Seraphina is a health writer with a background as a registered dietitian.

Protein is a key component of any diet, and an essential macronutrient responsible for maintaining healthy cells and a healthy body. Though most of our protein comes from foods like legumes, eggs, meat, nuts, and fish, sometimes it can be difficult to meet your daily protein goals through food alone, so adding some high-protein drinks to your diet can be a quick and easy way to achieve this.

It's important to remember that high-protein drinks are meant to supplement rather than replace a meal, and no matter how much protein it contains, a beverage will not provide the same feeling of satisfaction and fullness as food, says registered dietitian Lisa Moskovitz, RD.

Additionally, "our body best absorbs and utilizes nutrients when we can get it from food," says Moskovitz. "We're not just getting one nutrient from poultry or fish or eggs, we're getting multiple, and they work together in a way that helps our body use them optimally." Processed foods, like protein powders and protein drinks, won't give you the same synergy, she adds. However, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the occasional high-protein drink for that extra kick.