Nutritional drink or shake, high protein, ready-to-drink, NFS
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A ready-to-drink, high-protein beverage with an ultra-lean profile, delivering 61 kcal and 6.59g of protein per 100g. It typically has a smooth, creamy, and slightly thick texture, with flavors ranging from vanilla to chocolate. Its nutrition is defined by its high protein-to-calorie ratio and very low carbohydrate and sugar content.
Calorie split: 44% protein · 6% carbs · 51% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its convenience and ability to curb hunger without a heavy calorie load, making it a staple for busy professionals and fitness enthusiasts. Its versatility allows it to be used as a quick breakfast, post-workout recovery drink, or a satisfying snack between meals.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Some find the texture artificial or overly thick, and the taste can be bland or chalky depending on the brand. Those with lactose intolerance or soy allergies should check labels carefully, as many are dairy or soy-based. To mitigate digestive discomfort, try sipping slowly or pairing it with a small amount of fiber-rich food like a piece of fruit.
Key benefits
- Supports muscle recovery and satiety
- Convenient, on-the-go protein source
- Very low in sugar and carbohydrates
- Easy to digest for many individuals
- Useful for calorie-controlled meal replacement
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The first commercial protein shake, 'Proteinex,' was introduced in the 1950s and was originally marketed as a medical food for patients with malnutrition.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 88.6 g |
| Energy | 61.0 kcal |
| Protein | 6.6 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 3.4 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 0.85 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.40 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.60 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 130 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.96 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 44.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 136 mg |
| Potassium, K | 179 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 72.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.85 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.01 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 4.5 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 19.4 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.17 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.19 mg |
| Niacin | 2.4 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.21 mg |
| Folate, total | 39.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 41.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 69.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.60 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 171 ug |
| Retinol | 171 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 4.6 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 4.6 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 1.1 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 6.5 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.51 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.30 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.14 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 2.1 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 2.0 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.04 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.77 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.46 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.22 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 4.0 mg |
FAQ
Is this drink suitable for weight loss?
Yes, its high protein and low calorie content can help promote satiety and reduce overall calorie intake, making it a useful tool for weight management when used as part of a balanced diet.
Can I use this as a meal replacement?
While it can replace a meal in a pinch, it lacks the fiber, vitamins, and minerals of a whole-food meal. It's best used as a supplement or snack rather than a long-term meal replacement.
What's the best time to drink it?
It's most effective post-workout to aid muscle recovery, but it can also be consumed as a mid-morning or afternoon snack to maintain energy levels and prevent overeating.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 0.61 kcal/g · 43% calories from protein · 0.4 g fiber · 0.6 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.40 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.