Top 20 Protein Drinks for Older Adults to Support Your Health

What are the benefits of protein drinks for older adults?

• Protein drinks can help maintain muscle mass. They contain essential amino acids that support muscle growth and repair, lowering the risk of muscle mass loss.

• They're nutrient-dense. Many protein shakes not only contain a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fat, but also are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.

• They're convenient. If you have difficulty chewing, swallowing, or experience a loss in appetite, a protein drink is a great option for you. They're easy to digest, macro-friendly, and nutrient-dense.

• They help meet your daily protein goal. Older adults have different protein needs. It's typically recommended that adults over 65 should consume 0.45 to 0.55 grams of protein per pound of body weight daily. Protein drinks can make it easier for you to hit these goals, with many of them containing up to 30 grams of protein per serving.

• They can help you maintain a healthy weight. Consuming protein drinks can help reduce the risk of malnutrition in older adults. By drinking a protein drink that's higher in calories and protein, you can help fulfill your body's needs and improve your overall health.

• Protein can aid in wound healing. If you're recovering from an illness or injury, consuming more protein can help you heal faster and reduce the risk of complications.

• Protein drinks can improve brain function. Protein drinks contain many essential amino acids which can strengthen nerve cell connection and enhance your memory and focus.

What ingredients are used in protein drinks?

Protein drinks are nutritional beverages that contain protein powder that's either plant-based or animal-based. Whether you choose an animal-based or plant-based protein shake, you'll find different ingredients. For an animal-based protein shake, a common ingredient you might see is whey protein, which comes from cow's milk. Plant-based protein shakes may consist of pea, soy, or hemp proteins.

How to choose the best protein supplement drink for you

Below are some common factors you may want to consider when choosing the right protein shake for you. You may also want to consult with your doctor before deciding which protein supplement is the best for you.

• Protein source. Finding a good protein source that can aid in maintaining muscle mass and strength is important. There are many different protein sources available for you to choose from, so there's something that fits many dietary preferences.

• Taste. Whether you prefer an indulgent chocolate or a sweet, creamy vanilla, there are plenty of flavors available to suit your taste buds.

• Price. Price varies depending on the type of protein you buy. However, typically buying your protein in bulk can help lower the cost.

• Dietary needs. What goals are you aiming to achieve? Whether you need a higher calorie option or something non-dairy, try to search for beverages with more than 10 grams of protein and no artificial sweeteners.

Top 20 Protein Drinks for Older Adults

• 1. Ensure Plus

Ensure Plus is a good gluten-free protein drink for an individual looking for a higher-calorie option. The drink has 350 calories and 27 essential vitamins and minerals.

• Main ingredients: Contains milk and soy proteins
• Flavors available: milk chocolate, dark chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and butter pecan
• Grams of protein per serving: 16 grams

• 2. Fairlife Core Power Elite

Fairlife Core Power Elite is a good option for type one diabetics who need a beverage that's high in protein and low in carbohydrates. You'll feel full and satisfied for hours after you consume this beverage.

• Main ingredients: Contains milk
• Flavors available: chocolate and vanilla
• Grams of protein per serving: 42 grams

• 3. Boost High Protein

Boost High Protein is rich in minerals and vitamins, making it a good beverage for older adults who want to boost their protein intake.

• Main ingredients: Contains milk protein concentrate
• Flavors available: Cinnabon™, rich chocolate, very vanilla, and creamy strawberry
• Grams of protein per serving: 20 grams

• 4. Orgain Organic Protein

If you prefer a plant-based protein, Orgain is the perfect option for you. With a variety of flavors, you can create your own delicious at-home protein shakes using this supplement.

• Main ingredients: Contains rice and pea protein
• Flavors available: chocolate peanut butter, fruity cereal, iced coffee, vanilla horchata, and more
• Grams of protein per serving: 21 grams

• 5. Premier Protein

Premier Protein offers a low-fat, low-sugar, on-the-go beverage that contains 24 vitamins and minerals. This drink can make a good snack in between meals if you need a boost to hit your daily protein goal. For more nutrients or a more filling meal option, add some ice and a banana to transform your drink into a delicious smoothie.

• Main ingredients: Contains milk protein
• Flavors available: vanilla, chocolate, cookie dough, root beer float, pumpkin spice, and more
• Grams of protein per serving: 30 grams

• 6. Kate Farms Nutrition Shake

Kate Farms is a good option for older adults with varying dietary needs. With a high quality, plant-based protein source, high fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, it's a great filling drink to take on the go.

• Main ingredients: Contains pea protein
• Flavors available: vanilla, chocolate, and coffee
• Grams of protein per serving: 16 grams

• 7. Muscle Milk Genuine Protein Shake

Muscle Milk is a protein shake that can aid in muscle growth and recovery. It contains calcium, vitamins A and D, and has 0 grams of added sugar.

