If you plan to lose weight and become fit, here’s our list of the best pre-made protein shakes for weight loss. Many believe that protein shakes are suitable for those who frequent the gym regularly and want to bulk up. However, protein shakes work well for everyone to maintain good health. A few scoops of it a day can help you meet your required protein intake. These shakes are easy to prepare and can be consumed on the go, making them suitable for busy individuals. So, go through the different products to choose one that suits your needs. However, consult your doctor before consuming the protein shakes.
11 Best Pre-Made Meal Replacement Protein Shakes For Weight Loss
1. Premier Protein Smooth And Creamy Shake
Nutrition per bottle
Protein 30g Calories (per serve) 160cal Sugar (per serve) 1g Carbs (per serve) 5g
Pros
Contains 24 vitamins and minerals Gluten-free Available in eight flavors Made with a milk protein blend Contains calcium and iron
Cons
Not ideal for those who are lactose intolerant as it contains milk
2. SlimFast Advanced Nutrition Shake
Nutrition per bottle
Protein 20g Calories (per serve) 180cal Sugar (per serve) 1g Carbs (per serve) 7g
Pros
Creamy consistency 4-hour hunger control Contains zinc Gluten-free 99.8% lactose-free
Cons
May have a slightly thick consistency
3. Atkins Protein-Rich Shake
Nutrition per bottle
Protein 15g Calories (per serve) 160cal Sugar (per serve) 1g Carbs (per serve) 7g
Pros
No need to refrigerate Gluten-free No artificial growth hormones Low glycemic
Cons
May have a slightly chalky consistency
4. SlimFast Advanced Energy Protein Shake
Need a healthy yet effective pick-me-up for after your workouts sessions? Try the SlimFast Advanced Energy Protein Shake. It contains caffeine, which curbs hunger pangs and provides energy for hours. It is packed with nutrition and contains 20g of protein and 24 essential vitamins and minerals per bottle. The protein shake is famous for its taste and the winner of multiple awards from Men’s Health and OK magazines. With just one gram of sugar and negligible carb content, this is one energy-filled meal replacement that you cannot afford to miss. Nutrition per bottle
Protein 20g Calories (per serve) 180cal Sugar (per serve) 1g Carbs (per serve) 7g
Pros
Clinically proven to help lose weight Gluten-free No artificial colors or flavors Low carb
Cons
May have a saccharine flavor
5. Pure Protein Ready To Drink Protein Shake
Working out and eating healthy can be tough, especially if you keep a close watch on your calorie intake. For someone who is always on the move, Pure Protein Ready To Drink Protein Shake is an excellent choice. A single serving contains 30g of protein, less than one gram of sugar, and just 140cal. It is also an ideal choice for post-workout meals and weight loss. Watch this video for more information. Nutrition per bottle
Protein 30 gms Calories (per serve) 140cal Sugar (per serve) >1g Carbs (per serve) 6g
Pros
Non-GMO Gluten-free Increase muscle mass Negligible sugar content
Cons
Contains milk ingredients
6. Orgain Grass Fed Clean Protein Shake
With the addition of preservatives and additives, finding a high-quality protein shake does not come easy. The Orgain Grass Fed Clean Protein Shake is free of gluten, soy, and carrageenan. It delivers 20 gms of grass-fed milk protein, which is lean, clean, and free of artificial flavors and preservatives. This protein shake contains three grams of dietary fiber along with 130 calories in a single serving. Nutrition per bottle
Protein 20g Calories (per serve) 130cal Sugar (per serve) 3g Carbs (per serve) 11g
Pros
Kosher Free of antibiotics and hormones No artificial ingredients Non-GMO
Cons
Some may not like the taste of organic stevia
7. Labrada Lean Body Protein Shake
The Labrada Lean Body Protein Shake can help curb your cravings and functions as an excellent meal replacement for anyone who needs the correct dose of protein in their diet. The protein shake provides 40g of protein in a single serving along with vitamins A, E, and H. The zinc present in the protein shake boosts your immune system and keeps you safe from infections. Nutrition per bottle
Protein 40g Calories (per serve) 280c Sugar (per serve) 0g Carbs (per serve) 9g
Pros
Gluten-free Sugar-free Natural flavors 22 vitamins and minerals
Cons
Some may find the calorie count too high
8. Iconic Protein Shake
Casein is an excellent ingredient to have in protein shakes. Its slow absorption aids digestion, immunity system, and the cardiovascular system. The Iconic Protein Shake comes with a mix of casein and grass-fed whey protein, which has the benefits of fast and slow absorbing proteins in one serving. The protein shake is lactose-free, soy-free, and does not contain any artificial sweeteners. Nutrition per bottle
Protein 20g Calories (per serve) 130cal Sugar (per serve) 3g Carbs (per serve) 8g
Pros
Keto-friendly Low carbs Antibiotic-free No lactose BPA-free
Cons
May have a slightly runny consistency
9. GNC Total Lean Lean Shake 25
