Protein shakes can assist in either your weight loss goals or gain in muscle mass, it just depends on what else you eat during the day, as well as your workout plan. If your trying to lose weight, may suggest MetRX, it's a meal replacement that tastes great, and has very little fat and calories in it. It helps with gaining lean muscle, I think it has 37 grams of protein, which if added with 16oz of milk, which means an added 16-18 grams of protein depending on what type of milk you drink, as well as hormones in the milk that has been shown to aid in your muscle gaining goals.
Its simply Calories in VS calories out at the end of the day. So if the powder is calories intense, then you should stay away from it.