

We tried each shake or powder as the package instructed and made notes about the taste, texture, appearance and aroma. To narrow the field, we blind-taste-tested 24 dairy- and plant-based protein shakes and powders that met the nutrition parameters above. "And lastly, look for brands with at least 15 grams of protein per serving, which is plenty, especially if you're pairing your powder or shake with a meal." These numbers match what EatingWell aims for with our side dish recipes," says Seaver. "And because these powders and shakes are meant to complement a meal, rather than be a meal replacement, I'd recommend looking for brands with at most 250 calories and 360 milligrams sodium per serving. "Many products in the market use some type of artificial sweetener, like monk fruit or stevia, over added sugar, like honey or maple syrup, to meet consumers' demand for zero-calorie sweeteners," notes Seaver, so you'll see some of these artificial sweeteners in the picks below.

"Skip brands that use sugar alcohols, like xylitol, which can negatively impact your GI system when you eat too much," Seaver suggests. Choosing an option without added sugar will allow you to add sweetness naturally, like adding the powder to a fruit-sweetened smoothie. Seaver recommends choosing a protein powder or shake without added sugars. "And while you can certainly get enough from whole foods, protein shakes and powders can help supplement your intake." That's where this list comes in handy. "If you're looking to build muscle, help with healing after a surgery or an illness, or work on healthy weight loss or weight maintenance, eating more protein can help," says Victoria Seaver, M.S., RD, EatingWell's associate editorial director. But protein needs can vary from person to person.
