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Protein Drinks for Seniors: Our 10 Best Picks

By Nivedita DixitLast Updated: Sep 10, 2024
protein drinks for seniors

Protein drinks for seniors are loaded with nutrients. 

These drinks pack the protein content in the form of whey protein, meeting daily protein intake requirements for the body.

Protein-drinks-for-seniors

Protein drinks for the elderly are available off-the-shelf, and you can pick the best from the brands right from the major grocery stores or pharmacies.

Nutritional drinks for seniors with protein at their core are meant to be taken between meals, thereby augmenting the overall protein intake without compromising regular food consumption. 

If you’re a senior and dealing with nutritional deficiencies, pressure injuries, or chronic ailments, we’ve curated a listicle that outlines the best protein drinks for seniors. 

Take a look!

Ensure Enlive

Protein-supplements-for-senior

Ensure Enlive caters especially to those necessitating an additional protein boost. It is one of the best protein supplements for seniors, as it boosts 20 grams of protein per serving. Beyond its amazing protein content, the brand is fortified with plenty of mineral vitamins and antioxidants, fostering holistic health and vigor.

Price: $10.87 (1 Pack of 6 bottles)

Nutritional Information:

Calories350 
Protein20 g 
Fat11 g (14%)
Trans Fat0
Cholesterol 10 mg (3%)
Sodium260 mg (11%)
Carbohydrates 44 g (16%)
Total Sugar20 g

Ingredients: Water, Corn Syrup, Sugar, Milk Protein Concentrate, Sodium Caseinate, Canola Oil, Corn Oil, Soy Protein Isolate, etc.

ProsCons
It’s simple to eat, so elderly people who have trouble swallowing can benefit from it.Comes in a variety of flavors to suit a wide range of palates.May be relatively more expensive compared to other protein supplements.

Target Audience: Elderly individuals who require additional protein intake for maintaining muscle mass and overall health.

Boost High Protein

Protein-Powders-for-Seniors

Boost High Protein is a favorite selection among seniors. It delivers 15 grams of protein per serving and represents an optimum choice for you if you are seeking to augment your protein intake. It is enriched with essential vitamins and minerals, and the drink offers a comprehensive nutritional profile conducive to healthy aging.

Price: $11.44 (1 Pack of 6 bottles)

Nutritional Information:

Protein20g (40%)
Total Fat6g (8%)
Calories250
Cholesterol10 mg (3%)
Sodium 220 mg (10%)
Carbohydrates 28g (10%)
Sugar11g

Ingredients: Water, Glucose Syrup, Milk Protein Concentrate, Sugar, Canola Oil, Soy Protein Isolate, Calcium Caseinate, Stevia Leaf Extract, Cellulose Gel and Gum, etc.  

ProsCons
Rich in vitamins and minerals, it promotes aging in a healthy manner.It is portable and easy to carry with wherever seniors go.Include artificial sweeteners or flavors, which some seniors might not like.

Target Audience: Senior citizens searching for an affordable protein supplement with a well-rounded nutrient profile.

Aloha Chocolate Protein Shake

Protein-drinks-for-elderly

If seniors are inclined towards organic options, then Aloha Chocolate Protein Shake is the best bet. It is loaded with plant-based protein, and the beverage is known for its natural content. Catering to vegetarians and vegans, this drink provides the elderly with high-quality protein sources amid its clean ingredient profile.

Price: $39.99 (1 Pack of 12 bottles)

Nutritional Information:

Protein20g
Total Fat6g
Calories180
Cholesterol0mg
Sodium 360mg
Carbohydrates 11g
Sugar5g

Ingredients: Fair Trade Coconut Milk, Protein Blend, Coconut Sugar, Cocoa, Blue Agave Inulin, Coconut Water, Natural Flavors, Potassium Citrate, Sea Salt, etc.

ProsCons
Includes vital amino acids needed for muscle growth and repair.Simple to break down and light on the stomach.Slightly higher price point compared to non-organic protein supplements.

Target Audience: Senior citizens looking for a plant-based, organic, and natural source of protein.

