Best Protein Drink For Elderly 2023: Top 7 Products Reviewed
Reviewed by Brittany Ferri, PhD
A team of qualified and experienced fact-checkers carefully reviews our content before it is published on our website. At MIDSS, we rely on the latest and most reliable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the end of each article. We also do not accept plagiarised and misleading content from our authors and contributors. Read more about our fact check and editorial process.
We include products that we believe will be of use to our readers. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of the links on this page, we may receive a small commission. This is our advertising disclaimer.
As we age, our bodies experience a gradual decline in muscle mass and strength, making it essential to maintain a healthy diet that includes an adequate amount of protein. Protein is necessary for maintaining muscle mass, and a lack of it can lead to a decline in overall health. Protein supplementation, on the other hand, can help seniors age smoothly and healthily.
However, some elderly people may have difficulty meeting their daily protein requirements[1] due to various reasons, such as decreased appetite or difficulty in chewing and swallowing. In such cases, protein drinks can be a convenient and effective way to supplement their protein intake. In this article, we will review some options that could be the best protein drink for elderly seniors in 2023.
7 Best Protein Drink For Elderly & Seniors In 2023
- Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 50+ – Editor’s Choice
- Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate – Best Variety
- ALOHA Protein Drink – Best Plant-Based Protein Drink
- Orgain Clean Protein Drink – Best Grass-Fed Whey Protein
- Ladder Plant-Based Nutrition Shake – Best For Bone & Digestive Health
- Body Fortress High Protein Shake – Best For High-Protein Content
- BOOST High Protein Drink – Best For Meal Replacement
Should Seniors Use Protein Drinks?
Protein drinks can be a useful supplement for seniors who are not able to meet their protein requirements through their regular diet. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics[2], seniors are often lacking the protein they need to maintain muscle mass and function. Protein drinks can help ensure that seniors are getting the essential amino acids they need to support their overall health.
However, protein needs may vary depending on individual factors such as activity level, health status, and medication use. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before adding any protein supplements to your diet.
Best Protein Drink For Elderly & Seniors In 2023
Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 50+
The most reliable option, this is safe for most allergies, contains no sugar, and is rigorously tested by a third party. Unfortunately, it is expensive and comes with few servings.
- Third-party tested
- Free shipping
- Non-GM, vegan, soy-free, gluten-free
- Subscription discounts
- Once daily
- Somewhat expensive
- Few servings in each container
- Powder form requires mixing
Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 50+ is the best protein drink for the elderly in 2023. It is third-party tested, non-GMO, vegan, soy-free, gluten-free, and free from sugar. Unlike some powdered forms of protein drinks, it only requires one serving each day.
Although it is somewhat expensive and has a few servings in each container, it offers subscription discounts. This is an excellent option for seniors who prioritize quality and safety.
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
A fun, flavorful whey protein brand, Transparent Labs uses every part of its completely grass-fed whey. It does also have high cholesterol and stevia sweeteners, though.
- No added sugar
- Full whey protein, not isolate
- Four flavor options
- Entirely natural
- High cholesterol
- Fairly expensive
- Sweetened with stevia
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is entirely natural and has four flavor options. It contains no added sugar and is a full whey protein, not an isolate.
However, it has high cholesterol and is fairly expensive. It is also sweetened with stevia, which may lead many people to dislike the taste and can upset sensitive stomachs. For seniors who need more calories, the sweetening and cholesterol might actually be helpful.
ALOHA Protein Drink
ALOHA is ideal for sensitive digestive systems. It’s packed with iron as well as protein. However, it does require multiple doses per day.
- Organic, vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free
- High iron content
- Prebiotics for gut health
- Not too expensive
- Some premixed options
- Sweetened with fruit, not sugar or stevia
- Powdered drinks need to be taken multiple times a day
- Contains hemp seed which may fail drug tests
ALOHA Protein Drink is an organic, vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free option. It contains prebiotics for gut health and also has a high iron content. It is sweetened with fruit instead of sugar or stevia, making it easier on sensitive stomachs.
