There is limited research on the best time of day to consume protein. It may depend on a person's reason for taking protein. If a person wants to take protein to lose weight, they may benefit from having protein snacks between meals, as this can increase satiety and may lead a person to eat less at their next meal.
If a person is consuming protein to build muscle, they may benefit from taking protein after a workout.
Certain supplements are formulated to release protein content slowly. These are more suitable for overnight post-exercise recovery.