Are Protein Shakes Good for You?
Most Americans get plenty of protein. But that hasn’t hampered interest in this important macronutrient: In 2024, protein supplement sales in the U.S. increased by 9%, according to the market-research firm Statista.
A lot of that supplemental protein gets blitzed into shakes. But are protein shakes actually healthy?
Benefits of protein shakes
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If you’re concerned you’re not getting enough protein, shakes offer a simple, convenient way to get more. That’s a boon especially if you don’t have a ton of time to make and eat breakfast or to prepare a refueling snack after a workout, says registered dietitian Amy Bragagnini, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Consuming protein after a workout is especially important if you’re looking to build muscle, and shakes are hydrating and easy to drink in the hour or so afterward when your body is most receptive to the nutrient, according to the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
Shakes can’..