12 Best Post Workout Shakes Tested in-depth
By Taren Weidaw
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You’ve just run until your lungs burned. Your legs are screaming for mercy. Sweat is dripping down your face. What does your body need after such a tough workout? It needs to refuel. One of the most convenient ways to replenish your body after an intense workout is with a post workout shake. There are many varieties of post workout shakes out there, but they all have the same goal in mind: to give your body the nutrition to repair itself and regain energy after strenuous exercise.
Let’s consider why a post workout shake can be beneficial to a runner, especially after a high endurance run.
During the run you will have been burning up energy reserves, this sounds simple enough but the implications are wide.
During the run, you will have used up your energy reserves and these reserves have a job to do, they maintain the functionality of your body and ultimately even your psychological well being.
You built up your energy reserves through the intake of nutritious foods which convert inside your body to maintain your immune system, balance your body chemistry, maintain defenses against bacteria, virus, and repair muscle damage,
During the run, you depleted the energy and the resulting body maintenance mechanisms in your body as they were busy maintaining your body under high-performance conditions. Therefore, you need to quickly refuel the vital mechanisms in your body and an energy shake made from the right nutrients is a quick and effective way to do this.
Your muscles need fuel for self-repair, minor tissue damage needs repair and recovery, your blood circulation which was working at maximum while distributing oxygen and nutrients to help your body perform has now slowed down and it also needs refueling.
You were hot while running now your temperature is dropping quickly, this is a window of opportunity for bacteria and virus attacks, while your body temperature is in flux.
A shake is a liquid nutrient or combination of selected nutrients and in the form of a liquid, it is quickly absorbed into the body.
A lot of justifiable deep research has been carried out by brand names which manufacture a shake for athletes. Their understanding of which combination of nutrients will be the most beneficial is on target as a result of research and real-time testing of the product.
Through our review here you can identify which shake for the maximum benefits for you.
- PlantFusion Complete Plant Protein
-
Our rating - 19g Protein
- Lactose Free
- Gluten Free
- GMO Free
- Price: See Here
- FitPro! Go
-
Our rating - 35g Protein
- Lactose-Free
- 18 Vitamins/Minerals
- 200 calories
- Price: See Here
- Bolthouse Farms Plus
-
Our rating - 64g Protein
- 170-210 Calories (Flavor)
- 5g Fat
- 25g Carbohydrates
- Price: See Here
12 Best Post Workout Shakes
1. PlantFusion Complete Plant Protein
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.
Taste
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.
Value
These post workout shakes are about the average price of other post workout shakes.
- All natural protein
- Great taste
- Only two flavors
2. FitPro Go!
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. 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.
Taste
FitPro Go! is available is four dessert-themed flavors which are: chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate chip cookie. Users rate their favorite flavors as either chocolate or vanilla. Users rave about the lack of manufactured protein taste because of the all natural ingredients that make up this post-workout shake.
Value
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.
- Lactose free
- Natural ingredients
- Delicious flavors
- Expensive
- Milk base may still be an issue for some users
3. Pure Protein 35
Not only do these shakes have 35 grams of protein, they also have only 2 grams of carbs, loads of calcium, and only 1 gram of fat. The protein in these post-workout shakes is a combination of milk and casein proteins.
Taste
Users report loving the taste of all of the flavors of Pure Protein 35 shakes. These post-workout shakes are available in chocolate, banana, cookies and cream, strawberry, and vanilla cream flavors. One user even recommended pouring the vanilla cream flavor over cereal or oatmeal!
Value
Much less expensive than your average ready-to-drink post workout shake
- Inexpensive
- High in protein
- Blended protein types
- May contain too much protein or calories for some diets
- May be too low in carbs
4. Orgain Organic Nutritional-Shakes
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. Plus, all four flavors have less than 260 calories, which will refuel you after a tough workout without attacking your waistline.
Taste
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.
Value
These shakes are a little more expensive than other post workout shakes, mainly because organic ingredients generally a little more expensive.
- Organic
- Doctor-developed
- Great taste reported by users
- Expensive
5. Met-Rx RTD 51
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. 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.
Taste
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. Users also reported feeling like there was a coating covering their mouths after drinking this shake.
Value
Even though they have an above-average amount of protein for a ready-to-drink post workout shake, they still have an average price.
- Most protein in a ready-to-drink shake
- Average price
- Can be so thick they are hard to drink
- Leave a coating inside of your mouth after drinking
6. CalNaturale Svelte
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.
Taste
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. According to users, these shakes have a satisfying taste and texture, are best when refrigerated, and many find cappuccino to be their favorite.
Value
These are a little less expensive than your average post workout shake.
