Best protein shakes (ready-to-drink), according to chefs
Three picks, each tied to a named taster and a public source — from Danny Palumbo, Alaina Chou and Justine Sterling. Recommendations come from bonappetit.com and sporked.com.
Drinks · The ranking
- 1Top pick
Fairlife Core Power (26g; Elite 42g)
Chosen by- Alaina ChouCommerce writer, Bon Appétit
- Danny PalumboTaste tester, Sporkedsporked.com ↗
Also chosen by- Danny Palumbo · Taste tester, Sporked source ↗
Made from ultrafiltered milk, so the protein comes from the milk itself. Bon Appétit’s best dairy shake: the vanilla “tastes nostalgic, like a thinned-out milkshake,” the chocolate is “essentially chocolate milk,” with no grittiness or overpowering aftertaste. Sporked’s best of the best (9/10): “like melted vanilla ice cream in a bottle.” Sold in grocery and convenience stores nationwide.
- 2
Koia Protein (Chocolate Banana, Cold Brew Coffee)
Chosen by- Alaina ChouCommerce writer, Bon Appétit
- Justine SterlingEditor, Sporkedsporked.com ↗
Also chosen by- Justine Sterling · Editor, Sporked source ↗
A shelf-stable plant-based shake. Bon Appétit’s best shelf-stable plant pick: smooth and creamy. Sporked gave Chocolate Banana 8/10: “thick with good quality cocoa flavor,” and the banana “tastes like real banana—not Runts banana.”
- 3
Rebbl Protein (Vanilla Spice, 32g Chocolate or Vanilla)
Chosen by- Alaina ChouCommerce writer, Bon Appétit
Coconut-milk-based vegan shakes and the crowd favorite of the plant-based brands Bon Appétit tested: none tasted “overly legume-y,” as pea protein often does. The 20-gram vanilla is laced with cinnamon and cardamom; the 32-gram chocolate and vanilla are plainer. Shake it hard before you drink it.
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Questions, answered
- What is the best protein shakes (ready-to-drink), according to chefs?
- MyTastr’s top pick is Fairlife Core Power (26g; Elite 42g), chosen by Alaina Chou (Bon Appétit); Danny Palumbo (Sporked). Made from ultrafiltered milk, so the protein comes from the milk itself. Bon Appétit’s best dairy shake: the vanilla “tastes nostalgic, like a thinned-out milkshake,” the chocolate is “essentially chocolate milk,” with no grittiness or overpowering aftertaste. Sporked’s best of the best (9/10): “like melted vanilla ice cream in a bottle.” Sold in grocery and convenience stores nationwide. Source: bonappetit.com ↗
- What are the other top picks for protein shakes (ready-to-drink)?
- No. 2 is Koia Protein (Chocolate Banana, Cold Brew Coffee), chosen by Alaina Chou (Bon Appétit); Justine Sterling (Sporked). No. 3 is Rebbl Protein (Vanilla Spice, 32g Chocolate or Vanilla), chosen by Alaina Chou (Bon Appétit). Each card above links to the original source.
- How does MyTastr choose these picks?
- Every pick is tied to a named chef, cookbook author or food expert and links to the public interview, panel or article it came from. We survey dozens, often hundreds, of top chefs, food writers and critics, and order reflects how often and how strongly a brand is recommended. Only organic recommendations count — paid endorsements don’t — and brands can’t buy a spot. Read how we pick.