11 Best Expert-Approved Protein Shakes For Weight Loss – 2024
Consume a diet that aids weight loss and maintains your muscle mass effectively.
Rowinda Dimech is a registered dietitian with 6 six years of experience who provides individualized diets according to body type, age, lifestyle, medical conditions, allergies/ intolerances, level of physical activity, and food preferences. She is also a feeding therapist who helps treat feeding difficulties and weight and growth problems in children.
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Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
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Experience: 3 yearsRajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from the University of Calcutta.
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Experience: 10 yearsRavi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.
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Proteins are crucial nutrients to keep your body healthy and conditioned. However, fitness coaches and experts recommend protein shakes when you are not consuming enough proteins in your diet. The best protein shakes for weight loss will strengthen your muscles, keep your hunger at bay, and invigorate metabolism. Protein shakes help to lose unwanted fat without making you weak. They might include ingredients like soy, hemp, or casein. Try out our list of the best protein shakes for weight loss. Check them out below!
In This Article
What Are Protein Shakes?
Humans need 0.8 g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. But research shows that most of us lack an adequate amount of protein – meaning the dietary protein intake is not satisfactory. Moreover, you may not find the time to cook a proper meal due to the fast-paced lifestyle. But our body needs protein to function properly and efficiently. This factor has made protein shakes/supplements popular. What is it? Well, a protein shake is exactly what the name says – it’s protein! To be more specific – protein powders of whey, casein, hemp, or soy protein containing the essential amino acids are mixed with water, milk, or added to breakfast bowl or smoothies. Now, let’s find out how protein shakes can can help you with fat loss.
How Protein Shakes Aid Weight Loss?
If you are not getting the required daily dose of protein, you must take protein shakes to help your body build muscle, hormones, and enzymes to function properly, maintain proper cellular and biochemical functions, produce immune system components, and help in growth, muscle contraction, wound healing, and improve cardiovascular functions. Now, all these functions are directly or indirectly related to weight loss. Directly, proteins take more energy to metabolize thereby creating a negative energy balance and proteins increase satiety and reduce the ghrelin (hunger hormone) levels, keeping your hunger pangs at bay. Indirectly, proteins aid weight loss by helping in gluconeogenesis thereby controlling blood sugar levels. Proteins also aid weight loss by synthesizing biomolecules that take part in various functions of the cells and the body. But the next big question is, when to drink the protein shakes to lose weight? Let’s find out.
When To Drink Protein Shakes For Weight Loss?
The best time to drink a protein shake is the time when you are more prone to snacking. For example, if you like to snack before lunch or during the evenings, drinking a protein shake instead, will help you shed the flab. Some people also consume protein shake post-workout to enhance their body’s muscle-building capabilities. So, if you have a rigorous workout routine and you are looking at replenishing protein in the muscles, you can have a protein shake after exercising. Now, there are many protein shakes available in the market that are recommended by fitness experts or nutritionists. Here’s a list of protein shakes that you can try for optimum nutrition.
11 Protein Shakes For Weight Loss You Must Try In 2024
1. Best Keto-Friendly:Gold Standard 100% Whey
It is one of the best protein powders available in the market. It contains 24g of whey protein, 1g carbohydrate, and 1g fat per serving. It also contains 5.5g branched chain amino acids (BCAA) and more than 4 g of glutamine and glutamic acid per one serving. You can drink it first thing in the morning, post-workout, or just as a meal replacement. Make sure to mix it with water or milk according to the directions on the label. Click here to check out an in-depth review of this well reputable fitness product.
Product Dimensions: 5.99 x 5.99 x 9.94 inches | Weight: 1.98 Pounds
Pros
- Keto-friendly
- Gluten-free
- Easy to swallow
- Great taste
Cons
- Might have artificial sweeteners
"This protein shake is ideal for me. I usually have it after a workout. It energizes me and enhances my muscles. I have it because it isn't very sweet."
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2. Best Quality:Pro JYM
The next most recommended protein powder for weight loss and building muscle is Pro JYM. Each serving of Pro JYM gives 24g of best quality protein and contains high-quality whey-protein, micellar casein, egg albumin, and milk isolate protein. If you are looking for a protein powder that helps you rebuild the muscles and tone up, you must get Pro JYM. Here’s a personal review video featuring the reviewer’s experience to help you get a better understanding of this trusted product for weight loss.