However, although it is not too expensive, the powdered drinks need to be taken multiple times a day. It also contains hemp seed, which may fail drug tests. Most seniors are retired and not subject to drug tests, but it’s worth keeping in mind.
Orgain Clean Protein Drink
Orgain is a convenient, good-tasting drink. It’s also organic, and you can choose a vegan option. For the price, though, the service can be a little unreliable.
- Organic
- Premixed
- Good taste
- Vegan options
- Somewhat expensive
- Hard to reach customer service
- Sometimes unreliable shipping
Orgain Clean Protein Drink is an organic option with a good taste. Some of its products are vegan, and it’s premixed, not a powder. It is an excellent choice for seniors who prioritize taste and convenience.
However, it is somewhat expensive. Shipping can also be unreliable at times, and customer service is usually hard to reach. If a lack of reliability and support frustrates you, this might not be the right choice.
Ladder Plant-Based Nutrition Shake
This is definitely a good option for vegans. Although the powder is less convenient, the small single-serve packaging is a good touch, and subscription options help you keep up-to-date.
- Option for on-the-go packets
- Vegan
- Discount for subscription options
- Very expensive
- Powder form requires mixing
Ladder Plant-Based Nutrition Shake is one of the best vegan options on the market. You can buy this brand in single-serving, portable packages. Dissolve one package in water for one drink – on the go! It’s a clever idea that sets them apart from the competition.
It’s still not as simple and easy as a premixed drink, though. This shake is also very expensive, but it does come with a subscription discount to help you save what money you can.
Body Fortress High Protein Shake
This drink is packed with the most protein of any of them, as well as immune support mixtures and some crucial vitamins and minerals. The taste makes it more difficult to take, though.
- More protein than most others
- Vitamin C, D, and zinc
- Immune support
- Ready to drink, no mixing
- The whey is not grass-fed
- The whey is not grass-fed
Body Fortress High Protein Shake has more protein than most other options, making it ideal for seniors who need more protein in their diets. It is ready to drink, with no mixing required. It also contains vitamins C and D and zinc for immune support.
However, many customers complain about a bad taste or aftertaste. Also, the whey is not grass-fed[3], which studies suggest may make it less effective.
BOOST High Protein Drink
BOOST has a good taste and convenient package. It’s less focused on pure protein and instead contains more fat and calories, which makes it more like a real meal. Unfortunately, it’s sweetened with a fair bit of corn syrup.
- Good taste
- Premixed and easy to use
- More fat and calories – more like a meal
- Low amount of protein
- Corn syrup
BOOST High Protein Drink is an easy-to-use, premixed option that tastes good and has more fat and calories for seniors who need to eat more. When it’s difficult to chew a meal or to work up an appetite for one, BOOST’s product can fill some of those needs – although it is NOT a meal replacement.
However, it has a very low amount of protein compared to other products. It also contains corn syrup, which may hurt sensitive stomachs or just create too sweet a taste.
What Is A Protein Drink?
Protein drinks, also known as nutrition drinks or protein shakes, are supplements that contain a high amount of protein in the form of protein powders or liquids.
They can be made from a variety of protein sources, such as whey, casein, soy, or pea protein, and are available in various flavors. There are also many types of protein shakes, including ready-to-drink bottles, powders that are mixed with water, or shakes made with protein powder and other ingredients.
How Protein Drinks Work
Protein drinks work by providing a concentrated source of protein that can be easily and quickly absorbed by the body. Every person needs protein in order for their body to create, maintain, and repair muscular tissue. It also contains essential amino acids that cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained through the diet. When consumed after exercise, protein drinks can help support muscle recovery and growth.
Benefits Of Protein Drinks For Elderly
Improved Muscle Mass
Protein drinks can help seniors maintain or improve muscle mass, which is crucial for overall health. Protein drinks can help prevent muscle loss in the elderly, which is a common problem that can lead to weakness and frailty.
