As a dietitian with over a decade of experience in the supplement industry—and a busy mom of two toddlers—I’ve tried more protein shakes than I can count. I love the grab-and-go convenience they offer, especially on hectic days.
To put together the list of the Best Protein Shakes of 2025, I did a lot of taste testing and a lot of label reading. This list focuses exclusively on ready-to-drink protein shakes (no powders or mixing). The top picks were chosen based on four key criteria:
- Nutritional Profile: High-quality protein sources with minimal added sugar
- Popularity: Strong sales and glowing customer reviews
- Flavor: Great taste is a must, extra points for multiple flavor options
- Additional Features: Functional ingredients like vitamins and minerals, and third-party testing for added peace of mind
Read More: Best Protein Powders of 2025 | GNC
Mary's Picks for Best Protein Shakes of 2025
Best Protein Shake for Weight Loss
Nutritional Profile: Protein per Serving: 25g | Protein Source: Milk Protein Concentrate & Isolate | Calories 170, Carbs 6g, Fat 6g (Strawberries & Cream)
Additional Features: Clinically proven meal replacement for weight loss, Vitamins & Minerals, Zero Added Sugar, Gluten Free
Why It Stands Out: Lean Shake 25 is hands-down my personal favorite on this entire list. It’s not just tasty and high in protein – it’s also backed by science (major bonus points!). In a clinical study conducted by GNC with over 100 participants, those who incorporated Lean Shakes into their diet and exercise plan lost nearly twice as much weight as those who didn’t. They also saw notable improvements in BMI, making this shake a standout for both flavor and function.
Best Protein Shake for Energy
Nutritional Profile: Protein per Serving: 25g | Protein Source: Milk Protein Concentrate & Isolate | Calories 180, Carbs 8g, Fat 6g (Chocolate Mocha)
Additional Features: 100mg of Caffeine, Clinically proven meal replacement for weight loss, Vitamins & Minerals, Barista-inspired flavors, Gluten Free
Why It Stands Out: Lean Shake Burn builds on the impressive weight loss benefits of the original Lean Shake 25, but kicks things up a notch with a metabolism-boosting “burn” factor, thanks to added caffeine. With 100mg of caffeine – about the same as a cup of coffee – it’s a great choice for a morning meal replacement or a pre-workout boost to help you power through your day.
Best Tasting Protein Shake
Nutritional Profile: Protein per Serving: 30g | Protein Source: Milk Protein Concentrate, Calcium Caseinate | Calories 160, Carbs 2g, Fat 3g (Fruity Pebbles)
Additional Features: Authentic flavor collab with Fruity Pebbles and Cocoa Pebbles cereal, 6.2g BCAAs, No added sugar, Vitamins & Minerals, Banned Substance Tested
Why It Stands Out: The new Performance Protein Shake from Dymatize easily took the top spot, thanks to its fun and nostalgic flavor collabs with iconic cereals like Fruity Pebbles and Cocoa Pebbles—and yes, they taste as good as you remember. As a dietitian, I’m impressed by its powerhouse nutrition: 30g of protein and 6.2g of BCAAs to support muscle protein synthesis (aka muscle growth) when paired with resistance training. Whether you need a post-workout recovery boost or a quick, satisfying meal replacement, this shake delivers on all fronts.
Best Protein Shake for Muscle Gain
Nutritional Profile: Protein per Serving: 40g | Protein Source: Milk Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Isolate | Calories 190, Carbs 5g, Fat 1g (vanilla)
Additional Features: Clinically studied BetaPower® Betaine
Why It Stands Out: The AMP Wheybolic line is known for two things – high protein and clinically backed performance…and this shake is no exception. Each bottle has a whopping 40 grams of protein from milk and whey isolate plus BetaPower® betaine, which has been clinically shown to enhance athletic performance and power. If your goal is to get stronger and gain muscle mass, the Wheybolic 40 Performance Protein Shake is a smart addition to your post-workout routine.
Best Protein Shake for Women
Nutritional Profile: Protein per Serving: 30g | Protein Source: Milk Protein Concentrate, Calcium Caseinate | Calories 160, Carbs 6g, Fat 3g (cookies and cream)
Additional Features: Unique flavors, 30g protein
Why It Stands Out: Alani Nu Protein Shakes deliver a solid 30 grams of protein per bottle—which definitely earns my dietitian seal of approval. But what really sets them apart, and why they take the crown for Best Protein Shake for Women, goes beyond the nutrition label.
Founded by fitness influencer Katy Hearn, Alani Nu truly understands what women want: a shake that looks good, tastes amazing, and doesn’t sacrifice performance. With fun flavors like Munchies and Fruity Cereal, these shakes are as enjoyable as they are effective—trust me, ladies, you’re going to love them.
Best Protein Shake for Athletes
Nutritional Profile: Protein per Serving: 30g | Protein Source: Milk Protein Isolate, Calcium Caseinate | Calories 150, Carbs 4g, Fat 2g (vanilla milkshake)
Additional Features: Grass Fed Protein, 3rd Party Tested for Protein and Banned Substances, Gluten Free, No Added Sugar
Why It Stands Out: If you’re an athlete subject to regular drug testing, being selective about your supplements is non-negotiable. That’s why the Raw Protein Shake earns the title of “Best Protein Shake for Athletes.” It undergoes rigorous third-party testing not only for banned substances but also to verify its protein content—so you can trust that the 30 grams of grass-fed protein listed on the label is exactly what you’re getting. Clean, reliable, and performance-ready—this shake checks all the boxes.
Best Vegan Protein Shake
Nutritional Profile: Protein per Serving: 35g | Protein Source: Pea Protein, Faba Bean Protein | Calories 400, Carbs 29g, Fat 17g (vanilla)
Additional Features: 27 vitamins & minerals, 6g fiber, Kosher, Gluten Free
Why It Stands Out: Huel stands out in a crowded field of protein drinks – and for good reason. First off, it’s meant to keep you feeling full with 400 calories, 35 grams of protein, and 6 grams of fiber (while most other shakes are under 200 calories and 3 grams of fiber). Made from pea and faba bean protein, it’s completely vegan and packed with vitamins and minerals to help you meet your daily nutrient needs. If you’re looking for a convenient, filling, and nutritionally balanced shake, Huel is a top-tier pick.
Highest Protein Shake
Nutritional Profile: Protein per Serving: 45g | Protein Source: Ultra-Filtered Nonfat Milk | Calories 230, Carbs 6g, Fat 4g (chocolate)
Additional Features: High bioavailable protein source from milk
Why It Stands Out: Quest has built a reputation for its high-protein snacks and bars, but it’s raising the bar even higher with its new Protein Milkshake. Packed with 45 grams of highly bioavailable protein, this shake stands out as a true leader in protein content.
Best Clear Whey Protein
Nutritional Profile: Protein per Serving: 22g | Protein Source: Whey Protein Isolate | Calories 100, Carbs 1g, Fat 0g (Kool-Aid flavor)
Additional Features: Clear whey, Refreshing fruity flavor collabs with big-name food & beverage brands
Why It Stands Out: The newest trend in whey protein is the game-changing “clear whey”. If you’re used to traditional protein shakes, you know they tend to be creamy, milkshake-like with decadent dessert flavors. If you’re not a chocolate and vanilla fan, or just need a refreshing change, then you’ve got to try Ryse Clear Whey. These unique shakes come with 22 grams of protein and feature authentic flavor collabs with brands like Kool-Aid and Jell-O. What’s not to love?!
