The Best Expert-Tested Protein Shakes in 2024: High In Protein and In Flavor

The Fairlife CorePower High-Protein Milk Shake snags this spot as the best overall protein shake for its high marks in taste, texture, and protein content. 

Certified personal trainer and GGR performance editor Anthony O’Reilly remarks that the texture is “like milk” and the Elite Vanilla flavor “tastes like my childhood vanilla ice cream cone but in protein form—slightly malted and you can truly taste the vanilla.” A 5 out of 5 on taste.

There are two versions of these Fairlife bottled protein shakes, regular and elite. The elite versions contain more protein—a whopping 42 grams compared to the still-good 26 grams in the regular version. For our thoughts on the regular shake, check out our FairLife Protein Shake review.

While the protein content per serving remains steady (26 or 42 grams), the counts for calories, sugar, fat, carbs, and micronutrients vary depending on which flavor you get. Regardless, the nutrient profile across the board is solid. 

Our one complaint about the Fairlife shakes is that they contain a multitude of sweetener types. In the vanilla flavor, there are four: Monk fruit juice concentrate, stevia leaf extract, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose. This isn’t inherently problematic, but something to watch out for a triple-check if you tend to have adverse reactions to sugar alternatives.

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Huel Ready-to-Drink is more than a protein shake: It’s a meal replacement, which conveniently contains 20 or 22 grams of protein, depending on the flavor you get. This is a great premade option if you find yourself constantly moving.

There are eight flavors, and some flavors have a v1 and a v2. The difference is that the v2 shakes include hemp, which allowed Huel to squeeze an extra 2 grams of protein into the shakes as well as reduce their environmental impact by using a more sustainable crop. 

As you might (unfortunately) expect, something so clean can’t possibly be the tastiest product on the market. This certified sports nutrition coach tried the complete lineup of Huel v2 Ready-to-Drink shakes, and while they’re not bad per se, I definitely wouldn’t compare them to the Premier Protein or Fairlife shakes. 

They are also extremely thick—like, makes-your-mouth-sticky thick. However, it’s not terrible. It’s smooth and creamy, but be prepared for how thick it is. They’re extremely filling and to date, I’ve not finished a single bottle in one sitting. I do like to have a quarter or half of a bottle before a morning long run in place of eating solid food! It’s hard for me to eat before morning training, so these help a lot in those cases.

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Huel claims that its Ready-to-Drink shakes are the most nutritionally complete option available, and honestly, I believe it, based on the nutrition facts and ingredients. These shakes contain all 27 essential vitamins and minerals, as well as ample fiber, fat, carbohydrates, omega 3s and 6s, BCAAs, and phytonutrients. 

Only some of the v1 flavors include the artificial sweetener sucralose, with all of the others utilizing stevia and ground coconut sugar instead. These shakes are gluten-free, lactose-free, non-GMO, and free of palm oil. 

Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is our pick for the best chocolate protein shake, because of their variety. Even branching out to their protein bars and casein protein, Transparent Labs has a lot of chocolate flavors. 

With the whey isolate, there is Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Mint Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and more—GGR performance editor Anthony O’Reilly even got his hands on a limited edition Peppermint Hot Chocolate when testing out this protein powder.

Anthony rates the taste and solubility both a 5 out of 5, saying, “The Peppermint Hot Chocolate tastes as if you dropped a candy cane into a cup of hot chocolate and added protein to it. Delicious.” he also has read customer reviews that say the standard flavors are just as tasty.

As a matter of fact, we had another product tester try out the Milk Chocolate flavor as well, and he claims, “The protein shake tastes exactly like chocolate milk when mixed with milk. It’s not too strong or weak, either—just right.” He does mention that the shake is a bit more textured than he’s used to with other protein shakes, however.

Since this is a powder and not premade, you’ll have to mix this, so it may not be the ideal choice if you’re crunched for time. However, with the quality of the whey isolate and the great flavor options, you just might find the time to fit this into your schedule. Read our Transparent Labs Protein review for more.

While not all the time, sometimes protein shakes can be loaded with other sugars and fats. For diabetics or anyone else watching their sugar and carb intake, there’s Legion Whey+, a low-calorie protein powder with single-digit fat and carb content, no added sugars, and up to 24 grams of protein in a single serving.

