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If you’re starting a fitness journey or looking to boost the protein in your diet, getting enough protein is key to fueling your body and supporting your goals. While you can get enough protein from whole foods, the best protein shakes offer an easy way to add more when you’re short on time, on the go, or need a convenient snack between meals. Luckily, there are plenty of options beyond the chalky powders you’ve probably tried before.
Best Protein Shakes for Women at a Glance
Best Overall: BODi Shakeology 0g Added Sugar, $97 (originally $130)
Best Editor-Approved: Equip Foods Prime Protein, $64
Best High-Protein Shake: Fairlife Core Power Protein Shake, $60 (Pack of 12)
Best Dairy-Free Protein Shake: Kate Farms Vanilla High Protein Nutrition Shake, $51 (Case of 12)
Best Protein + Collagen Shake: Urban Remedy Protein Collagen Meal Shake, $10
Best Budget Protein Shake: Premier Protein Shake, $9 (Pack of 4)
Best Tasting Protein Shake: Oikos Pro 30g Protein Shake, $10 (Pack of 4)
Best Organic Protein Shake: Orgain Organic Nutrition Shake, $33 (Pack of 12)
Best Protein Shake for Breakfast: Nurri Protein Shake, $27 (Pack of 12)
Best Protein Shake for Women With Dietary Restrictions: OWYN 20g Dairy Free Protein Shake, $8 (Pack of 4)
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“Protein shakes can be a helpful tool for women, especially when it’s difficult to meet daily protein needs through meals alone,” explains Catherine Hayden, Chief Marketing Officer and a Registered Dietitian at Kate Farms. “Getting enough protein can support muscle maintenance, satiety, and overall energy, and a quality shake can be an easy, convenient way to supplement a balanced diet.”
With so many protein shakes on the market, finding the right one can feel like a workout. Protein content, calories, ingredients, sweeteners, protein sources, and dietary needs all factor into which shake makes the most sense for your routine. Ahead, we rounded up options for different preferences and goals, so whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly everyday pick, a high-protein pick to support your workouts, or a shake that tastes more like a treat, there’s a pick that’s easy to add to your routine.
What Should Women Look for in a Protein Shake?
According to Jaclyn Fleisher, RDN and founder of JBF Nutrition, women’s top priority when shopping for a protein shake should be low added sugar and third-party testing. “Supplements are not regulated by the FDA; third-party testing becomes important when comparing different options,” she adds.
Hayden recommends starting with the protein source. “Look for a high-quality protein that provides all of the essential amino acids; it’s a great option, but don’t stop at protein,” she says. “Fiber is important for digestive health and overall nutrition, and it’s something not every protein shake provides”
Experts also tell SheKnows to check the ingredients for added sugars and consider how well the shake fits your individual dietary and digestive needs. “Whether you prefer plant-based, dairy-free, or another option, the best shake is one that fits easily into your routine and that you’ll actually enjoy drinking consistently,” Hayden says.
Also consider the type of protein shake you’re looking for. Most are offered as ready-to-drink options and smoothies, but protein powders are also more versatile for a variety of lifestyles. “Protein powders can be consumed in a variety of ways,” Fleisher says. “The most popular way is to make protein shakes, but I often tell my clients who drink coffee or matcha to stir a small scoop of protein powder into their cup as an easy way to add protein. This promotes satiety and is a great way to start the morning.”
Keep reading to shop the best protein shakes for women, according to editors and experts.
Best overall
BODi Shakeology 0g Added Sugar
There’s a reason that BODi’s Shakeology 0g Added Sugar is our best overall pick. The protein shake brings more to the table than protein alone, since each serving provides 17 grams of protein along with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, making it a more comprehensive option than a traditional protein powder.
As the name suggests, the formula contains 0 grams of added sugar while still delivering a sweet, shake-like flavor. For women who want something that can function as a quick breakfast or snack, not just a way to add protein to a smoothie, Shakeology offers a convenient option that can be blended with milk or a milk alternative and other ingredients to make it more filling.
Protein per serving: 16g
Calories per serving: 130
Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Café Latte, and more
Type of sweeteners used: Stevia and monk fruit
Protein source: Plant-based blend including pea, flax, chia, sacha inchi, and quinoa proteins
Form: Powder
Who it’s best for: Those who want a quick breakfast or snack that acts as a meal replacement
Best Editor-Approved
Equip Foods Prime Protein
I will never be without an extra bag of Equip Foods’ Prime Protein in my pantry. It makes delicious protein shakes and is made with exceptional ingredients you’ll feel good enjoying daily.
