How to Make Protein Shakes Taste Better

📌 Overview and Key Takeaways

This is a Dietitian’s guide on how to make protein shakes taste better.

Discover 5 easy ways to improve the flavor and texture of protein shakes.

Last Updated
Jan 31, 2026

Author and Medical Reviewer

Written by Jack, CNC

Jack is a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Nutrition Coach.

5 Ways to Make Delicious Protein Shakes

Why Does My Protein Shake Taste Bad?

Most protein shakes taste bad.

In fact, most protein shakes taste outright awful.

And if you do not like how your protein shake tastes, my first suggestion is to find a new protein shake.

This may seem like silly advice, but delicious protein supplements do exist.

In order to find one, however, you have to know what to avoid.

Protein Concentrates and Isolates

Most protein shakes taste bad because they are made from protein concentrates and isolates.

Unlike whole foods, concentrates and isolates have been stripped of fats, carbs, etc.

In other words, they taste like chalk because all of the tasty nutrients were removed!

Sugar Substitutes

Many protein shakes also have a bitter aftertaste because they are sweetened with sugar substitutes, not real sugar.

Sugar substitutes like sucralose and stevia activate bitter taste receptors in addition to sweet taste receptors (Genes Nutr, 2014).

Flavorings

Many protein shakes are flavored with artificial or natural flavorings, which often have a chemical aftertaste.

Insoluble Fiber

Some protein shakes, particularly plant-based protein shakes, are gritty because of their insoluble fiber content.

Generally speaking, the more insoluble fiber a protein shake contains, the grittier it is.

The grittiest protein powders tend to be those made with seeds (chia, hemp, pumpkin, etc.).

That said, I understand that you might not be able to afford a new protein shake at this time, or that you are not ready to try something new until you have finished what you already have.

If this is the case, continue reading.

How Do I Make My Protein Shake Taste Better?

If you are dissatisfied with how your protein shake tastes, try the following:

1. Mix it with milk. If you are making a homemade protein shake with protein powder, use milk, not water. Milk improves the texture and curbs the bitter aftertaste of sugar substitutes.
2. Use a blender: If your protein shake is too gritty, use a good blender, Electric Mixer or Shaker Bottle (with a whisk).
3. Add ice or frozen fruit: If your protein shake is too watery, add ice cubes or a frozen banana.
4. Add cocoa powder: If your protein shake is too sweet, try adding something bitter like unsweetened cocoa powder.
5. Try a recipe. If you cannot, despite your best efforts, make your protein shake taste good, consider finding another use for your protein powder. Mixing it in oatmeal or adding it to baked goods are two great options. Check out these high protein recipes for inspiration.

Note that if you are drinking a ready-to-drink protein shake, and do not like how it tastes, I highly recommend that you start making your own protein shakes with protein powder instead.

Protein powder is versatile, and you can adjust the amount of liquid/powder until you find a ratio that works for you.

Sources

1. Genes & Nutrition (Genes Nutr). Genetic signature of differential sensitivity to stevioside in the Italian population. 2014.

Editorial Guidelines

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This article was written by a Registered Dietitian and reviewed by a Physician Assistant. We rely on peer-reviewed research and trusted medical sources, and regularly update our content to ensure accuracy and clarity.