Shaker Bottles We Also Tested

We tested 29 top-rated shaker bottles, but only six were rated high enough to be included in our list of top recommendations. Below are three shaker bottles that didn't receive high enough marks to make our list of top picks but still have some features worth noting.

• Blackube's Electric Protein Shaker Bottle is easy to grip, user-friendly, and super effective at mixing for a clump-free protein shake. But ultimately, due to its lack of handle and the fact that it isn't as easy to clean as other options, we decided not to include it in our top recommendations.
• Ladder's Sport Insulated Shaker Bottle is sleek, simple, and makes a smooth protein shake. But the bottle doesn’t have measurement markings—a major inconvenience if you want to portion out your protein without a measuring cup.
• Nike's TR Hypercharge Shaker Bottle produces a smooth and frothy protein shake after only 30 seconds of shaking. But we found the design to be rather basic, with higher-quality options available.

What To Look For When Shopping for a Shaker Bottle

• Size: It's crucial to consider what size shaker you want before buying. The capacity you need in a bottle depends on how much pre- or post-workout liquid protein, electrolyte drink, or smoothie you generally require for your fitness goals or nutritional needs. Brands on the market offer anywhere from 16- to 24-ounce bottles and even larger versions with whopping 45-ounce capacities.
• Material: Choose a brand that uses BPA-free plastic, metal, or glass with components that are odor-resistant and, ideally, dishwasher-safe for day-to-day use. If cold drinks are a priority, choose stainless steel. On the other hand, plastic is light, and metal or glass are generally easier to clean.
• Leakproof: No one wants a mess on their hands—and certainly not all over the inside of their favorite gym bag—so selecting a well-designed, secure lid construction is vital for protein shaker bottle function and transportation. Since your protein shake might be sitting or jostling in your bag between stops, aim for a brand with a leakproof guarantee of its seals, cap, and lid. 
• Blending Mechanism: Your bottle’s internal mixing system should be effective enough to blend any powder into your liquid base. Options ranging from metal or plastic whisk-like balls to solid silicone or plastic mechanisms will all efficiently break up clumps. And bottles with screens agitate ingredients just as well while shaking.
• Cleaning Guidelines: If convenience is a priority, look for a protein shaker bottle that is dishwasher safe. However, if you don't mind hand washing, it may help extend the life of your shaker bottle.
• Additional Storage and Features: If a multi-functional design is helpful to your routine, consider a shaker bottle with extra storage compartments for items like vitamins, supplemental powders, or snacks. Ensure additional storage seals are tight if carrying liquid and that the capacity of these additional compartments can handle whatever you want them to carry.
  

How We Tested and Selected the Shaker Bottles

A good shaker bottle should have a leakproof design, eliminate clumps, and be easy to clean. We tested 29 top-rated shaker bottles to find the best ones based on qualities like design, effectiveness, and ease of cleaning. We also researched dozens of options and spoke to a personal trainer and a board-certified sports nutrition specialist to find the top recommendations on our list that we didn't test firsthand.

For the protein shaker bottles we were able to test, we used Vital Proteins' Protein Powder and water to test their blending capabilities. We filled each shaker bottle with the correct amount of water for the perfect powder-to-liquid ratio. Then, using the included measuring spoon, we added a scoop of protein powder to each bottle. After sealing the shaker bottle securely, we shook vigorously for about 30 seconds or pushed the power button as instructed by the manufacturer if testing an electric shaker and evaluated the results for the following key criteria.

• Leakproof Design: Nothing is worse than a leaky shaker bottle. Not only does a leaky bottle get your shake all over your hands, but it could potentially get on your clothes and walls, too. Plus, there is the issue of liquid leaking all over your stuff in your bag or getting your car or desk sticky. When testing shaker bottles, we pay close attention to their seal and their ability to prevent leaks when being transported from place to place.
• Effectiveness: After mixing our shake in each bottle, we evaluate how quickly and well the powder dissolves. We also looked at the shake's texture and consistency to determine the shaker's effectiveness at producing a smooth, frothy, and clump-free drink.
• Ease of Cleaning: Cleaning a shaker bottle effectively is important to prevent accidentally consuming spoiled liquid and to avoid lingering odor. A bottle that is difficult to clean may promote the growth of mold, bacteria, and other harmful pathogens. What's more, being easy to clean also makes the shaker more effective and easier to use—important characteristics when you are on the go. For these reasons, we pay special attention to whether or not a shaker bottle can be cleaned effectively and with moderate effort.
• Value: To give a value score to each shaker bottle, we evaluate it for all other criteria before looking at the price to determine whether the product is worth it. We decide whether we'd pay for the product at its current price, wait for it to go on sale, or even pay a bit more based on its quality. We also assess whether we'd recommend each shaker bottle to friends and family.

Our Experts

To ensure we only recommend the best shaker bottles available, we consulted two experts—a personal trainer and a registered dietitian and sports nutrition specialist. The certified personal trainer helped us identify the most important features to look for in shaker bottles, while the registered dietitian guided us through the testing process.

• Ellyn Ferriter, MPH, CPT, certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor at Life Time
• Allison Knott, MS, RDN, CSSD, registered dietitian and board-certified specialist in sports nutrition
  

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to clean a shaker bottle?

If your shaker bottle is dishwasher-safe, placing it on the top rack can be effective for a deep clean. However, note that strong detergents may taint the taste of the bottle over time. If you’re sensitive to this, it’s better to hand-wash your bottle. Whatever way you choose to clean your shaker, just be sure to take out the plastic seal on the inside of the lid if it has one, as these can get moldy or collect leftover residue.

Are all shaker bottles dishwasher-safe?

It’s always best to follow the manufacturer's directions for cleaning and caring for your shaker bottle. Many will indicate whether it’s safe to run through a wash cycle and specify if it should go on the top rack. When in doubt, it’s always best to hand-wash.

What can I use instead of a shaker bottle for protein?

If you don’t have a shaker bottle handy when you need it, there are some makeshift hacks to get you by. In a pinch, any water bottle will do, and you can purchase metal shaker spheres individually. When at home, a cappuccino milk frother or blender does the trick to smooth shake mixes. 

What is the difference between a shaker bottle and a blender bottle?

The terms are often interchangeable. A shaker bottle, or blender bottle, typically has a ball or agitator to help break up clumps as you mix together a powder and liquid and shake it up. BlenderBottle is also a brand name for a shaker bottle that has a wire whisk for breaking up ingredients.

Are protein shaker bottles worth it?

If you frequently mix powders with liquids, a shaker bottle is a convenient option. It makes it easy to put together a protein shake or mix a supplement when on the go.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

A certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, and Verywell Fit writer, Jessica Murtaugh, CPT, is constantly researching the latest and best in dietary health, supplements, and nutritional accessories. For this shopping guide, she prioritized quality bottle brands that fit the budget, nutritional requirements, and convenience needs of everyday users looking to stay healthy on the go. Jessica also looked over the test results to help compile our top picks.