The 11 Best Low-Carb Protein Powders of 2024, According to a RDN

Many of the best protein powders we’ve tested are low in carbs, calories, and added sugars. A low-carb protein powder can be useful for those looking for a concentrated dose of protein that can support their fitness goals without disrupting their diet. Of course, the sheer volume of protein powders on the market can be overwhelming. Who has time to look at package labels and compare testing notes on hundreds of products? Well, we do! Aren’t you lucky?

Our shake-savvy testers sifted through hundreds of protein powders to identify high-quality brands that deliver what they promise, from clean formulations to impressive macro balances. Our list has a little something for everybody, with a selection of whey protein powders sitting alongside vegan and casein options. What they all have in common, though, is a low carb count. Keep reading as we unpack the best low-carb protein powders that can help support your health goals.

The Best Low-Carb Protein Powders of 2024

• Best Low-Carb Protein Powder Overall: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
• Best-Tasting Low-Carb Protein Powder: XWERKS Grow
• Best Grass-Fed Low-Carb Protein Powder: Legion Whey+
• Best Low-Carb Whey Isolate Protein Powder: Jacked Factory Authentic ISO
• Best Low-Carb Pea Protein Powder: Ritual Essential Daily Shake 18+
• Best Low-Carb Chocolate Protein Powder: Sports Research Whey Protein
• Best Low-Carb, Low-Sugar Protein Powder: Gainful Personalized Protein
• Best Low-Carb, High-Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Onnit Grass-Fed Whey Protein
• Best Vegan Low-Carb Protein Powder: Momentous Essential Plant-Based Protein
• Best Budget Low-Carb Protein Powder: Bulk Supplements Whey Protein Isolate 90% Powder
• Best Low-Carb Casein Protein Powder: NOW Sports Micellar Casein

Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Low-Carb Protein Powders

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To determine the best low-carb protein powders available today, we’ve tested nearly 100 different profiles from the industry’s best brands, using the BarBend supplement testing methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Below are some of the categories and components that played into our rankings.

• Protein Content: When choosing low-carb protein powders, we looked for products featuring different types of protein. Sure, milk proteins from whey and casein can help build muscle mass and strength, but egg white protein also shows promise to provide a potent protein source full of amino acids. (1)(2) There’s also pea protein, which has solid protein content, is easy for the body to absorb, and can help support gut health. (3)(4)
• Calorie Content: Limiting carbohydrate content is one way to reduce the calorie content per serving of protein powders. For this list, we prioritized powders with between 90 and 150 calories per serving.  If you need more energy for a high-intensity workout, you can always consume more than one serving or mix the powder with calorie-dense foods, like yogurt, milk, or peanut butter. 
• Flavor: If the protein powder you choose does not taste good, then you’re not going to consume it on a regular basis. Our experts looked not just at flavor, but also the aftertaste and texture of the protein shakes when mixed with water and milk.
• Price: If you’re going to be drinking a protein powder shake on a regular basis, then you’re going to have to make sure it fits your budget. To ensure an option for all athletes, we sought to include budget options below $1 per serving alongside some of the pricier powders we like. 
• Third-Party Testing: Like all dietary supplements, protein powder isn’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. As such, we prioritized products that have been third-party tested by an outside lab. This kind of testing — and certain certifications like NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) — can help ensure the purity and potency of supplements.

Best Low-Carb Protein Powder Overall: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate

Pros

28 grams of grass-fed whey with between 0 to 3 net carbs per serving

Gluten-free and non-GMO

No artificial sweeteners, colors, or fillers

Cons

More expensive at nearly $2 per serving

Not safe for those with milk allergies or lactose intolerance

Higher sodium content of 370 milligrams per serving

Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is a third-party tested protein powder with between 0 and 3 net carbs and just 120 to 150 calories per scoop, depending on the flavor. Set those numbers against this product’s 28 grams of grass-fed protein per serving and you’ve got a macro balance we can get behind. We also love that Transparent Labs offers 15 different flavors, from straightforward Unflavored and Vanilla options to more decadent tastes like Dark Chocolate and Blueberry Pancakes. 

