These Expert-Approved Protein Drinks Are Tasty and Nourishing (2024)

An old reliable when it comes to pre-made shakes, these from Premier Protein have earned an American Master of Taste Gold Medal for superior taste. So if you’re worried about buying one that’s chalky and difficult to choke down, grab this. They’re available in nine yummy flavors ranging from cake batter to chocolate, yet only contain 1 g of sugar.

“Personally I enjoy a protein powder with collagen, such as Great Lakes Wellness Quick Dissolve Collagen Peptides,” says Gans. “Research supports it may help with joint health, and preliminary research shows a positive association between daily collagen and skin elasticity. This brand is unflavored and mixes nicely in my morning coffee. 12 grams of protein is the added bonus.”

This extremely high-protein shake is best for people who go hard in the gym. But those who have tried it, love it. “They’re pricier than some drinks out there, but the flavor is SO GOOD, especially compared to the other protein drink options,” one Amazon shopper writes. “This is like a milkshake. But with a ton of protein.”

“For those following a plant-based diet, I love the Orgain Plant-Based Protein Powder, as it includes 21 grams of complete protein (with all nine essential amino acids) derived from a high-quality blend of pea protein, brown rice protein, and chia seeds,” says Palinski-Wade. “In addition to the protein content, this powder also provides 2 g of fiber along with 4 g of fat per serving (with only 150 calories and 0 g of added sugar), making it a great choice for blood sugar balance.”

High protein and low sugar make this protein powder ideal for your post-gym refuel. Plus, it’s super affordable. “I’ve tried many other protein powders over the years, especially during my competitive powerlifting days, trying to find the ‘best one’ and always found myself coming back to this brand,” Jennifer McDaniel, M.S., R.D.N. previously told Prevention. However, Gans adds an important disclaimer when it comes to any muscle-building journey: “Muscle gain does not simply come from a protein drink, it is far more involved than that. To gain muscle you have to consider your entire diet, as well as physical activity.”

Protein drinks can be tricky to navigate for those with food allergies and sensitivities, considering whey and soy are the leading ingredients in the plant-based and non-plant-based markets. Owyn’s shakes are made of an organic pumpkin seed, flax, pea protein blend to make pre-made protein shakes more accessible to all. They also contain flax oil, a crucial source of omega-3 fats for those who are vegan or vegetarian.

With over 11,000 Amazon ratings and a 4.5-star rank, this special protein powder deserves some time in the spotlight. Not only is it plant-based, it contains tart cherry, turmeric extract, and probiotics to support recovery after a day of exertion on the court or the field.

It depends. Many are, but it’s important to pay attention to ingredients lists, as some brands bury additives and preservatives in their formulas, especially in pre-made shakes. Added sugars are another stat to scope out. And if you plan on using your protein drinks as a meal replacement, Gans recommends checking with your doctor before doing so.

We consulted registered dietitians Erin Palinski-Wade, R.D., C.D.C.E.S., author of 2 Day Diabetes Diet and Keri Gans, M.S., R.D., author of The Small Change Diet, as well as dozens of customer reviews to narrow down our top picks.

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.