Protein shakes are the muscle-building supplement of choice for most men, but the fact they can help manage appetite means they can also be a useful tool for people looking to lose weight. While whey has been the go-to for years, new research shows that plant-based shakes made from potato and rice proteins are just as effective at curbing hunger. 8 On top of that, the vegan protein shakes led to a lower rise in blood insulin compared to whey, resulting in better blood glucose control, suggesting the vegan shakes could be a better option for people who need to control their blood glucose levels.