Unlike most protein powders, this protein powder gets its protein from grass-fed beef rather than whey or plants, delivering 21 grams of complete protein per scoop along with naturally occurring collagen and gelatin. It’s also dairy-, whey-, gluten-, and soy-free, which makes it a great match for women who don’t tolerate traditional dairy-based protein powders well.
What I really love about the Prime Protein is its relatively short ingredient list and versatility. I choose it because you can blend it into a smoothie, stir it into yogurt or oatmeal, or bake with it, and Equip says every batch is independently tested for contaminants, including heavy metals and pesticides.
Protein per serving: 21g
Calories per serving: 100
Flavors: Chocolate, Banana, Mocha, Vanilla, Cookies & Cream, Strawberry, Salted Caramel, Peanut Butter, and others; stevia-free options are also available
Type of sweeteners used: Varies by flavor; stevia is used in some varieties, while stevia-free flavors use monk fruit and coconut sugar
Protein source: Grass-fed beef protein isolate
Form: Powder
Who it’s best for: Women looking for a dairy-free, whey-free protein powder
Best High-Protein Shake
Fairlife Core Power Protein Shake (Pack of 12)
If you’re looking for a protein shake that keeps you energized for longer, Fairlife Core Power protein shakes pack 42 grams of protein and 230 calories per bottle. The higher protein content makes it a convenient option after a strength-training session or as a more substantial snack when you need something that will keep you full between meals. Like the original Core Power, it’s made with ultra-filtered milk and is lactose-free, giving women a convenient way to add a significant amount of complete protein to their day.
I always toss one into my bag for a post-Pilates snack when I have to race to get my day started. It keeps me full for hours and doesn’t have the processed, overly sugary aftertaste that other options offer. Plus, if you want a treat before bed, blend it with ice, a frozen banana, and a few chocolate chips for a creamy snack, with fewer calories than ice cream!
Protein per serving: 42g
Calories per serving: 230
Flavors: Chocolate strawberry, vanilla
Type of sweeteners used: Monk fruit, stevia, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium
Protein source: Ultra-filtered low-fat milk
Form: Ready-to-drink shake
Who it’s best for: For those who want a convenient, protein-rich snack before Pilates, a workout, or a busy day when they don’t have time for a full meal.
Best Dairy-Free Protein Shake
Kate Farms Vanilla High Protein Nutrition Shake (Case of 12)
“I’m partial to our Vanilla High Protein Nutrition Shake at Kate Farms because it’s a convenient way to help meet protein needs while providing a simple, plant-based option,” Hayden says. “I also appreciate shakes that are made with high-quality ingredients and can easily fit into a variety of dietary needs and routines.”
The Vanilla formula delivers 25 grams of plant-based protein, plus all nine essential amino acids, 6 grams of fiber, and 27 essential vitamins and minerals. It is the newest addition to the line, and Kate Farms says it was developed through more than 800 flavor iterations and 611 taste tests to create a creamy flavor without the chalky aftertaste often associated with high-protein drinks.
The protein comes from organic pea protein, and the formula is USDA Organic, Non-GMO, dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and made without the most common allergens. Kate Farms also says the shake contains no artificial colors, sweeteners, or flavors.
Protein per serving: 16g
Calories per serving: 330
Flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry
Type of sweeteners used: No sugar; made without artificial sweeteners
Protein source: Organic pea protein
Form: Ready-to-drink shake
Who it’s best for: Women looking for a plant-based protein shake that also provides fiber and a broad range of vitamins and minerals
Best Protein + Collagen Shake
Urban Remedy Protein Collagen Meal Shake
“For a great grab-and-go option or for when you are tight on time, I like the Urban Remedy Protein Collagen Meal Shake,” Marissa Perrotta, RDN, CDCES, RYT says. “You can find these at Whole Foods Market. They are organic with no added sugar, gels, or artificial flavors. Depending on the flavor, they offer 28-30 grams of protein with 10 grams of organic grass-fed bovine collagen.”
Protein per serving: 28g (10g of collagen)
Calories per serving: 290
Flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry
Type of sweeteners used: Dates, stevia, and monk fruit
Protein source: Pea protein and brown rice protein, plus bovine collagen peptides
Form: Ready-to-drink shake
Who it’s best for: Anyone seeking a protein shake that combines plant-based protein with collagen and can function as a convenient breakfast
Best Budget Protein Shake
Premier Protein Shake (Pack of 4)
You don’t have to spend a fortune to find a protein shake that delivers. Premier Protein packs 30 grams of protein into a 160-calorie bottle, making it the best budget-friendly option for women who want an easy way to add more protein to their day without paying a premium for a specialty formula. It also provides 24 vitamins and minerals and has just 1 gram of sugar with no added sugar.
