Grab-and-Go Protein Shakes

Halfway between regular almond milk and a protein shake, this vegan-friendly hybrid is one of our new faves. Despite its protein-packed namesake ingredient, normal almond milk is relatively void of the muscle-building nutrient (it generally has around one gram), which can be a problem for dairy-avoiding vegetarians and vegans. This kind, however, gets blended with pea protein to help you meet your daily requirements. Just be sure to shake the container before you pour; the protein powder separates.

Soy milk is both the source of protein in this fruity shake and the first ingredient, followed closely by banana puree. The complex carbs from the fruit give you sustained energy, plenty of potassium and a deliciously creamy bottled shake. The dessert-like flavor gets high praises from fans of this brand, but it's in a dead heat with other drool-worthy flavors like Spiced Chai and Cappuccino.

Although we tend to favor plant-based proteins, Stonyfield produces a quality option for the milk-loving crowd. Low-fat milk and milk protein concentrate drive both the sugar and protein content, and we can't scoff at the 1:1 protein to sugar ratio when most companies struggle to get close to 1:2. You won't find any fancy flavors here, but the chocolate, vanilla and strawberry they do offer should be enough to satisfy most cravings.

Sweetened with a touch of stevia, this is a new breed of protein shake, made primarily of hydrating coconut water. Grass-fed milk protein supplies more protein than three eggs–for a fraction of the morning prep time. If you need your fuel with caffeine-derived focus, they offer a coffee flavor that uses plenty of joe–in fact, it's the second ingredient.

Rather than raising hell in the locker room with your load shaker bottle, throw one of these in your gym bag for post-pump recovery. Electrolyte-rich coconut water rehydrates you while the nutrients in milk proteins replenish glycogen stores and help muscles recover. After a particular strenuous workout, pair it with a piece of fruit to boost health carbs available for your body's recovery.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

This shake is a surprisingly good option–especially considering the low quality of some of Special K's cereals. Whereas some of their cereal boxes are loaded with plain sugar, the sugar counts on these bottles include natural lactose from the nonfat milk base. Grab the malted chocolate flavor for a classic dessert-inspired treat that will fill you up instead of leaving you with a sugar crash.

This shake attacks hunger, not your blood sugar, so it's a great option in a pinch. Don't rely on this one regularly, though. The combination of whey protein and use of carrageenan can cause bloating in those with sensitive stomachs.

The classic weight-loss shake got an additional injection of protein, doubling the old amount while slashing sugar content. The newest version of the long-lived shake comes in creamy vanilla and milk chocolate, so you'll have to go with lower protein if you want something more creative like cappuccino. The key to the best tasting shake possible: always chill it thoroughly.

Though we're not huge fans of some of the filler ingredients, like carrageenan, we love that this shake packs 17 grams of vegan plant-based protein into a container that can be thrown in your work or gym bag. The heft of essential minerals is a bonus when you're on the go and don't have time to sit down to a balanced meal.