One of the most popular supplements is protein powder. You can find protein supplements for sale in stores and online. Whey protein, vegan protein, and other supplements contain this muscle-building ingredient.
Protein powder can also be beneficial for senior citizens. But, as you might already know, there are a lot of protein powders and supplements for sale.
Instead of you searching through page after page of search results or store websites, I’m here to help! In this article, you’ll learn about the best protein powders for seniors. You’ll also learn about the pros and cons of protein products for the elderly.
Don’t have time to see the full list? Here’s our top picks:
- Cellucor COR-Performance Whey: Best overall protein supplement
- BulkSupplements.com: Whey Protein Isolate: Lowest-priced protein powder
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey: Most popular protein supplement
The top-rated protein powders for senior citizens
If you need more protein, check out the best protein powders for seniors. The protein and amino acids found in the following supplements can help improve your bone health and assist in retaining lean muscle mass. You don’t have to be a senior to benefit from protein powder – it’s beneficial for adults, too.
1. Cellucor COR-Performance Whey – Best overall protein powder for seniors
Cellucor is a company that creates many types of supplements, including one of the best protein powders for seniors. Known as COR-Performance Whey, this supplement works well as part of a high-protein diet.
Don’t let the name of this supplement fool you – it’s not just for athletes or bodybuilders. Instead, this supplement is perfect for anyone needing more whey protein in their diet.
With 24 grams of protein per serving, you can mix this powder up with milk or water. You can also use it in many types of mixes, including those for pancakes or muffins. Each serving is also 120 calories, which can be good for weight gain or management purposes.
COR-Performance Whey only contains one gram of sugar and only four carbohydrates per serving.
Understandably, senior citizens don’t want to mess with clumpy protein powder that is hard to mix. You won’t have this problem with COR-Performance Whey. Cellucor’s protein powder mixes easily with milk, water, or juice.
Another reason I chose this as the best protein powder for seniors is that it’s fast-digesting. Certain protein sources can be unpleasant on the stomach. But I’ve never had any digestive issues with COR-Performance Whey, something I’ve also seen many reviewers note.
2. BulkSupplements Whey Protein Isolate – Lowest-priced protein powder
Another one of the best protein powders for seniors comes from a company called BulkSupplements.com. This company isn’t flashy, and you won’t find it on television commercials.
BulkSupplements.com remains extremely popular due to its amazingly low prices, a wide range of supplements, and top-quality ingredients.
This company’s protein supplement also contains a complete amino acid profile in each serving. Amino acids, like protein, are great for ensuring older adults get the nutrition they need.
Each serving of this supplement contains some of the following amino acids:
- Alanine
- Aspartic acid
- Glutamic acid
- Isoleucine
- Leucine
- Lysine
- Tyrosine
- Valine
What’s also great about this supplement, whether you’re a senior citizen or someone wanting maximum muscle growth, is that BulkSupplements.com has a wide range of incredibly low-cost supplements.
And, with over 2,000 verified and positive reviews, you can rest assured of a fast and easy buying experience.
Use code SAVE5 at checkout for 5% off your order!
3. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey – Best-selling protein
If you’re not getting enough protein, Optimum Nutrition can help you out. With that in mind, this company’s most popular supplement is its 100% Gold Standard Whey.
This protein powder works well for helping with weight control and improving muscle protein synthesis in older adults. Besides its high-quality protein content, this supplement also contains 5.5 grams of BCAAs per serving.
Understandably, most people wanting to increase their daily protein intake don’t want to chug down a beverage that tastes bad. With Optimum’s Gold Standard Whey, you’ll have a lot of flavor options. This product’s incredible flavor range and excellent nutrition profile make this one of the best protein powder for seniors.
Here’s a list of some of Optimum Nutrition’s protein powder flavors:
- Chocolate Mint
- Double rich chocolate
- Rocky road
- Vanilla ice cream
- Strawberry banana
- Coffee
- Banana cream
4. Premier Protein – Best Protein Powder for Seniors on a Budget
If whey protein doesn’t cause you to deal with any digestive issues, Premier Protein’s whey protein powder is a low-cost way to increase your protein intake. This supplement is the best protein powder if you’re on a tight budget. A 23.3-ounce container only costs about $25.
This protein contains both whey concentrate and whey isolate. Plus, each serving of this supplement contains 30 grams of protein per serving. This supplement is also available in three different flavors:
- Vanilla
- Chocolate
- Cafe Latte
You don’t have to worry about having too much sugar while using this supplement, which is one of the reasons why I chose this as one of the best protein powder for seniors. That’s because Premier Protein only contains one gram of sugar per serving.
