While many foods are great sources of protein, such as meat, poultry, eggs, milk and legumes, a lot of gym-goers still drink protein shakes to achieve the body of their dream. Available in many forms, from powders to capsules to liquids, the most common one is powder, which is where a shaker bottle comes in. A good protein shaker will allow you to mix the protein powder with your choice of liquid well, without leaving any lumps.
You may be wondering if can you use a normal bottle for a protein shake? Yes, you can, but you may end up with lumps. The reason you need a shaker bottle is due to its mixing system, which works to break up and blend ingredients into a smooth liquid shake. This mixing system tends to be called in different ways such as whisk ball, shaker ball, mixer ball, agitator etc. In addition to helping you mix your protein shakes easier and more efficiently, shaker bottles also take out the hassle of depending on a mixer or blender. This saves you much prep time and also avoid extra kitchen duty clean up.
Different types of shaker bottles are available on the market but they generally consist of a small lid, whisk ball and other similar parts. The whisk ball goes inside the protein bottle. To prepare your shake, add the protein powder and the liquid to the bottle and close the lid tightly. After that, you have to shake the bottle for about two minutes. Your shake will then be ready to be drunk at home or in the gym.
Now, that you know the purpose of a shaker bottle, let’s move on to what you should consider when purchasing one.
Functionality
Like with everything else you buy, the most important thing to consider when shopping for shakers bottles is their functionality. This means the cup should come with features that allow it to meet the objectives of a protein shaker cup. These features include the cup ability to mix protein powders perfectly, leak and spill proof and provision for a firm grip or handle.
The cup ability to mix protein powder well relies mostly on its mixing mechanism. The whisk ball is the most popular option. It’s a mechanical device that tends to mimic a kitchen whisk as it breaks down ingredients (protein powder and liquid) and combine them to form perfect protein shakes.
Most protein shakers will feature a screw-on lid that makes them airtight, hence preventing leaks. Simple said, it safeguards the shake from spilling when the bottle is carried in a bag. And some shaker bottles will also come with an adjustable loop. This type of loop allows you to carry the bottle comfortably and also hang your key while you are working out.
It doesn’t make sense to invest in a shaker bottle if it won’t meet its basic functionality. Always make sure to read the user reviews of verified purchases whether or not the shaker you’ve chosen mixes well or not.
Ease of Cleaning
Another important thing to consider is whether or not the shaker is dishwasher safe. For example, models with metallic shaker cups tend not to be dishwasher save even though they can keep liquids cooler or warmer for longer. Stainless steel shaker bottles are generally dishwasher safer.
Why the shaker cup must be dishwasher safe? Let’s suppose for some reason you forgot your shaker bottle in the car for a few days. As soon as you open up the shaker you will immediately smell a rancid stench that certainly get you feeling to throw up. At this time, you’ll be thankful that dishwashers exist and that your bottle is dishwasher safe.
Size
Shaker cups come in different sizes, ranging from small to extra large. The size you choose will depend on the kind of activity you’ll be doing. Will you be carrying the bottle for a run, will tuck it into your handbag and will generally be drinking small servings of shake? If so, a small shaker cup may be enough to suit your needs. If you’ll be taking double doses or will be mixing a recipe with different ingredients, then consider getting a larger cup.
Convenience
This includes the extras the shaker bottle offers.
Side Measurements
When you’re making a protein shake, you need to be able to measure how much liquid you are adding to your bottle. Without measurements marks, you won’t be able to mix your contents properly. So make sure you get yourself a bottle that features a measurement mark that is accurate and easy to read.
Compartments
Some shaker bottles will feature a dry storage unit where you can store protein powder or protein pills. Although this feature is not essentially necessary, it does provide you with more functionality with doesn’t hurt.
