These ready to drink protein shakes are more convenient than powder and taste better.

I gave up spending time mixing protein powders and milk or water in favor of ready to drink protein shakes, mainly for the convenience and the taste.

Figuring out which ready to drink protein shakes are best depends on what you’re willing to spend and what your goals are, so I’m breaking down the best options.

These are the best ready to drink protein shakes:

Core Power by Fairlife (Best for Muscle Gain)
Jocko Molk (Best for Weight Loss)
Premier Protein (Best on a Budget)
Owyn Pro Elite Protein (Best Plant-Based Protein)
MRE by Redcon1 (Best Mass Gainer)
Quest Protein (Best Overall)

Ready to Drink Protein Shakes vs Protein Powders

There’s little difference between the two when it comes to macronutrients, ingredients, and protein absorption, so making the decision to choose ready to drink protein shakes over protein powders comes down to personal choice more than anything else.

I prefer ready to drink protein shakes because they’re easier to take with you and prepare. Instead of spending time scooping powder, adding milk, and cleaning out my shaker, I just grab an already made shake.

They also taste better. I’ve never been a fan of the taste and consistency you get when mixing powder with milk or water. All of the ready to drink protein shakes on this list taste far better than the powder mix versions of them.

Core Power Elite by Fairlife - Best for Muscle Gain and Best with No Artificial Sweeteners

Core Power by Fairlife comes in two different versions: Elite with 42 grams of protein and the standard version with 26 grams of protein.

Core Power Elite is the better option with 230 calories, the aforementioned 42 grams of protein and comes in chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. All three are delicious and contain no artificial sweeteners.

The protein in Core Power comes from ultra-filtered, partly-skimmed milk and doesn’t have to be refrigerated, making it a great option to toss in your bag when you’re on the go.

Jocko Molk - Best for Weight Loss

If you’re looking for the best ready to drink protein shake for weight loss, perhaps as a meal replacement, I recommend Jocko Molk RTD (by Jocko Willink).

Jocko Molk contains only 180 calories, 5 grams of carbohydrates, only 2 grams of sugar (none added), and 30 grams of protein.

Jocko Molk is a bit harder to find than the other shakes on this list but Vitamin Shoppe does carry them. Flavors includes chocolate and banana cream.

Premier Protein - Best on a Budget

The cost of buying ready to drink protein shakes can add up quickly, so if you’re looking for the most affordable option, I’d recommend Premier Protein.

Premier Protein Shakes can be found at more stores than the other shakes on this list and averages roughly $2 per shake.

At 160 calories and 30 grams of protein, Premier is a great option for both muscle gain and weight loss.

Owyn Pro Elite Protein - Best Plant-Based Protein

For vegans or anyone looking for a ready to drink plant-based protein shake, Owyn is the natural top choice.

Owyn Pro Elite Plant Protein is an even better option than the standard Owyn protein shake, offering 32 grams of plant-based protein in only 200 calories.

On top of the protein content, Owyn Pro Elite also contains a greens blend, which includes spinach, kale, and broccoli.

MRE by Redcon1 - Best Mass Gainer

I love Redcon1’s supplements. They’re my go-to for protein, creatine, vitamins, and pre-workout drinks.

MRE is a phenomenal protein and is the best option for anyone looking to pack on some mass.

The protein in MRE comes from whole food sources, including beef protein, chicken protein, salmon protein, and egg protein.

Each carton has 40 grams of protein and 230 calories. Flavors are vanilla milkshake, salted caramel, strawberry shortcake, blueberry cobbler, cookies and cream, and milk chocolate.

Quest Protein - Best Overall

Quest Nutrition makes some of the best protein snacks on the market and their protein shakes are my choice for best overall due to their taste, price, protein content, and how easy they are to find (available at Walmart and Stop and Shop).

Each Quest Protein Shake contains 30 grams of protein (from milk protein concentrate) and 170 calories. Flavors include chocolate, vanilla, and salted caramel.