Protein per serving: 30 grams
Calories per serving: 150 calories
Sugar per serving: 1 gram
Carbs per serving: 2 grams
5. Orgain Organic Vegan Protein
Based on the sheer amount of positive reviews and its clean ingredient profile, Orgain’s supplement is the best protein drink for vegetarians and vegans.
This product’s plant-based protein comes from peas, rice, and chia seeds. Each serving of this protein product also contains five to six grams of fiber per serving.
While fiber isn’t directly responsible for muscle gain, it’s a good ingredient for this plant-based protein product to contain. That’s because fiber helps aid the digestive process and maintain healthy body weight.
I also included this product on this list of the best protein powders for seniors because it contains no genetically modified ingredients. This nutritional supplement also contains no gluten, dairy, or soy.
If you use this supplement to increase your protein intake, you’ll be glad to know that it’s available in many flavors. Some of this protein drink powder’s most popular flavors are chocolate, vanilla, peanut butter, and chocolate fudge.
Protein per serving: 21 grams
Calories per serving: 150 calories
Sugar per serving: zero
Carbs per serving: 15 grams
6. Muscle Milk Zero Ready-to-Drink Protein Shakes
If you’ve ever tried a protein drink, it’s likely that what you tried was a beverage from Muscle Milk. This company started making and distributing protein supplements around the late 1990s. Now, you can find Muscle Milk on shelves everywhere.
While this company produces some of the best protein powder, it also has a line of ready-to-drink supplements available to prevent lean muscle mass loss. If you want to prevent muscle loss without consuming a bunch of carbs or sugar, check out the Muscle Milk Zero line of supplements.
These products are some of the best protein powders for seniors because they require no measuring or mixing. Plus, this supplement’s cap is resealable and easy to twist on and off. This line of RTD supplements is also rich in fiber, which is great for older adults.
Currently, this protein drink is available in two flavors: chocolate and vanilla creme. From a nutrition label perspective, this is my pick for the best protein drink that’s pre-made.
Protein per shake: 20
Calories per shake: 100
Sugar per shake: Zero
Carbs per shake: 7
7. Boost Glucose Control With Nutrient Support
If you need a supplement that doubles as a meal replacement on a high-protein diet, Boost makes a wide range of ready-to-drink beverages.
For elderly people who need help managing their blood sugar levels, Boost makes a supplement that helps with controlling glucose levels. This nutritional drink also contains large amounts of choline and magnesium.
Instead of being meant as a low or no-carbohydrate beverage, this supplement is for people who need a balance of protein, carbs, nutrients, and vitamins in a convenient shake. Because this product is specifically for older adults and has positive reviews, it had to be on this list of the best protein powders for seniors.
Protein per shake: 16
Calories per shake: 190
Sugar per shake: 4
Carbs per shake: 16
8. Ensure Plus Nutrition Shake
Another way to get more protein in your diet is with a nutrition shake from Ensure. The Ensure Plus Nutrition Shake contains milk protein concentrate to deliver 16 grams of protein per serving.
This supplement also includes vitamins and minerals to help support a strong immune system. This protein beverage also contains vitamin D and zinc to help support tissue health.
I’d recommend this as the best protein for seniors who have difficulties either gaining or maintaining a healthy weight. This product is available in five flavors, which are:
- Vanilla
- Strawberry
- Dark chocolate
- Butter pecan
- Milk chocolate
Protein per shake: 16
Calories per shake: 350
Sugar per shake: 20
Carbs per shake: 48
Pros and cons of protein powder for the elderly
While whey protein can be great for senior citizens, these supplements aren’t without drawbacks. Here’s a closer look at the good and bad about protein powder.
Pros
A convenient way to increase protein intake
One of the best things about protein powder is how convenient they are. Instead of having to prepare a meal and wash dishes, you can mix protein powder with water or milk to have a liquid meal ready in about 30 seconds.
For many reasons, some senior citizens find it difficult to prepare their own meals. Other older people struggle with mental difficulties that could make cooking potentially dangerous. Instead of taking any risks, they can use the best protein powders for seniors to get the nutrition they need.
Great for seniors with chewing difficulties
As people get older, they often begin losing their adult teeth. That’s why many elderly people have dentures, allowing them to chew food and for appearance purposes. Other senior citizens might have difficulties chewing due to medical conditions.
Regardless of the reason, a protein supplement is a helpful way for seniors to get proper nutrition without having to chew food.
Maintaining muscle mass
Whether it’s a whey protein or whey isolate supplement, protein powder helps people maintain muscle mass. Many adults consume protein powder as part of an exercise program.
