Compare protein drinks on protein per bottle or can, calories, sugar and the cost per 20g of protein, from ready-to-drink milkshakes to protein waters, protein shots and beef protein cans. Ready-made drinks are convenient, but you pay for that convenience, so we show you how to work out what each one really costs.
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What types of protein drinks are there?
Protein drinks in this collection come in four main types: creamy ready-to-drink protein shakes, light fruit-flavoured protein waters (still and sparkling), small concentrated protein shots, and beef protein cans. We also stock a hot chocolate protein drink powder that you mix yourself.
Protein milkshakes are usually milk-based, so they contain milk; protein waters and clear drinks are thinner and often use whey isolate or collagen. Check the allergens in bold in the ingredients list, and the label for the protein source.
How much protein is in a protein drink?
It varies widely, so check the grams per bottle rather than the front of the pack. Larger milkshake bottles often carry 20 to 30g or more, while protein waters and shots may carry less in total, even if the per-100ml figure looks strong.
The International Society of Sports Nutrition says 20 to 40g of protein per meal is the general recommendation for exercising people, and 1.4 to 2.0g per kg of body weight a day is sufficient for most. Compare the protein per bottle against what you actually want from one serving.
Are protein drinks healthy?
A protein drink can fit into a healthy diet, but look at the sugar, calories and sweeteners as well as the protein. For drinks, UK law allows a "low sugars" claim only if a drink has no more than 2.5g of sugars per 100ml, and "sugars free" only at 0.5g per 100ml or less.
The British Dietetic Association says a varied, balanced diet should meet most sport nutrition needs and supplements can't make up for poor food choices. Milk-based drinks contain naturally occurring milk sugar, which the NHS says does not count as free sugars.
Are protein drinks good for weight loss?
No drink causes weight loss on its own; what matters is your total calorie intake over time. People searching for protein drinks for weight loss usually want more protein for fewer calories, so compare calories per bottle against protein per bottle.
In UK law a food can be called "high protein" if at least 20% of its energy comes from protein. Protein waters tend to be low in calories, while full milkshakes carry more. We don't stock meal replacements in this collection, and a protein drink isn't designed to replace a meal. Speak to your GP if you're planning significant weight loss.
Can protein drinks help build muscle?
Protein in a drink counts towards your daily total in the same way as protein from food. The authorised claim is that "protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass" and "to the maintenance of muscle mass", for foods that are at least a source of protein; training is what drives muscle growth.
The British Dietetic Association suggests about 1.6 to 1.7g of protein per kg of body weight a day for people aiming to gain muscle alongside resistance training.
How many protein drinks a day?
There's no set number: count the protein from drinks alongside the protein you already get from meals, and stop when you reach the amount you're aiming for. For many people with protein-rich meals, one drink, or none, is enough.
If you drink several a day, add up the calories, sugar and any caffeine too. Some drinks add caffeine, so check the label. If you have kidney disease or another medical condition, speak to your GP before increasing your protein intake.
Are ready-made protein drinks worth it compared with powder?
Ready-made drinks usually cost far more per 20g of protein than powder you mix yourself; you're paying for convenience, packaging and the liquid. Work out the cost per 20g of protein to see the difference.
How to compare value (example figures, not real products): a £2.50 bottle with 25g of protein costs £2.00 per 20g. A £2.00 protein water with 20g costs £2.00 per 20g. A £30 tub of powder with 40 servings of 25g costs 75p per serving, or 60p per 20g, less than a third of the price.
"When we compare products from different brands and wholesalers, serving sizes, protein concentrations and the number of servings per tub vary considerably. Two products can look similarly priced, but once you calculate the actual cost per 25g of protein, the value can be quite different," says Andy Arshad, who runs SupplementHQ. Compare powders on our protein powder page.
Which protein drink is best for you?
The best one has the protein you want per bottle, calories and sugar that fit your day, a texture you like (creamy or clear) and a sensible cost per 20g of protein. A bigger brand or a bigger bottle doesn't automatically mean better value.
"The amount of protein on the front of the packaging doesn't always tell you which product offers the best value," says Andy. Browse more healthy food and drinks, or our guide to reading a label.
We sell the products on this page. That's our commercial interest, and it's why we show the evidence alongside them. This page is general information for adults, not personalised medical advice.
Written by Andy Arshad, SupplementHQ. Last reviewed 11 October 2026.