Why do people drink protein shakes?

Convenience. I often have them at work if I haven’t got time for salad (as in I haven’t had time to shop for fresh ingredients or cook any grains rather than not have time to eat). I have a travel blender I take frozen berries and water and some oats - I add banana and protein powder and milk at work and blitz. I keep a bit in my locker so if I’m really desperate I have it with milk and instant coffee. It fills me up with very little trouble and expense and is basically “storecupboard” food. It’s just whey protein - I could make it at home if I could be arsed so I don’t lose my mind over the dreaded unhealthy UHPs element. I’m not lacking in protein but I work long days in a physical job and will 100% overeat biscuits if I’m hungry and more protein means I’m less hungry later.

DH is a triathlete and uses protein shakes (2-3 a day) to supplement his protein between meals. He’d struggle to eat the volume of food needed to get the same amount, which he needs to support muscle recovery.

I have them because I am autistic and struggle with eating. (Sensory issues / forget to eat / find eating such a chore)

My daughter has a chronic illness and they are a lifeline when she’s too fatigued to eat.

My dad had them when he was dying of cancer as they were all he could swallow.

I would never think “oooh, I fancy a protein shake” but I’m glad they exist.

I don’t get it either, I’ll rather eat a nice meal with chicken, eggs, etc rather than ‘use up’ my calories on those cos I may get the feeling of being full but I won’t have enjoyed my meal so I don’t use protein shakes either

There is no evidence that lots of people beyond the very elderly don’t get enough protein

there is a big push by certain industries to suggest that recommended protein suggestions are way too low but personally when there is big money involved I treat it with a huge pinch of salt

western diets are not short of protein but poeple
believe the hype

Edit to add the “Atkins diet” of decades ago was based around high protein as it fools you into feeling full for longer but the long term health damage was atrocious

Your body needs protein for lots of things,it keeps you feeling fuller for longer so that’s one of the reasons I try to eat a high protein diet.
I eat chicken,eggs,nuts,cheese and Greek yoghurt most days and still find it difficult to reach my recommended daily amount of protein.
If I actually track how much protein I eat,it’s actually pretty low even with what I would consider to be a high protein diet.
I try not to have protein shakes because I try to not have upf but if I want to up my protein I do drink them occasionally.
Some of them are pretty tasty too.

Scrambled eggs doesn’t contain much protein compared to a protein shake. If you’re trying to get some recommended amounts (they vary hugely) then a shake makes it easier. So that’s your reason. You can argue that it’s a UPF and not healthy, and I’d agree with you, but generally that’s why people have them from time to time.

Body builders and a lot of influencers (make and female, of all ages) have some kind of protein powder daily.

Because it’s cheap, quick, convenient, doesn’t require refrigeration, and is easily transportable.

Unless you are a power athlete or bodybuilder you probably don’t require extra protein but for those that do it’s very convenient and easy to consume.

Convenience, absorption. Loads of protein and as low on calories as you can get if there's not much in the way of fat and carbs in the shake.

Lots of people don't get enough protein in their diets, even if they're meat eaters. Then people who lift at the gym or are trying to lose weight need a whole lot more. Shakes just make it easier.

I never liked the shakes, but I would use chocolate protein powder to bake with.. And make weird concoctions with. Scoop of protein powder, a smiqdge of baking powder, some water to make it into a thick paste, microwave until it's a protein brownie. Not gonna be like a normal brownie of course, but good enough when normal brownies are off the menu lol.

I also mixed the powder with cottage cheese, as well as egg whites and then microwave. I have an eating disorder though and did all sorts of weird things with food to get recommended protein in on as few calories as possible lol.

Convenience. I often have them for breakfast, quick and easy.

Protein keeps you fuller for longer in theory. But I'd opt for healthier alternatives than shakes and powders.

Fashion

ultra processed so unlikely to be really healthy