With that said, it’s still beneficial for senior citizens to exercise. Of course, these exercise programs won’t be as intense for someone in their 20s or 30s.
Most senior citizens like to exercise for health purposes. That’s because regular exercise can help seniors:
- Stay mentally sharp
- Avoid depression
- Lower their risk of many diseases
Instead of using protein powder to gain large muscles, senior citizens benefit from this supplement because they maintain muscle tissue.
Protein supplements also contain amino acids
It’s also worth noting that most protein supplements also contain branched-chain amino acids. These ingredients can help prevent the breakdown of muscle mass, which commonly happens as people get older.
Besides their ability to help improve or maintain muscle mass, the benefits of essential amino acids don’t stop there. These amino acids can also help seniors with skin and tissue repair. Certain studies show that regular consumption of essential amino acids can even help with weight management.
A great part of a healthy diet
It’s important for people to eat healthily, especially as they become senior citizens. Fortunately, protein powders can serve as the basis for healthy snacks.
The average protein shake is low in calories, fats, and sugars. Senior citizens, especially those who struggle to maintain a healthy weight, can consume protein-rich foods or supplements to stop those cravings for snacks.
Cons
Certain protein powders can cause digestive issues
As someone who tries his best to stay in shape, I’ve tried a lot of supplements. Looking back now, I probably tried way more supplements than I needed to. My point is that some supplements can cause unpleasant digestive issues. A common culprit of digestive issues can be a whey protein supplement.
Personally, unless I have more than a few drinks per day, whey protein powders don’t affect my stomach. However, a decent amount of people who use whey supplements to get more protein can wind up with mild stomach discomfort. Depending on the person, whey protein might also cause someone to experience diarrhea.
If you experience the previously mentioned stomach-related issues, that’s not to say you can never have a protein shake. I’d recommend trying a high-quality protein supplement made with another source of protein besides whey. For instance, organic pea protein contains digestive enzymes that prevent indigestion.
Another potential way to prevent protein-related stomach problems is by replacing dairy-based milk with soy or almond milk.
Some protein powders don’t taste great
As many people on high-protein diets will tell you, not every protein powder is delicious. Some of them are downright nasty. Don’t worry – all of the best protein drinks in the list above taste great.
The most common negative about powders used to make protein drinks is that they taste chalky.
Certain supplements contain lots of sugars
Many people, including those with diabetes, must limit their sugar intake. If that’s the case with yourself, you’ll want to watch out for high-quality protein products with too much sugar.
Since protein shakes are mainly for people concerned about their health, most of these supplements won’t contain an excessive amount of sugar. However, it’s still a good idea to check the ingredient label of any protein supplement if you have a sensitivity to sugar.
Watching out for overly expensive protein supplements
Another potential issue you can run into when looking for a whey protein supplement is price. Fortunately, all of my top picks are some of the most affordable protein products on the market.
However, there are plenty of powders for protein shakes that retail for upwards of $60!
Frequently asked questions about the best protein powder for seniors
It’s understandable to have questions about using supplements to increase your protein intake. With that in mind, here are answers to some commonly asked questions regarding senior citizens getting more protein.
Is whey protein powder safe for senior citizens?
Yes, the best protein powders for seniors are safe. The only potential issue the elderly can encounter with whey protein shakes is slight stomach discomfort.
If a senior citizen doesn’t respond well to whey protein concentrate or isolate, consider switching to plant-based proteins. For instance, switching from whey protein to pea protein could improve stomach issues.
Can elderly people drink protein shakes?
Yes, protein shakes are perfectly safe for the elderly. The only exception to this rule would be if a senior is allergic to certain types of protein, like whey protein.
What types of protein supplements are available for seniors?
So far, you’ve learned a lot about the best protein powders for seniors. However, you can also enjoy ready-made protein drinks. Sometimes referred to as ready-to-drink supplements, or RTDs, these supplements are pre-made protein drinks.
An RTD protein shake is even easier for a senior citizen to consume, especially since it doesn’t require mixing any powders.
How much protein should a senior citizen consume per day?
Another frequently asked question is how many grams of protein per day can seniors have? According to recent research from Consumer Reports, older adults should try to consume 0.45 to 0.55 grams of protein each day for each pound they weigh.
So, let’s say you’re 70 years of age and weigh 150 pounds. In this case, a sufficient protein intake would range from 67.5 grams to 82.5 grams of protein per day.
The previously mentioned numbers might sound like lofty goals to reach each day. Fortunately, an average protein shake contains anywhere from 20-40 grams of protein.
In conclusion, protein shakes and the powder needed to make them can be great for senior citizens. Fortunately trying the best protein powders for seniors can help any elderly individual reach their goals.