Product Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 10 inches | Weight: 4.41 Pounds
Pros
- Great taste
- High-quality protein
- Unisex
- No spiking
- Versatile use
Cons
- Chalky aftertaste
"This protein powder is great for me, as I follow a low-carb diet. Its thick and rich consistency and dessert-like taste make it a treat for me. I usually shake and blend it. Sometimes, I even mix it with food. The best part is that it is easily digestible."
3. Best For Fat Burning:DMOOSE Whey Protein Powder
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The DMOOSE Whey Protein Powder is formulated with cold-processed, non-denatured whey that boosts your metabolism rate and increases your energy levels. It strengthens your bones and balances your cholesterol and blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of heart disease. This naturally-flavored powder is packed with a digestive enzyme blend that aids digestion. This mass gainer helps build muscle strength and minimizes your recovery time after a workout. This whey protein powder provides 25 grams of protein concentrate per serving. You can consume it daily to lose, gain, or maintain your body weight.
Pros
- Easy to mix
- Easy to digest
- Cold-processed
- Naturally flavored
- Non-GMO
- Gluten-free
- No amino spiking
- Aspartame-free
- Gluten-free
- Hormone-free
- Soy-free
Cons
- Might be too sweet for some
4. Best Post-Workout Drink:Nitro-Tech
Want to improve your muscle performance or want to prepare yourself for an upcoming competition? Go for Nitro-Tech protein powder. It contains whey protein and is enriched with creatine and essential amino acids. It helps in speedy recovery and prevents fatigue and muscle soreness. It is best to drink for post-workout nutrition. Reviewers online highly rate this product for its blendability.
Item Weight: 2.2 Pounds | Product Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 8 inches
Pros
- Ideal for post-workout
- Unisex
- Digests easily
- Improves recovery
Cons
- None
"This protein powder is great for my post-workout regime. It also helps me enhance my muscles. Sometimes, I blend it with water, but mostly, I try to have it with milk. It has a subtle sweetness that is fine for my taste buds. Overall, it works well for my muscle maintenance."
Pro Tip5. Best Drink In Between Meals:Gold Standard 100% Casein
Calcium is essential for women and this protein powder, Gold Standard 100 % casein, is a good choice as it provides you with 60% of daily value of calcium. It also provides 24g slow digesting micellar casein protein, 5g natural BCAA, and 5g glutamine and glutamic acid. You can drink this in between meals if you have a tendency to snack at odd times. Need more information or practical insights on the product? Watch this video for an in-depth review and the tester’s experience.
Item Weight: 2 Pounds | Product Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 10 inches
Pros
- Absorbs quickly
- Creamy Consistency
- Tastes good
- Affordable
Cons
- May not mix well
"I have incorporated this chocolate shake into my nightly routine. It has a creamy texture that mixes well with water. The best part is that it is pleasantly filling and gives me enough nutrition. It is perfect for healthy late-night cravings."
6. Best Aspartame-Free:Syntha-6
Syntha-6 is a unique blend of fast, medium, and slow digesting proteins and it also gives 5g of fiber per serving. It also contains BCAAs, peptides, nonessential amino acids, and Glutamine. Drink it post workout as per your weight loss plan as it helps in muscle recovery and is also aspartame-free.
Item Weight: 5.3 Pounds | Product Dimensions: 7.99 x 7.99 x 10.91 inches
Pros
- Aspartame-free
- Ideal for post-workout
- Promotes recovery
- Value for money
Cons
- May have an unpleasant taste
"This protein shake has become a staple in my routine. I blend it with fruits, peanut butter, or even just mix it with water. It tastes pleasant without being overwhelming. I usually consume it an hour after my workout session."
Remember7. Best Gluten-Free:Garden of Life Raw Organic Fit High Protein For Weight Loss
Garden of Life Raw Organic Fit High Protein For Weight Loss is a plant-based protein powder, providing 28g protein per serving. It is formulated with raw organic ashwagandha to fight cravings, green coffee bean extract, cinnamon, and chromium to burn fat for your weight loss journey, while enzymes and probiotics improve digestion. This chocolate flavor, low-sugar vegan drink also helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels and is free from gluten, soy, and dairy.
