If you’re truly dedicated to fitness, there’s probably not much you wouldn’t do to make sure you get ample protein in throughout the day. And while you’re probably not opposed to lugging around Tupperware containers of hard-boiled eggs and plastic baggies filled with whey powders, there are easier ways to get the job done. Enter stage left: ready-to-drink protein shakes.
No shaker cup required, these drinks make getting your protein fix as simple as cracking open a can or twisting open a bottle—and they taste pretty great, too. Today’s options run the gamut of decadent milkshakes to boosted coffees and tropical refreshers. Here are eight of our favorites to add to your on-the-go fueling routine.
RAW Grass-Fed Protein Shakes
In case you haven’t heard, grass-fed protein is on the up and up—and RAW’s Ready-To-Drink Protein Shakes are a perfectly convenient way to try the trend. You can’t go wrong with classics like Chocolate Milkshake and Vanilla Milkshake, but fun flavors like Salted Caramel and Mocha Latte are definitely worth trying, too. Each bottle packs in 30 grams of grass-fed protein (primarily from milk protein isolate and calcium caseinate), plus body-fueling MCTs—all for zero grams of sugar, so you can keep your macros locked down.
Labrada Nutrition Lean Body Protein Shakes
In a category full of newcomers, Labrada’s Lean Body Protein Shakes have been around the block a time or two, and there’s a reason they’re still as popular as ever. Available in nine flavors (like Strawberry, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and Mint Chocolate), Labrada’s grab-and-go shakes are loaded with an unmatched 40 grams of the brand’s LeanPro® protein, a combination of ultra-filtered milk protein isolate, casein peptides, whey protein concentrate, and calcium caseinate. They also include a fiber blend (racking up five grams total) and some carbohydrates, making them a well-rounded option for post-workout or staying fueled when you’re on the move. And did we mention they’re fortified with 22 vitamins and minerals? Or that they’re lactose- and sugar-free? Talk about a complete package.
JOCKO FUEL Molk Protein Shakes
Another grass-fed option, JOCKO’s Molk Protein Shakes stand out from the crowd because they’re free of artificial colors, sweeteners, and flavors, while still delivering on flavor. Getting their sweetness from monk fruit extract and fermented cane sugar (only two grams of sugar total), these shakes offer 30 grams of grass-fed protein from a blend of milk protein concentrate and calcium caseinate for steady muscle fuel. If you’re looking for an extra boost, the Sweet Cream Coffee flavor is made with medium-roast coffee and organic unroasted coffee extract, meaning every serving comes with the benefit of 95 milligrams of caffeine so you can get your coffee and protein fix at the same time.
Isopure 100% Whey Protein Drinks
If you need a break from the usual creamy protein shake routine, grab one of Isopure’s long-loved 100% Whey Protein Drinks and switch things up with refreshing flavors like Lemonade, Apple Melon, and Grape Frost. The bright, fruity drinks contain 32 grams of whey protein isolate but zero carbs and boast short, simple ingredient lists. Consider them a go-to when you’re craving a lighter way to fuel your muscles on warmer days, or whenever your routine needs a change-up.
RedCon1 MRE Protein Shakes
Most ready-to-drink protein shakes are made with whey or other milk-based proteins—but if you’re looking for an alternative, RedCon1’s MRE Protein Shakes have you covered. MRE features a lineup of whole-food protein sources, including beef protein isolate, pea protein, brown rice protein, and egg white protein) for well-rounded, dairy-free nutrition. (They also include a punch of MCTs.) Each sugar-free, low-carb shake contains an impressive 40 grams of protein to keep you satisfied after your toughest training sessions and on your busiest days. RedCon1 keeps it simple with Milk Chocolate and Vanilla Milkshake flavor options, but you won’t be disappointed with a single creamy sip.
Slate High-Protein Milkshakes And Iced Coffees
Slate makes getting your protein in effortlessly cool, whether you’re heading out of the gym or running into the office. The French Vanilla and Classic Chocolate milkshake flavors mimic your favorite ice cream standbys, and just so happen to provide 20 grams of protein from ultra-filtered skim milk. Plus, each can also contains lactase enzymes to ensure every ounce of creamy goodness goes down smoothly.
The Mocha Latte and Vanilla Latte flavors, meanwhile, are poised to replace those infamous coffeeshop sugar-bombs, with generous boosts of brewed coffee and natural caffeine (laddering up to 175 milligrams of caffeine total).
Whether you’re after an extra buzz or not, rest assured that all of Slate’s drinks are sweetened with monk fruit and stevia leaf and made with natural flavors.
Clean Simple Eats Clear Protein Drinks
What’s made with grass-fed whey but tastes more like your favorite energy drink? Clean Simple Eats’ Clear Protein Drinks. Ultra-filtered (and lactose-free) grass-fed whey protein isolate makes these canned sips unbelievably light, so you can enjoy refreshing flavors like Prickly Pear and Blue Razz while guzzling down 20 grams of protein. These drinks also boast an impressive simple ingredient list and are made with only natural flavors and sweeteners.
Alani Nu Protein Shakes
Alani Nu is beloved for its crave-worthy flavors, and you’d better believe the brand’s Protein Shakes live up to the hype. The Cookies & Cream, Munchies (think chocolate chip cookies and salty pretzels), and Fruity Cereal are equally indulgent—all for only seven grams of carbs and three grams of sugar per bottle. Each serving includes 30 grams of protein from milk protein concentrate and calcium caseinate to keep you satiated and support muscle recovery.