Protein Drinks for the Elderly
“Protein Drinks for the Elderly” was written by Amanda Crowe, MS, RDN, CD & edited/reviewed by Aly Bouzek, MS, RDN.
There are many reasons why protein can be a challenge to get enough of in the diet as we age:
- low appetite or difficulty chewing
- no dentures or ill-fitting dentures
- changes in taste preferences
- following a vegetarian or a vegan diet
- food cost
- a combination of several challenges on this list
Drinking calories and protein can sometimes be an easy way to overcome the above mentioned challenges to getting enough protein. There are several protein powders and protein drink options that the elderly can use to help increase their protein.
Protein Needs
First, how much protein do you need? The Recommended Dietary Allowances for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day.
However, there has been some research to show that protein needs for older adults may be closer to 1.0-1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. (1)
For example, a 150 pound woman (aged 70) would need between 68 and 82 grams of protein per day. We break it down here:
There are 2.2 pounds in 1 kilogram → 150 pounds / 2.2 = 68 kilograms
68 kilograms x 1.0 = 68 grams of protein per day
68 kilograms x 1.2 = 81.6 grams of protein per day
Let’s do another example, a 200 pound man (aged 70) would roughly need between 91 and 109 grams of protein per day. Breaking it down:
There are 2.2 pounds in 1 kilogram → 200 pounds / 2.2 = 90.9 kilograms
90.9 kilograms x 1.0 = 90.9 grams of protein per day
90.9 kilograms x 1.2 = 109 grams of protein per day
What to Look for in Protein Drinks for the Elderly
Finding the right protein drink might take a few tries. When starting out, buy protein drinks in small amounts to sample. It costs a little bit more up front but then you aren’t wasting a lot of money or forcing yourself to finish a protein drink if you don’t like it.
Another tip is to check out local grocery stores, health stores, etc. to see if they are handing out free samples of protein drinks for the elderly.
After you figure out what brand and flavor of protein drink you like, it can then be beneficial to buy in bulk to help reduce overall cost of the drinks.
Some companies do a “subscribe and save” program (you pick the amount and how often you would like the product shipped to you and then your product is discounted).
*Note, this section includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Comparing Protein Drinks for the Elderly
When looking for a protein drink think about what is important to your health.
Are you looking strictly at protein or are there other things to consider like calories, carbs, sugar, sodium, fiber, etc.? Different flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry can change nutrition amounts as well.
It is also important to know if the protein drink will be used as a snack or as a meal replacement. Are you going to be drinking it occasionally, daily, or multiple times a day? Will you be drinking it by itself or are you going to pair it with a snack or meal?
Below are several protein drinks that are easily accessible at most stores. They are listed in alphabetical order. Notice the serving size because they are not the same for each product.
| Size | Calories | Protein | Sodium | Carbs | Fiber | Sugar | |
| Boost High Protein | 8 oz | 240 | 20 gm | 220 mg | 28 gm | 0 gm | 15 gm |
| Ensure Original | 8 oz | 220 | 9 gm | 210 mg | 32 gm | <1 gm | 15 gm |
| Fairlife Core Power | 14 oz | 170 | 26 gm | 260 mg | 8 gm | 2 gm | 5 gm |
| Glucerna Protein Smart | 11 oz | 150 | 30 gm | 150 mg | 7 gm | 4 gm | 3 gm |
| Muscle Milk Genuine Protein | 11 oz | 160 | 25 gm | 190 mg | 7 gm | 4 gm | 0 gm |
| Orgain Nutrition Shake | 11 oz | 250 | 16 gm | 260 mg | 32 gm | 1 gm | 12 gm |
| Orgain Plant Based Shake | 11 oz | 150 | 20 gm | 450 mg | 9 gm | 1 gm | 1 gm |
| Premier Protein | 11.5 oz | 160 | 30 gm | 230 mg | 4 gm | 1 gm | 1 gm |
| Premier Protein Clear | 16.9 oz | 90 | 20 gm | 160 mg | 1 gm | 0 gm | 0 gm |
Can Protein Powder be used for Protein Drinks for the Elderly?
