The Best Protein Shakes For Taste, Building Muscle, and More

Whether you are looking for gains in muscular size or just want to stay full between meals, a protein shake can be a useful tool in your dietary arsenal. The majority of protein shakes are derived from a substance called whey, which is produced during the fermentation process used to create different dairy products, such as cheese curds or casein (another form of protein you’ll find across the supplement market). Unlike other dietary sources of protein, one of the most significant reasons why whey protein is so effective is because of its broad amino acid profile. (1)(2)(3).

With such a concentrated source of protein and a relatively decreased amount of calories from carbohydrates and fat, protein shakes can fit well into pretty much anybody’s dietary pattern. There are thousands of brands of protein shakes and subtypes to choose from, but that also means it can be a pain to sift through every single one without knowing what you’re looking for. We’ve picked out the best protein shakes for weight loss, building muscle, and other goals to help narrow down your options.

Best Protein Shakes

• Best Protein Shake: Huge Supplements Whey Protein
• Best Protein Shake for Weight Loss: Onnit Grass Fed Whey Protein Shake
• Best Protein Shake for Muscle Building: Huge Supplements Whey Protein
• Best Tasting Protein Shake: Onnit Grass Fed Whey Protein Shake
• Best Meal Replacement Protein Shake: Transparent Labs Meal Replacement
• Best Plant-Based Vegan Protein Shake: Kaged Plantein Protein Shake
• Best Protein Shake for Keto: Ample Low-Carb Meal Shake
• Best Protein Shake On the Go: Ample Recover Meal Replacement Shake

Best Protein Shake

Anyone looking for a big dose of protein knows that a protein shake can offer the infusion you’re looking for. Slamming back a protein shake after a hard workout can help you be on your whey to making some serious gains. Our top pick for best protein shake, Huge Supplements Whey Protein, delivers 23.5g of protein to help you hit your daily protein goals, and/or fuel your recovery.

Huge Supplements Whey Protein

Unlike most protein powders that only contain one type of protein, this product is made from a combination of whey protein isolate and whey concentrate. This makes for a higher protein content per scoop without any extra fillers or additives. Each scoop provides a solid 23.5g of protein and 120 calories with only 2g of fat. Huge also includes the digestive enzymes papain and lactase, which can help you better break down and absorb the protein, and work against bloating.

Huge sweetens their protein with sucralose, and offers their whey in four delicious flavors, including Strawberry Cheesecake and Chocolate Peanut Butter. For those of you who are looking for a low carb option, or just trying to keep the calories per scoop down, this protein only has 2.5g of carbs per serving. 

Huge Supplements Whey Protein

Huge Supplements Whey Protein

A blend of whey isolate and whey concentrate, Huge Supplements Whey Protein packs 23 grams of protein into each serving. It also contains 5g of BCAAs with only 2g of fat and 2.5g of carbs per serving.

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Who Should Buy Huge Supplements Whey Protein

• Those who want a large dose of protein will like the 23.5 grams per scoop here.
• Customers who like some help with digesting will enjoy the digestive enzymes papain and lactase in this formula.
• Anyone looking for a protein that you can take any time of the day and after a workout. The combination of whey concentrate and whey isolate makes this a solid choice.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Huge Supplements Whey Protein

• Athletes in pursuit of a pure isolate whey protein that may digest quicker for post workout use specifically.
• Those who don’t like artificial sweeteners — this product contains sucralose. 

While there are many great picks on this list, Huge’s whey protein takes the top spot because of its high dose of protein, moderate calories, and versatile protein blend. Plus, it’s got great flavor options, like Vanilla Milkshake and Cookies & Cream.

Best Protein Shake for Weight Loss

For people who are pursuing weight loss, protein shakes may be a great way to help curb hunger and get quality calories instead of eating junk. A whey protein isolate shake can assist along your weight loss journey, and the whey isolate in Onnit Grass Fed Whey Protein Shake makes it our top pick for best protein shake for weight loss.

Onnit Grass Fed Whey Protein Shake

Onnit’s protein is made from whey protein isolate, which may digest and absorb better and cause less bloating (as whey isolate is broken down further than whey concentrate). Each scoop provides you with 20g of high-quality whey isolate, and either 110 calories or 120 calories depending on flavor. This protein shake is quite lean with only 3g of carbs and 1.5g of fat per scoop. Onnit also incorporates digestive enzymes for an added digestive benefit. They include a blend of amylase, protease, lipase, and other enzymes that can help aid in the breakdown of polypeptide chains in lactose and amine chains in proteins. (4)

Many other whey isolates may remove a large portion of lactose, but the extra enzymes may give Onnit Grass Fed Whey Protein Shake a distinct edge over many other protein shakes. But since this shake is sourced from grass-fed whey isolate, it may not be best for someone looking for a higher calorie shake with larger amounts of carbs and fats.

