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Best Post Workout Shakes Fully Reviewed
When you run until you can breathe and your legs are about to make you topple over, you need to make sure you have a post workout shake that will get you back in the game by the next day—and the best part is, they also taste great!
All in all, the best post workout shakes will provide you with the nutrients that you need to ensure you always have the energy that you need to get better and make it through your future workouts. Take a look at our carefully crafted picks below.
Enjoy!
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Product Purity
Make sure the post-workout shake you get is made of quality ingredients that are safe and nutritious.
Always give attention to the quality as this will determine how you achieve your workout goals. It is better to pay extra for a supplement which is natural and pure. Its highly recommended that you always read the label, before choosing a post-workout shake, to be certain that it doesn’t contain too many ingredients.
While looking at the ingredients it’s good to counter check and see if the ingredients are organic. Be cautious of adverts that will say that the supplement has extra ingredients, which will be useful in fast muscle development. This can be just a marketing strategy and its best to do thorough research on the best post-workout protein shake for you.
Don’t go around spending so much on a supplement while you can still achieve muscle growth and recover at a much more affordable rate. Consider the quality, noting that expensive doesn’t always mean high quality and just because it works for someone else then that’s the best supplement for you.
Effectiveness
Not all post-workout shakes are the same, make sure you get the one that effectively meets your needs!
The ingredients used are very important since they determine the quality of the supplement and whether it will work for you in terms of muscle recovery and growth. Some of the best ingredients are organic; furthermore, a supplement doesn’t need to have too many ingredients for it to work.
Just the ingredients that are useful in muscle repair and growth should be present, which will determine its effectiveness more than a sheer abundance of minerals and substances. This is why we made sure to take a good look at where the protein and other macronutrients were derived from. We also tried to stay with options that were lower in sugar as well.
All in all, make sure you take a close look at the ingredients--especially if you are allergic or sensitive to any specific ingredients. Not all post-workout shakes are designed for everyone's needs--if they were then there wouldn't be so many options to choose from. Make sure to stick to your needs and preferences and get something that works for your body and needs.
Use
Make sure to get a post-workout shake that will work for your needs and that you can easily use when you need it.
When the muscles receive much energy they will need to function from the stored glycogen. The stores tend to get exhausted and depleted during training sessions and must be replenished very fast when the workout sessions end. An athlete should be able to track their calories intake and other nutrients (carbs),
This way they can ensure that they are receiving the amount needed to stay fit and healthy without being overboard and experiencing unexpected weight gain. Important carbohydrates are like maltodextrin and dextrose. Be sure that the post-workout energy supplement you plan to take has the above carbohydrates, as they are crucial especially when an athlete is involved in strenuous exercise sessions.
Low carbs may cause muscle soreness and increased fatigue. This is why it is important to pay close attention to all of the macronutrients in your post-workout space. Whether you exercise profusely or not, you need to make sure that you get the right amount of everything you need to ensure that you recover properly.
Potency
Keep track of your macronutrients to ensure you are giving your body what it needs and replenishing it properly.
Do a background check on the product and the company? This is very important when picking a post work out supplement, research on the duration of the supplement is in the market and its manufacturer. It’s best to stick to the supplements that have been on the market long enough also, you can check the customer reviews of the supplements before buying one.
Usually, when a supplement sticks around after some years, it simply means its a good product. There are many post-workout supplements on our list that we found were used by users long-term. If you are worried about trying out something that is too new, you may want to check out what real-world users have to say.
When we looked at the overall potency of each of the post-workout shakes we chose to feature on our list, we took a look at how much proteins each of the shakes have to offer. Protein, along with carbohydrates and fats, will let you know how well the post-workout shake will help you replenish and recover after your workouts so you can get back at it.
10 Best Post Workout Shakes
1. Iconic
Would you like to taste shake with high-quality protein from Grass-Fed New Zealand cows? We guess you do. This is a brand with natural ingredients and very good taste. This brand is a little expensive, for 12 bottles you pay around 44 dollars so it's above the average. Check out their tastes!
Read moreProduct Purity
There is no gluten, lactose, soy, and GMOs
Effectiveness
When it comes to the overall effectiveness of the Iconic shake, this is definitely one of the best. It provides you with everything you need to get back at it the next day.
