7 Best Protein Shakes for Kids: Build Strong Bodies
Fuel their growth: Nourish your child's potential with the best protein shakes for kids
Updated November 28, 2024.
Every parent wants to give their child the best start, including nourishing them with the right foods. While a diet packed with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is essential, there may be times when a protein shake can offer an extra nutritional boost.
This guide will help you understand when, why, and how to introduce protein shakes into your child's routine to ensure they receive the best nourishment.
» Choose a nutritious way to boost your kid's protein with a shake
Meet the Expert
Staci, a registered dietitian since 2010, has treated hundreds of patients for nutrition-related issues, ranging from weight management, diabetes, heart health, and renal health to long-term care, rehab nutrition, and bariatric surgery nutrition.
Our Pick: Best Protein Shakes for Kids
- Best overall protein shake: Else Nutrition Ready to Drink Nutritional Shake
- Best protein shake for muscle growth: Boost Kid Essentials
- Best protein shake for dairy allergies: Compleat Pediatric
- Best protein shake for brain health: Enfagrow NeuroPro Toddler Nutritional Drink
- Best protein shake for picky eaters: Orgain Organic Kids Nutritional Protein Shake
- Best weight-gaining protein shake: Pediasure Grow & Gain With Immune Support
- Best protein shake with added nutrients: Kate Farms Pediatric Standard 1.2
Best overall protein shake for kids
1
Outstanding
10
Else Nutrition Plant-Powered Complete Nutrition Shake
The perfect pick-me-up for growing kids
Best protein shake for kids for muscle growth
2
Excellent
9.7
Boost Kid Essentials
A tasty boost for active kids
Best protein shake for kids with dairy allergies
3
Great
9.5
Compleat® Pediatric Standard 1.0
Fuel their adventures
Show more
What Are Kids' Nutritional Needs?
Children's nutritional needs change a lot as they grow, requiring careful attention to caloric and protein intake. Here are the essential daily requirements that parents should understand:
- Young toddlers aged 1–3 years require approximately 1,000 calories daily, with protein needs averaging 13 grams daily to support healthy development.
- Children aged 4–8 typically need between 1,200 and 1,400 calories daily, with increased protein requirements of about 19 grams.
- Highly active children or those involved in sports may need an extra 200–400 calories daily to maintain their energy levels and support physical activity.
Recent research from 2024 indicates that protein quality matters as much as quantity, with plant-based proteins showing particular benefits for developing healthy gut bacteria in children. [1]
» Find out what every parent needs to know about nutrition
When to Consider Protein Shakes
Protein shakes can be helpful for kids in many situations:
- Parents with busy schedules can use protein shakes as a reliable way to ensure their kids receive enough protein when time constraints limit meal prep.
- Children who consistently show picky eating behaviors may benefit from protein shakes as a supplemental source of nutrition when they struggle to meet their dietary needs through whole foods alone.
- Athletes and very active little ones might require additional protein support to maintain their energy levels and support muscle development during intense physical activity.
- Kids following specialized diets, such as vegetarian or vegan lifestyles, may need supplemental protein to meet their daily requirements, making plant-based protein shakes an excellent option.
- Children experiencing medical conditions affecting their ability to consume or digest whole foods might find protein shakes easier to tolerate, though this should always be discussed with healthcare providers.
» Does your child need a weight-gaining shake? Find out more
7 Best Protein Shakes for Kids
Best overall protein shake for kids
1
Outstanding
10
Else Nutrition Plant-Powered Complete Nutrition Shake
The perfect pick-me-up for growing kids
Price
$9.99 for a 4 pack
Age
2+ years
Protein per serving
9g
Why it's a top pick
Else Nutrition's whole-food approach, combined with minimal processing and rigorous testing for over 400 contaminants, provides parents peace of mind while delivering comprehensive nutrition.
The fact that it meets such a high percentage of daily iron needs while keeping sugar content low at just 5g makes it an exceptional choice for supporting children's growth and development.
Plus it tastes great!
Pros and cons
Whole-food, minimally processed
Free from common allergens like dairy, soy, and gluten
Contains 25 vitamins and minerals
High iron content
Not suitable for nut allergies
Best protein shake for kids for muscle growth
2
Excellent
9.7
Boost Kid Essentials
Price
$50.62 for a 24 pack
Age
1+ years
Protein per serving
7g
Why it's a top pick
Boost Kid Essentials delivers a powerful punch with its flexible calorie options. The customizable nature of this drink, either 240 or 360 calories per serving, lets parents tailor intake based on their child's specific growth needs.
Its protein content, ranging from 7–10g per serving, makes it effective for supporting muscle development during crucial growth periods.
Pros and cons
Kosher and gluten-free certification
No artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners
Good source of calcium
Not suitable for those with milk allergies
Higher sugar content
Best protein shake for kids with dairy allergies
3
Great
9.5
Compleat® Pediatric Standard 1.0
Price
$99.98 for a 24 pack
Age
1–13 years
Protein per serving
8g
Why it's a top pick
Through its innovative use of pea protein and careful formulation without common allergens, Compleat Pediatric provides a safe option for children with multiple food sensitivities while still delivering comprehensive nutrition through its comprehensive vitamin and mineral profile.
