These protein shakes are dairy free and can be a great way to help you reach your protein goals, especially if you are a vegan or avoid dairy products. In this article, we discuss price, protein source, protein amount and other potential benefits of a variety of protein shakes.
How much protein do you need?
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025, women over the age of 18 should be consuming at least 46 grams of protein daily, while men over the age of 18 should have at least 56 grams.
Ideally, you should aim for 10-35% of your daily calories to come from protein. For most people, especially if you are active, you will want to aim for the higher end of that range.
If you are an active person or an athlete, it’s probably best to aim for 1.2-2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight. For example, if you are 150 lbs, then you should aim for 81-136 grams of protein daily.
It’s also probably best to spread your protein out throughout the day to maximize muscle protein synthesis. Try to aim for greater than 20 grams of protein per meal, 3-4 times per day.
While you can get all the protein you need through food alone, it can be helpful to have a protein shake if you struggle to reach your protein goals through your diet.
Are protein shakes good for you?
Protein shakes can be a wonderful way to help reach your protein goals and can absolutely be part of a healthy diet.
To make a protein shake into a full, balanced meal or snack, try pairing it with a piece of fruit to add some carbohydrates and fiber. This will help add some extra micronutrients and help you stay fuller.
If the protein shake doesn’t provide much fat, adding a scoop of peanut butter or nut butter could also be beneficial.
9 Best Dairy Free Protein Shakes
1. Orgain Organic Vegan Plant Based Nutritional Shake
Orgain was one of the first vegan protein shakes I have ever tried. And it really is a great dairy free protein shake option.
- Amazon Rating: 4.4 out of 5
- Flavors: Chocolate or Vanilla
- Protein Content: 16g per shake
- Type of Protein: Pea Protein, Chia Seeds
- Other Notes: Organic, Vegan, Soy Free, Gluten Free
(affiliate link)
2. Ripple Vegan Protein Shake
Ripple is a great vegan protein shake, perfect for on the go. Plus, it packs in quite a bit of protein, so it’s a good way to help reach your daily protein goals.
- Amazon Rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Flavors: Chocolate, Coffee or Vanilla
- Protein Content: 20g per shake
- Type of Protein: Pea Protein
- Other Notes: Vegan, Soy Free, Gluten Free, Nut Free
(affiliate link)
3. Evolve Plant Based Protein Shake
Evolve is a great high fiber protein shake option if you are looking to build lean muscle while also improving your gut health.
- Amazon Rating: 4.3 out of 5
- Flavors: Chocolate, Chocolate Caramel or Vanilla
- Protein Content: 20g per shake
- Type of Protein: Pea Protein
- Other Notes: No Artificial Sweeteners, Vegan, 10g of Fiber
(affiliate link)
4. Ensure 100% Plant-Based Vegan Protein Nutrition Shake
Ensure has a variety of meal replacement and protein shake products. This vegan protein shake is a great option if you like Ensure and are looking for a plant based option.
- Amazon Rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Flavors: Chocolate or Vanilla
- Protein Content: 20g per shake
- Type of Protein: Pea Protein, Fava Bean Protein
- Other Notes: Vegan, Soy Free, Gluten Free
(affiliate link)
5. OWYN 100% Vegan Plant-Based Protein Shakes
OWYN is a great brand and offers a variety of products ranging from protein shakes to pancake mix. Plus, it has a wide variety of flavors.
- Amazon Rating: 4.4 out of 5
- Flavors: Coffee, Cookies & Creamless, Dark Chocolate, Smooth Vanilla or Strawberry Banana
- Protein Content: 20g per shake
- Type of Protein: Pea Protein, Pumpkin Seed Protein
- Other Notes: Vegan, Soy Free, Gluten Free, Egg Free, Peanut Free, Tree Nut Free, No Sugar Alcohols, No Stevia, Contains Vegan Omega-3s
(affiliate link)
6. ALOHA Organic Plant Based Coconut Ready to Drink Protein Shake
ALOHA is a great plant based protein shake option for those who are vegan or just looking to avoid dairy products.
- Amazon Rating: 4.2 out of 5
- Flavors: Chocolate Sea Salt, Coconut, Vanilla or Iced Coffee
- Protein Content: 18g per shake
- Type of Protein: Pea Protein, Brown Rice Protein
- Other Notes: Fair Trade, MCT Oil, No Stevia, Prebiotics, Electrolytes
(affiliate link)
7. Pirq Vegan Protein Shake
Pirq has a variety of unique vegan protein shakes with ingredients that can help improve health and provide additional benefits.
- Amazon Rating: 4.4 out of 5
- Flavors: Chocolate, Caramel Coffee or Vanilla
- Protein Content: 12g per shake
- Type of Protein: Pea Protein, Brown Rice Protein
- Other Notes: Contains Curcumin, Maca and Almonds, Keto, No Added Sugar, Vegan, Soy Free, Gluten Free
(affiliate link)
8. Apres Plant-Based Protein Shake
Apres is a great tasting plant based protein shake option and is offered in a variety of fun flavors so you can always mix it up.
- Amazon Rating: 4.3 out of 5
- Flavors: Coffee, Mint Chocolate, Sea Salt Chocolate or Vanilla
- Protein Content: 15g per shake
- Type of Protein: Pea Protein, Chia Seeds, Hemp Protein
- Other Notes: Vegan, Gluten Free, Soy Free
(affiliate link)
9. Koia Ready To Drink Plant Protein Shakes
Koia offers a variety of ready to drink plant protein shakes in many flavor combinations. Plus, they use chickpea protein which is unique.
- Amazon Rating: 4.3 out of 5
- Flavors: Vanilla Bean, Cocoa Bean, Chocolate Banana, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Horchata, Cold Brew Coffee
- Protein Content: 18g per shake
- Type of Protein: Pea Protein, Brown Rice Protein, Chickpea Protein
- Other Notes: Vegan, Soy Free, Gluten Free
(affiliate link)
What is the best budget dairy free protein shake?
The cheapest dairy free protein shake of the line up is the Ripple Vegan Protein Shake, which is $25.99 for a 12 pack ($2.17 per shake). Close follow ups are the Orgain Vegan Nutritional Shake and Pirq Vegan Protein Shake, which are $26.39 and $26.99 for a 12 pack, respectively.
Overall, the prices for these protein shakes don’t differ significantly, but if you are on a budget, I would stay away from the Koia Plant Protein Shakes, which are almost $55 for a 12 pack.
What is the best tasting dairy free protein shake?
My personal favorite is the Apres Plant-Based Protein Shake. It’s super smooth and doesn’t have that grainy vegan protein taste (if you know what I’m talking about). Plus, they offer a variety of great tasting flavors. Cold Brew Latte is my favorite!
That being said, we all have preferences, so I encourage you to try out all of these dairy free protein shakes so you can find the one you enjoy the most. Some stores offer individual shakes so you can mix and match instead of purchasing a whole pack of one brand.
