on a warm day, it’s not bad,” Scully added.

Best High-Protein
Isopure Zero Carb Protein Drink
Pros
- 32 g of whey protein isolate per bottle
- Includes BCAAs for muscle recovery
- No carbs, lactose-free, gluten-free
- Convenient way to meet higher protein needs
Cons
- Less natural ingredient profile than some alternatives
- Contains artificial colors and sucralose
Key Specs
- Protein: 32 g
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 0 g
- Flavors: Alpine Punch, Blue Raspberry, Apple Melon, and three more

Best for During a Workout
PWR LIFT Protein-Infused Water
Pros
- 10 g of whey protein isolate with electrolytes and BCAAs for mid-workout support
- Easy to sip during activity; no chalky texture
- Keto certified, lactose-free, gluten-free, kosher
- Flavor variety, with some less-sweet options for those who prefer subtler taste
Cons
- Noticeable sweetener aftertaste in some flavors
- Minimal carbohydrate content, which may limit energy replenishment during long, intense sessions
Key Specs
- Protein: 10 g
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 0 g
- Flavors: Berry Strawberry, Lemon Lime, Blueberry Pomegranate, Orange Mango
As the tester of this product, I noticed variations across different flavor options. The berry flavors were sweet, with a more pronounced aftertaste, while I preferred Orange Mango and Lemon Lime for their more subtle, refreshing profiles. There was no chalky texture, and the drink felt more like flavored water than a protein shake, making it easy to consume during activity. As one of the lower protein loads in any of the reviewed protein waters, PWR LIFT’s nutrient profile makes it better suited for intra-workout use, helping support hydration and protein availability without the heaviness that comes from traditional protein shakes.

Best Sustainably Focused
TATU Protein Infused Water
Pros
- Certified B Corporation, member of 1% for the Planet
- Focus on animal welfare and sustainable farming
- 15 g of pasture-raised New Zealand whey protein isolate
- 100-percent recyclable aluminum packaging
- Protein sourced from farms with a carbon footprint one-third that of the global average, according to the company
Cons
- Mild flavor with a noticeable dry, tannin-like aftertaste
- Only two flavors are currently available
Key Specs
- Protein: 15 g
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 0 g
- Flavors: Orange Mango and Lemon Ginger
TATU Protein Infused Water earns recognition as the best sustainably focused option because of its emphasis on responsible sourcing, environmental impact, and ingredient transparency. Each 12 fl oz can contains 15 g of whey protein isolate, with 0 g of sugar, 0 g of carbs, and only 60 calories, making it a light and straightforward way to add protein into your day. The whey protein is sourced from pasture-based cows in New Zealand, where, according to the website, the on-farm carbon footprint is one-third of the global average and animal welfare is a core part of the farming system. The brand is a Certified B Corporation, aligns with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and is a member of 1% for the Planet, donating 1 percent of total revenue back to environmental causes each year. The 100-percent recyclable aluminum can further reflects the company’s focus on sustainability, offering an alternative to plastic bottles commonly used in this category.
“The flavoring is pretty mild, sweet, and a little tart,” says nutrition writer and RD Tori Martinet. “It tasted better than I expected, however, it does leave a weird lingering dry tannin-like experience on the end.” The flavor options are currently limited to two, but the light formulation makes it easy to drink. The limited ingredient list consists of water, whey protein isolate, natural flavors, phosphoric acid, sea salt, organic monk fruit extract, and organic stevia leaf extract, making it suitable for those looking for a cleaner protein drink and a more environmentally conscious product. While the flavor experience isn’t perfect, its sustainability commitments set it apart from other protein waters.