Product Dimensions: 4.88 x 4.88 x 6.88 inches | Weight: 15.8 Ounces
Pros
- Fights cravings
- Organic
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- Soy-free
- Non-GMO plant protein
- U Kosher
Cons
- None
8. Best Dairy-Free:Orgain Vegan Nutritional Shake
Want to try a delicious dairy-free, GMO-free, and a gluten-free protein shake? Try Orgain Vegan Nutritional Shake. It provides 16g protein per serving – the protein being extracted from flax, chia, hemp, organic brown rice, and organic fruit and veggies. It is a great protein supplement and can be used as a meal replacement option.
Item Weight: 132 Ounces | Number of Items: 12
Pros
- Dairy-free
- USDA Organic
- Vegan
- Unisex
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- Soy-free
- Kosher
- Non-GMO
- Carrageenan-free
- Diabetic friendly
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Cons
- Unpleasant taste
"This vanilla protein shake is great for busy mornings. It is refreshing when cold and offers a nice energy kick with a decent protein boost. I like the flavor which has the right amount of sweetness as per my taste buds. It is a tasty option for those who like on-the-move breakfasts!"
9. Best Hunger Control Drink:SlimFast Original Meal Replacement Shakes
SlimFast Original Meal Replacement Shakes come in a pack of 8 individually- bottled shakes. Each bottle provides 10g protein, 5g fiber, and 180 calories, 24 vitamins, and essential minerals. It makes up for four hours of hunger control, syncing perfectly with our fast-paced lifestyles. It is available in many delicious flavors to make losing weight an easy process.
Item Weight: 6.66 Pounds | Product Dimensions: 9.88 x 4.85 x 6.75 inches
Pros
- Curbs appetite
- Gluten-free
- Diet-friendly
- Value for money
Cons
- None
"This Cappuccino Delight flavor of Slim Fast is great for my morning workout routine. I blend it smoothly and have it like regular coffee. I like it the most because it isn't too sweet."
10. Best Soy-Free: Iconic Lean Protein Shake
This grass-fed protein drink provides 20g protein and 4g fiber per serving. This is a non-GMO, gluten-free, lactose-free, soy-free, artificial ingredient-free, and is sweetened with fair-trade organic blue algae.
Number of Items: 12 | Product Dimensions: 2.15 x 2.2 x 7 inches | Weight: 11.5 Ounces
Pros
- Vegetarian
- Soy-free
- Keto-friendly
- Sugar-free
- Low-calorie
- Gluten-free
- Lactose-free
- Non-GMO
- BPA-Free
Cons
- None
"These protein drinks help me manage my weight and overall health goals. I mostly have them with heavy cream! I like how low it is on sugar, which helps me remain healthy. It is a great option for someone like me, who likes to have tasty drinks without excess sugar intake."
11. Best Caffeine-Free: BSN ISOBURN Fat Burning Protein Powder Matrix
BSN ISOBURN Fat Burning Protein Powder Matrix offers 20g of whey protein per serving. It contains L-carnitine, lepticore, and green coffee extract to support the fat-burning process and lose weight effectively. Free from caffeine, it is ideal to be consumed any time of the day for a lean muscled body.
Item Weight: 1.74 Pounds
Pros
- Non-caffeinated
- Suitable for any time use
- Nice flavor
- Value for money
Cons
- None
"This protein powder is great for my fitness regime. It blends well and has a pleasant cocoa flavor which makes it a tempting choice for chocolate lovers like me. It helps me in my weight loss journey subtly by curbing my hunger. I pair it with both milk and water."
*Subject to Availability
Now, if drinking low-carb protein powders or protein shakes are not your thing then you can try making protein shakes at home. Here are a few recipes for you to try.
5 Yummy Homemade Protein Shake Recipes
11. Strawberry, Chia, Almond Milk
Ingredients
- 1 cup strawberries
- 1 cup almond milk
- 2 teaspoons chia seeds
How To Prepare
- Blend the strawberries with almond milk and chia seeds.
- Drink it with breakfast or post workout.
12. Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Banana
Ingredients
- 1 banana
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons of melted dark chocolate
How To Prepare
- Blend all the ingredients.
- Add a little milk if the blend is too thick.
- Pour it into a glass and enjoy the chocolate-loaded feast!
13. Raw Egg, Milk, Honey
Ingredients
- 1 raw egg white
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons honey
How To Prepare
- Mix egg white, milk, and honey.
- Drink it before or after working out.
14. Oats And Berry
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oats
- 4 blueberries
- 5 strawberries
- 4 blackberries
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 teaspoon maple syrup
How To Prepare
- Blitz all the ingredients to make a delicious protein smoothie.
