How to Make Protein Shakes Taste Better: A Nutrition Coach’s Guide

📌 Overview and Key Takeaways

This is a Certified Nutrition Coach’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
Jul 23, 2026

Author and Medical Reviewer

Written by Jack, CNC

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

Disclaimer: This communication is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before making changes to your diet.

5 Ways to Make Delicious Protein Shakes

Why Does My Protein Shake Taste Bad?

Your protein shake likely tastes bad because of the ingredients used to make it.

This might seem like silly advice, but if you do not like how your shake tastes, my first suggestion is to find a new one.

Delicious protein shakes and powders do exist, and to find one, you just need to know which ingredients to avoid.

Below are the most common ingredients that make protein shakes taste bad.

Protein Concentrates and Isolates

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

Unlike whole foods, concentrates and isolates have been processed to remove most of their fat and carbohydrates, which gives them a chalky aftertaste. 

Sugar Substitutes

Many protein shakes have a bitter aftertaste because they are sweetened with sugar substitutes rather than real sugar.

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

It is important to note that individual sensitivity to these sweeteners varies from person to person.

Added Flavorings

Many protein shakes are made with artificial or natural flavorings, which some people find have a chemical aftertaste.

Insoluble Fiber

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

Insoluble fiber is a type of fiber that does not dissolve in water.

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, such as chia, hemp, and pumpkin.

How Do I Make My Protein Shake Taste Better?

If you cannot afford to buy a new protein shake or powder right now, or if you are committed to finishing what you already have, try the following: 

1. Mix it with milk. If you are making a homemade protein shake with protein powder, use milk instead of water. Milk can improve the texture and help mask 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, such as unsweetened cocoa powder.
5. Try a recipe. If you cannot make your protein shake taste good despite your best efforts, consider finding another use for your protein powder. Mixing it into oatmeal or adding it to baked goods are two great options. Check out our protein powder recipes for inspiration.

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

Protein powder is more versatile, and you can adjust liquid to powder ration until you find one 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 Certified Nutrition Coach and reviewed by a Registered Dietitian. We rely on peer-reviewed research and trusted medical sources, and regularly update our content to ensure accuracy and clarity.