Drink This, Skip That

Protein drinks are tricky. One minute, you're in the store, reading a label that promises “rich chocolate flavor” or “smooth vanilla bliss,” and the next, you're at home wondering if you just drank liquefied drywall. Still, we all keep trying new ones. Maybe it’s for the gym, or maybe it’s because you don’t feel like cooking. So, here are the ten best-tasting protein drinks that actually deliver on flavor, texture, and drinkability.

1. Orgain Organic Protein Shake

Made entirely with certified organic ingredients, Orgain Organic Protein Shake offers a clean option for those avoiding dairy. Its plant-based formula delivers a velvety texture without a hint of graininess. Lastly, the chocolate flavor runs deep, striking a perfect balance without excessive sweetness.

2. Premier Protein Chocolate Shake

Premier Protein Chocolate Shake provides a texture that is creamy enough to feel like you’re sneaking dessert, not sipping a supplement. Easily found on most shelves and budget-friendly, it also blends easily into smoothies for added depth.

3. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Drink

Here’s a protein drink that doesn’t scream “gym bag”—Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is all about subtlety with benefits. Fans rave about its skin-boosting collagen and joint-friendly perks. Think of it as the quiet multitasker in your pantry.

4. Aloha Organic Protein Shake

Aloha Organic Protein Shake delivers a surprisingly rich chocolate mint flavor that feels more like a dessert than a diet. Thanks to its organic ingredients, there’s no lingering “vegan aftertaste.” It’s especially loved by those steering clear of dairy or preservatives.

5. La Colombe Draft Latte Protein

If your morning feels incomplete without coffee, La Colombe Draft Latte Protein might just be your new favorite ritual. It delivers that real-deal coffeehouse flavor. The blend of light sweetness and bold caffeine also gives it the perfect pick-me-up vibe.

6. Owyn Plant-Based Protein Shake

This plant-based shake skips the additives and lets its natural fruit flavor shine, offering a refreshing break from synthetic-tasting options. Free of dairy, soy, and gluten, it’s a go-to for those juggling multiple dietary needs. Add in the antioxidant boost, and it’s a win-win.

7. Premier Protein Vanilla Shake

When you’re craving something classic, Premier Protein Vanilla Shake hits all the right notes. Its vanilla flavor is subtle enough to enjoy on its own but plays nicely with others. It’s no surprise this one’s a fan favorite for those who like to keep it simple.

8. Koya Protein Drink

Despite being dairy-free and gluten-free, this drink nails that rich texture most non-dairy shakes can only dream of. It’s light enough not to feel like a chore but full-bodied enough to satisfy. Koia proves you don’t have to sacrifice taste to keep things plant-powered.

9. Isopure Zero Carb Protein Drink

If you're chasing clean fuel without the fuss, Isopure Zero Carb steps in with exactly that. With zero carbs, it’s tailor-made for keto followers or anyone watching their carb intake. No weird aftertaste—just a smooth sip that digests easily.

10. Muscle Milk Pro Series

Muscle Milk Pro Series isn’t shy about going big, as it works like a powerhouse. Packed with 32 grams of protein, it offers serious support for recovery while still feeling like a reward. For those tired of boring shakes, this one adds a little indulgence to the routine.

Now, here are the ten worst-tasting protein drinks that are best left on the shelves

1. Soylent Meal Replacement Protein Shake

Soylent’s claim to fame is its "flavor neutrality," but that’s code for bland beyond belief. The watery texture does little to help, making each sip feel like you're chasing nutrition, not enjoyment. While it's filling and undeniably functional, this shake forgets that taste matters, too.

2. Pure Protein Shake

Pure Protein Shake often tastes like it’s been dunked in a vat of artificial sweetener. The flavor hits hard—syrupy, synthetic, and far from subtle. Add in a gritty texture that borders on sludge, and it’s easy to see why some drinkers struggle to finish a bottle.

3. Pea Protein Shake By Vega

If you’ve ever wondered what liquefied garden soil might taste like, Vega’s Pea Protein Shake comes close. The earthy flavor leaps out and clings to your palate like a stubborn weed. And the aftertaste feels like lingering plant matter that overstays its welcome.

4. Kirkland Signature Whey Protein Shake

This one’s proof that not all bargains are delicious. Its flavor feels half-hearted and carries an artificial edge that leaves you wondering what exactly you're drinking. Then comes the texture: slightly chalky and sometimes gritty.

5. Core Power Elite Protein Shake

The sweetness of Core Power Elite Protein Shake hits fast and hard, almost like dessert gone rogue. For those who prefer something lighter, its thick consistency can feel like gulping pudding. And just when you think you're done, that sugary aftertaste circles back for an encore.

6. Aussie Bodies Protein Shake

Marketed as a fruity twist on the usual protein fare, Aussie Bodies often overshoots the mark. Paired with a thick, slow-moving texture, it turns sipping into a task rather than a treat. It's fun in theory but not always easy to finish.

7. BPI Sports Whey Protein Shake

Designed to deliver a serious protein boost, BPI Sports Whey goes overboard on the sweetness. Instead of balancing flavor with function, it floods the palate with a sugary intensity that overshadows everything else. Furthermore, the thick texture only amplifies the issue.

8. Chobani Complete Protein Drink

Chobani Complete steps away from traditional shakes by leaning into a yogurt-inspired formula, delivering a flavor that’s distinctly tart. Drinkers craving a mild, neutral taste usually find it overwhelming, especially when the tartness lingers after each sip.

9. Gatorade Protein Shake

Branded for recovery, Gatorade’s protein shake doesn’t quite recover its flavor game. The taste comes across as overly sweet, with an artificial edge that lingers long after the bottle’s empty. Lastly, its thin, almost watery texture leaves little sense of fullness.

10. Ensure Max Protein Shake

Built like a meal in disguise, Ensure Max Protein skips the flavor fanfare. The taste lands somewhere between melted diet pudding and synthetic sweetener, with a thickness that slows everything down. In short, sipping feels closer to checking off a medical chart than enjoying a drink.