The GNC Total Lean Lean shake 25 tastes delicious and is available in various flavors. This protein shake is packed with vitamins, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and other essential nutrients required for your body. It claims to improve BMI (Body Mass Index). The protein shake can satisfy your hunger and strengthen you from within. Nutrition per bottle
Protein 25g Calories (per serve) 170cal Sugar (per serve) 2g Carbs (per serve) 6g
Pros
Glucose-free Lactose-free Contains magnesium Clinically proven to boost weight loss
Cons
May have a strong mint taste
10. Owyn Plant Based Protein Shake
Here’s a plant-based protein shake by Owyn that is free of dairy, soy, gluten, egg, peanut, and tree nuts. This prebiotic supplement contains broccoli, kale, and spinach, and 535mg of vegan Omega-3, to support your gut and digestive health with their anti-inflammatory properties. Nutrition per bottle
Protein 20g Calories (per serve) 180cal Sugar (per serve) 0g Carbs (per serve) 5g
Pros
Vegan-friendly Non-GMO Free of alcohols, synthetics, chemicals, and artificial ingredients Available in various flavors
Cons
Some may not like the smell
11. Nestle Boost Balanced Nutritional Drink
This nutrient-rich meal replacement protein shake provides the required amount of necessary calories and proteins for good health. It contains calcium and vitamin D, which strengthens bones and boosts immunity. With 14g of protein in a single serving, it provides optimum nutrition. The fibers present in the protein shakes help in proper absorption and digestion of the nutrients. Drink it instead of your morning coffee or pair with your evening meal to get the benefits of a complete nutritional drink. Nutrition per bottle
Protein 14g Calories (per serve) 360cal Sugar (per serve) 24g Carbs (per serve) 45g
Pros
Helps in weight gain Gluten-free No artificial colors or sweeteners Contains antioxidants
Cons
Contains carrageenan.
Now that we have seen the best options for pre-made protein shakes for weight loss, let’s find out how you can choose the best one for yourself.
How To Choose The Right Pre-Made Protein Shake For Weight Loss?
Consider the following factors when choosing a pre-made protein shake for weight loss.
- Source: Protein shakes generally contain whey, which is a byproduct of cheese. Whey protein uses milk from cows as its primary source. The problem with whey is that it may be unsuitable for people with lactose intolerance. Protein can also be obtained from vegetarian and vegan sources such as soy protein, pea protein, and sunflower seed protein.
- Protein content: The content of protein in pre-made shakes can be anywhere from 12-40 grams. If you work out regularly, you need more than an average dose of protein. According to most dietitians, 25-30 gms is the ideal amount of protein a body can absorb per meal. If you live a sedentary lifestyle and do not exercise a lot, up to 25 gms is the ideal amount of protein to be consumed.
- Sugar content and allergens: Look for shakes with the least amount of sugar. However, the lack of sugar content may affect the taste and palatability of the protein shake. Substitutes such as stevia are a common replacement for sugar, which is preferred by many. The presence of allergens can cause various health complications. Read the label for ingredients while searching for a protein shake. There are many options for lactose-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, kosher, and non-GMO protein shakes, which cater to every sensitivity and allergen.
When Should You Drink A Protein Shake?
A protein shake can be consumed as a meal replacement for any of the meal timings such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner. According to multiple research studies, the best time to take a protein shake is after a workout and 30 minutes before sleeping. Protein shakes help in the recovery and repair of muscles, which the body does best during sleep. The additional protein taken at the correct time further helps to speed the recovery and muscle growth. If the protein shake is recommended by doctors after a surgery such as bariatric surgery, follow the doctor’s instructions for the timing of consumption. Jenni Hackworth, nutritionist, sports nutritionist, CPT, RTY200, Colorado-based fitness expert says, “Inevitably, I leave the gym starving. I love grabbing a pre-made protein shake as a post-workout snack. It offers a great amount of protein to start repairing muscles.”
Why Trust MomJunction?
Vibha Navarathna, the author of this article, has studied the composition of many pre-made meal replacement protein shakes to collate this list for you. These protein shakes have well-balanced formulations. Considering the wide palettes of our readers and their dietary choices, she has ensured to include proteins taken from dairy and non-dairy sources. To help you make an informed decision, Vibha has also provided the nutritional information of each shake. Also included is a buying guide for a hassle-free shopping experience.
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