Use
When you read about the available tastes, you're getting hungry. There are 4 to choose from- Chocolate Truffle, Café Au Lait, Golden Milk, and Vanilla Bean.
Potency
Like in many other shakes, there are 20 grams of protein. there are only 3 grams of sugar and in this shake, there are 4 grams of fiber. It has only 130 calories for one bottler so it will be great for people who are on a diet.
2. Progenex
This hydrolyzed whey protein shake has great flavors. Progenex is the official sponsor for the Crossfit games so you are getting a high-quality recovery shake with 23 grams of protein, and low carbs. These shakes are fast-absorbing to help you recover quicker, so your muscles will feel better faster.
Read moreProduct Purity
These effective shakes come at a price, but this drink does come with a guarantee of working or your money back--and the ingredients are definitely worth the cost.
Effectiveness
These shakes are fast-absorbing to help you recover quicker, so your muscles will feel better faster.
Use
Progenex uses a hydrolyzed protein so usually, that would make the drink taste kind of sour, but not these shakes. These shakes come in three different flavors Loco Mocha, Peanut Butter Smash, and Tropical Vanilla. Consumers loved the taste of these shakes.
Potency
Progenex Recovery shakes come with 23 grams of protein and only 10 grams of carbs and 5 grams of sugar. They also use a hydrolyzed protein which makes it more effective.
3. PlantFusion
These post-workout shakes are about the average price of other post-workout shakes--and it is definitely worth more than it costs. If you want organic ingredients you will love this shake.
Read moreProduct Purity
This post-workout shake by PlantFusion gives you 18 grams of plant-based protein from quinoa, amaranth, peas, and artichoke! These shakes contain no aspartame or preservatives and are also lactose-free, gluten-free, and GMO-free.
Effectiveness
Really effective and easy to use, this is an excellent post-workout shake to consider.
Use
PlantFusion ready to drink post-workout shakes are available in vanilla and chocolate. Users report these shakes as having a great taste and do not miss the manufactured protein taste one bit.
Potency
PlantFusion Complete Plant Protein is a high-quality and vegan post-workout shake that gives you 18-19 grams of plant-based protein depending on the particular flavor you choose.
4. PacificHealth Endurox R4
The PacificHealth Endurox R4 is a great shake for post-workout with the patented 4:1 Protein-carb ratio which speeds up recovery. The price is about average compared to other post-workout shakes. But with the great taste and all-natural ingredients, it's worth the price.
Read moreProduct Purity
Made with all-natural and organic ingredients, this is a great post-workout shake to consider.
Effectiveness
This drink will help you recover faster, and help prevent muscle damage so you can get back to your work out the next day.
Use
Users reported loving the taste of these protein shakes. Especially for those who don't like the chalky taste that some other drinks may have. Consumers rave about the Tangy Orange, and the Fruit punch, but this shake is also available in chocolate and lemon-lime.
Potency
This drink has 13 grams of protein and 52g of carbs. This 4:1 ratio helps you regain your strength faster. It includes both whey and soy protein to enhance effectiveness.
5. Svelte
With 260 calories, 16 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fiber, the CalNaturale Svelte protein shake is off to a good start. These are a little less expensive than your average post-workout shake.
Read moreProduct Purity
Available in five flavors, the CalNaturale Svelte protein shake provides an organic, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, kosher way for you to refuel after a long run.
Effectiveness
CalNaturale Svelte is available in chocolate, French vanilla, cappuccino, banana crème, and spiced chai varieties. They are lightly sweetened with Stevia to make them extra tasty.
Use
According to users, these shakes have a satisfying taste and texture, are best when refrigerated, and many find cappuccino to be their favorite.
Potency
With 260 calories, 16 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fiber, the CalNaturale Svelte protein shake is off to a good start. Add to it a soy milk base, 8 vitamins and minerals, 35% of your RDV for calcium and 30% of your daily value for Vitamin D, this shake will definitely give you a healthy recharge post-workout.
6. Muscle Milk
Everybody would like to recover fast after the workout. Well, it will be much easier if you provide yourself some good source of proteins. A good option is trying Muscle milk- the product that will make the recovery much easier.
