The best protein shakes of 2025 for muscle gain, weight loss and everything in between

Think protein shakes are just for gym buffs and bodybuilders? Not anymore. These grab-and-go powerhouses have muscled their way into the daily routines of people looking to level up their nutrition. Packed with protein to support muscle repair, boost energy levels and keep you full between meals, the best protein shakes are a go-to choice for athletes, busy professionals and those looking to lose weight without constantly feeling hungry. With the global protein supplement market valued at over $25 billion and growing, it's clear that protein shakes are here to stay.

But why is boosting your protein intake worth the effort? While many people are familiar with protein's muscle-building benefits, it becomes even more critical as we age, with muscle mass naturally declining after age 40.

And the benefits don't stop with muscle building — protein is a weight-loss ally, too. It helps keep you full longer, making sticking to a calorie deficit easier and helps maintain lean body mass. With their convenience and versatility, protein shakes make hitting protein goals more manageable.

To help you navigate the crowded protein shake market, our team tested 28 popular brands and flavors and consulted three registered dietitians to find the best protein shakes in 2025. Whether you're searching for plant-based, dairy or low-carb options, we've gathered the top choices based on flavor, nutritional profile, usability and overall value. Our firsthand testing will help you find a shake that fits your goals, tastes great and doesn't break the bank.

A note on supplements

The products included on this list are dietary supplements. Such supplements are regulated far less stringently by the FDA than medications, with little evaluation of safety or effectiveness before they go to market. Supplements may also interact with other medications and aren't appropriate for all populations or health conditions. While our health writers personally select and test products that are evidence-based, it's important to talk to your health care provider before adding a dietary supplement to your routine.

Best overall protein shake

More protein shakes we like for 2025

Types of protein shakes

Whether you're looking to support your weight loss efforts or help maintain muscle mass as you age, there's a protein shake to suit virtually any health goal. Here's a breakdown of the most common types:

• Whey-based: Derived from dairy milk, whey protein is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Whey protein is quickly absorbed, making it ideal for post-workout recovery and muscle building.

• Plant-based: Made from plant-based sources like pea, rice, soy or chia, these shakes are a good option for those with lactose intolerance or following a vegan diet. While some vegan protein sources, like soy and pea, contain all nine amino acids, many plant-based formulations include a combination of protein sources to provide a complete amino acid profile.

• Meal replacement: Designed to offer balanced nutrition, these shakes typically include protein, fiber, healthy fats, carbs and essential vitamins and minerals. Because they're higher in calories than a regular protein shake, these products can be a good option if you're looking to replace a meal or have higher calorie needs.

• Low-carb: With minimal carbs and added sugars, these shakes cater to those following keto or low-carb diets.

• High-protein: With at least 25 grams of protein per serving, these shakes are ideal for athletes, bodybuilders or anyone with increased protein needs.

• Organic: Often certified by the USDA, these shakes feature mostly organic ingredients and often exclude artificial sweeteners, flavors and preservatives.

• Diabetes-friendly: Specially formulated to stabilize blood sugar levels, these shakes are typically low in carbs and sugar and often include fiber for additional blood sugar support.

So, which one is right for you? The decision ultimately comes down to your dietary preferences, health goals, budget and lifestyle. If you're unsure which type to choose, consider working with a dietitian for personalized advice.

Factors to consider when purchasing protein shakes

Several factors can guide you in choosing the best protein shake. Here are a few tips from our experts:

• Protein content: Plant-based and diabetes nutrition expert Vandana Sheth, RDN, CDCES, FAND, recommends choosing a shake that provides 15–30 grams of protein, preferably from high-quality sources like whey, casein, peas or soy.

• Sugar and sweeteners: Sheth also recommends choosing a shake with no more than 5–10 grams of added sugar per serving. Alyssa Pacheco, registered dietitian and founder of PCOS Nutritionist Alyssa, adds that while artificial sweeteners can lower calories and sugar, they may not work for everyone. "Some people may be sensitive to these sweeteners," she says. She recommends protein shakes sweetened with stevia or monk fruit extract if you prefer to avoid artificial options.

• Vitamins and minerals: Some shakes are fortified with extra vitamins and minerals. While this isn't necessarily bad, Pacheco cautions that combining fortified shakes with multivitamins or supplements could lead to excessive nutrient intake.

• Calorie count: Ryann Jung, a dietitian at Nutrition with Ryann, recommends choosing a protein shake with fewer than 200 calories, especially if you drink it as a snack or a post-workout supplement. That said, if you have higher calorie needs or are looking for a meal replacement, a shake with 250 calories or more might be more appropriate.

• Taste and variety: The effectiveness of a protein shake often depends on consistency, so it's important to choose a shake that you'll enjoy drinking. To keep your taste buds on their toes, look for products available in several flavors.

• Dietary needs: Before buying a shake, flip it over and scan the nutrition list carefully to see if it fits with your health goals. For example, if you're trying to gain muscle, opt for a product with 20-30 grams of protein. Trying to lose weight? Look for a shake that's high in protein but low in calories. Finally, if you follow a specific diet, such as vegan or gluten-free, check the ingredient list to make sure the product is compatible.

• Cost per serving: Affordability is key, especially if you plan to use protein shakes long-term. While price isn't always an indication of quality, cheaper products often cut corners with ingredients. Look for a product containing high-quality ingredients that fits your budget.