Pros and cons
Available in two calorie levels
Contains 27 vitamins and minerals
Only 6g of sugar per serving
Only available in bulk
Limited flavor options
Best protein shake for brain health for kids
4
Very good
9.4
Enfagrow® NeuroPro™ Toddler Nutritional Drink
Price
$18.99 for a pack of 6
Age
1+ years
Protein per serving
6g
Why it's a top pick
By incorporating DHA and dual prebiotics, Enfagrow NeuroPro Toddler takes a holistic approach to child development. It recognizes the crucial connection between gut health and brain function while maintaining the familiar taste of real milk that children readily accept.
Pros and cons
Contains dual prebiotics for gut health
Includes DHA for brain development
No artificial growth hormones
Higher sugar content (11g)
Not suitable for milk allergies
Best protein shake for picky kids
5
Impressive
9.3
Orgain Kids Protein Organic Nutrition Shake
Price
$29.99 for a pack of 12
Age
2+ years
Protein per serving
8g
Why it's a top pick
Orgain Organic Kids tackles the challenge of feeding picky eaters through its thoughtfully crafted flavor profile.
The variety of options, including chocolate fudge, fruity cereal, vanilla, and strawberry, transforms the typically mundane task of nutritional supplementation into an enjoyable experience that kids actually look forward to, while still maintaining high nutritional standards with organic ingredients.
Pros and cons
Contains grass-fed milk protein
Organic ingredients
Includes 3g of fiber
Not suitable for milk allergies
Only contains 10 nutrients
Best weight-gaining protein shake for kids
6
Good
9.1
PediaSure Grow & Gain
Price
$44.46 for a pack of 24
Age
2–13 years
Protein per serving
7g
Why it's a top pick
For children needing to gain weight, Pediasure Grow & Gain offers a solution that goes beyond just calories.
This shake combines concentrated nutrition with immune support through antioxidants and brain development support via DHA, creating a multi-faceted approach to healthy weight gain that parents can feel confident about.
Pros and cons
Four flavor varieties
Includes DHA for brain health
High calorie content for weight gain
Not suitable for milk and soy allergies
Contains artificial sweeteners
Best nutrient-dense protein shake for kids
7
Noteworthy
9
Kate Farms Pediatric Standard 1.2
Price
$51 for a 12 pack
Age
1–13 years
Protein per serving
12 g
Why it's a top pick
Kate Farms Pediatric Standard 1.2 includes an impressive array of phytonutrients from organic sources like broccoli, green tea, and turmeric.
This provides not just basic nutrition but a full spectrum of beneficial plant compounds, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking comprehensive nutritional support for their children.
Pros and cons
Contains unique phytonutrients
Free from common allergens
High protein content
Costly compared with options
Higher sugar content
Choosing the Right Protein Shake
When selecting a protein shake for your child, consider these key factors:
- The protein concentration should be appropriate for your child's age and weight, as excessive protein intake can cause harm to developing systems.
- While common, whey and casein proteins may not be suitable for children with dairy allergies or sensitivities, and soy options might also be problematic. Consider buckwheat, almond, pea, rice, or hemp protein as well-tolerated alternatives.
- Plant-based options often provide additional benefits beyond protein, including fiber and essential nutrients supporting overall health and digestive wellness.
- Look for products without artificial sweeteners, excessive sugars, or unnecessary additives that could affect your child's health or behavior.
- The shake should have undergone third-party testing for quality and safety assurance.
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Tips and Considerations for Success
To safely introduce protein shakes into your child's diet:
- Start Slow: Introduce protein shakes gradually, offering small amounts to assess tolerance and acceptance.
- Supplement, Not Replace: Use protein shakes as a complement to meals, not a replacement. Prioritize whole food consumption.
- Monitor Response: After introducing protein shakes, monitor your child's energy levels, digestion, and overall health.
- Track Protein Intake: Ensure you're not exceeding the recommended daily protein intake for your child's age and weight.
- Safe Storage and Preparation: Store and prepare protein shakes according to manufacturer instructions to maintain safety and nutritional value.
- Regular Check-ins: Consult with healthcare providers to ensure protein shake supplementation's continued appropriateness and benefit.
» Check out these healthy alternatives to PediaSure
Potential Risks and Considerations
Parents should be aware of several important considerations:
- Excessive protein intake can strain developing kidneys and lead to dehydration if not properly balanced with adequate fluid intake. [2]
- Over-reliance on protein shakes might discourage children from developing healthy eating habits with whole foods.
- Some commercial protein shakes contain ingredients that may not be suitable for children, such as certain herbs or stimulants.
While there are important health considerations, protein shakes can be a valuable tool in a child's nutrition if used mindfully.
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The Plant-Based Advantage
Whether your child is a picky eater or a budding athlete, protein shakes can be a smart addition to their daily nutrition. Today's parents have more options than ever, and plant-based protein shakes are emerging as a standout choice. Their gentle digestibility and extra nutrients make them an excellent supplement for all kids—from vegans to omnivores alike.
Think of them as adding another color to your child's nutritional rainbow: they complement rather than replace other protein sources, offering unique benefits that can enhance any diet.
» Support your child's growth and development with a protein boost
The content and advice provided in this article are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice for specific medical conditions. Always consult a pediatrician to understand the individual needs of your child.