Onnit$0027s Grass-Fed Whey Isolate

Onnit$0027s Grass-Fed Whey Isolate

A grass-fed whey isolate includes added ingredients for digestion like seven digestive enzymes and a probiotic (lactobacillus acidophilus). It$0027s also gluten-free, sugar-free, and soy-free.

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Who Should Buy Onnit Grass Fed Whey Protein Shake

• Athletes who prioritize whey protein isolate over other kinds of protein. This is solely made from whey isolate, and is not a blend. 
• Customers seeking to lose weight will appreciate that this is a low-calorie protein shake.
• Anyone with a lactose intolerance or digestive issues may like the helpful digestive enzymes here. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy Onnit Grass Fed Whey Protein Shake

• Anyone looking for a protein supplement high in calories, carbs, or fat. This is only 120 calories at the most.
• Customers who want a variety of flavors to choose from — this only comes in Vanilla and Mexican Chocolate.

This great tasting and easy mixing protein comes in a low calorie formula with a unique blend of digestive enzymes — this is why Onnit Grass Fed Whey Protein has earned its place on our list to help you during cutting season. 

Best Protein Shake for Muscle Building

There are many reasons why people would consume a protein shake, just like there are many reasons why people go to the gym. Some people want to lose weight, some want better health, and some want to pack on as much Grade A USDA Beef on their frame as they can. If you’re looking to build muscle mass, then this shake is for you. 

Huge Supplements Whey Protein

All aboard the gains train with this product from Huge. This protein shake packs 23g of protein per serving from whey concentrate and whey isolate. Huge also includes some digestive enzymes that can help absorb and break down the shake better, which may also lead to less bloating. After all, you want your muscles to look full, not your belly, right?

Each scoop is only 120 calories with only 2g of fat and 2.5g of carbs, and a full 23g of protein, meaning you’re not drinking a ton of calories that you could be eating instead. The flavors are varied and allow you to keep it fresh with four delicious shakes, including Strawberry Cheesecake, Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and Vanilla Milkshake. 

Huge Supplements Whey Protein

Huge Supplements Whey Protein

A blend of whey isolate and whey concentrate, Huge Supplements Whey Protein packs 23 grams of protein into each serving. It also contains 5g of BCAAs with only 2g of fat and 2.5g of carbs per serving.

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Who Should Buy Huge Supplements Whey Protein

• Anyone who’s looking to maximize their muscle gains will enjoy the high protein dose here of 23g per scoop with 5g of BCAAs.
• Athletes on a low-carb or low-fat diet who want a lot of protein, but not a lot of calories from other macros. This shake is 77 percent calories from protein.
• People who prefer different flavors to keep things interesting will appreciate the variety of flavors this protein comes in, including a unique Strawberry Cheesecake flavor.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Huge Supplements Whey Protein

• Anyone looking for a quick digesting post-workout shake might want to look for a pure whey isolate instead of a blend or whey concentrate.
• Customers who want a protein that works as a meal replacement will want to look elsewhere. The low carb and fat macros, and lack of included vitamins and minerals mean this is not intended to be a meal replacement shake.

If you’re all gas and no brakes at the gym trying to put muscle on, you need a protein to match. Huge Supplements Whey Protein is a great option with a high protein per scoop content of 23g and minimal extra calories — only 120 per scoop. Combine that with the digestive enzymes and 5g of anabolic BCAAs, and you just might be stepping on the gains train.

Best Tasting Protein Shake

Other than the protein source supplied in a shake, the other ingredients you see on the label can enhance a product’s flavor tremendously. For those who are in search of a tasty pick beyond a more bare-bones ingredient list, stay tuned.

Onnit Grass Fed Whey Protein Shake

Everyone wants a protein shake that tastes good, but when push comes to shove, Onnit Grass Fed Whey Protein wins that fight, in our opinion. With 20 grams of protein per scoop, two grams of fat, zero grams of sugar, and between 110 to 120 calories (depending on flavor), you won’t have to compromise taste for quality.

What sets this pick apart from every other item on our list is the assortment of ingredients that kick the flavor up a notch, such as tapioca, dried cream extract, and monk fruit extract. The added creaminess from the extra dairy sources and the unique sweetness of the monk fruit extract give this product a special flavor profile that many other protein shakes don’t have. You can choose from a classic Vanilla flavor, or a unique Mexican Chocolate blend. 

Onnit$0027s Grass-Fed Whey Isolate

Onnit$0027s Grass-Fed Whey Isolate

A grass-fed whey isolate includes added ingredients for digestion like seven digestive enzymes and a probiotic (lactobacillus acidophilus). It$0027s also gluten-free, sugar-free, and soy-free.

