January 2025
Protein Drinks: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of protein drinks rankings posted by key online experts, as of January 2025.
Summary
On 15 Jan 2025, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 87 protein drink endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
60 protein drinks were endorsed in total, only 16 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 15 Jan 2025, Owyn Vegan Protein Shake takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed protein drink with 5 expert endorsements. 3 experts out of 5 recommended it as the '#1 protein drink' this month.
Brand breakdown
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Orgain: 4 protein drinks
(#1 is Orgain Clean Protein Shake)
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Owyn: 2 protein drinks
(#1 is Owyn Vegan Protein Shake)
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Fairlife: 2 protein drinks
(#1 is Fairlife Elite Core Power)
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Optimum Nutrition: 2 protein drinks
(#1 is Optimum Gold Standard Whey)
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Koia: 2 protein drinks
(#1 is Koia Protein Drink)
Price breakdown
At a glance - January Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Protein Drink |
Eat This, Not That:
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Popular Science
|
Health.com
|
MedicalNewsToday
|
Verywell Fit
|
Good Housekeeping
|
Insider
|
Healthline
|
TheManual
|
The Strategist
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $4 |
Owyn Vegan Protein Shake
Plant-based protein shake that is free from the top 8 food allergens, high in protein and fiber, and has a pleasant taste and texture.
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-
|
-
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1
|
3
|
1
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
|
2
|
- | $40 |
Aloha Plant Based Protein Shake
High-quality, organic, and plant-based protein supplement that is suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions, containing 18-20 grams of protein per serving, low in calories, and comes in four flavors.
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
2
|
2
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
|
3
|
- | $48 |
Iconic Protein Drink
High-quality, natural protein drink made from grass-fed milk protein isolate that is suitable for a variety of dietary needs and is a great option for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone looking to supplement their diet with protein.
|
10
|
-
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6
|
10
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-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | $40 |
Fairlife Elite Core Power
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-
|
-
|
10
|
7
|
-
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-
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-
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-
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1
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | $31 |
Optimum Gold Standard Whey
Optimum Gold Standard Whey Protein Drink is a high-quality protein powder that is low in fat, sugar, and carbohydrates, contains 24 grams of protein per serving, has a pleasant taste and smooth texture, and is highly digestible, making it an excellent choice for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
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-
|
1
|
-
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-
|
-
|
-
|
-
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-
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-
|
3
|
|
6
|
- | $30 |
Orgain Clean Protein Shake
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | $34 |
Ripple Vegan Protein Shakes
|
11
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
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-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
|
8
|
- | $31 |
Premier Protein Shake
Convenient and nutritious meal replacement shake that is low in calories, fat, and sugar, and contains a blend of milk protein concentrate, calcium caseinate, and whey protein concentrate, making it an ideal option for those looking to maintain or lose weight, but it contains artificial sweeteners and flavors that can have harmful effects on the gut microbiome and cause chronic GI problems and inflammation.
|
5
|
-
|
2
|
-
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-
|
-
|
-
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-
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
- | Check price |
Evolve Plant-Based Protein Shakes
A natural and nutritious source of protein, free from artificial additives, suitable for vegans and those following a plant-based diet.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
|
14
|
- | $35 |
Momentous Essential Plant-Based
High-quality, plant-based protein supplement that supports muscle recovery and growth, contains essential amino acids, electrolytes, and is safe for athletes, with a positive brand reputation and delicious flavors.
|
-
|
-
|
-
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-
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2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
|
15
|
- | Check price |
Koia Protein Drink
Low-sugar, high-nutrition, plant-based protein shake that is suitable for people with dietary restrictions and is a convenient option for those looking to increase their protein intake.
|
12
|
-
|
-
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-
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-
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3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
16
|
- | Check price |
Chobani Complete
Natural, high-protein, lactose-free yogurt that contains prebiotics, probiotics, and essential amino acids, making it a convenient and nutritious option for individuals looking to increase their protein intake.
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-
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-
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7
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-
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4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
+1 | $39 |
Fairlife Core Power
|
4
|
-
|
8
|
-
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-
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-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
18
|
-1 | Check price |
Pirq Vegan Caramel Coffee
|
-
|
-
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-
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-
|
-
|
4
|
-
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-
|
8
|
-
|
|
19
|
- | Check price |
Gainful Whey Protein
Customizable and all-natural protein powder that provides up to 27 grams of protein per serving, tailored to the specific body composition, fitness goals, and dietary needs of the user, and is free of common allergens, fillers, dyes, sweeteners, or artificial flavors.
|
-
|
-
|
-
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-
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-
|
5
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
|
20
|
- | Check price |
Kate Farms Organic Nutrition Shake
Plant-based nutritional supplement that provides a complete and balanced source of nutrition, free from common allergens and artificial ingredients, suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions, medical conditions, and athletes.
|
-
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-
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-
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8
|
7
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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We ranked Owyn Vegan Protein Shake #1 in January 2025 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best protein drinks” rankings.
- Out of those, 3 experts ranked Owyn Vegan Protein Shake as #1.