Read moreProduct Purity
There are also vitamin C, A, D. There are also essential amino acids that prolong the delivery of the protein in your body.
Effectiveness
For 12 shakes you pay more than 17 dollars. the price is high but the ingredients and protein are of high quality.
Use
Unfortunately, there are only two tastes to choose from. First one is chocolate, it definitely tastes like chocolate milk, the other one is vanilla cream.
Potency
It has only 100 calories per serving but there's still a good amount of proteins- 20 grams.
7. Orgain
Orgain Organic Nutritional-Shakes is the first shake, which is ready to drink and doctor-developed. It's purely certified organic, non-GMO, and is gluten-free. It comes in four flavors, so you are sure to find one that satisfies your cravings. Read
Read moreProduct Purity
In addition to being organic, gluten-free, and non-GMO, Orgain Organic Nutritional Shake is a great post-workout choice, because it packs in 16gs of organic plant protein, 21 vitamins & minerals, is high in fiber and has added organic fruits and veggies.
Effectiveness
All four flavors have less than 260 calories, which will refuel you after a tough workout without attacking your waistline.
Use
The four flavors available in the Orgain Organic Nutritional Shake line are Strawberries, Fudge which is Creamy Chocolate, Bean Sweet Vanilla, Cream, and IcedCafé Mocha. Users of these shakes brag about how delicious the flavors are, even saying that the Sweet Vanilla Bean tastes just like ice cream.
Potency
These shakes are a little more expensive than other post-workout shakes, mainly because organic ingredients are generally a little more expensive.
8. FitPro Go!
FitPro Go! is a magical, milk-based drink that is lactose-free (yes… milk-based AND lactose-free) because of a specially developed ultra-filtration process. FitPro Go! comes in four dessert-like flavors.
Read moreProduct Purity
FitPro contains 35gs of protein and is gluten- and lactose-free, kosher, and contains 18 vitamins & minerals. These post-workout shakes are sweetened with organic stevia.
Effectiveness
Users rave about the lack of manufactured protein taste because of the all-natural ingredients that make up this post-workout shake. This post-workout shake, with all of its goodness, does come with a price. It is a bit more expensive than other RTD post-workout shakes.
Use
FitPro Go! is available in four dessert-themed flavors which are: chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate chip cookie. Users rate their favorite flavors as either chocolate or vanilla.
Potency
The four flavors of FitPro Go! have an average of 3 grams of fat, 200 calories, and 10 grams of carbohydrates, providing all of the good stuff your body needs to refuel post-workout.
9. Met-RX
This post-workout shake packs the most protein by far - a whopping 51 grams! This shake will definitely give your muscles what they crave to rebuild and repair.
Read moreProduct Purity
The proteins in RTD51 are a combination of whey protein and casein protein, which means that the proteins take longer to break down, offering extended muscle support.
Effectiveness
Users also reported feeling like there was a coating covering their mouths after drinking this shake. Even though they have an above-average amount of protein for a ready-to-drink post-workout shake, they still have an average price.
Use
Users report that the chocolate flavor is better than the vanilla flavor, and that overall these post-workout shakes are extremely thick and become hard to drink if you don’t drink them quickly.
Potency
In addition to 51 grams of protein, this post-workout shake is low in fat, has less than 300 calories, and is full of good-for-you nutrients like amino acids and BCAAs.
10. CLICK Active
The product isn't super expensive however remember that you also need to buy water or milk to make a shake. And in addition, you're a big fan of coffee? This product is perfect for you.
Read moreProduct Purity
There are double shots of espresso coffee without any caffeine. There are 25 grams of proteins. BCAAs and Glutamine also boost the synthesis of protein and provide faster recovery.
Effectiveness
Pretty effective and a good option to get all of the nutrients you need.
Use
You could think at first that there's only one tase but there are Mocca and Vanilla Late tastes. Doesn't it sound delicious?
Potency
For some runners, 20 grams of proteins is not enough. What about 25 grams?
Sources
- , Muscle and Fitness, Article
- , Muscle and Fitness, Article
- , Healthy Eating, Article
- , Men's Health, Health Website
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