- High in fiber and calcium
- Naturally sweetened
- Refrigeration required
7. FRS Healthy Protein
FRS Healthy protein has only 190 calories per bottle, making it one of the lowest-calories protein shakes. It offers 25 grams of protein, plant-based antioxidants, and is sweetened naturally with stevia and grape juice concentrate. This post-workout shake also contains 7 grams of the prebiotic fiber called inulin, which helps your stomach produce healthy bacteria.
Taste
FRS Healthy Protein is available in orange cream and blackberry acai flavors. This post-workout drink is more like juice, so it can be consumed much more quickly than protein shakes. Users report that these must be chilled before drinking or the flavor is not appealing.
Value
Average cost for a ready-to-drink post workout shake.
- Contain prebiotics
- Low calorie
- Must be refrigerated or will taste bad
Iconic Grass Fed Protein Drink
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.There are no gluten, lactose, soy, and GMOs
Taste
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.
Value
This brand is a little expensive, for 12 bottles you pay around 44 dollars so it's above the average.
Great for those who don't want a lot of calories
Low fats and cabs
Interesting flavors
Some users experienced unpleasant aftertaste
CLICK Active
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.
Taste
You could think at first that there's only one tase but there are Mocca and Vanilla Late tastes. Doesn't it sound delicious?
Value
The product isn't super expensive however remember that you also need to buy water or milk to make a shake.
You can use it with milk or water
Very tasty
Some users didn't like the texture
CalNaturale Svelte
This is an organic product, it's suitable also for vegans. there's no gluten in this product. The products are sweetened usually with stevia and it's a blend of soymilk. It has 180 calories per portion. there're vitamin D and vitamin E but for some athletes, there's not enough proteins- only 11 grams.
Taste
When it comes to tastes, they're a little bit different than other. Banana taste is very sweet and it tastes like the real banana milkshake. Cappuccino taste is for those who love coffee taste and the most extraordinary tase is spiced Chai. The more ordinary tastes like vanilla or chocolate are also available.
Value
For 8 shakes you pay about 14 dollars so this is more expensive than the average one. The organic ingredients used here also affects the price.
Very tasty
Made from organic ingredients
For some users, 11 grams of proteins isn't enough
Muscle Milk
It has only 100 calories per serving but there's still good amount of proteins- 20 grams. There are also vitamin C,A,D. There are also essential amino acids that prolong the delivery of the protein in your body.
Taste
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.
Value
For 12 shakes you pay more than 17 dollars. the price is high but the ingredients and protein are high quality.
It doesn't upset your stomach
Also great for those who want to lose weight
Very pleasant taste
small amount of tastes
Gatorade Shake
there's 20 g of proteins which is very appropriate for the athletes, 45 of carbs to help you recover faster. The whole drink has 270 calories.
Taste
If you have a craving for something really sweet after the workout, you will love the taste of Gatorade. there's classic chocolate and there are also cookies and cream tase and the third one is peanut butter chocolate.Don't worry if you're not a fan of chocolate, the vanilla one is there. Definitely for runners who love sweet drinks.
Value
For around 30 dollars you get a pack of 12 bottles so it's an average price.
Users really liked especially cookies and cream taste
No unpleasant aftertaste
Doesn't bother your stomach after worokout
For some users this shake was too sweet
High calorie product
Criteria for picking the Best Post Workout Shakes
Post work out shakes were known to be used by only those involved in hardcore weightlifting and possibly pro sportsmen and women. But then things have changed over the years and the market for sports supplement has boomed so much that the supplements are available for use by everyone. Protein powder is able to provide the body with large amounts of protein nutrients that the body needs as part of its balanced diet. Once the protein has been consumed, its digested into the body and the protein is then broken down into various amino acids. The amino acids then built into new proteins to help the red blood cells in the body and also build the muscles and contribute to other functions of the body. For any runner or a sportsman or sportswomen, it’s very important to have a post work out milkshake after any exercise as this helps the muscles to recover and grow.
While picking out the top 10 best post work out shakes we considered the following things:
Quality of the Post Work Out Shake
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 a thorough research on the best post work out a supplement 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.
Checking Fundamental Ingredients
The ingredients used are very important, they determine the quality of the supplement and whether it will work for you in terms of muscle recovery and growth. The best ingredients are the ones that are organic, and also 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 in the ingredients. Below are some of the most important ingredients to look out for while checking out a post work out supplement. And also how you can blend these ingredients with other natural ingredients to have an ultimate post work out shake.
Replenishing the electrolytes
Electrolytes include sodium, calcium, and potassium, which are usually crucial when looking for effective recovery. The electrolytes are able to regulate the flow of the other nutrients into the body cells, also allowing the athletes” heart, nervous systems and circulatory system to operate properly. Bananas tend to be a good supply of electrolytes (potassium), and they can easily blend into many recovery drinks that an athlete can be having. Green juice also from vegetables and fruits/ coconut water contain abundant electrolytes
Calculating the total quantity of carbs needed
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) so that 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.