15. Yogurt, Kiwi, Flaxseed
Ingredients
- 1 cup yogurt
- ½ cup kiwi
- 1 teaspoon ground flaxseeds
- 1 teaspoon honey
How To Prepare
- Blend yogurt, kiwi, ground flaxseeds, and honey together to make a thick protein shake.
These delicious homemade protein shakes and the protein powders will help you in many different ways for weight loss. Want to know how? Read below.
Benefits Of Protein Shakes For Weight Loss
- Protein shakes help burn calories by building muscle and boosting the metabolism.
- Proteins are a great replacement for bad carbs thereby preventing blood sugar spikes.
- Protein shakes help increase satiety and keep you from eating junk.
- Protein shakes help reduce the waistline and help burn belly fat.
- It is the best meal replacement option for those who do not have time to cook.
Now, let us find out how else you can add protein to your diet?
How To Make Your Diet Protein-Rich?
Here are a few tips on how to make your diet rich in types of protein.
Tip#1 – Include a source of protein in every meal.
Tip#2 – Add nuts and seeds to your diet.
Tip#3 – If you are a vegetarian or vegan, drink vegan protein powder shakes.
Tip#4 – Try different recipes to make your protein-rich food more fun and innovative.
Well, now we have almost come to an end – just one thing. Are there any side effects of protein shakes? Find out below.
Protein Shake Side Effects
- Some people drink protein shakes even when they are on a high protein diet, i.e. they get enough protein from whole foods. In this case, they may damage the kidneys in the long run and may experience painful joints.
- You may suffer from digestive problems.
- If you do not exercise regularly and eat well, you will start looking bulky.
- You may experience hair loss if your diet becomes dependent only on protein shakes.
- Hormonal balance may get disrupted.
- Drinking too much protein shake may damage your liver.
- Protein shakes may have a negative interaction with a few drugs. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your healthcare or wellness consultant before including protein shakes in your diet.
Infographic: Key Ingredients Found In Protein Shakes
Protein shakes are popular among fitness enthusiasts and athletes as a convenient way to supplement their protein intake and reach their fitness goal. They contain some common ingredients that not only provide essential nutrients that support muscle recovery and growth but also enhance their taste. Check out the following infographic to learn more.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Protein helps in building up the body and protein shakes help in improving muscle tone. Rowinda Dimech, a registered dietitian and feeding therapist, says, “Protein shakes are ideal if you exercise hard and have busy lifestyles. They will help you reach your energy and protein requirements for optimum muscle recovery after a workout.”
Consumption of these protein shakes helps you reach your weight loss goal, improves metabolism, and prevents weight gain by curbing your hunger. After vigorous exercise, these protein shakes help in gaining energy. These contain casein ingredients, egg albumin, and 5g glutamine, which helps speedy recovery and prevents fatigue. In addition, they support the fat-burning process to reduce cravings. Try the Gold Standard 100% Whey for its fast-absorbing properties, the Nitro-Tech for its muscle recovery benefits, or the Pro JYM for sustained amino acid release. Pick the best protein shakes that suit your workout needs with the help of our buying guide or after consulting a certified personal trainer.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
Aditi Naskar, the author of this article, holds a diploma in health and wellness. She is passionate about reviewing fitness and health products. She has listed the best protein shakes for weight loss after thorough research and reviewing of various products available on the market. Right from listing the best products available to instructing the readers how to choose the best one, she has got you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many protein shakes should you drink a day to lose weight?
Drink one or two protein shakes a day to lose weight. However, it can only complement a healthy diet and not supplement one.
When should you drink protein shakes?
Drink protein shakes at least 30 minutes to an hour after exercising. This time frame is known as the anabolic window which refers to the short time after a workout when your muscles tend to repair and recover.
How long after drinking a protein shake should I eat?
Wait for 45 minutes to an hour to eat after having your protein shake.
What is the best-tasting protein shake for weight loss?
The Garden of Life Raw Organic Fit High Protein For Weight Loss is the best-tasting protein shake. It is low in calories and at the same time, it contains cinnamon, green coffee bean extract, and chromium that burns extra calories while tasting good. The shake is free from gluten, dairy, and soy.
Can I drink a protein shake before bed?
Yes, drink a protein shake before bed to help your body build muscles as you rest and improve the quality of your sleep.
Can we drink protein shakes on an empty stomach?
Yes, you can drink a protein shake on an empty stomach.
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