• Main ingredients: Contains milk protein
• Flavors available: vanilla creme, banana creme, chocolate, and more
• Grams of protein per serving: 25 grams

• 8. Aloha Plant-Based Drink

If you're looking for a non-dairy organic option, try Aloha. With delicious flavors, you might mistake your protein shake for a dessert beverage.

• Main ingredients: Contains pea and brown rice protein
• Flavors available: coconut, iced coffee, chocolate sea salt, and vanilla
• Grams of protein per serving: 20 grams

• 9. Isopure Whey Protein Isolate

If you want to save yourself a few grocery trips and buy your protein in bulk, Isopure is a great choice. Isopure comes in vanilla or chocolate, so you can create the perfect sweet treat right at home whenever you need a protein boost.

• Main ingredients: Contains whey protein
• Flavors available: chocolate or vanilla
• Grams of protein per serving: 25 grams

• 10. Ritual Essential

Ritual Essential Protein is a clean, plant-based protein option that's great for muscle recovery after a workout. This protein powder is non-GMO, free from many allergens, and can also help support the formation of lean muscle.

• Main ingredients: Contains pea protein
• Flavors available: vanilla
• Grams of protein per serving: 20 grams

• 11. Transparent Labs Protein Powder

Transparent Labs offers a 100% grass-fed, whey protein isolate option that contains only one gram of fat and zero sugar. This protein powder contains 30 servings total, so one bottle lasts for a while.

• Main ingredients: Contains whey protein
• Flavors available: unflavored, mint chocolate chip, sugar cookie, and more
• Grams of protein per serving: 28 grams

• 12. Clean Simple Eats

Clean Simple Eats offers both animal- and plant-based protein options in a variety of flavors, from strawberry cheesecake to pumpkin pie. These protein powders are also low in sugar and include digestive enzymes.

• Main ingredients: Contains whey protein or hemp protein for plant-based
• Flavors available: peaches and cream, maple doughnut, simply vanilla and more
• Grams of protein per serving: 20 grams

• 13. Atkins Shakes

If you're looking for a high-protein shake you can enjoy as a snack or use as a meal replacement, Atkins has options for you. Atkins shakes are made with simple, gluten-free ingredients.

• Main ingredients: Contains milk and soy protein
• Flavors available: vanilla cream and chocolate
• Grams of protein per serving: 23 grams

• 14. Carnation Breakfast Essentials Powder

Carnation Breakfast Essentials Powder is a good on-the-go protein you can mix with a glass of milk or turn into a shake. One packet mixed with milk contains 20% of your daily dose of iron and 40% of your daily need for calcium.

• Main ingredients: Contains milk protein
• Flavors available: strawberry sensation, classic french vanilla, or rich milk chocolate
• Grams of protein per serving: 13 grams when made with skim milk

• 15. Soylent Meal Replacement Shake

Soylent is a balanced meal-replacement shake that contains 28 vitamins and minerals and only one gram of sugar. The shakes also have a low glycemic index for those watching their blood sugar.

• Main ingredients: Contains soy protein
• Flavors available: mint chocolate, cafe mocha, vanilla, and more
• Grams of protein per serving: 20 grams

• 16. Be Well

Be Well offers protein powder that's made from grass-fed protein and uses monk fruit as a sweetener to help keep your blood sugars in balance. These protein powders only contain three simple ingredients, making it a clean brand.

• Main ingredients: Contains beef protein isolate
• Flavors available: vanilla, chocolate, or unflavored
• Grams of protein per serving: 23 grams

• 17. KOS Organic Plant Protein

KOS is a vegan protein powder made from pea and pumpkin seed protein. It's perfect for adding to drinks or baked goods.

• Main ingredients: Contains a blend of pea, pumpkin seed, quinoa, chia, and flax seed protein
• Flavors available: vanilla, chocolate, salted caramel coffee, and more
• Grams of protein per serving: 20 grams

• 18. Milk protein smoothie

You can create a protein shake right at home with just a few ingredients. For an animal-based protein shake, combine milk with your favorite fruits such as bananas and strawberries. You can add spinach for a more nutrient-dense option as well. This smoothie will contain roughly 10 to 15 grams of protein.

• 19. Greek yogurt smoothie

If you're looking for a smoothie with plenty of protein, combine milk and Greek yogurt with some of your favorite fruit. This will amp up your protein intake and help you reach your daily goal without any of the taste or powders.

• 20. Dairy-free smoothie

For a dairy-free option, use almond, oat, or soy milk as your base. Next, add ice, fruit, and nut butter for additional protein. If you really want to increase your protein intake, you can try adding tofu to the mix - don't worry; it has a neutral flavor and adds delightful creaminess to boot.

Hit your protein goals with Meal Village

While protein drinks are a great option to help you reach your daily protein goals, it's important to incorporate whole foods into your diet, too. Meal Village offers more than 130 weekly meals that are nutrient-dense and high in protein for you to hit your macro goals. Plus, there's no prepping or cooking involved. Simply view your weekly meal options online, then place an order online or on the phone. Maintaining muscle mass, having energy, and feeling your best just got much more attainable.