Protein per serving: 30g
Calories per serving: 160
Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Café Latte, Strawberries & Cream, Caramel, and more
Type of sweeteners used: Sucralose and acesulfame potassium
Protein source: Milk protein concentrate and calcium caseinate
Form: Ready-to-drink shake
Who it’s best for: Women who want a high-protein, grab-and-go shake at an affordable price
Best Tasting Protein Shake
Oikos Pro 30g Protein Shake (Pack of 4)
For a protein shake that feels like a creamy treat, Oikos Pro is another best option for women. Each bottle delivers 30 grams of protein, and the shake comes in flavors like Chocolate, Vanilla, and Coffee, giving you variety when you get bored with your everyday flavor. The smooth, creamy consistency makes it a popular choice for women who care just as much about enjoying their protein shake as they do about hitting their protein goals.
Protein per serving: 30g
Calories per serving: 170
Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Coffee, and more
Type of sweeteners used: Varies by flavor
Protein source: Milk protein
Form: Ready-to-drink shake
Who it’s best for: Women who prioritize taste and texture
Best Organic Protein Shake
Orgain Organic Nutrition Shake (Pack of 12)
If organic ingredients are a priority and you want a ready-to-drink option with protein, fiber, and added vitamins and minerals, Orgain’s Organic Nutrition Shake is an easy way to add protein and other nutrients to your day without mixing a powder. Each ready-to-drink shake provides 16 grams of organic protein, 7 grams of fiber, and 21 vitamins and minerals. Made with organic dairy and plant-based ingredients, the USDA Organic-certified formula gives women a convenient option when they want more nutritional value from their protein shake than protein alone.
Protein per serving: 16g
Calories per serving: 250
Flavors: Chocolate Fudge, Vanilla, and Creamy Chocolate Fudge
Type of sweeteners used: Stevia
Protein source: Organic milk protein concentrate and organic pea protein
Form: Ready-to-drink shake
Who it’s best for: Those for an organic protein shake packed with protein, fiber, and additional vitamins and minerals
Best Protein Shake for Breakfast
Nurri Protein Shake (Pack of 12)
If you’re looking for a protein shake that can fit into your morning routine and offers high protein with low sugar, Nurri’s Chocolate 30g Protein Shake is a strong option. Made with ultra-filtered milk, it delivers 30 grams of protein and a blend of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc.
The chocolate flavor has a creamy, nostalgic taste that recalls chocolate milk more than a typical protein drink, and the shelf-stable can means you can keep one on hand for early mornings. It also contains just 1 gram of sugar and 0 grams of added sugar, and the ultra-filtration process removes lactose, making the shake lactose-free.
Protein per serving: 30g
Calories per serving: 150
Flavors: Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and mocha
Type of sweeteners used: Sucralose, acesulfame potassium, and monk fruit extract
Protein source: Ultra-filtered skim milk
Form: Ready-to-drink shake
Who it’s best for: Women who want a high-protein breakfast option
Best Protein Shake for Women With Dietary Restrictions
OWYN 20g Dairy Free Protein Shake (Pack of 4)
Finding a protein shake that fits multiple dietary restrictions can be difficult; that’s where OWYN comes in. The plant-based shake is made without dairy, soy, eggs, wheat, gluten, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, or sesame, and OWYN says its finished products are tested and validated for the top nine allergens. It provides 20 grams of plant-based protein from pea and pumpkin seed protein, plus flaxseed oil, making it a practical option for women who need to manage multiple food sensitivities or follow a vegan diet.
Protein per serving: 20g
Calories per serving: 170
Flavors: Vanilla, chocolate, dark chocolate, and more
Type of sweeteners used: Monk fruit extract and organic cane sugar
Protein source: Pea protein and organic pumpkin seed protein
Form: Ready-to-drink shake
Who it’s best for: Women following vegan, dairy-free, or allergen-conscious diets
About the Author
Taylor Lane is a contributing commerce writer at SheKnows, covering beauty, style, and lifestyle. With over eight years of media experience, she previously served as a beauty writer at The Zoe Report and a fashion assistant at Glamour. Her work has appeared in StyleCaster, The FlowSpace, WWD, Forbes Vetted, Teen Vogue, InStyle, and more, where she’s tested hundreds of products — from top-performing mascaras to the most functional strollers. She’s also a mom of two girls, a ten-year-old and a 4-month-old. And when she’s not online, she’s usually at Pilates.
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