MedicalNewsToday
Best vegan
|
includes omega-3 fatty acids
contains added vitamins and minerals
suitable for vegans
provides 30% of a person’s daily iron
|
contains relatively high amounts of sodium
has sugar
unsuitable for people who have sunflower oil allergy
|
Verywell Fit
Best Overall
|
Free from major allergens
Contains omega-3 fats, potassium, calcium and 30% Daily Value of iron
Vegan friendly
|
May not be an adequate carbohydrate energy source for pre or post workout
|
We ranked Aloha Plant Based Protein Shake #2 in January 2025 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best protein drinks” rankings.
Verywell Fit
Best Coconut Base
|
Vegan-friendly
Contains 40% Daily Value of iron
Certified USDA Organic and Fair Trade Certified
|
Not suitable for those with tree nut allergies
May not be an adequate carbohydrate energy source for pre or post workout
|
Insider
Best vegan
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Vegan, contains MCT oil, pea and brown rice protein, no artificial ingredients, mild flavor, sweetened with coconut sugar, soy-free
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Only 20 grams of protein per serving, expensive
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Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend protein drinks.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of protein drinks, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for January 2025 ranking
Eat This, Not That:
Popular Science
Health.com
MedicalNewsToday
Verywell Fit
Good Housekeeping
Insider
Healthline
TheManual
The Strategist
We ranked Iconic Protein Drink #3 in January 2025 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best protein drinks” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Iconic Protein Drink as #1.
MedicalNewsToday
Best keto-friendly
|
keto-friendly
no additional sugar or fillers
uses ethically sourced ingredients
|
not suitable for vegans
some flavors contain caffeine
|
Insider
Best overall
|
4 flavors to choose from, no artificial ingredients, made with grass-fed milk protein isolate, 20g protein per serving
|
Not enough calories to be a meal replacement
|
We ranked Fairlife Elite Core Power #4 in January 2025 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best protein drinks” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Fairlife Elite Core Power as #1.
MedicalNewsToday
Best for amino acids
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no added sugar
contains nine essential amino acids
|
has a high amount of total sugar per serving
has a weaker mineral profile in comparison to other products
contains sucralose and maltodextrin
|
We ranked Optimum Gold Standard Whey #5 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best protein drinks” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Optimum Gold Standard Whey as #1.
We ranked Orgain Clean Protein Shake #6 in January 2025 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best protein drinks” rankings.
MedicalNewsToday
Best high in calcium
|
more affordable than many brands
gluten- and soy-free
may be suitable for muscle recovery
|
limited flavor range
does not suit vegans
contains sugar
contains a high amount of sodium per serving
|
Verywell Fit
Best High Calcium
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Contains 45% Daily Value of calcium and smaller amounts of iron and potassium
Contains carbohydrates for energy from agave and dairy
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Not suitable for those with a lactose allergy or intolerance
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We ranked Ripple Vegan Protein Shakes #7 in January 2025 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best protein drinks” rankings.
We ranked Premier Protein Shake #8 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best protein drinks” rankings.
We ranked Evolve Plant-Based Protein Shakes #9 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best protein drinks” rankings.
Verywell Fit
Best Vegan
|
Vegan friendly
Contains 20% Daily Value of zinc, calcium and iron, and 15% DV of B12
A blood sugar stabilizing option for those with diabetes
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May not be an adequate carbohydrate energy source for pre or post workout
High fiber content may cause GI upset if used before exercise
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We ranked Momentous Essential Plant-Based #10 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best protein drinks” rankings.
Verywell Fit
Best for Athletes
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NSF Certified for Sport and Informed Sport Certified
Whey isolate form has optimal amino acid profile, including BCAAs, to support muscle repair and synthesis
Whey sourced from milk from grass-fed cows
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May not be an adequate carbohydrate energy source for pre or post workout
Powdered form requires mixing into liquid
|
We ranked Koia Protein Drink #11 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best protein drinks” rankings.
We ranked Chobani Complete #12 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best protein drinks” rankings.
Verywell Fit
Best Yogurt-Based
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Contains probiotics and antioxidants
Contains carbohydrates for energy from blended fruit and dairy
Contains 25% Daily Value of calcium
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Requires refrigeration
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We ranked Fairlife Core Power #13 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best protein drinks” rankings.
We ranked Pirq Vegan Caramel Coffee #14 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best protein drinks” rankings.
We ranked Gainful Whey Protein #15 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best protein drinks” rankings.
Healthline
Best For Competitive Athletes
|
customized protein blend using online quiz
multiple Flavor Boosts available
personalized nutrition advice included with subscription
option for whey-based or plant-based powder
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more expensive than other protein powders
not third-party tested for purity and potency
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We ranked Kate Farms Organic Nutrition Shake #16 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best protein drinks” rankings.
MedicalNewsToday
Best organic
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vegan
free from most common allergens
does not contain artificial sweeteners
|
a more expensive option
contains a relatively high amount of sugar per serving
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Verywell Fit
Best Organic
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Higher carbohydrate content suitable for replenishing energy stores post-exercise
Contains a phytonutrient blend from organic fruits and vegetables and is fortified with vitamins and minerals
Vegan-friendly and Certified USDA Organic
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Slightly lower in protein than other options
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