Test Listing 22

While it seems like everything has protein in it now, I (among many others) usually like to stick to the liquid form. According to Google Trends, searches around protein drinks have increased 50 to 90% in the past month alone. Some of the keywords that have seen an increase in search volume include “good protein drinks,” “best clear protein,” “best tasting protein shake” and “best protein drink.”

If you’ve ever tried a protein drink of any kind before, you know they don’t always go down easy. There are endless options on the market so, to help you sort through the shelves, I gathered a few colleagues to conduct a blind taste test of various types of protein drinks. After many sips (and deep breaths… and water in between), we’ve narrowed down our list to the best of the best. Read on to find out which protein drinks are something you’ll actually want to drink.

What should you look for in a good protein shake/drink?

“To find the best protein shake, you first need to decide what purpose they are meant to serve,” says Olivia Hamilton, registered dietician at Factor. “If they are truly just being used as a pure protein source, you can look for ultra-filtered options that are typically lower in calories, fat and carbs, but rich in protein. However, I find most people are using them as a more well-rounded snack or breakfast option, so the nutrient breakdown should match that.”

The experts generally recommend looking for shakes that have 15-25 grams of protein per serving. For those on GLP-1 medications, “It may also be helpful to choose options that are slightly higher in calories and contain fat and fiber along with protein,” she notes.