The nutritional info varies for each flavor, but the most carbs you’re getting is 6 grams. Legion uses stevia as a sweetener, which can have anti-diabetic effects while giving your shake the right amount of sweetness.

Out of the 17 flavors available, GGR performance editor Anthony O’Reilly tried out the cinnamon cereal, of which he rated a 4 out of 5.

“There were hints of Cinnamon Toast Crunch in my protein shake when I mixed it with milk,” Anthony recalls, “but it tasted like the end of the bowl—when the cereal’s all soggy and the milk has absorbed all the cereal flavor.” In his shaker cup, the shake didn’t clump up or anything, earning it another 4 out of 5 for solubility.

It’ll ultimately depend on the flavor, but Legion Whey+ has as little as 0 grams of fat and 6 grams of carbohydrates, making it our pick for the best low-carb protein shake. Adding to that, the whey is sourced from grass-fed cows from Ireland. 

As Anthony notes in his Legion Whey+ Protein review, the location of the cows has little impact on the protein quality, but being grass-fed does.

A February 2021 review¹ shows that health-promoting phytonutrients are more prevalent in grass-fed milk. 

At 240 calories per serving, Ka’Chava Shakes are a good choice for those who need a low-calorie meal replacement that has a a good amount of protein (25 grams), a balanced macronutrient profile, and a moderate amount of calories to help you achieve a caloric deficit and lose weight.

As certified nutritionist Lindsay Boyers says in her Ka’Chava review, the calorie count is a bit on the low side, earning the formulation a 4 out of 5, so you wouldn’t want to use this as your lunch or breakfast every day. If you must use it frequently, we recommend adding some fruits, nut butters, or other ingredients to boost the calories a bit.

GGR editor Frieda Johnson, NASM-CNC, tried the Chai flavor of Ka’Chava, and liked it, saying, “It’s a nice change from typical chocolate and vanilla flavors, but I wouldn’t say it necessarily tastes like chai.” She adds, “I wouldn’t have it every day, but it’s pleasant enough to drink every once in a while.” She rates the taste a 4 out of 5. Keep in mind that the texture can be a bit gritty, however.

Ka’Chava is third-party tested, although the company is a bit vague on who does it or how the third-party testing is done. This, along with several proprietary blends, earns the shake a 2.5 out of 5 for third-party testing. With that said, Ka’Chava is pretty transparent on the ingredients used—just not the amount of each ingredient. The shake is gluten-free, soy-free, and vegan-friendly, plus it contains no artificial sugars, flavors or preservatives.

The main thing that might deter you from this is the price. This meal replacement powder comes at a whopping $4.66 per serving, which is one of the highest prices we’ve tested. However, if you need a natural protein shake to replace meals, this is a fantastic choice.

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Getting an extra 20 grams of pure protein in your day to pack on some muscle is simple with MyProtein Clear Whey Isolate. This whey isolate comes in a bunch of neat flavors, too, including collabs with Jelly Belly and MIKE AND IKE, too. 

Plus, being a clear whey isolate, this protein powder is refined more so than typical whey powders, making it nearly fat- and carbohydrate-free. The refinement also leads to a thinner, lighter texture than typical milky protein shakes. These are also lower in lactose, which can help with digestion. If you’re trying to up your intake for building muscle, this is a huge benefit.

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GGR senior editor Erin Chancer, CNC, CPT, tried the MIKE AND IKE Sour Watermelon protein, and thought the taste was fantastic, earning the protein a 4.3 out of 5. “I used more water-to-scoop than is recommended, and still had plenty of flavor,” Erin adds. She does warn though that the sour flavors have a bit of a zing to them, so people with sensitive teeth or gums may want to try one of their other fruity flavors instead.

Since this is a protein powder, it’s not premade, so keep in mind you’ll need a bit of time to put together your protein shake before your head out for the day. It’s also sweetened with sucralose, as a warning for those avoiding artificial sweeteners. That said, it’s also a cheaper alternative to premade shakes, costing only $1.40 per serving.