Identify the type of carbs to add
For a recovery drink taken as a post-workout supplement, consumed after 15 minutes to 20 of the workout session, athletes should opt for something simple with easily digestible carbohydrates. In order to attain optimal recovery, its crucial to replace all the carbs you have just burned as soon as possible. Avoid complex carbohydrates, as they take long for the body to effectively digest them and actually may hinder the recovery process. You may consider blending the below ingredients into the post workout energy supplement you take because they offer a good supply of carbohydrates: seeds, nuts, and bananas. Nuts can include walnuts while seeds can be seeds of pumpkin and flax. The nuts & seeds are very rich in fatty acids. The fatty acids are important after training sessions as they provide the needed energy for recover after a training session.
Try Combining carbohydrates together with protein
Just as carbs as important so is protein is a fundamental ingredient to all recovery drinks taken after training sessions. A protein that is fast-digesting will provide the body muscles with the needed amino acids quickly allowing the muscles to rebuild stronger and bigger after each training. If you are making a recovery shake on your own then you should buy whey protein in powder form. Whey offers a good and complete supply of protein to the body and provides the needed amino acids for recovery.
Proven Record Track
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.
Caution with Advertisements
Don’t pay attention to all that drama especially when the supplement has exaggerated high prices. Though it doesn’t mean that because a supplement is over advertised, it’s not good. Though it’s good to do intensive research on the product before spending your money. Since advertising is all about making the product look the best it’s good not to use it as a means of picking out your post work out supplement. Before buying the supplement make sure the company is rated and has good ingredients as those are the more important factors. Don’t be shocked if a supplement from the local company in your area works best for you and not the big names in the market.
Know What Supplements you need
Supplements differ to a great extent. That’s why when making any purchase of your post work out supplement make sure it’s in line with the objective of your workout and training.
Knowing the Different varieties of Protein
It’s important to know the different types of protein also, this is because the type of protein you use matters with regards to achieving your fitness goals.
- Casein protein: it takes longer when digesting than concentrate/ isolate proteins. Serious runners or athletes also bodybuilders often take the casein protein at night before bed. This protein has the ability to deliver a supply of proteins (amino acids) during the whole night, as they sleep.
- Isolate whey: it’s a protein type that is absorbed quickly by the body, it is best taken after a training/ workout session. Its able to direct the amino acids & the proteins into the body’s depleted muscles. Generally, it is suitable to be taken between meal.
Other Factors Worth Considering
Consider Other Supplements
Vitamin C Supplement
You should take the Vitamin C supplement in case you normally experience a wheezing chest or a cough after your workout sessions. You can add it to your recovery drink even though it, not a must take a supplement. Its meant for people with breathing difficulties. It’s also an antioxidant which can assist the body recover faster after a stressing activity/ strenuous workout.
Tart Cherry Supplement
You can add a tart cherry in case you always experience inflammation after working out. Consuming ginger or cherry tart will reduce chances of the muscles experiencing inflammation after undergoing very strenuous workouts.
Creatine as a supplement
Include creatine in your supplement intake, in case your fitness goal is gaining muscle mass. It is favored and preferred by many bodybuilders, since its ability to add muscle mass, even by 10 pounds & also increase the body strength with a change of 10%. You will need to consult with your doctor, prior to adding creatine as a supplement as part of your recovery supplement. If you engage in strenuous sporting activities like cycling, marathon running creatine will not be able to provide the body with the needed amount of energy for an optimal recovery. Also if you use creatine, avoid using it together with caffeine, as caffeine might counteract most of the benefits that the supplement is supposed to give to the body.
Anti-Oxidants Supplement
You can use antioxidants in enhancing the recovery of the muscles after a workout, though they are not a necessary supplement for a recovery drink. Antioxidants are able to promote the overall health, increase the stamina and the energy. Turmeric, a yellow spice is similar to ginger. The root vegetable contains antioxidants which can reduce inflammation hence faster recovery. Maca a Peruvian plant which is a root also has antioxidants, which maintain the all round good health, at the same increase stamina and energy. The foods are mostly available in powder form hence easy to blend into a recovery shake.
When you workout, your body burns calories and uses up lots of energy. Your muscles stretch and strain and need to rebuild and repair. In order to do this, you need to give your body the proper post-workout nutrition. To rebuild muscles and promote growth, the body needs a good dose of protein after your workout. To replenish your energy, carbohydrates will do the trick. A little bit of fat is good after a workout, too, because it’s great for your brain, skin, and many other body systems. Fiber will help keep you feeling full, and vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant can help with other workout-related issues like pain and inflammation. We hope you find this list useful and make your workouts count!