Our tester scored its taste a 5 out of 5 and noted that it doesn’t cause bloating like some other protein powders. They also raved about the Peppermint Hot Chocolate variety, saying, “Throw in some marshmallows and a little whipped cream and it feels like Christmas. Not quite as ‘pepperminty’ as I wanted, but it’s still there for sure.” 

[Related: Best Macros Calculator]

They do, however, suggest mixing with a blender as opposed to a shaker bottle. Reviewers online agree and say that this product does have a tendency to clump. 

BarBend expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois does say, “Those who are watching their sodium intake may be deterred by the amount of sodium per scoop.” Each serving of this product contains around 370 milligrams of sodium, which can add up if you consume more than one serving daily. Therefore, if you are following a low-sodium or heart-healthy diet, this may not be the right low-carb protein powder for you. 

Based on our own testing, we scored this product at a B overall for purity. The sample we took scored in the top 25% among all sampled powders for heavy metals, and the top 10% for the presence of bisphenols, phthalates, and pesticides.

We think this protein powder is one to place at the top of your list, though. With certificates of analysis available online to verify third-party testing, our testers gave it 5 out of 5 for its formulation, but a 3.5 out of 5 for price.

Best-Tasting Low-Carb Protein Powder: XWERKS Grow

Pros

Our testers loved the smooth flavor of the Chocolate variety

Whey isolate protein processed to dramatically reduce lactose, carbs, and fat

Contains 6 grams of BCAAs per serving

Cons

Not third-party tested

Nearly $2 per serving

We love the smooth and tasty chocolate flavor of XWERKS Grow, one of the best-tasting protein powders we’ve tried. Our tester scored it a 5 out of 5 in terms of taste. “I tried the chocolate flavor and it was kind of like drinking a protein Yoo-hoo,” they said. “I’m surprised at how smooth it is.” Its whey isolate protein comes via a microfiltration process that works to deliver 25 grams of protein while dramatically reducing any accompanying lactose, fat, and carbs. 

Every keto-friendly scoop contains just 110 calories, between 0 and 2 grams of fat, and 1 to 2 grams of carbs. “You also get 6 grams of BCAAs, making it ideal for building muscle,” notes BarBend expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D. Furthermore, this product is sweetened with natural flavors like stevia. 

Solubility scored a 5 out of 5 with our tester. “Mixing isn’t really an issue at all — I barely needed a blender ball.” 

We do, however, wish XWERKS tested this product with a third-party lab, resulting in a 2.5 out of 5 score in the category. At nearly $2 per serving, it’s also one of the pricier protein powders on the market. 

Bourgeois, however, thinks it’s worth the price, scoring it a 4.5 out of 5 for its protein content and formula. “At around $2 per serving, XWERKS Grow is one of the more expensive options on the market. Still, you get 25 grams of protein for $2, so it’s not too outrageous,” she says.

Read our full XWERKS Grow Review. 

Best Grass-Fed Low-Carb Protein Powder: Legion Whey+

Pros

Organic supp made with dairy from grass-fed cows free from hormones, antibiotics

Non-GMO, lactose-free, and sugar-free

NSF certified and made in a GMP-certified facility

Cons

Stevia’s bitter taste can be a deterrent for some

Those with kidney issues will want to note the high amount of potassium

On the pricier end of the average protein powder

According to Legion, the whey isolate in Whey+ comes from happy, grass-fed cows free from hormones and antibiotics. It’s also got a great macro balance of 23 grams of protein, between 1 and 2 grams of fat, and between 2 and 6 grams of carbs, depending on the flavor. “Whey+ is clinically dosed to support muscle building and workout recovery,” says BarBend expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois.

Whey+ is also one of the best organic protein powders we’ve tested, given that it’s free of fillers, artificial ingredients, and artificial sugars. Our tester reported a good taste and no problems with texture, scoring taste a 4.5 out of 5 and solubility a 5 out of 5. “I tried the Cinnamon Cereal and it tasted just like I was eating the real thing,” they said. “I wish it were a little bit richer, but it still tasted so accurate.” 

