An easy-to-clean protein shaker bottle provides a healthy way to mix protein drinks on-the-go. The shaker consists of a cup or bottle with tight-sealing lid, often with a drinking spout.

The most important feature is the mixer, spokes that sit inside the shaker, or a device in the lid. The mixer helps combine protein powder — such as whey, as described by Mayo Clinic — in with liquid and break up lumps to create a smooth drink. Choose a shaker that's easy to disassemble and clean to avoid the risk of bacteria build-up in inaccessible crannies.

What Is A Shaker Cup, Anyway?

Shaker cup. Shaker bottle. Protein shaker. Mixing bottle. Handheld mixer. Whatever you call it—and the names are numerous—we’re talking about the container used to mix up your protein shakes.

But what is a shaker cup, exactly, and what makes it different from a standard water bottle or lidded cup? The standout feature of any shaker cup is a mixing mechanism that works to break up and blend ingredients into a smooth liquid shake. Even the mixing mechanism can be called many different things—whisk ball, shaker ball, mixer ball, or agitator, to name a few.

In addition to the agitator, there are several other features that differentiate various shaker cups, and figure in when choosing the best protein shaker for you. It just so happens we know a thing or two about the topic; our standard-setting is the world’s best-selling shaker cup, and since launching our original bottle in 2004, we’ve designed numerous other innovative shakers to meet specific needs.

Let’s take a look at the features that are important in any shaker cup.

The Bottle Material

There are three main components to a protein shaker: the bottle material, the mixing mechanism, and the lid. The bottle material not only makes a difference aesthetically, it can impact the taste and temperature of your shake.

Plastic shaker cups are the most common type—but not all plastics are the same. It’s important to make sure your shaker is BPA and phthalate free, like all BlenderBottle? brand shakers. Otherwise, harmful chemicals can leach into your drink. One of the best food-grade plastics is Eastman Tritan?, known for its extreme durability and clarity, as well as being stain and odor resistant—a highly desirable quality that prevents today’s smoothie from tasting like last week’s protein shake. Many plastic shaker cups feature Eastman Trita as the bottle material.

Insulated shaker cups keep drinks cold, making them an extra refreshing option on hot days, or helping to preserve freshness if you don’t drink the entire shake at once. We use double-wall vacuum-insulated stainless steel in bottles, which keeps the contents chilled for up to 24 hours.

There are few things better than a delicious cup of coffee. That gentle aroma as you bring your coffee cup or glass to your face; that first sip, as you appreciate the flavour notes for the first time; that oh-so-satisfying mouthfeel; and that aftertaste that lingers on your tongue…

But what if your choice of cup, mug, or glass was preventing you from enjoying the full effect of that exceptional specialty coffee? And conversely, what if it could make your coffee taste even better?

Mark Vecchiarelli is the Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of KRUVE, famous for creating sifters which ensure greater grind size accuracy. His company has recently launched on Indiegogo their newest product: the KRUVE EQ, a set of two glasses designed to enhance different attributes in your coffee, along with a glass carafe.