FAQ
Q. What is an After Workout Drink?
A. Post workout drinks, also referred to as recovery drinks, are made to refuel your body.
They contain the protein, carbohydrates, and other nutrients your body craves after extensive and taxing physical activity. Additionally, they are highly portable, so they are great for people on the go, that workout on location, or even as a quick meal replacement if you are in a rush.
However, not all post workout drinks are created equal, so reading the nutrition label will help you choose one that meets your dietary needs.
Q. When to take post workout shakes
A. Below is a simple guideline on the perfect time to take the post work out shakes.
- For highest protein synthesis, drink your post workout shake within an hour of working out. This includes high aerobic activities, including running.
- Research shows that post-workout shakes that are high in protein still have an effect up to 24 hours after a workout
Q. How Much After Workout Protein is necessary?
A. A simple guide below will be useful.
- Research shows that about 20 grams of post-workout protein is most effective.
- Doctors say the amount of protein intake post workout is more important than timing.
- Overall diet matters, too. Protein intake should continue throughout the day.
Q. When to drink these types of shakes?
A. The most effective time to drink one of these shakes is just after you finish your exercise. This is the time when muscles have been successfully broken down from your workout and in major need of protein intake to help rebuild tissue. Now, just one shake per day will do it, unless of course, you tend to eat plenty of foods with more protein throughout each day. The key is to provide the body with optimum amounts of protein every few hours, to keep a constant intake of building assistance for the muscles.
Q. What are the different types of protein in a Protein Shake?
A. It’s important to know the different types of protein also, this is because the type of protein you use matters with regards to achieving your fitness goals.
- Casein protein: it takes longer when digesting than concentrate/ isolate proteins. Serious runners or athletes also bodybuilders often take the casein protein at night before bed. This protein has the ability to deliver a supply of proteins (amino acids) during the whole night, as they sleep.
- Isolate whey: it’s a protein type that is absorbed quickly by the body, it is best taken after a training/ workout session. Its able to direct the amino acids & the proteins into the body’s depleted muscles. Generally, it is suitable to be taken between meal.
Q. What are the other supplements I can consider taking?
A. Below are some of the additional supplements, that athletes can consider taking:
Vitamin C Supplement
You should take the Vitamin C supplement in case you normally experience a wheezing chest or a cough after your workout sessions. You can add it to your recovery drink even though it, not a must take a supplement. Its meant for people with breathing difficulties. It’s also an antioxidant which can assist the body recover faster after a stressing activity/ strenuous workout.
Tart Cherry Supplement
You can add a tart cherry in case you always experience inflammation after working out. Consuming ginger or cherry tart will reduce chances of the muscles experiencing inflammation after undergoing very strenuous workouts.
Creatine as a supplement
Include creatine in your supplement intake, in case your fitness goal is gaining muscle mass. It is favored and preferred by many bodybuilders, since its able to add muscle mass, even by 10 pounds & also increase the body strength with a change of 10%. You will need to consult with your doctor, prior to adding creatine as a supplement as part of your recovery supplement. If you engage in strenuous sporting activities like cycling, marathon running creatine will not be able to provide the body with the needed amount of energy for an optimal recovery. Also if you use creatine, avoid using it together with caffeine, as caffeine might counteract most of the benefits that the supplement is supposed to give to the body.
Anti-Oxidants Supplement
You can use antioxidants in enhancing the recovery of the muscles after a workout, though they are not a necessary supplement for a recovery drink. Antioxidants are able to promote the overall health, increase the stamina and the energy. Turmeric, a yellow spice is similar to ginger. The root vegetable contains antioxidants which can reduce inflammation hence faster recovery. Maca a Peruvian plant which is a root also has antioxidants, which maintain the all round good health, at the same increase stamina and energy. The foods are mostly available in powder form hence easy to blend into a recovery shake.
Here are some sources we used while conducting our research:
Sources
- , 12 Post-Workout Shakes for Maximum Muscle, Fitness Website,
- , Why You Don’t Really Need a Post-Workout Protein Shake, Fitness Website,
- , No Time to Eat? Shake Things Up, Fitness Website,
- , Should You Drink a Protein Shake Before or After a Workout?, Health Website,
- , The Truth About Post-Workout Shakes and Protein Timing, Health Website,
- , PlantFusion Complete Plant Protein Powder Review, Consumer Website,
- , Plant Fusion Review - Does This Protein Powder Work?, Fitness Website,
- , Pure Protein Ready to Drink Shake 35 Grams Protein Review, Fitness Website,
- , Pure Protein Review - Do These Supplement Really Work? , Fitness Website,
- , Orgain Protein Powder – Best Purity You Can Buy?, Consumer Website,
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