Is there a protein drink that actually tastes good?

November 26, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2021 survey by the International Food Information Council, 52% of people consider taste the most important factor when choosing a food or beverage. The good news is that for anyone asking, "Is there a protein drink that actually tastes good?", the days of chalky, unpleasant concoctions are largely over, with modern brands prioritizing delicious, satisfying flavors.

Quick Summary

This guide explores some of the most delicious and highly-rated protein drinks and powders currently on the market, covering both dairy-based and plant-based options that prioritize flavor without sacrificing nutritional value. It also offers practical tips for making any protein shake taste significantly better.

Key Points

Variety Exists: Delicious protein drinks are widely available today, with options for nearly every taste and dietary preference.
Ready-to-Drink Convenience: Pre-made shakes like Fairlife Core Power and Premier Protein are praised for their convenient, creamy taste without a chalky aftertaste.
Flavorful Powders: Many powders, such as those from Transparent Labs and Dymatize, offer rich, satisfying flavors and mix smoothly into shakes.
Plant-Based Options: Vegan choices like OWYN and Ripple provide excellent taste and texture, disproving the myth that plant-based shakes are always gritty.
DIY Customization: Enhance any protein shake by using a blender with milk, frozen fruit, nut butters, or spices for a thicker, more flavorful result.
Temperature Matters: Chilling your protein drink or adding ice can significantly improve its taste and refreshing quality.

The Shift to Better-Tasting Protein

For years, protein supplements were known for their unpalatable, gritty texture and artificial aftertaste. This often made staying consistent with a protein-rich diet a chore rather than an enjoyable experience. However, a significant shift has occurred within the industry as brands recognize that taste is a primary driver of consumer choice and loyalty.

Today, a vast array of ready-to-drink (RTD) shakes and powders are formulated to mimic indulgent treats, from classic chocolate milk to exotic fruity flavors. Ingredients like high-quality protein isolates, natural sweeteners, and better emulsifiers have transformed the consumer experience. As a result, finding a protein drink that actually tastes good is not just possible—it's expected.

Top-Rated Pre-Made Protein Drinks

Pre-made, ready-to-drink shakes offer the ultimate convenience for busy individuals. Many options now deliver impressive flavor profiles, making them an easy and enjoyable way to get your protein. Here are some of the most highly-regarded choices:

Fairlife Core Power: Praised for its smooth, creamy texture and rich chocolate milk flavor, this ultra-filtered dairy-based shake delivers a high protein dose without a chalky aftertaste. It comes in various flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry banana.
Premier Protein: A popular and cost-effective option that testers describe as tasting like melted vanilla ice cream in its vanilla flavor. These shakes are smooth and have no unpleasant aftertaste, making them a consistent favorite.
Slate Core Variety Pack: These canned shakes are noted for their smooth, velvety texture and cafe-worthy flavors like French Vanilla and Dark Chocolate. They are also lactose-free and shelf-stable, offering a gourmet protein experience.
OWYN Plant-Based Protein Shake: A top choice for vegans, these shakes use a blend of pea, pumpkin seed, and flax oil proteins. Reviewers praise their smooth and creamy texture, with flavors like Dark Chocolate and Vanilla Bean.
Ripple Protein Shake: Another delicious plant-based option made from pea protein, with a rich chocolate milk flavor that avoids the artificial taste common in some alternatives. It's vegan, lactose-free, and allergen-friendly.

Best-Tasting Protein Powders

For those who prefer the versatility of powders, blending your own shake allows for customization. These brands are frequently cited for their excellent taste and mixability:

Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate: This powder is third-party tested and uses stevia for sweetness, with reviewers praising its rich flavor and clean ingredients. Flavor options include Salted Caramel, Chocolate, and Vanilla.
KOS Vegan Superfood Protein Powder: A top-rated vegan powder that mixes well with no gritty texture. Reviewers found it had a mild, pleasant chocolate flavor similar to chocolate milk when mixed properly.
Dymatize ISO100 Whey Protein Powder Isolate: Offers a wide variety of sweet flavors, including collaborations with cereal brands like Fruity Pebbles and Cinnamon Cereal. It provides 25g of protein per serving and is easy on the stomach.
MyProtein Impact Whey Protein (Chocolate Brownie): A highly popular and widely available whey powder with a subtly sweet milk chocolate aftertaste that is enjoyable and not overwhelming. It mixes to a milkshake-like consistency.
Ora Organic Protein Powder: A clean, plant-based powder that uses organic monk fruit extract for sweetness. It comes in flavors like Vanilla Chai and Chocolate, praised for its organic ingredients and taste.

