Top 10 Post-Workout RTD Protein Shakes for Building Muscle
When it comes to post-workout RTD protein shakes, I’d like to think I’m a connoisseur. I’ve spent a decade of my career working for a supplement brand who made all sorts of RTD beverages, so not only did I have my hands in trying various protein shakes that we sold, but I was also able to try (and compare) various other brands across the industry.
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To this day, I still use and prefer post-workout RTD protein shakes for building muscle mass simply due to their convenience. There’s no need for water and a shaker bottle. There’s no measuring needed. You don’t need to play with the water until you figure out the right consistency for your drink. You don’t need to take protein powder with you to the gym. There’s no mess or cleanup needed after you drink your shake. And no need to light your car on fire if you leave your used shaker bottle in your car on a hot summer day. You simply pop the top on post-workout RTD protein shakes and down the hatch they go. When done, you toss the empty container in the trash and you move on with your day. It’s as simple and as complicated as that.
What I have below is a list of top 10 post-workout RTD protein shakes for you to consider when looking to build lean muscle mass. Now, the flavors have been removed from the equation simply because taste and flavor are very subjective. Therefore, what you will find below is an overview of my top post-workout RTD protein shakes and why I feel each is deserving of being in this top 10 list (in no particular order).
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program, changing your daily nutrition, or adding any supplements to your regimen.
Table of contents
Top 10 Post-Workout RTD Protein Shakes
If you’re looking for post-workout RTD protein shakes, any of the below will absolutely get the job done!
1. Pure Protein Shake
The first of the post-workout RTD protein shakes to make the list is none other than the Pure Protein Shake. What’s not to love about this shake? It’s low in calories, sugar, fat, and carbs while slamming in 35g of protein.
I consider this shake to be on the lighter side in terms of satiety. You’re not going to drink the Pure Protein Shake and then feel full all day which is actually quite nice. It has lighter flavors on the spectrum and due to the lightness, does seem to have a little bit of a “watered-down” taste but it’s still one of the best post-workout RTD protein shakes (or any time of day protein shake to be honest).
2. Nature’s Best Zero Carb Isopure
While I consider this one of the cleanest, if not THE cleanest shake on the list, I will say upfront that the shake does leave behind somewhat of a texture left in your mouth as well as a mucus-like feeling in the back of your throat. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Matt, that sounds horrible. Why would anyone want to drink that then?” Well, the answer is because of the taste and profile.
This Zero Carb Isopure beverage is among the top post-workout RTD protein shakes because it contains 40g of whey protein isolate without any fat, carbohydrates, sugar, or lactose – so those who are lactose intolerant, you’ll thoroughly enjoy this beverage without any side effects associated with milk-based protein shakes.
Being that there are no carbs in the product, you can either add a source of your choice post-workout or maintain a low-carb diet by not adding any carbs following a workout at all – it’s completely up to you.
3. MET-Rx RTD51
The MET-Rx RTD51 is the “big boy” of the post-workout RTD protein shakes on our list. Providing a whopping 51g of protein per can, this is a shake that will fill you up. Many even consider the RTD51 to be more like a meal replacement rather than a protein shake.
Profile on the MET-Rx RTD51 is pretty clean and has around 250 calories and low single-digits for carbs, fat, and sugar. This shake is definitely thicker than some of the other choices on the list. Therefore, if you want something that tastes like a “shake” rather than being the same consistency of water, you’re going to love this RTD.
4. Dymatize ISO-100 Clear
While I’m not a fan of products with a lot of artificial ingredients, the Dymatize ISO-100 Clear contains only around 170 calories per protein shake and, like the Isopure RTD, is a water-based protein shake (instead of milk-based) and made up of whey protein isolate.
This shake goes down smooth and is extremely light. The profile is low in fat and sugar while providing 40g of a quality protein source.
5. Labrada Lean Body
Our next product to make our top post-workout RTD protein shakes is the Labrada Lean Body shake. This is a very smooth and delicious shake that, in my opinion, resembles that of a Muscle Milk (assuming you’ve tried that in the past). It contains 40g of protein and is slightly higher than the other shakes when it comes to macros as it has around 9g of carbohydrates, 9g of fat, and 0g of sugar.
The formulation in the Lean Body has a blend of protein that serves various functions. You have fast-acting whey protein isolate and then you have slower-digesting casein included as well. This provides a time-released effect of dumping amino acids into the system.
6. Muscle Milk
I hate to do this as I was trying to prevent it – but I can’t. The Muscle Milk heading is a placeholder. Why? Because there are two versions of the protein shake that I really like. You have the normal Muscle Milk (available in various sizes) that we are all used to seeing and then we have a Pro Series version.
Each version available has anywhere from 20-40g of protein per serving. They all have a blended protein makeup that consists of both fast and slow-digesting protein. In terms of flavors, I haven’t found one that I didn’t enjoy. They are very creamy and slightly thicker than the pure water-based variety that made our list.
7. Orgain Organic Protein
Surprise! If you couldn’t tell by the name… IT’S ORGANIC. If that’s your thing, you’re going to enjoy this protein shake. While it wouldn’t be one of my top picks for post-workout RTD protein shakes, it’s a solid option for those looking for a cleaner protein shake. Another cool benefit of Orgain? It contains 10 servings of fruits and vegetables!
They use grass-fed milk in the product and each shake has around 16g of protein, 32g of carbohydrates, 7g of fat, and 12g of sugar. If you just read that and have a puzzled look on your face, you’re probably not alone. This is one of the protein shakes that due to the nature of being an all-organic shake does contain a higher number of carbs and sugar. Does that make this product bad? No. It just makes it different and an option for those interested in such a product for their post-workout RTD protein shakes.
8. ABB Pure Pro 50
The ABB Pure Pro 50 and the MET-Rx RTD51 are very similar and can go in the same category of evaluation for this list. It contains 50g of protein, has 2-3g of sugar and fat, and around 9g of carbs. Some people may still say “it’s too high in protein” but I just roll my eyes with those types of comments. If you don’t like the high protein content, then turn it into a two-serving shake.
The protein content of the Pure Pro 50 is along the same line as the RTD51 in that it’s primarily made up of whey protein concentrate and caseinates. It’s not the quickest digesting protein on our list of top post-workout RTD protein shakes, but it will fit the bill if you plugged it in following a grueling workout.
9. Premier Protein
If you go to your favorite local wholesaler, you’ll probably find Premier Protein on the shelves. That being said, many people enjoy the taste while others say it’s “eh” but again, it’s all personal preference. The brand as a whole, however, has been blowing up over the years which is great for them.
Each shake is loaded with 30g of protein, is low in carbs, fat, and sugar, and only contains around 160 calories. Fit this shake in post-workout or any time of day and you’re set. It should also be said that you shouldn’t get confused by the packaging on Premier Protein shakes. Some of their shakes come in a tetra-pak (cardboard container) while others come in a plastic bottle. There are different flavors for both varieties.
10. Evolve
Last, but certainly not least on our list of top post-workout RTD protein shakes is a newcomer of sorts on the scene – Evolve. From the makers of Muscle Milk, Cytosport has launched their very own vegetable and plant-based protein shake. It’s vegan-friendly, contains no artificial flavors, has 20g of protein, 10g of prebiotic fiber, is low in fat and sugar, and has around 19g of carbohydrates.
If you prefer something plant-based, this shake will knock your socks off. They come in some amazingly delicious flavors that can be used post-workout or any time of day where you need to increase your daily protein intake.
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