If you’re looking for a milkier protein powder with similar macros, check out our MyProtein The Whey review.

For vegan protein, Suja Organic Protein Shakes have you covered. One shake has 16 grams of protein, which for a 200-calorie drink, GGR head of content Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, says, “You’d be expecting a bit more protein.” However, with a good amount of carbohydrates and fats (thanks to coconut milk), and organic ingredients, we think Suja shakes can be a great protein drink that can double as a meal replacement.

Nicole tried all three flavors offered: Vanilla Cinnamon, Chocolate, and Coffee Bean. Her favorite was the Vanilla Cinnamon, as she recalls, “It tastes almost like rice pudding.” The chocolate was her least favorite, although she notes that they all have a bit of a grassy flavor, indicative of pea protein powder.

The texture was very creamy and thick, earning it a 5 out of 5. Nicole mentions, “The smooth and creamy texture is probably due to the coconut milk.”

At nearly $5 a bottle, this is one of the priciest premade protein shakes on our list. However, if you’re looking for a well-rounded snack full of macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals, Suja Protein Shakes is a great option for anyone needing plant-based options.

If you’re used to having the best-tasting protein powder already, then you may want to try Slate Protein Shakes, our pick for the best-tasting protein shake. GGR performance editor and certified personal trainer Anthony O’Reilly tried out Slate’s chocolate shake, and thought it was great. 

“This reminds me of chocolate milk I used to drink as a kid. Good stuff,” he says. Anthony does dock a point on the shake, giving it a 4 out of 5 for overall taste, however, as he thought the chocolate flavor could’ve been stronger. Still, there’s no protein aftertaste, which is a big winner for us.

There’s no added sugars in Slate drinks, as they opt for natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit instead. Plus, the milk used in the protein shake has been ultra-filtered, making the drink lactose-free. So people who have issues with dairy might be alright with this shake. Along with common flavors like chocolate and vanilla, there are latte flavors as well, with those having 175 milligrams of caffeine.

With 20 grams in an 11-ounce can, this shake packs a protein punch. Although a can will cost you around $3, if you’re looking for something delicious and easy to grab, Slate is a good find.

If you’re on a bulking journey and need a convenient way to ingest some calories, our recommendation is Jocko Molk Protein Shakes. Along with 30 grams of muscle-building protein, each flavor contains about 5 grams each of carbohydrates and fats to give you around 200 calories per shake. It gets a 5 out of 5 on the formulation scale.

Kate Meier, GGR’s director of content and a certified personal trainer, has tried every flavor of Jocko’s shakes. On taste, our recommendation would have to go to Sweet Cream Coffee. It tastes like an iced latte and gives you the same amount of caffeine as a standard 8-ounce coffee.

“I’ve been drinking it instead of a second cup of coffee each morning,” Kate says. “I’m getting more protein earlier in the day.”

The texture scored a 3.5 out of 5, with both of our testers saying it was fairly thin and watery. “In my opinion, this kind of diluted the flavor a little bit,” says certified nutrition coach Anthony O’Reilly.

Jocko gets some bonus points because it’s third-party tested for label purity and banned substances, and they only use natural sweeteners.

It’s undeniable that your children need protein as they continue to grow, but they’re not always willing to eat a chicken breast or tofu. Kate Farms Pediatric Standard Shake is a delicious, kid-approved protein shake that has 12 grams of protein per bottle, and it’s free of most major allergens.

Brittant Combs, GGR’s social media manager and a mother of three, picked this up for her little ones and says it’s worked well to keep her kids full until dinnertime. “Sweet, but not overly sweet,” Brittany says, giving the overall taste a 5 out of 5. “Great for picky kids like mine.”

Her one major complaint is the price, which we can’t blame her for. At around $4 per shake, it gets a 2 out of 5 on the pricing scale. Brittany notes that some insurance providers may cover the cost of a pediatric protein shake if a doctor determines that your child needs one.

To be honest, we’re not the biggest fans of plant-based protein shakes but the OWYN Plant-Based Shakes won us over on taste and its formulation. “I got more cream than cookie,” certified nutrition coach Anthony O’Reilly says of the Cookies & Cream flavor. “It was still really good. The only thing is it was a bit thin, so it went down a bit easier than protein shakes made with dairy.”