Premier Protein

Nutritional-Drinks-for-Seniors

Premier Protein is known for its wide range of flavors and strong protein content. Premier protein shakes truly rule, with at least 30 grams of protein per serving. It offers plenty of flavors with added health benefits, becoming an amazing choice for seniors who necessitate an extra boost to safeguard muscle mass and motility.

Price: $8.97 (1 Pack of 4 bottles)

Nutritional Information:

Protein30g
Total Fat3g
Calories160
Cholesterol20mg 
Sodium 330mg 
Carbohydrates 3g
Sugar1g

Ingredients: Water, milk protein concentrate†, Calcium Caseinate†, natural and artificial flavors, Cellulose, Salt, Sucralose, vitamin and mineral blend, Zinc, FERRIC ORTHOPHOSPHATE, Niacinamide, Potassium Iodide, Folic acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride [VITAMIN B6], RIBOFLAVIN [VITAMIN B2], Magnesium Phosphate, Sodium Ascorbate, etc.

ProsCons
Ready-to-drink formula that is convenient and ideal for busy lives.Contains vital nutrients necessary for good health and well-being in general. Contains artificial ingredients or sweeteners, which may not be suitable for some individuals.

Target Audience: Elderly individuals looking for a high-protein, flavorful, and convenient supplement to support muscle health and energy levels.

Muscle Milk

Best-protein-drinks-for-elderly

Positioned as one of the leading protein drinks, it is specially designed to bolster muscle recovery and growth. Muscle Milk delivers 25 grams of protein per serving, enriched with essential amino acids. In short, we can say that it works like a great option if you are looking forward to fortifying muscle strength and resilience as a part of your daily diet routine.

Price: $24.29 (1 Pack of 12 bottles)

Nutritional Information:

Protein25g
Total Fat4.5g
Calories160
Cholesterol15mg
Sodium 240mg
Carbohydrates 8g
Sugar0g

Ingredients: Water, Calcium Caseinate Isolate (Milk), Milk Protein Isolate, Powder, Less than 1% Soluble Vegetable Fiber, Sunflower Oil, Canola Oil, Natural and artificial flavors, Magnesium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Sucralose, etc.

ProsCons
Accessible in a range of tastes, providing choices for diverse palates.Created especially to improve the resilience and strength of muscles. Higher in calories or sugar compared to other protein supplements.

Target Audience: Seniors concentrated on increasing their muscle strength and endurance, especially those who regularly exercised or received physical therapy.

Ensure Max Protein

Proteins-drinks-for-seniors

One of the most amazing protein drinks for seniors is Ensure Max Protein, which provides a robust 30 grams of protein per serving. It strikes a perfect balance between high protein content and essential nutrients, and it stands out as the right option for seniors who are looking forward to improving protein intake and overall well-being.

Price: $35.03 (1 Pack of 12 bottles)

Nutritional Information:

Protein30g
Total Fat1.5g
Calories150
Cholesterol20mg
Sodium 250mg
Carbohydrates 7g
Sugar1g

Not Suitable for people with Galactosemia!

Ingredients: Potassium Hydroxide, Choline Chloride, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacinamide, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Copper Sulfate, Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenate, Vitamin D3, Sodium Molybdate, Biotin, Vitamin B12, Natural & Artificial Flavor, milk ingredients, etc.

ProsCons
Balanced with essential nutrients, supporting overall health and well-being.Available in a convenient and portable format, it is suitable for busy lifestyles.It is relatively more expensive compared to other protein supplements.

Target Audience: Elderly individuals seeking a high-protein supplement with a comprehensive nutritional profile to support muscle health and energy levels.

Glucerna Shake

Glucerna Shake

Glucerna Shake is specially formulated for seniors with low energy levels, providing a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to help manage blood sugar levels. Its unique blend of nutrients supports overall health while controlling glucose spikes.

Price: $12.48 (1 Pack of 6 bottles)

Nutritional Information:

Protein10g
Total Fat9g
Calories180
Cholesterol<5mg
Sodium 210mg
Carbohydrates 16g
Sugar4g

Ingredients: Water, Milk Protein Concentrate, Canola Oil, Glycerine, Fructose, Cocoa Powder, Soy Protein Isolate, Potassium Citrate, Magnesium Phosphate, Cellulose Gel, Natural & Artificial Flavors, Salt, Choline Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Phosphate, Zinc Sulfate, Niacinamide, Manganese Sulfate, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin D3, Vitamin B12, Soy Oil, etc.