Increased Strength
Seniors who consume protein drinks regularly may see an increase in their strength levels[4], making it easier to perform daily tasks. When typical activities become difficult due to age, protein may be able to help.
Faster Recovery
Protein drinks can help speed up recovery time after exercise, reducing the risk of injury. Protein drinks can help older adults recover from injuries or surgeries by providing the necessary building blocks for tissue repair.
What To Look For In A Protein Drink For Elderly
When selecting a protein drink for the elderly, it is important to consider factors such as taste, texture, protein content, and potential allergens. You should also look for a product that is easy to digest and has a high-quality protein source.
The best-tasting protein drink may not necessarily be the best option for seniors. Additionally, it’s important to consider any dietary restrictions or allergies when choosing a product. The specific needs of the individual are definitely the most important variable to consider.
Final Thoughts
Protein drinks can be a useful supplement for seniors who are not able to meet their protein requirements through their regular diet. Protein drinks help to supplement seniors’ protein intake, supporting their overall health and well-being. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any supplements to your diet.
When selecting a protein drink, it is helpful to consider factors such as taste, texture, protein content, and any dietary restrictions or allergies. Additionally, look for a high-quality protein source and a product that is easy to digest. Overall, the best protein drinks for seniors are those that meet their individual needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Essential amino acids are amino acids that cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained through the diet. Methionine, histidine, lysine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, tryptophan, phenylalanine, and threonine are the nine essential amino acids that the body needs to function properly.
Yes, protein drinks can be an excellent source of protein, especially for seniors who may have difficulty getting enough from their diets alone. They shouldn’t be your only source of protein, of course.
Seniors are recommended to try to get 1.2 – 1.5 grams[5] per kilogram of body weight per day. At the average weight of 60 kilograms (132 pounds), that’s 70 to 90 grams of protein. Most protein drinks don’t have that much, so they need to be supplemented with other food and drinks.
Protein drinks are generally safe for healthy individuals to consume, but it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider before adding them to your diet. Some products may contain allergens or other ingredients that could be harmful to certain individuals.
+ 5 sources
MIDSS adheres to strict procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutes, and medical associations. We work mainly with peer-reviewed studies to ensure the accuracy of the information. We avoid the use of tertiary references. You can read about how we ensure the accuracy and timeliness of our content in our editorial process.
- Ni Lochlainn, M., Bowyer, R. and Steves, C. (2018). Dietary Protein and Muscle in Aging People: The Potential Role of the Gut Microbiome. Nutrients, [online] 10(7), p.929. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10070929.
- Eatright.org. (2020). Healthy Lifestyles for Healthy Older Adults. [online] Available at: https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/healthful-habits/healthy-weights-for-healthy-older-adults [Accessed 20 Feb. 2023].
- Provenza, F.D., Kronberg, S.L. and Gregorini, P. (2019). Is Grassfed Meat and Dairy Better for Human and Environmental Health? Frontiers in Nutrition, [online] 6. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2019.00026.
- Finger, D., Goltz, F.R., Umpierre, D., Meyer, E., Rosa, L.H.T. and Schneider, C.D. (2014). Effects of Protein Supplementation in Older Adults Undergoing Resistance Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Medicine, [online] 45(2), pp.245–255. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-014-0269-4.
- Bauer, J., Biolo, G., Cederholm, T., Cesari, M., Cruz-Jentoft, A.J., Morley, J.E., Phillips, S., Sieber, C., Stehle, P., Teta, D., Visvanathan, R., Volpi, E. and Boirie, Y. (2013). Evidence-Based Recommendations for Optimal Dietary Protein Intake in Older People: A Position Paper From the PROT-AGE Study Group. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, [online] 14(8), pp.542–559. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2013.05.021.
Latest posts
5 Best Superfoods For Weight Loss 2023: Healthier Diet For You
Why Is Protein Important For Weight Loss? Facts To Know 2023
