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Once advertised exclusively for bodybuilders and hardcore weight lifters, protein supplements are now widely used by people of all ages and genders. If you’ve set a fitness goal for the coming year, then increasing your protein intake with protein water might help you achieve it faster.
Protein is one of the critical macronutrients, meaning our body needs it in larger amounts in a balanced diet. Once broken down into amino acids, it is built into muscle mass, allowing you to enhance your strength.
For a frequent gym-goer, protein is essential to reduce the time of post-workout recovery and improve muscle growth. That said, people of all ages can add protein water to their diet to live a better and more active life.
But, with the market ballooning like the bicep of a bodybuilder, protein-hungry consumers have an overwhelming amount of choices. Scroll down to learn more about the leading protein waters of 2024.
Detailing the Top-rated Protein Water of 2024
Protein2o — Best Overall
This deliciously refreshing protein-infused water by Protein2o is packed with 15 grams of whey protein isolate, making it the ideal choice to add to your workout routine. It features natural sweeteners that don't mess with your balanced diet while giving you the optimal results.
This pack of 12 bottles contains four bottles of each flavor, including peach mango, blackberry, dragon fruit, and wild cherry — all of them offer superior hydration. Being only 70 to 80 calories, low in carbs, and OU-D kosher certified, this protein water is the best among the others on our list.
Pros
- No preservatives, lactose, gluten
- Contains a variety of electrolytes
- Bursting flavor and unmatched hydration
Cons
- Some flavors are a bit overpowering
Trimino — Most Delicious
With its delicious infusion of fruit flavor, this protein water provides maximum hydration. Inside, you get enough whey protein isolate to give your body the burst of energy it needs. Even better, this protein water is free of sugar, carbs, cholesterol, and fat.
Inspired by the purity of water, this thirst-quenching drink contains a high-potency vitamin B complex to support healthy skin, nails, and heart, which our body needs for routine work. Because this beverage is carb-free and only has 28 calories, it’s the ideal choice for those planning to shed fat without losing nutrition.
Pros
- Maintains energy without crashing your sugar level
- Light and refreshing
- Comes in four tasty flavors
Cons
- Strong aftertaste
Premier Protein — Most Keto-Friendly
This light, refreshing beverage comes in tasty fruity flavors to keep you satisfied without having the urge to overeat. Coming to you in tropical punch and peach, this protein water is packed with whey protein isolate that is gentle on the stomach and kidneys.
Made of natural ingredients, this protein water is going to be your no-guilt option to add sweetness to your life. This protein-infused water contains zero sugar, one gram of carbs, and only 90 calories, making it a perfect combo of taste and nutrition. You can keep this protein drink with you while hiking or working out to quench your thirst on the go.
Pros
- No gluten, fats, or artificial flavors
- Available in two refreshing, fruity flavors
- Calories come primarily from protein
Cons
- May leave you feeling parched
BiPro — Ideal for Lactose Intolerance
If you don’t have the time to read all the labeled ingredients, you can never go wrong with this NSF-certified protein water. Made of only naturally-sourced ingredients, this protein water is sure to bring the needed sweetness to your balanced diet. The beverage is sweetened with clean stevia and colored naturally to keep with your diet requirements.
With BiPro Naturally Sweetened Protein Water, you can get power and energy from your liquid intake in a delicious and refreshing way.
Utilizing whey protein isolate, this protein water instantly improves your metabolic activity and helps with recovery performance. Offering you just the right amount of protein needed to thrive, this drink is formulated without fats, sugar, carbs, fillers, and additives — it’s even perfectly suitable for lactose-intolerant people.
Pros
- Dye-free whey protein isolate
- Has Leucine to promote muscle growth
- Boost your metabolism to curb hunger
- Comes in orange and lemon flavors
Cons
- The lemon flavor has an overpowering smell
Ready — Designed for Athletes
As a hardcore athlete, you cannot control everything that comes your way, but you can control your diet and nutrition. This protein-infused water by Ready is packed with whey protein isolate and five essential electrolytes to offer the energy to keep you going. And with only 70 calories per bottle, this drink is a guilt-free pleasure for athletes.
It's carefully formulated to offer all the needed ingredients without adding anything that you don’t require. With no sugar, artificial flavors, or dyes, this protein drink won’t weigh you down. After drinking it you’ll feel refreshed, hydrated, and energized, ensuring you’re ready to continue your fitness journey.
Pros
- Quickly absorbed and easily digestible
- Packed with protein
- Offers all-natural hydration
Cons
- A bit expensive
Buying Guide: Protein Water
Protein water is one of the newest ways to add protein to your daily diet. If you’re trying to cut fats and carbs or have got a sensitive stomach, protein water is a better choice than protein shakes. Keep reading this buying guide and learn the essential information about protein water to make an informed decision.
How To Choose Protein Water
Protein type
The most common type of protein found in protein waters is whey protein, which is a byproduct of cheese production. Whey isolate is usually filtered through a process to remove carbs and fats. The main reason behind choosing this type is that it has high protein content; the powdered form contains little to no fats and has about 90% protein content to give you optimal energy. It’s also 99% lactose-free, making it suitable for lactose intolerant people as well.
Other types of proteins are whey concentrate and whey hydrolysate, but these are more common in protein shakes.
Protein content
Consider the amount of protein you will get per serving and the amino acid profile for enhanced absorption. It’s better to choose protein water that is low on fats and carbs, but high on protein. Most protein drinks have higher protein content, ranging from 90% to 99%.
Benefits of Protein Water
Tones your body by burning fat
If you’re on your fitness journey and your goal is to shed the extra pounds, you can add protein water to your balanced diet. It’s better to have a balanced diet during the day and supplement it with a standard whey protein drink. Simply drink some protein water before the workout to burn extra fats and get in shape quickly.
Helps with muscle building
Though protein waters have low or zero carbs and fats, you shouldn’t drink more than two bottles a day if you’re planning to build muscles. Protein water indeed helps with muscle building, but it also burns fat, so taking more protein than needed can reverse the effects of your workout.
During muscle-building training, you should take protein supplements after the workout and before going to bed to get the desired results.
Boosts your energy level
If incorporated into a balanced diet, protein drinks can amp up your energy level without any side effects. Some people make the mistake of replacing their main meal with protein water, which leads to lethargy. You can also keep protein water nearby during outdoor adventures to get an instant boost of energy.
When Should You Have Protein Water?
There is no straightforward answer to this question. The short version is that it depends on your fitness goals and the time will vary accordingly. If you’re planning to build muscle mass, you should consume protein water within two hours of working out. For someone who is trying to prevent muscle loss, it's better to take protein water with the main meal where you aren’t ingesting much protein.
If you are a professional runner who often hits the track for practice, you should have protein water during and after training sessions to boost energy levels. It also reduces muscle recovery time, allowing you to practice daily. Those doing resistance training can get the desired results quickly by drinking protein water before and after their workout session.
Having protein water between your main meals can curb hunger to prevent overeating for people trying to lose weight. They will eventually end up consuming fewer calories, which will contribute to weight loss.
