Best Protein Water That Actually Tastes Good

Protein, protein, protein. Everywhere you look these days, products are boasting about their superior protein contents. Protein bars and protein shakes, of course. But there’s also protein-packed frozen meals, protein ice cream, and even protein water. Protein water? Yep. Interested? As long as you’re curious about protein water, you might as well try the best protein water. And that’s exactly what you’ll find in this ranking. 

What is protein water?

While at its most basic, protein water can simply be protein powder shaken with water, some enterprising folks have figured out that they can bottle a flavored, protein-infused beverage and call it protein water. That’s what we’re ranking today. Think about it like Vitamin Water, which has little to do with actual water. Protein water is similar. 

What did we look for in the best protein water?

• Good flavor: The best protein water should actually taste good. If it doesn’t, then why bother? You might as well just shake up some protein powder in water and call it a day. Ideally, the best protein water tastes good enough that you enjoy your daily protein intake. 
• Protein content: We’re looking for 15g or more of protein per serving. 
• No bad aftertaste: Protein water should be chuggable—but you shouldn’t have to keep chugging just to avoid the unpleasant aftertaste of sugar alternatives or protein. 

Best protein water, ranked 

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Best Post-Workout

Ready Protein Water Black Cherry (20g whey protein) 

Amazon

Black cherry flavored things can often lean medicinal, and this is no exception—but it only tastes slightly of cough syrup. For the most part, you get a strong, actual black cherry flavor. It almost tastes like a zero sugar Ocean Spray juice blend. You get some electrolytes along with protein in this protein water, making it a good pick for post-workout recovery. Just make sure you keep it ice cold. 

Credit: Merc / Amazon

Rating:

6.5/10

Sporks

Best Protein+ Water

Protein2O Strawberry Watermelon (20g whey protein)

Amazon

While this protein water is technically marketed as a “protein hydration beverage,” we’re still going to count it. Infused with electrolytes and B vitamins, and sweetened with stevia, it tastes like a Watermelon Jolly Rancher that’s been turned down to a six. It finishes clean—impressive for a flavored drink made with alternative sweeteners. If “Watermelon Jolly Rancher” piqued your interest, you won’t be disappointed by this.

Credit: Merc / Amazon

Rating:

7.5/10

Sporks

Best of the Best

Tatu Protein Water Zesty Lemon Ginger (15g whey protein)

Amazon

Though it comes in a can, this isn’t sparkling protein water, like you might expect. It’s the closest to water of any of the protein water flavors I tried. It’s super lightly flavored with a very light sweetness. It tastes a bit like watered down, flat ginger beer with a squeeze of lemon. I know, that doesn’t sound super appetizing, but it’s refreshing, crisp, and really easy to gulp down. You can’t say that about a protein shake. If you want protein water that leans into the “water,” this is the best protein water to buy.

Credit: Merc / Amazon

Rating:

8.5/10

Sporks

Other protein waters we tried: 

These protein waters all had unpleasant aftertastes, which we could not ignore. 

Tatu Juicy Orange Mango, Ready Pink Grapefruit, Protein2O Mixed Berry, Protein2O Orange Mango