ProsCons
Balanced nutrient profileHelps manage blood sugar levelsLimited flavor selectionNot suitable for everyoneContains artificial sweeteners

Target Audience – Best for seniors who need to supplement food with nutritional drinks to fulfill their daily dietary needs.

Boost Glucose Control Nutritional Drink

Boost Glucose Control

Boost Glucose Control is formulated for seniors with diabetic conditions, offering a balanced blend of nutrients to help manage blood sugar levels. This drink can help you sustain your energy level without causing major fluctuations in your glucose levels. This way, you can enjoy delicious nutritional drinks while keeping glucose spikes in check.

Price: $11.59 (1 Pack of 6 bottles)

Nutritional Information:

Protein16g
Total Fat7g
Calories190
Cholesterol10mg
Sodium 200mg
Carbohydrates 16g
Sugar4g

Ingredients: Water, Milk Protein Concentrate, Vegetable Oil (Canola, High Oleic Sunflower, Corn), Soy Protein Isolate, Cocoa, Sodium Caseinate, Calcium Caseinaie, Inulin, Sucralose, Natural and Artificial Flavors, etc.

ProsCons
Designed for diabetes managementBalanced nutrient profileSustained energy releaseLimited flavor optionsMay contain allergens (e.g., milk)Not suitable for all dietary needs

Target Audience: Elderly people who struggle to maintain their glucose levels.

Atkins Protein-Rich Shake

Atkins Protein Shake

Atkins Protein-Rich Shake is a low-carb option for seniors aiming to increase protein intake while minimizing sugar and carbs. It provides sustained energy and helps maintain muscle mass, making it suitable for seniors following a low-carb lifestyle.

Price: $17.48 (1 Pack of 12 shakes)

Nutritional Information:

Protein15g
Total Fat9g
Calories160
Cholesterol5mg
Sodium 250mg
Carbohydrates 5g
Sugar1g

Ingredients: Water, Dairy Protein Blend (Milk Protein Concentrate, Calcium Caseinate, Whey Protein Concentrate), Cream, Sunflower Oil, Cocoa Powder, Soy Protein Isolate, Cellulose Gel, Natural and Artificial Flavors, etc.

ProsCons
Low-carb and high-proteinSustained energy releaseHelps maintain muscle massArtificial sweeteners usedLimited flavor varietyNot suitable for all tastes

Target Audience: Ideal for people looking for a low-carb and low-sugar protein drink.

Orgain Protein Shake

Orgain Protein Shake

Orgain Protein Shake offers seniors a plant-based protein option made from real, whole-food ingredients. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health and vitality in a convenient and delicious way.

Price: $35.99 (1Pack of 12 shakes)

Nutritional Information:

Protein20g
Total Fat4.5g
Calories140
Cholesterol0mg
Sodium 510mg
Carbohydrates 8g
Sugar0g

Ingredients: Filtered Water, Pea Protein, Natural Flavors, Organic Alkalized Cocoa, Orgain Organic Fruit & Vegetable Powder Blend, Organic Tomato, Organic Banana, Organic Raspberry, Organic Blueberry, etc.

ProsCons
Plant-based and whole-food ingredientsRich in vitamins and mineralsConvenient and delicious optionIt may not suit all taste preferencesHigher cost compared to some optionsLimited availability in some regions

Target Audience: Best suited for people who prefer organic food and avoid artificial flavors and preservatives

How Do Protein Drinks Work for Seniors?

The best protein drinks work by facilitating protein synthesis and muscle development within the body.

It is a well-documented phenomenon that works as a crucial defense against sarcopenia, the age-related decline in muscle mass.

By consuming protein drinks regularly, seniors can mitigate muscle catabolism, a process instigated by insufficient protein intake. As recommended by healthcare experts, seniors should aim for at least one to 1.2 grams per kilogram of body weight, which translates to around 60 to 72 grams of protein for a 60-kilogram elderly individual.

