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  A protein shaker provides a convenient, hassle-free way to mix protein powders or powdered supplements that can then be consumed straight from the shaker. Many brands manufacture protein shakers, available in an array of sizes, mixing systems and drinking caps. They are ideal for using at the gym or on the go, when you don't have access to a blender. There are three main styles, and depending on your needs, anyone of these might be the best shaker for your lifestyle.
  
  

Gauze Shakers

• The most commonly found protein shaker has a plastic gauze disc that sits at the top of the shaker, just below the drinking cap. When shaking, the drink mixes in the bottle, and the gauze disc design means you avoid drinking all the lumpy bits of unmixed powder.
  
  Cheaper shakers of this design often have ill-fitting gauze discs and therefore do not prevent all the lumps from getting to the drinking cap. An additional flaw is that these designs do not mix the powder as effectively as others; there are often clumps of powder left at the bottom of the bottle.
  
  

Ball Shakers

• In contrast to the gauze disc system, these shakers use a ball (sometimes solid, sometimes wire coil) that is much more effective at mixing protein powders. One disadvantage is if you haven't adequately shaken the bottle, there is no system in place to prevent you from drinking a rather lumpy, unpleasant mixture. Another drawback is the rattling noise these shakers make when transporting them.
  
  

Aluminum Shaker

• Aluminum shakers are less common and more expensive. However, they appeal to the health-conscious or eco-friendly gym user who is trying to avoid drinking from plastic containers. An added benefit is that these containers can be kept in the fridge, allowing for a chilled protein shake post-workout. Like other shakers, these are available with a gauze disc or a ball shaking system.