Even if you're a blender buff and whipping up smoothie-style concoctions in your Nutribullet, a protein shaker is still a smart investment — you can ensure your carefully prepared fuel stays cold and give it an extra shake before drinking to see off the dreaded separation (if you know, you know). Measure your contents into the shaker (making sure you leave enough room to mix), then shake the protein shaker vigorously up and down for a slow count of 20,' says Campus. 'The mixer breaks up the protein powder and helps mix the ingredients together. Then enjoy!' Generally your choice of material is between plastic, steel or glass. 'Plastic shakers are lightweight and portable, while stainless steel and glass options offer better durability. Consider the material that aligns with your preferences for portability, durability and ease of cleaning,' says Place. Whichever you go for, opt for stain- and odour-resistant models. Capacity

There's no mess and no fuss with our protein shaker bottles. Simply spoon in the recommended amount of powder, add water and shake to mix properly. 30 seconds of shaking will ensure your shake is perfectly smooth - no horrible lumpy bits! - and is a great warm-up to your workout. Hydrate in Style With The Best Water Bottles: Cleaning should be hassle-free, so opt for a shaker that's easy to clean. Dishwasher-safe options or designs with wide openings and removable parts make your life easier,' says Blow. The very nature of protein shakers mean you're sloshing liquid all over the place, so a tight seal is non-negotiable. Staying properly hydrated is essential for maintaining optimal performance and overall well-being. Our water bottles are functional and stylish, allowing you to hydrate in style wherever you go. Made from high-quality materials, these bottles are durable, BPA-free, and designed to withstand the rigours of an active lifestyle. The leak-proof lids and easy-to-use flip-top or screw-on caps ensure you can enjoy your favourite beverages without spills or leaks. Keep Your Drinks at the Perfect Temperature With The Best Insulated BottlesEveryone loves a bonus don't they? And unlike that measly salary hike that ends up with the student loans company, the additional features on protein shakers can actually come in handy. Our protein shakers are specifically designed to make mixing protein shakes and supplements a breeze. With their innovative features, these shakers ensure smooth and lump-free shakes every time. Equipped with secure lids and leak-proof seals, they are perfect for on-the-go use, whether heading to the gym or running. The convenient built-in mixing mechanisms and measurement markings make it easy to customise your shakes to meet your nutritional needs. SmartShake EcoBottles are made from sugar cane bio mass in a factory which uses 100% renewable energy. Let's be honest here; we can think of a lot of bevs we'd rather chug than a protein shake. While the formulas are coming on leaps and bounds (hello Vimto Clear Whey) they're not exactly the most delicious of drinks. But they are a hell of a lot easier to swallow when icy cold.

Look for insulated shaker bottles that are stainless steel, dual walled, and vacuum sealed,' says Campus. These will keep your shake palatably chilled and offer a welcome burst of refreshment post-sweat sesh. (Pro tip from Place: add ice cubes before shaking.) Lid and seal And don't worry, collagen queens — protein shakers can be used to whip up a variety of liquid-based nutrition. 'Usually they have a measuring scale on the side so you can mix your protein powder/pre-workout/supplements/collagen powders/creatine etc. with your desired levels of liquid, be it water, milk, or a milk alternative,' says Campus. How do you use a protein shaker? Versatility: 'Protein shakers are not limited to protein shakes alone. They can also be used to mix other powdered supplements, such as pre-workouts, BCAAs, or meal replacements. This versatility makes them a convenient tool for individuals who incorporate various supplements into their fitness or nutrition regimen.'Let's put it this way: if you're hoping to avoid choking down a lumpy mess (we're going to go ahead and assume that's the case), then yeah, you probably need a protein shaker. Just like choosing a vegan protein powder or protein bar, determining the best protein shaker for you takes a bit of thought. Do you want something dishwasher safe? Or one that will keep your shake cold while you bring the heat? Plus you've got to navigate the wild west of poor qual products — we're talking leaky lids, sub-par mixing mechanisms and materials that stain at the mere sight of your favourite strawberry shake. Using a protein shaker could not be easier — that's the genius of them. Start with your liquid (water, milk, plant-based milk or a combination), add your protein powder second, then any additional ingredients you're using to enhance the flavour or nutritional profile of your protein shake, for example fruits, nut butters, yoghurts, supplements and spices (hello turmeric). The clue is very much in the name, but for the uninitiated, allow us to explain. 'A protein shaker is a container designed specifically for mixing protein powder and liquid to create a protein shake,' says Amanda Place, personal trainer and founder of Sculptrition. 'It typically consists of a bottle or container with a tight-sealing lid and a mixing mechanism, such as a wire whisk ball or a built-in mixer.' Bear in mind that depending on how frequently you use your shaker and how often you put the dishwasher on, you may need more than one. Portability

If you are looking to reduce your impact on the planet, SmartShake EcoBottles are a good choice for an eco-friendly bottle.

Hydrate in Style With The Best Water Bottles: 

Look for a shaker with a secure and leak-proof lid,' says Place. 'A good seal ensures that you can shake the shaker vigorously without worrying about spills or leaks.' Mixing mechanism There are a few factors to consider when shopping for a protein shaker to ensure you get the best out of your well-chosen powders. Keep the following in mind. Material Easy to clean: 'Protein shakers are generally easy to clean. Most models are dishwasher safe or can be easily rinsed with water and mild soap. This makes maintenance and hygiene hassle-free, allowing you to use the shaker repeatedly without much effort.'

Protein shakers typically range from around 350ml to 950ml. 'Consider the size and capacity of the shaker. Are you looking for something portable for on-the-go use, or do you need a larger one for bigger shakes? Find a size that fits your needs,' advises Blow. Measurement accuracy: 'Many protein shakers have measurement markings on the side, which helps you accurately measure the amount of liquid or protein powder needed for your desired serving size. This ensures that you can easily customise your protein shake to meet your specific nutritional requirements.' Besides avoiding a protein powder-induced coughing fit, there are a number of reasons protein shakers are a fantastic addition to your fit kit, explains Place: There is a wide range of drink bottles available so whether you are looking for one to take to sports, the gym, or to work, you will easily be able to find one to fit your needs.They come in a range of cute and quirky colours and designs, including Anchor , Coral and Grey so you can reduce your impact on the planet without compromising on style. Smooth shakes: 'The mixing mechanism in a protein shaker, such as a wire whisk ball or a built-in mixer, helps break down protein powder and blend it evenly into the liquid. This ensures a smooth and well-mixed shake without clumps, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the drink.' The mixing mechanism is crucial for a smooth shake,' says Blow. 'Look for shakers that come with a wire whisk ball or a mixing grid [a honeycomb-like grid that covers the internal width of the shaker]. These little helpers break down those pesky protein powder clumps, ensuring you get a silky texture.' Ice queen or tropical gal? 'Ensure there's enough space for additional ingredients like fruits or ice,' says Place. Thermoregulation Add the plastic mesh insert, such as the one in the USN Shaker Bottle or the metallic shaker ball and then seal the lid, making sure it is closed tight!