Considering the potential challenges linked with meeting these targets with dietary means alone, protein drinks work like an invaluable supplement, especially when they are consumed between meals.

Selection Criteria for Protein Drinks for Seniors

When choosing nutritional drinks for seniors, one needs to consider different factors, like having to go for drinks with a high protein content that ranges anywhere from 15 to 30 grams per serving.

Seniors need to ensure that the protein source is of high quality, like soy protein, which provides them with all the essential amino acids important for optimum muscle health.

Calorie Content

Align the calorie content of nutritional drinks for seniors with dietary requirements, whether it pertains to weight maintenance, gain, or loss. If seniors are just focused on bone healing, focus on high-protein options over high-calorie ones to avoid unnecessary calorie intake.

Fat Content

Assess the product’s fat content in terms of both amount and quality. Choose healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids or medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Seniors who are worried about their cholesterol or heart health can favor low-fat or non-fat foods.

Rich in Minerals

Look for protein drinks fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, especially those commonly deficient in the elderly population, like vitamin D & B vitamins and magnesium. Some drinks might also contain additional nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart and brain health.

Minimum Added Sugar

Go for seniors’ protein powder with minimum added sugars to avoid potential spikes in blood sugar levels; additionally, one needs to consider individual preferences and health regarding the presence of artificial sweeteners. You must pick a seniors protein powder containing dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and helps prevent constipation.

Ingredients Which Must Be Avoided

Let’s walk you through the protein drinks’ ingredients you must avoid consuming. 

  • Trans Fats: Check the label for the presence of trans fats. Trans fats are linked to heart disease and should be avoided.
  • Artificial Sweeteners: Avoid artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, or saccharin. These additives may have negative effects on health, especially for seniors with certain medical conditions.
  • Excessive Additives and Preservatives: Some nutritional drinks contain a wide array of artificial additives, colors, and preservatives. Seniors may not tolerate these well and could experience adverse reactions or allergies.
  • Excessive Sodium: Be cautious of high sodium levels in nutritional drinks. Seniors, particularly those with hypertension or heart conditions, should opt for drinks with a lower sodium content.

Advantages of Best Protein Drinks for Elderly

Best-protein-drink-for-elderly

The benefits of protein drinks for the elderly go beyond just fulfilling daily protein requirements. 

Improved Muscle Mass

Regular consumption of protein drinks is correlated with better muscle mass and reduces muscle breakdown in the body. 

The drink provides seniors with essential amino acids important for muscle repair and growth, thereby preserving functional independence and reducing the risk of falls and fractures.

Maintains Bone Health

Protein plays a very important role in maintaining optimum bone health by facilitating the repair and growth of bone tissue. 

Sufficient protein intake correlates with higher bone mineral density, thus mitigating the risk of osteoporosis, which is a prevalent condition among the elderly population. 

Combined with calcium and vitamin D supplementation, increased protein consumption can greatly contribute to preserving bone health and reducing the possibility of fracture.

Faster Formulation of Collagen

Protein is essential for the body’s healing process, helping in the formation of collagen, especially for skin and pressure repair. Seniors might experience delayed wound healing, making sufficient protein intake imperative.

Protein drinks enriched with high-quality protein offer a convenient source to support the body’s healing mechanisms, particularly in cases of post-surgical wounds or pressure sores, where optimum protein intake is much needed for effective recovery.

Effective Nutrition Supplement

Aging basically correlates with decreased appetite and challenges in consuming some foods due to dental issues or diminished taste.

Protein drinks for seniors work like a viable nutrition supplement, delivering essential nutrients in an easily consumable form.

These drinks can be fortified with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, offering a comprehensive diet supplement, especially if seniors are experiencing difficulties with solid foods.

Conclusion

The high-protein elixir provides seniors with a convenient and efficient way to preserve muscle mass, expedite recovery, and fulfill unique dietary requisites. The pivotal role of nutritional rings and their significance in fostering senior health and criticism cannot be ignored.

Proper selection and attention to ingredients can play a very important role in fortifying health and overall quality of life. Protein drinks represent a great nutritional source if they are looking forward to augmenting protein intake to meet their daily requirements.

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