Non-dairy protein is sometimes a red flag, though not in this case. OWYN uses pea protein, which contains most of the essential amino acids needed for muscle growth and repair, though it’s low in methionine. The addition of pumpkin seed protein and flax oil ensures that amino acid is covered, meaning the 20 grams of protein per shake can be considered a “complete protein” that can help herbivores and carnivores on their muscle building journey.

Anthony scored the texture a 3.5 out of 5, saying it was a bit watery but there wasn’t any film or residue left on his tongue like he gets with other shakes.

Read more in our OWYN Protein Shake review.

Adding protein to your daily diet doesn’t have to break the bank with a Premier Protein Shake. The flavor lineup is so big you may not be able to choose just one, and each flavor packs 30 grams of protein in 160 calories. For those who are counting macronutrients, Premier Protein Shakes are a great choice due to that consistency among flavors. And at just about $2 a shake, these premade protein shakes can fit most any budget.

I’ve been drinking these on and off for years during my training as a triathlete, and I’m a big fan. The Vanilla flavor tastes like a vanilla milkshake and the Chocolate tastes like chocolate milk. They’re sweet but not too sweet, and even though they contain artificial sweeteners, I don’t get that distinct aftertaste. 

As for texture, Premier Protein shakes are smooth and creamy, and they go down easy. I sometimes use the Vanilla and Caramel flavors as coffee creamer and I love how rich and sweet it makes my morning cup of Joe.

Those concerned about artificial ingredients may be taken aback by the long ingredients list. But don’t overthink it: Most of that lengthy list is showing the individual micronutrients in Premier Protein’s nutrient blend, which is added to each flavor. Aside from protein, these shakes include 25 vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes. 

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Grass-fed milk protein concentrate is behind the 20 grams of protein in the Orgain Organic Grass-Fed Protein Shakes. Available in Creamy Chocolate Fudge and Vanilla Bean, these bottled protein shakes include just 3 grams of sugar and 2 grams of fat, with 11 grams of carbohydrates and 130 calories. 

Precision nutrition coach Nicole Davis, GGR senior editor and tester of these protein shakes, said they’re “pretty good, definitely chocolate-y.” And they have “a bit of an aftertaste, but it’s not super off-putting.” 

“If I was out and about and needed an easy protein source, I’d buy one of these again!” she says, noting that the texture is “very creamy, similar to whole milk.” 

“This was what sold me on these—you just can’t really achieve this consistency with protein powder at home, unless maybe you are mixing with whole milk, which I would never do,” Nicole says.

These Orgain shakes are free from artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols, such as sucralose and erythritol, respectively. They’re sweetened with organic agave, monk fruit extract, and stevia extract. They also contain a good bit of calcium (45% of the daily value) and small amounts of iron and potassium. 

Read our Orgain Protein Powder review for details on this company’s powdered supplement.

With other classic flavors like Rich Chocolate and Strawberry Milkshake, our pick for best vanilla protein shake goes to Pure Protein Shakes and its Vanilla Milkshake flavor, packed with 30 grams of protein. 

While GGR writer and 2020 Olympian weightlifter Caine Wilkes hasn’t had this flavor, his wife Emelie has had it many times before and likes the vanilla milkshake. “The texture is pretty nice, and it’s not overly sweet,” she says. “It has a pleasant French Vanilla taste to it.”

Another writer on staff, certified personal trainer Lauren Strong, tried the strawberry milkshake, and loved the texture. “It’s creamy! While it’s not ultra dense like a milkshake, it’s got some thickness to it and it’s very reminiscent of a milkshake.” Although it does have some artificial flavors and sweeteners, Lauren never experienced any unpleasant side effects either, saying, “I felt great and I love that this has 30 grams of protein!”

The protein comes from a whey and milk protein blend, and the shake has less than 1 gram of added sugars. It’s also certified to be non-GMO, but if you easily have problems from artificial sweeteners, then beware—Pure Protein uses some sucralose as a sweetener in addition to sugar.