Protein powder is sometimes associated with building muscles, but that is not the only use. They can also be used with water on their own, or they can be added to other beverages or smoothies to increase the calories, protein, or vitamins and minerals.
Protein powder can be animal-based or plant-based. If you have food allergies or sensitivities, then watch for protein powders that have whey protein, gluten, nuts, soy, etc.
Collagen powder also contains some protein; however, it is not as much protein as protein powder. Collagen powder is easily dissolvable and can be added to hot or cold drinks.
Many people use collagen powder to help with hair and nail health, but it may also help with joints, bones, and muscles.
*Note, this section includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Comparing Protein Powder vs Protein Drinks for the Elderly
Below are several protein drinks that are easily accessible at most stores. They are listed in alphabetical order. Notice the serving size because they are not the same for each product.
| Size | Calories | Protein | Sodium | Carbs | Fiber | Sugar | |
| Ka’Chava Meal Replacement | 2 scoops | 240 | 25 gm | 525 mg | 25 gm | 9 gm | 7 gm |
| Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard | 1 scoop | 120 | 24 gm | 130 mg | 3 gm | <1 gm | 1 gm |
| Orgain Plant-based Protein Powder | 2 scoops | 150 | 21 gm | 290 mg | 15 gm | 2 gm | 0 gm |
| Planta Plant Protein | 1 scoop | 110 | 20 gm | 175mg | 2 gm | 1 gm | 0 gm |
| Vega Protein and Greens | 1 scoop | 130 | 20 gm | 210 mg | 7 gm | 2 gm | 1 gm |
| Vega Sport | 1 scoop | 170 | 30 gm | 370 mg | 4 gm | 2 gm | 1 gm |
| Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides | 2 scoops | 70 | 18 gm | 110 mg | 0 gm | 0 gm | 0 gm |
Tips & Ideas for Protein Drinks for the Elderly
High protein drinks for the elderly can be purchased but they can also be homemade!
One benefit to homemade protein drinks is that you can control what goes in your drink.
A tailored protein drink can control the protein, sodium, fat (amount and type), calories, fiber, vitamins and minerals, and taste.
Tips
Watch the placement of protein drinks in your refrigerator and do not place them in a location where they can freeze. Protein drinks can get chunky if they have been frozen and then thawed. They will also not be ready-to-drink if they are frozen.
Protein powder or collagen can be added to fluids that are already being consumed. This can increase the protein of your drink without having to add more liquid. There are several brands of powders that are unflavored and these will not change the flavor of your beverage.
Smoothies are an amazing tool to help with a well-rounded diet. With a powerful blender, nuts can be added to increase protein.
Flavored protein powders can be used to change the flavor of a smoothie to hide any vegetable tastes that you dislike. Also, protein drinks can be used as the liquid instead of water when making a smoothie.
When making a protein drink, the thickness can be a big consideration in whether or not a drink is enjoyable.
Some people prefer really thin drinks so that they can be consumed quickly and through a straw, while others prefer a thicker drink that needs to be eaten with a spoon and takes longer to eat.
Ideas
The possibilities are endless when creating a protein drink! Feel free to add fruits, vegetables, nuts, nut butters, seeds, powders, water, milk, or milk substitutes.
Here are a few recipes for protein drinks for the elderly. They are pulled from our sister site, High Calorie Recipes, and are great options if you wish to make your own protein drink.
If you’re looking for more information regarding protein in the elderly and drinks to support protein needs, then check out these links below:
- Protein Shakes for Weight Gain
- Best High Calorie Meal Replacements
- Protein Powder for Weight Gain
- Vegan Protein vs Whey: What’s Better for the Older Adult?
Conclusion
The biggest takeaway for protein drinks for the elderly is to find a protein drink that you enjoy drinking!
If you have an objection to the taste, texture, or appearance, then the chances of you drinking it are pretty low. Food cost may also be a factor in specific foods being added to your protein drink.
This article is not meant to replace advice from a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian. If you have questions or concerns about the amount of protein in your diet, then contact your health care provider or a registered dietitian to discuss this further.
What is your favorite protein drink?