Last updated May 2025
The Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss in 2025, According to Athletes and Dietitians
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Our Picks for the Best Protein Powders for Weight Loss of 2025:
- Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss Overall: Nutricost Whey Protein Powder
- Best Tasting Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Legion Whey+
- Best Whey Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
- Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss and Muscle Gain: Jacked Factory Authentic ISO
- Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss on Amazon: Wellah Protein Your Whey
- Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss for the Money: Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
- Best Clean Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Transparent Labs Casein Protein
- Best Meal Replacement Protein for Weight Loss: Huel Black Edition
Key Product Info
| Protein Per Serving | 25 g |
| Third-party tested? | Yes |
| Flavors | Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate, Strawberry Milkshake, and Unflavored |
| Sweeteners used | Sucralose |
| Type of Protein | Undenatured (not processed in a way that would alter its natural structure) whey protein concentrate |
| Protein Per Serving | 22 g |
| Third-party tested? | Yes |
| Flavors | Unflavored, Strawberry Banana, Fruity Cereal, Mocha Cappucino, Dutch Chocolate, Apple Pie, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Cereal, Banana Bread, Birthday Cake, Cookies and Cream, Cocoa Cereal, |
| Sweeteners used | Stevia |
| Type of Protein | Whey protein isolate derived from grass-fed cows |
| Protein Per Serving | 28 g |
| Third-party tested? | Yes |
| Flavors | Milk Chocolate, Vanilla Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter, Blueberry Pancakes, Mint Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Peanut Butter, French Vanilla, Strawberry Milkshake, Dark Chocolate, Unflavored, Cinnamon French Toast, Mocha, Vanilla Oatmeal Cookie, Sugar Cookie, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie |
| Sweeteners used | Stevia |
| Type of Protein | 100% grass-fed whey isolate sourced from cattle |
| Protein Per Serving | 25 g |
| Third-party tested? | No |
| Flavors | Blueberry Muffin, Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon French Toast, Cookies and Cream, Peanut Butter, Unflavored, Vanilla |
| Sweeteners used | Stevia and sucralose |
| Type of Protein | Whey protein isolate that is sourced from grass-fed cows |
| Protein Per Serving | 20 g |
| Third-party tested? | Yes |
| Flavors | 4 options: Coconut, Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, and Vanilla |
| Sweeteners used | Stevia |
| Type of Protein | Whey protein isolate |
| Protein Per Serving | 25g |
| Third-party tested? | Yes |
| Flavors | Flavors inspired by ice cream shakes: Vanilla, Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter |
| Sweeteners used | Stevia |
| Type of Protein | 100% isolate |
| Protein Per Serving | 25 g |
| Third-party tested? | Yes |
| Flavors | Transparent Labs only offers a Chocolate flavor of their casein protein |
| Sweeteners used | Stevia |
| Type of Protein | Grass-fed micellar casein protein |
| Protein Per Serving | 40 g |
| Third-party tested? | Yes |
| Flavors | Vanilla, Chocolate, Banana, Strawberry Shortcake, Coffee Caramel, Cookies and Cream, Cinnamon Roll, Salted Caramel, Unflavored |
| Sweeteners used | Stevia |
| Type of Protein | 100% plant-based with pea protein and brown rice protein |
How to Choose the Best Protein Powder for You
Ingredients
No two protein supplements for weight loss are exactly the same. Different brands and products have different formulas. In addition to protein, you may find sweeteners (natural and artificial), the addition of vitamins and minerals, or other ingredients.
Before you buy any supplement, read the ingredient label thoroughly and consult your personal physician if you have any pre-existing conditions.
Dosages
How much protein is enough? We have worked with a number of registered dietitians who suggest looking for protein powders that offer around 20 to 25 grams per serving (this is about the same amount of protein you might find in a serving of chicken breast).
Type of Protein
What type of protein is right for you? Whey protein is among the most popular because it is a complete protein (has nine essential amino acids) and it tends to have a good texture when mixed into smoothies.
However, there are also casein, pea, pumpkin, and other protein options. Your dietary preferences and/or restrictions may dictate the type of protein best for you.
Third-Party Testing
Protein powders aren’t closely regulated by the FDA, so it’s best to prioritize products that are third-party tested. That means that an independent company tested the formula to guarantee that the ingredient label accurately reflects the ingredients and doses.
Flavors
If you’re going to drink your protein, it may as well taste good! Luckily, protein powders come in a pretty wide variety of flavors. Chances are, there’s something for everyone. You can also read product reviews to see if there is any feedback you find useful regarding flavors.
Potential Side Effects
Always look at the label to see if there are ingredients that may lead to a potential side effect. For example, people who don’t tolerate dairy well may want to avoid whey protein (or look for a whey protein isolate, which may be easier to digest).
Cost
The price per serving of protein powders will fluctuate based on a number of factors, like ingredient quality and if the party is third-party tested. Most proteins are typically between $1 and $3 per serving.
Benefits of Protein Powders for Weight Loss
Why should you take a protein supplement? There are many reasons we recommend these products:
Increase Protein Intake
Protein is an essential part of everyone’s diet. It’s one of the three macronutrients you need for your body to function well. And sometimes you need supplementation to reach the recommended daily value of protein (which is anywhere from 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight to upward of 1.5 grams of protein, depending on your biometrics and activity level).
Recover Better
A high-protein diet has been reported to help improve muscle recovery after a tough training session. Protein is necessary to repair and grow muscles, so drinking a shake after your workout may help you reach your goals.
Convenience
We are huge advocates of eating real food whenever possible. However, we also know that cooking a full meal isn’t always feasible. A protein powder is simple to throw into a shaker cup with water or milk. You can throw the powder in your gym bag and sip it on the go..
Cook With It
Looking for ways to get more protein in? You can easily add protein powder to some of your favorite recipes: pancakes, muffins, smoothies, and more. There are unflavored proteins you may not even be able to detect, or choose a flavored option to enhance your recipe.
FAQs
When should I take protein?
There really is no “best time” to drink your protein shake. Contrary to popular belief, you aren’t going to lose all your gains if you don’t drink your shake within 30 minutes of your workout. Instead, prioritize getting the appropriate amount of protein throughout the day. Getting some protein in right before or immediately after a training session won’t hurt, but as long as you meet your daily protein and calorie requirements, you’ll be on track regardless of your timeline.
Should I worry about consuming too much protein?
How much protein you should consume will depend on factors such as your body mass, training regimen, and current goals. If you go over those recommended numbers though, there is nothing to worry about. In the absence of any underlying condition, there is no evidence that there are any harmful health effects from consuming “too much protein.” However, it is always recommended to consult your physician if you have concerns regarding excessive protein intake.
Are protein powders regulated by the FDA?
No, the FDA does not regulate protein powders and supplements like it does other foods and drugs. So, that’s why you want to choose a supplement that’s third-party tested. Luckily, all our picks check that box!
Do protein powders expire?
Protein powders have a pretty long shelf life but they do expire after a certain period of time. Before you scoop from an old tub, make sure to double check the expiration date.
Are vegan protein powders as effective as whey protein powders?
Vegan protein powders can be just as effective as whey, so long as you get the same amount of protein and essential amino acids per serving.