Best Low-Carb
WonderSlim Protein Fruit Drink
Pros
- Ideal for low-carb or calorie-controlled diets
- 12 g of protein from a blend of hydrolyzed collagen and whey protein isolate
- Provides 100 percent of the daily value of vitamin C, supporting immunity and overall wellness
- Convenient and portable
Cons
- Contains highly processed ingredients, including artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners
- Contains collagen, which is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians
- Requires time to dissolve
Key Specs
- Protein: 12 g
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 0 to 1 g
- Flavors: Tangy Orange, Cran-Grape, Berry Blend
WonderSlim Protein Fruit Drink stands out as one of the best low-carb protein waters for those seeking a refreshing, fruit-flavored option. Each serving delivers 12 g of protein from a blend of hydrolyzed collagen and whey protein isolate, 1 to 3 g of carbohydrates, and 100 percent of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C, all for just 60 calories. The drink is “fruity, mild, and not overly sweet, with a pleasantly thin consistency once fully dissolved,” says SaVanna Shoemaker, RDN, LD, a nutrition and weight loss writer, making WonderSlim Protein Fruit Drink a great choice for people who prefer clear protein beverages over milky alternatives.
Comparison Table
Other Noteworthy Protein Waters We Tried
In total, we tested several protein water options to find the best-tasting, most functional, and most well-balanced options on the market. While a few stood out for their nutrition profiles or innovative formulas, they ultimately didn’t make our top picks. Still, these options are worth mentioning for what they do well.
Vertical Protein Protein Water offers 20 g of protein from whey protein isolate and keeps its ingredient list simple — just protein and sucralose. The drinks are free of any chalky texture and have a clean finish that many protein beverages struggle to achieve. However, as the tester of this product, I found the sweetness level overpowering. It was more reminiscent of a children’s fruit drink than a post-workout refreshment. So it did not make the final list.
How We Tested the Best Protein Water
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To ensure our recommendations are both trustworthy and practical, we put eight different protein water brands through our testing process. Each product was evaluated by a real-life tester using the same standardized rubric designed to capture the factors that matter most to everyday consumers. Our testing focused on the key elements that make a protein water truly stand out: taste, mouthfeel, nutrient balance, fullness or satiety, accessibility, and price. While different testers tried different products, all provided structured feedback to ensure consistency and comparability across the board.
To add a deeper layer of nutritional insight, we interviewed Bess Berger, RDN, founder of Nutrition by Bess in Teaneck, New Jersey, who specializes in women’s health and PCOS. She provided expert guidance on when and why adding protein water to a balanced diet may be appropriate and why it may not work for some people.
As a registered dietitian and fitness enthusiast, I bring both clinical expertise and hands-on experience to this testing process. My background enables me to evaluate each beverage through the lens of evidence-based nutrition, prioritizing formulas that not only perform well during workouts, but also align with long-term health goals.
What to Look For When Buying Protein Water
When selecting a protein water, it’s essential to consider factors that align with your dietary needs, lifestyle, and fitness goals. Not all protein waters are created equal, so paying attention to key features can help you pick a product that delivers the right balance of protein, taste, and convenience. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Protein Content per Serving Look for enough protein to support your goals, whether it’s 10 to 20 g for a light boost or more for post-workout recovery.
- Sugar Check both the sugar content and the type of sweeteners used. Some protein waters contain added sugars, while others use sugar alternatives like stevia, monk fruit, or sugar alcohols. Consider how these align with your dietary preferences and how your body tolerates them.
- Type of Protein Whey, pea, or collagen protein can affect digestibility, taste, and nutritional benefits. Ensure your protein of choice aligns with your dietary lifestyle and nutritional goals.
- Flavor and Taste You’ll be drinking it regularly, so choose flavors you enjoy.
- Added Ingredients Consider electrolytes, vitamins, or other additives, such as BCAAs, for both hydration and nutritional benefits.
- Serving Size and Packaging Single-serve bottles are convenient for on-the-go use, while larger bottles may be more cost-effective.
- Price and Value Compare the cost per serving to ensure it fits your budget.
- Dietary Restrictions Make sure it aligns with any allergies or dietary preferences, such as vegan or dairy-free.
What Are the Potential Benefits of Drinking Protein Water?
Who Might Benefit Most From Protein Water, and Who May Not?
Protein water can be especially beneficial for people with higher protein needs or those looking for a convenient, low-calorie way to increase their protein intake. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts may find protein water helpful in post-workout recovery, especially if they prefer a lighter option than a traditional protein shake. It can also be a good fit for people with busy schedules who struggle to get enough protein from meals alone or for those on specialized diets, such as low-carb or high-protein diets, or those who want a portable alternative to traditional sports drinks. Additionally, individuals recovering from illness or with reduced appetites may use protein water to help meet their nutritional needs without feeling overly full.
FAQs
Protein water can be a convenient, low-calorie way to boost protein intake. It works well as a quick snack or post-workout boost, but for meal replacement or heavier protein needs, shakes may be more effective. Protein water is best used as a supplement rather than a full meal substitute.
Yes, protein water can be a good daily choice, especially if it helps you meet your protein needs. For most healthy adults, moderate daily intake is safe, but it shouldn’t replace whole-food sources of protein entirely. People with kidney or liver conditions should check with a healthcare professional before daily use.
Yes, many protein waters are low in carbohydrates and sugar, making them a good fit for low-carb or keto diets. They can provide a convenient protein boost without interfering with ketosis. Always check the label for added sugars or carbs because some flavors of the same brand may vary nutritionally.
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Why Trust Everyday Health

