Do you mix The Man Shake with water or milk?

November 21, 2025 •

4 min read

The Man Shake is designed to be mixed with water for a complete, low-calorie meal replacement, though many people wonder if adding milk is an option. The right choice depends on your specific nutritional goals, such as weight loss or muscle gain, as well as your desired taste and texture.

Quick Summary

The decision to use water or milk with The Man Shake hinges on your fitness objectives, whether it's weight management or muscle building. Water keeps the calorie count low, while milk adds calories and can enrich the flavor and texture. Taste preference and dietary restrictions also play a key role in making the optimal choice.

Key Points

Goal-Dependent Choice: Mixing The Man Shake with water is best for weight loss and calorie control, while milk is better for muscle gain and increased calories.
Nutritional Impact: Water keeps the shake low-calorie with fast absorption, whereas milk adds extra protein, carbohydrates, and calories.
Texture and Taste: Water results in a lighter, thinner consistency, while milk creates a creamier, richer milkshake-like texture.
Lactose-Friendly Options: Plant-based milks like almond or soy are excellent alternatives for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free option.
Satiety Levels: The added fats and protein in milk can help you feel fuller for longer, which is useful for meal replacement shakes.
Convenience: Water is the most convenient and portable mixer since it doesn't require refrigeration, unlike milk.

Water vs. Milk: What's the Official Recommendation?

According to The Man Shake's official instructions, the standard preparation method involves mixing two scoops of powder with 350ml-600ml of cold water in a protein shaker. The official website acknowledges that customers can use milk alternatives but cautions that this will increase the caloric content. While water is the go-to for a low-calorie profile, adding milk offers a creamier texture and more substantial nutrient boost for those with different dietary needs.

The Case for Mixing The Man Shake with Water

For those primarily focused on weight loss, using water is the most direct way to keep calories and fat to a minimum. This option allows you to consume a nutrient-rich shake without significantly increasing your overall energy intake, which is crucial for maintaining a calorie deficit. Water also facilitates faster absorption of the nutrients in the shake, which can be beneficial for post-workout recovery when your muscles need amino acids quickly. The resulting shake has a lighter, thinner consistency that some find more refreshing, particularly on a hot day. Water is also the most convenient mixer since it is readily available and doesn't require refrigeration, making it ideal for taking on the go.

The Benefits of Mixing The Man Shake with Milk

For men aiming to build muscle mass or use the shake as a more calorie-dense meal replacement, milk is an excellent choice. Adding dairy milk, whether whole, skim, or semi-skimmed, boosts the overall protein, carbohydrate, and calorie count of the shake. This can help hard-gainers meet their daily energy targets more easily. The combination of milk's natural proteins (whey and casein) with the powder creates a sustained release of amino acids, which is great for muscle repair and satiety. Furthermore, milk adds a creamier, richer texture that many people prefer, making the shake feel more like a decadent treat or a satisfying meal. For those who find the taste of the powder too strong with just water, milk can help balance the flavor profile.

Exploring Alternative Milks for Your Shake

Not everyone can or wants to use dairy milk. Luckily, a variety of plant-based milk alternatives can also be used with The Man Shake. These provide a middle-ground solution, offering a creamier texture than water without the full caloric load of dairy milk. Popular options include:

Almond Milk: Unsweetened almond milk is a low-calorie option that provides a smoother texture than water. While lower in protein than dairy milk, it's a great choice for those on a strict calorie-controlled diet or with lactose intolerance.
Soy Milk: For a plant-based option with a higher protein content, soy milk is an excellent alternative. It provides a nutritional profile closer to dairy milk and is suitable for both muscle gain and weight loss, depending on your calorie goals.
Oat Milk: Oat milk offers a creamy texture and is a good source of fiber. It can make the shake more satiating and is a popular choice for those seeking a smooth consistency with a slightly sweeter taste.

Comparison Table: Water vs. Milk for The Man Shake


Feature	Mix with Water	Mix with Milk
Primary Goal	Weight Loss / Calorie Control	Muscle Gain / Meal Replacement
Calorie Count	Lower; only shake calories	Higher; adds calories from milk
Protein Content	Standard from powder	Increased; adds ~8g per cup
Digestion Speed	Faster absorption	Slower; added fats and casein
Texture	Thinner, lighter, and more refreshing	Thicker, creamier, and richer
Convenience	High; requires no refrigeration	Lower; needs to be kept cold
Taste	More neutral; highlights powder flavour	Fuller, richer, and often more satisfying
Lactose Content	Lactose-free	Contains lactose (unless using a free alternative)

Customizing Your Shake for Optimal Results

The best way to enjoy The Man Shake is often a matter of personal experimentation. For those transitioning from milk to water, try starting with a 50/50 mix of milk and water to gradually adjust to the lighter consistency. You can also boost flavor and nutritional value with other additions, such as a teaspoon of coffee for a mocha kick or a small amount of fruit like mango or banana for a fruitier taste. The key is to monitor the caloric impact of any additions and ensure they align with your health and fitness goals. For instance, while adding nut butter or oats can turn your shake into a full-fledged meal replacement, it also significantly increases the calorie count. Always check the sugar content of any milk alternatives you choose to ensure they don't undermine your weight loss efforts.

Conclusion

Whether you mix The Man Shake with water or milk depends on your individual goals, taste preferences, and dietary needs. The official recommendation is water, which is ideal for those focused on weight loss and fast absorption. However, milk offers a creamier texture and extra calories and protein, making it better for muscle gain and meal replacement. For those with lactose intolerance or specific dietary considerations, plant-based milks provide a viable alternative. Ultimately, the best method is the one that you can consistently stick with and enjoy while achieving your health objectives. Experiment with different liquids and add-ins to find the perfect mix for your routine.

Visit The Man Shake's official blog for more recipe ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, mixing The Man Shake with milk adds extra calories, fats, and carbohydrates, significantly increasing the overall energy content compared to mixing with water.

For immediate post-workout recovery, water is generally better because it allows for faster absorption of the whey protein. Milk, which contains casein, digests more slowly.

Yes, you can use plant-based milks like almond, soy, or oat milk. Just be mindful of their differing calorie, protein, and sugar content and how it aligns with your goals.

If you don't like the taste with water, you can try mixing it with milk for a creamier texture. You could also start with a 50/50 mix of water and milk to get used to the lighter consistency.

Using milk adds extra calories, so it may slow down weight loss if you don't account for those additional calories. For weight loss, water is the recommended mixer to keep your calorie intake as low as possible.

To make the shake more filling as a meal replacement, mix it with milk to add extra calories and protein. You can also add healthy extras like a banana, nut butter, or oats to increase satiety.

Yes, if you mix your shake with dairy or many plant-based milks, it needs to be refrigerated to remain safe for consumption. Water-based shakes are more convenient for storage on the go.