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Who Should Buy Onnit Grass Fed Whey Protein

• Anyone in search of a delicious protein shake with an enhanced creaminess compared to simpler protein shakes. 
• Anyone who wants a lower calorie protein shake to help with weight loss will appreciate this product’s mere 110 to 120 calories per scoop.
• Customers looking for a sugar-free protein shake that utilizes other sweeteners beyond stevia or sucralose could enjoy the sweetness of the monk fruit extract.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Onnit Grass Fed Whey Protein

• Athletes in need of a higher protein content above 20 grams per scoop.
• Customers who don’t want extra additives from other ingredients might want to look elsewhere on our list.

The Onnit Grass Fed Whey Protein Shake can give you an effective dose of protein and a more unique flavor beyond other protein shakes with a minimal ingredient list. Though, for those in search of a higher protein content per serving or one with a larger supply of calories, then you might want to refer to our other picks on this list. 

Best Meal Replacement Protein Shake

While many whey supplements stick to the basics in order to give you the greatest dose of protein without extras, some consumers may be looking for an all-around meal replacement that can deliver the same muscle-building properties. Meal replacement shakes usually are higher in calories, and provide a solid amount of protein with carbs, fats, vitamins, and minerals, as well.

Transparent Labs Meal Replacement

Transparent Labs Meal Replacement offers a balanced macro profile with seven grams of fat, 16g or 19g of carbs (depending on flavor), and 24g of protein. You’ll find dietary fiber and electrolytes, as well, to help round out the shake. Available in Chocolate or Vanilla, this blend of nutrients is designed to help you feel fuller longer with a protein blend that includes both whey isolate and whey concentrate.

The micronutrients and electrolytes can help to replenish what was lost during a hard workout. The calorie count is on the lower side for a meal replacement shake at either 210 calories for Vanilla, or 220 calories for Chocolate. This shake can be considered a snack for some on higher-calorie diets, or a full meal replacement for those with fewer daily calories.

Before purchasing this meal replacement from Transparent Labs, it should be considered that this product is not as high in fat content as some other meal replacements, at seven grams total per serving (but five grams are saturated fat). For most populations, saturated fat consumption should be limited to 10 percent of total daily calories to guard against cardiovascular disease, which is something to consider before buying this product. (1)(7)

Transparent Labs MRP

Transparent Labs MRP

Transparent Labs MRP provides 19g of slow-digesting carbs, 24g of protein, and only 7g of both sugar and fat. It also contains MCT oil and bone broth, which can help with gut health, and boasts a moderate 220 calories per serving. 

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Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Meal Replacement Shake

• Customers who want an easy and quick meal with sufficient carbs and fats in their protein shake.
• Anyone looking for a low-calorie meal replacement shake that covers the bases including some fat, carbs, and ample protein.
• Athletes looking for a post-workout shake that can help them feel full, and replenish the electrolytes they lost during their workout.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs Meal Replacement Shake

• Anyone looking for a protein shake that only supplies a high protein content without added calories from carbs and fats.
• Customers looking for a higher calorie meal replacement. This only has up to 220 calories per serving.
• People looking for a meal replacement with a lot of vitamins and minerals to replace those they miss by consuming a shake instead of whole foods.

If you need a quick meal during your lunch break or just want a solid source of calories to consume post-workout, Transparent Labs Meal Replacement Shake could be a great choice. You’ll be getting the protein that you want, which can help you make those sweet gains, and a good source of carbs and fats for the day — so maybe you won’t need to reach for the donuts in the break room.

Best Plant-Based Vegan Protein Shake

For those who are in search of a vegan protein shake with no dairy products, Kaged Muscle has you covered. While it can be a challenge to find a great vegan product to make the most of your time in the gym, this is one of the best options we’ve tried.

Kaged Plantein Protein Shake

The Kaged Plantein Protein Shake can give you the kick you’re looking for with 26 grams of pea protein and only four grams of fat, five grams of carbs, and one gram of sugar, which is relatively low compared to other vegan options. As is common with vegan protein supplements, one issue that can occur with vegan protein sources is a low bioavailability, which can potentially decrease the absorption of a given dose of protein. (2) This supplement bypasses this issue through its specially formulated and proprietary pea protein source called ioPea, which may have 300 percent greater overall bioavailability and over 250 percent greater leucine bioavailability. 

At only 160 calories a serving, one dose can provide the protein you’re looking for and the flexibility you want in your overall diet. While 160 calories per serving is really good as far as vegan protein shakes go, it could be a downside for consumers and athletes in a caloric deficit who don’t want the added calories. There is also only 15 servings per container, which makes this product valued at 30 dollars per tub a pricier choice. 

Kaged Muscle Plantein

Kaged Muscle Plantein

This plant-based formula is made from pea protein and boasts a macronutrient profile similar to whey — 26 grams of protein, four grams of carbs, and five grams of fat. Use code BARBEND10 for 10% off your purchase. 

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