How we chose protein shakes

Creating this list involved rigorous hands-on testing and expert consultation to ensure we identified the top protein shakes on the market. We carefully reviewed 28 different protein shakes, evaluating them based on:

• Protein content: Does it deliver enough protein to meet dietary needs?

• Protein source: Is the protein high-quality and suitable for various diets?

• Nutritional profile: Does it provide a balanced mix of nutrients with minimal added sugar?

• Flavor: Is it enjoyable without being overly sweet or imparting an unpleasant aftertaste?

• Texture: Is it smooth and drinkable without being chalky or gritty?

• Digestibility: Does it sit well and cause minimal digestive discomfort?

• Satiety: How long does it keep you full?

• Impact on eating habits: Does it support healthy eating patterns?

• Overall enjoyment: Would we want to drink this shake regularly?

• Price: Is it reasonably priced for the quality and value it offers?

This comprehensive approach allowed us to identify protein shakes that excelled in flavor, performance and affordability.

In addition to hands-on testing, we consulted three registered dietitians to better understand what to look for in a protein shake and how to choose one based on various health goals. Our lead tester, a registered dietitian herself, brought her professional expertise to the evaluation process and helped answer common questions about protein shakes.

The result? A carefully curated list of the best protein shakes for 2025 that delivers on taste, nutrition and value for every lifestyle.

FAQs

How many protein shakes is it OK to drink per day?

Sheth, Pacheco and Jung all agree on the importance of getting protein from diverse sources and prioritizing whole foods whenever possible. Sheth suggests limiting protein shakes to one or two daily. However, this recommendation can vary depending on your protein needs, age, activity level and health goals.

For personalized guidance, Sheth advises consulting a dietitian who can help determine the appropriate number of shakes for your needs and health goals.

Are ready-made protein shakes good for weight loss?

"Ready-to-drink protein shakes can be good for weight loss," says Pacheco, "and protein is an important macronutrient if weight loss is your goal." She explains that protein can decrease the amount of ghrelin — a hormone that increases appetite — while increasing the amount of peptide YY, a hormone that reduces appetite.

Essentially, protein can help with weight loss by keeping you full on fewer calories. Pacheco notes that protein also stabilizes blood sugar levels, which further helps increase satiety and curb hunger.

What is the difference between meal replacement shakes and protein shakes?

"As the name suggests, meal replacement shakes are designed to provide balanced nutrition in terms of carbs, protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals to make them an option for a meal," says Sheth, "whereas protein shakes mainly focus on the protein content and are meant to supplement — not replace — meals."

How long do ready-made protein shakes last after opening?

Sheth and Pacheco recommend storing opened ready-made protein shakes in the fridge and drinking them within 24 to 48 hours, unless otherwise specified on the product packaging.

Other products we tested

While these protein shakes didn’t make our top picks, they could still be a good option for you, depending on your specific needs and preferences. Here’s a look at the other contenders:

• Clean Simple Eats Clear Protein: In addition to protein powder, Clean Simple Eats' product lineup includes a protein water containing 20 grams of protein from grass-fed whey isolate. We sampled the Blue Razz flavor and found the milky undertone too hard to ignore. Our tester said it tasted like a mix of milk powder and blue raspberry juice crystals, which wasn't exactly refreshing. However, her husband couldn't taste the milkiness at all, so this one may come down to personal preference.

• Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey: ON's Gold Standard Whey is a staple in the sports supplement world. The powder is affordable, easy to find and available in more than 20 flavors. The Thin Mint flavor was a hit with our testers, with the biggest drawback being that the minty taste makes it harder to use in fruit-based smoothies. Still, if you're a fan of the classic Girls Scouts cookie, this powder is one to try.

• Premier Protein Shakes: Another product that's widely available, Premier Protein Shakes are high in protein and available in a variety of dessert-inspired flavors. We sampled the Caramel shake, which we found to be too sweet on its own — though it made for a fantastic coffee creamer. The shake's ingredient list is on the longer side and includes artificial additives. Still, if you're looking for a way to sweeten your morning coffee with less sugar, Premier Protein Shakes are worth considering.

• Slate High Protein Milkshake: We tried several flavors of this lactose-free shake, including Classic Chocolate, French Vanilla and Mocha Latte. While we enjoyed the milk-like texture, the shakes had a distinctly sweet aftertaste that we didn't love, and they lacked the filling power that many of our top picks provide.

• Mikuna Superfood Protein Powder: This plant-based protein powder stood out for its minimal ingredient list, complete amino acid profile and high fiber content. While the Vanilla had a pleasant, mild vanilla flavor, we found the powder a bit too earthy and gritty to be our top pick.

• GNC Wheybolic: We tried GNC Wheybolic in Chocolate but found it too sweet and thick. There were other chocolate-flavored shakes that we preferred to this one.

• Kailo Look Well Collagen: This 6-in-1 berry-flavored powder contains collagen, greens, antioxidants, B vitamins, vitamin C and zinc. While it might be worth the splurge if you're looking for a more comprehensive nutritional supplement, it didn't keep us full for long and had a distinct "grassy" flavor, making it hard to justify the high cost.

• Prolon L-Protein: Another contender for best plant-based powder, we were disappointed by the powder's earthy flavor and gritty, chalky consistency. It was also one of the most expensive vegan-friendly powders we tried.

Meet our experts

• Ryann Jung, MS, registered dietitian at Nutrition with Ryann

• Alyssa Pacheco, RD and founder of PCOS Nutritionist Alyssa

• Vandana Sheth, RDN, CDCES, FAND, plant-based and diabetes expert

Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.