Brittany Scanniello, RD
Author
Brittany Scanniello is a freelance writer, registered dietitian-nutritionist, and owner of Eat Simply Nutrition, a Colorado-based integrative nutrition company and private practice.
As a lifelong and collegiate athlete, Brittany has always kept fitness and nutrition a top priority. Her expertise lies in pediatrics, sports, and functional nutrition, though she is experienced in all nutrition-related matters. She strongly believes that food has the power to reduce the risk of chronic disease and help people feel energized so she works hard to make nutrition information accessible and easy to understand for all.
Brittany received her undergraduate degree in human nutrition and dietetics from University of North Carolina in Greensboro. She also completed a dietetic internship to become a registered dietitian at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California.
As a freelance nutrition and fitness writer, her work has been published in Eat This Not That, PopSugar, and other outlets. She is the author of The Complete Macro Cookbook.
When Brittany is not counseling clients or writing, she enjoys working on her family's farm, golfing, playing with her three kids, and baking.

Reyna Franco, RDN
Medical Reviewer
Reyna Franco, RDN, is a New York City–based dietitian-nutritionist, certified specialist in sports dietetics, and certified personal trainer. She is a diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and has a master's degree in nutrition and exercise physiology from Columbia University.
In her private practice, she provides medical nutrition therapy for weight management, sports nutrition, diabetes, cardiac disease, renal disease, gastrointestinal disorders, cancer, food allergies, eating disorders, and childhood nutrition. To serve her diverse patients, she demonstrates cultural sensitivity and knowledge of customary food practices. She applies the tenets of lifestyle medicine to reduce the risk of chronic disease and improve health outcomes for her patients.
Franco is also a corporate wellness consultant who conducts wellness counseling and seminars for organizations of every size. She taught sports nutrition to medical students at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, taught life cycle nutrition and nutrition counseling to undergraduate students at LaGuardia Community College, and precepts nutrition students and interns. She created the sports nutrition rotation for the New York Distance Dietetic Internship program.
She is the chair of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine's Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist Member Interest Group. She is also the treasurer and secretary of the New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, having previously served in many other leadership roles for the organization, including as past president, awards committee chair, and grant committee chair, among others. She is active in the local Greater New York Dietetic Association and Long Island Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, too.

Evan Starkman
Fact-Checker
Evan Starkman has worked in health journalism since 2011. He has written and fact-checked content for sites such as WebMD and Mayo Clinic. He earned a master's degree in journalism from the University of Florida.

Nicole Bonaccorso
Editor
Nicole Bonaccorso is a writer and editor with more than 12 years of journalism experience. She has been writing for Everyday Health since 2025, and has also been published on NBCNews.com, Treehugger, Verywell, Mashable, and Upworthy, among other publications.
Nicole was also a senior editor at Weather.com for more than 11 years, covering everything from weather and climate change to health, science, and travel.
In addition to writing, Nicole has also found a passion in helping new parents reach their breastfeeding goals and is working towards becoming a certified breastfeeding specialist.
In her free time, Nicole enjoys hiking, camping, cooking, reading, and spending time outdoors with her two young sons, husband, and dog.

Raki Swanson
Tester
Raki Swanson is a Minnesota-based freelance health writer and married mother to two adult children. She has experience covering mental health, fitness, food, and lifestyle topics, as well as significant experience reviewing and testing products for the Marketplace team, including online therapy, fitness gear, and food.
She received a bachelor's degree in applied psychology from St. Cloud University in Minnesota. She has also worked as a business development manager at a Fortune 500 company in Minnesota, and spent several years living in the south of France while growing up, which inspired her love of travel and food.
When she's not writing, you can find her reading, blogging, and enjoying being an empty nester with her husband, two dogs, and tabby cat named Kevin.

