One of the worst things about protein shakes and shakers is the lumps. You put a scoop into your shaker, fill it up with water and give it a good shake. But it seems no matter how hard or long you shake it for, it just won’t mix properly. It doesn’t matter what kind of protein powder you use or what other supplements you stick in there, like carb powders and such. The stuff will not mix and you’re left with a thick, lumpy shake that can often make you gag.
Some protein powder, particularly the unflavoured ones, can taste vile. You just want to get them down your gullet as fast as humanly possible before your body actually tastes it. Huge, thick lumps can make this task a hundred times harder. If you’ve got a weak stomach, just the thought of these lumps are enough to make you gag and feel queazy. Gagging and feeling queazy are two of the last feelings or ailments you want when you’re about to train hard.
The second biggest problem with protein shakers is that for the most part they are cheaply made and not durable enough. Raise your hand if you’ve ever shaken up a protein shake, only for the lid to flip off and the precious liquid to fly all over the walls.
But if you’re training hard, using protein powders and protein bottle shakers are almost unavoidable. So you’re going to need the best protein shaker. You’re going to need a shaker that doesn’t open up as you’re shaking it or when it’s stored in your gym bag. You’re going to need a shaker that is actually capable of mixing your protein powder into a lump-less shake, no matter which powder you’re using.
The Best Protein Blender Bottle
We’ve found five such protein shakers that fit the bill and listed them below, in no particular order.
BlenderBottle Classic Loop-Top
- 20-ounce capacity (note: measurements only go to 12 ounces) shaker cup for mixing protein shakes, smoothies, and supplements
- Patented mixing system uses 316 surgical-grade stainless steel blender ball wire whisk found only in blenderbottle brand Shaker bottles
- Screw-on lid creates leak-proof seal, and flip cap snaps securely shut to keep contents contained; loop top for easy carrying or attaching keys
- Wide mouth makes it easy to add mix scoops and liquids, and embossed markings measure both ounces and milliliters
- BPA and phthalate-free, dishwasher safe; manufacturer’s Limited Lifetime warranty
As you can guess from the name, this is the classic BlenderBottle. Like the rest of the BlenderBottle range, it’s a sturdy protein shaker that features a metal hollow ball inside. This metal ball looks and acts a lot like a whisk does to mix the powder with your chosen liquid to produce the smoothest shake possible.
The Loop-Top technology keeps the lid and spurt locked firmly in place until you want to open it and drink it. No unfortunate accidents with the top opening up before you’re ready.
Customisation is the name of the game with this product with around 30 different colour options to choose from and three sizes; 20 ounce, 28 ounce and 32 ounce.
GNC Pro Performance Blender Bottle 28 Ounce
Most of the shaker bottles with the wire mixing ball are made by the company BlenderBottle so of course most of this list details different BlenderBottle products available to buy. But GNC also make a stellar product that will give you a secure, spill-proof shaker with great mixing ability.
GNC claim that their blender bottle is 100% spill proof so you won’t be covering your walls or your face with protein shake nor protein powder.
BlenderBottle SportMixer Titan Grip
- BlenderBall wire whisk inside (316 surgical-grade stainless steel)
- Made of stain and odor resistant durable Eastman Tritan plastic
- 20-ounce capacity (to the brim of the cup). NOTE: measurements only go to 17 ounces
- Dishwasher safe, BPA- and phthalate-free
- Convenient SportLoop makes it easy to carry anywhere
If you like to run, exercise on the go, or just like to have your shaker/water bottle close to hand all times, then this is the BlenderBottle for you. The SportMixer can be used as both a protein shaker and a water bottle without having to sacrifice utility either way.
It’s constructed with thicker plastic than some of the other more standard models so it’s more likely to withstand damage if you drop it whilst jogging, etc.
Many people use this bottle with dual purpose; as a protein shaker and a water bottle, just by taking out the wire mixing ball when it isn’t needed.
The rubberised SportsGrip allows you to carry it anywhere easily and have a firm, tight grip on the bottle whilst running.
It can be purchased in sizes of both 20 ounces and 28 ounces, depending on your individual needs.
BlenderBottle Pro45 Extra Large Shaker
- 45-ounce capacity (Note: measurements only go to 34 ounces)
- 50% heavier than the standard Blenderball, the 12-Gauge powers through thicker, higher-volume shakes
- Adjustable carry loop for added portability and SpoutGuard protects spout from dirty gym fingers
- Perfect for the thickest protein shakes, smoothies, pancake batter, and more
- Dishwasher safe, BPA and phthalate-free
Some people in the gym have absolute monster protein shakes. Two or three scoops of protein minimum, a scoop of carbohydrate powder, powdered greens, maybe a teaspoon or two of peanut butter and god knows what else. If you’re one such person, you know that the standard size of protein shakers don’t allow for this kind of endeavour.
You might be able to cram all of that in there but you won’t be able to also fill it with water and mix it together adequately. You’ll end up trying to sip a yoghurt-like concoction in the weight room. Gross.
But again, if you’re one of these guys, you should buy this larger BlenderBottle. It has all the same benefits and features of the classic model, but just bigger. You’ll be able to chuck whatever your sick mind can dream up in this bottle and still have room for enough water so that it mixes down well into a nice thickness and texture.
Or even if you like to sip water whilst working out but don’t want to have to keep refilling it every 5 minutes, this bottle is for you.
BlenderBottle ProTak 22 Ounce
- ProStak system adds storage capacity for powders, pills, supplements and more
- Includes 22 oz capacity (measurement markings to 16 oz) BlenderBottle, 150 cc jar, 100 cc jar, pill organizer and patented BlenderBall wire whisk
- Interlocking jars can be used with or without the Bottle; expand capacity with additional jars sold separately
- Leak-proof SureSeal flip cap, secure screw-on lid and loop top
- Top rack dishwasher safe, BPA-free, Phthalate-free
This model features both the patented BlenderBottle wire whisk and the Loop-Top spurt technology found on the classic model, but with one major difference.
BlenderBottle only offer this model in a smaller 22 ounce bottle for a reason; added storage capability.
It comes with two circular container screws into the bottom the bottle so you can store supplement pills and powders in the bottom until you need them. No having to carry around separate storage containers, just click them all into one device. The first jar is 150cc and the second is 100cc, so plenty of room for everything.
There is even pill organiser partition system so you can keep your supplements separate from each other within the same jar.
Like the classic model, you have almost 30 different colour options to select.
Overall
A good, solid protein shaker is something that should always have a firm place in any trainees gym bag. Protein shakes can be beneficial to almost every single sport you can think of, not just BJJ, MMA and weight-lifting.
So set yourself up from the get go with the best protein shaker money can buy.