How to Elevate the Flavor of Any Protein Drink

If you're still not satisfied with the taste of your standard protein shake, a few simple additions can make a world of difference.

The Blender is Your Best Friend

While shakers are convenient, a blender is essential for achieving a smooth, creamy texture and properly incorporating additional ingredients. This eliminates the grainy mouthfeel that many people find unappetizing.

Use Flavor-Enhancing Mix-ins

Creamy Bases: Instead of water, use your favorite milk (dairy, almond, oat, soy, or cashew) or a dollop of Greek yogurt. This adds creaminess and can significantly improve the overall taste.
Frozen Fruit: Adding frozen bananas or berries not only enhances sweetness but also creates a thicker, more milkshake-like consistency.
Nut Butters: A tablespoon of peanut, almond, or cashew butter adds richness, healthy fats, and a satisfying flavor that can mask any artificial notes.
Natural Sweeteners: A small amount of honey, agave syrup, or pure maple syrup can balance the flavor without relying on artificial sweeteners. For a low-sugar alternative, monk fruit extract works well.
Spices and Extracts: A dash of cinnamon, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, or a few drops of vanilla or mint extract can dramatically improve the flavor profile.

Keep it Cold

A cold protein shake almost always tastes better. Using ice cubes or frozen fruit in your blend, or simply chilling the pre-made shake in the fridge, can make it more refreshing and enjoyable.

Comparison of Top Protein Drinks


Product	Protein Source	Protein Per Serving	Calories	Sweeteners	Best for...
Fairlife Core Power	Dairy (ultra-filtered milk)	26g	170	Monk fruit, Stevia, Acesulfame-K, Sucralose	Creamy, chocolate milk-like taste
OWYN Vegan Protein Shake	Pea, Pumpkin Seed, Flax	20g	180	Cane Sugar, Monk Fruit Extract	Top-rated vegan option
Premier Protein Shake	Dairy (proprietary blend)	30g	160	Sucralose	Budget-friendly, reliable vanilla flavor
Transparent Labs Whey Isolate	Grass-Fed Whey Isolate	28g	130	Stevia Extract	Clean ingredients and flavor
Ripple Protein Shake	Pea Protein	20g	210	Cane Sugar, Monk Fruit Extract	Allergen-friendly vegan option
Dymatize ISO100 Isolate	Hydrolyzed Whey Isolate	25g	110	Sucralose, Stevia	Variety of fun, unique flavors

Conclusion: Finding the Right Drink for You

The answer to the question, "Is there a protein drink that actually tastes good?" is a definitive yes. The options available today cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs, from rich, dairy-based shakes to smooth, fruit-flavored vegan powders. Finding the perfect one comes down to understanding your preferences. Do you prioritize convenience, specific dietary restrictions, or total flavor control? By experimenting with different brands and following some simple flavor-enhancing tips, you can transform your daily protein intake from a necessary chore into a genuinely enjoyable part of your routine. The perfect-tasting protein drink is out there waiting for you. For more resources on sports nutrition, consider exploring reputable non-profits like the International Society of Sports Nutrition.

International Society of Sports Nutrition

Frequently Asked Questions

Many people find that Fairlife Core Power Chocolate protein shakes taste remarkably like genuine chocolate milk, thanks to their ultra-filtered dairy process that creates a smooth, creamy texture.

Yes, many vegan protein powders and ready-to-drink shakes are made with great flavor in mind. Brands like OWYN and Ripple are known for their smooth, non-gritty texture and satisfying taste. Blending with fruit, plant-based milk, and nut butter can also improve the flavor.

You can add a variety of ingredients to improve taste. Using milk instead of water, blending in frozen fruit like bananas or berries, adding a spoonful of nut butter, or incorporating natural extracts like vanilla or spices like cinnamon are all effective methods.

Using milk (dairy or plant-based) is generally recommended for a better-tasting shake. Milk creates a creamier, richer, and more milkshake-like texture, which helps to mask any potential bitterness or chalkiness from the powder.

The unpleasant aftertaste in many protein drinks is often caused by artificial sweeteners, certain types of protein powder (especially low-quality ones), or insufficient mixing. Choosing brands with cleaner ingredients and naturally-derived sweeteners can help avoid this.

For those who prefer a more refreshing, juice-like experience, clear whey protein is an excellent alternative. Brands like ESN Isoclear are noted for their light, fruity flavors that lack the heaviness of traditional creamy shakes. It's a matter of personal preference.

Not all budget protein drinks taste bad. Premier Protein is a popular, cost-effective option widely praised for its smooth texture and pleasant flavor. However, some cheaper options may rely more heavily on artificial sweeteners and can have a less desirable aftertaste.