Simone Scully
Tester
Simone Scully is the editorial director for service commerce and marketplace content at Everyday Health. She has nearly 15 years of experience as a professional health and science journalist, covering topics such as the psychological impacts of living with chronic conditions, nationwide gaps in menopause healthcare, grief, neonatal loss, and the latest wellness trends over her career. Her byline has been published by over 35 publications, including Healthline, Well+Good, InStyle, Psych Central, Romper, Narratively, Nautilus magazine, and more.
Before joining Everyday Health, Simone was an editorial director of health and parenting commerce and service content at Dotdash Meredith. She oversaw a team of editors and writers that published content across nine different sites, including the Verywells, Parents, Health, and Shape. Prior to this, she also worked as an editor at The Weather Channel's Weather.com, Upworthy, theSkimm, and Business Insider. A project Simone oversaw at Weather.com on the health and environmental impacts of global water shortages won several awards in 2020, including the CMA award for Best Series of Articles, an IAC award, and an Eppy award, among others.
Simone received a master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, where she focused on science and health long-form reporting and photojournalism. Her master's thesis explored the treatment of prolonged grief disorder following a miscarriage or the loss of a child. She was also awarded the John Horgan Award for Critical Science and Health Journalism at graduation.
Born in Minnesota, Simone lived 14 years in France until she graduated high school, then three years in London to get her bachelor's degree at the London School of Economics and Political Science. She currently lives in the Hudson Valley of New York with her husband, son, dog, and cats. When she's not working, you can find her writing fiction or plays, hiking in national parks, or tending to her garden and indoor plants.

Brittany Vargas
Tester
Brittany Elyse Vargas has been a professional writer and journalist for over a decade and has been exploring topics around mental health, mind-body medicine, health, wellness, and psycho-spiritual development for the past 20 years.
As a trauma-informed health journalist, she is a regular contributor to Everyday Health, Medscape and Verywell Mind. Her byline has also appeared in Yahoo Life, Shape, Integrative Practitioner, Business Insider, and BBC Travel, among others.
Brittany is also a certified Reiki Master who has been practicing since 2010.
She received her bachelor's degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara and is a proud Californian. In her spare time, she loves practicing yoga, dancing, hiking, and traveling.

Tori Martinet, MS, RD
Tester
Tori Martinet is an Intuitive Eating dietitian, food writer, recipe developer, and food photographer based in Southern California. She received a master's degree in nutrition from Columbia University Teachers College and spent nearly a decade as the director of wellness and sustainability for a premier food service contractor based in New York City. In her time there she crafted wellness and sustainability programming for clients like Google, Citigroup, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Harvard Business School, and the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament.
She has been a dietitian for nearly 10 years and currently works in private practice, dedicated to helping people pursue health without restriction and dieting. She also writes freelance food and nutrition content and has been featured in publications like Eating Well, Food & Wine, Shape, The Spruce Eats, U.S. News 360 Reviews, Verywell Health, and many more.

SaVanna Shoemaker, MS, RDN, LD
Tester
SaVanna Shoemaker is a registered dietitian and health writer. As a registered dietitian, SaVanna has worked with pregnant and postpartum women, infants and children, people with chronic kidney disease, and people who are critically ill. She is particularly interested in culinary and functional nutrition for weight loss and female hormone health.
She's currently a contributor for Everyday Health and Yahoo Life, and her work has also appeared in Forbes Vetted, Healthline, Greatist, mindbodygreen, and Bicycling magazine, among other outlets.
SaVanna lives with her husband and three kids in Little Rock, Arkansas. She enjoys cooking, reading, writing fiction, and weightlifting.

Brittany Scanniello, RD
Tester
Brittany Scanniello is a freelance writer, registered dietitian-nutritionist, and owner of Eat Simply Nutrition, a Colorado-based integrative nutrition company and private practice.
As a lifelong and collegiate athlete, Brittany has always kept fitness and nutrition a top priority. Her expertise lies in pediatrics, sports, and functional nutrition, though she is experienced in all nutrition-related matters. She strongly believes that food has the power to reduce the risk of chronic disease and help people feel energized so she works hard to make nutrition information accessible and easy to understand for all.
Brittany received her undergraduate degree in human nutrition and dietetics from University of North Carolina in Greensboro. She also completed a dietetic internship to become a registered dietitian at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California.
As a freelance nutrition and fitness writer, her work has been published in Eat This Not That, PopSugar, and other outlets. She is the author of The Complete Macro Cookbook.
When Brittany is not counseling clients or writing, she enjoys working on her family's farm, golfing, playing with her three kids, and baking.