Per our tester, your mileage may vary when it comes to this powder’s use of the all-natural sweetener stevia, which can be too bitter for some. 

We do, though, like that it’s available in 16 different flavors. “I like the variety offered, and I love that you get more than 20 grams of protein per scoop without all the artificial junk,” adds Bourgeois. She also loves that it’s third-party tested to verify the purity of its ingredients. She scored its formulation a 4.75 out of 5. 

Per BarBend’s own independent testing, though, we graded Whey+ at a C for purity. It scored within the top 10% of all sampled proteins for pesticides, phthalates, bisphenols, and overall label accuracy (that’s good!), though it did rank in just the top 50% for the presence of heavy metals. This isn’t a major detriment to the effectiveness of the protein, but it’s worth noting if you’re consuming it daily.

Bourgeois also notes the high potassium content in some flavors. “[This] may be a concern if you also take an electrolyte supplement,” she says. “Too much of a good thing isn’t always a good thing, especially if you have kidney issues.”

Read our full Legion Whey+ Review.

Best Low-Carb Whey Isolate Protein Powder: Jacked Factory Authentic ISO

Pros

25 grams of pure grass-fed whey protein isolate per serving

Free of fillers and dyes

Mixes well and has a wide variety of decadent flavors

Cons

Contains artificial sweeteners like sucralose

Has some artificial flavors

Those with a lactose intolerance will want to avoid

Whey isolate protein is created via a microfiltration process that works to retain the dairy’s protein profile while minimizing its carb and fat content. Jacked Factory Authentic ISO is one of the best whey isolates we’ve tried, as its 25 grams of whey protein per serving come via grass-fed cows free from synthetic chemicals and hormones. It’s a clean product that, per research, can improve muscle protein synthesis better than carbs and placebos. (5)

“Each scoop is packed with an impressive 25 grams of protein with minimal carbohydrate and fat content,” notes BarBend expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois. “And if you’re prone to getting bored with your protein powder flavors, you’ll likely be excited about Jacked Factory’s dessert-inspired options.”

Those flavors currently include Cinnamon French Toast, Cookies & Cream, and Vanilla Oatmeal Cookie, though the lineup is prone to change. We previously tried their Fruity Cereal Splash flavor and scored it a 4 out of 5. “I noticed a slightly medicinal aftertaste, but nothing that turned me off from the product,” said our tester. “It definitely tasted like Froot Loops.” 

Solubility, meanwhile, scored a 5 out of 5. “This whey mixes really easily and it tastes smooth,” our tester said. “But there was a tiny bit of separation that I noticed.” They recommend mixing it in a shaker cup for best results. 

It’s worth noting that while this product is free from fillers and artificial dyes it does contain sucralose, an artificial sweetener that some may find too sweet for their liking. We also wish it had third-party testing results to help verify the amount and efficacy of its ingredients. It was, however, manufactured in a cGMP-Certified Facility. 

Bourgeois also points out that some flavors contain up to 300 milligrams of sodium, a significant portion of your recommended daily intake. “If you’re watching your sodium intake for any reason, you might not be keen on this protein powder,” she says. Still, she gave it an overall score of 4.25 out of 5. 

Best Low-Carb Pea Protein Powder: Ritual Essential Daily Shake 18+

Pros

Made from non-GMO, regeneratively-farmed yellow peas grown in the USA

8 grams of EAAs and 4 grams of BCAAs

Free from gluten, soy, and allergens

Cons

Very expensive at more than $2.50 per serving

Only 15 servings per package

There’s a slight aftertaste, per our testers

Ritual Essential Daily Shake 18+ is a gluten-free, plant-based protein powder that derives its 20 grams of protein per serving entirely from non-GMO, regeneratively-farmed yellow peas grown in the U.S. “And because it includes methionine, it’s a complete protein — score!” says BarBend expert Chelsea Rae Bourgeois. “Methionine is an essential amino acid, meaning our bodies need it but can’t produce it, so it’s super convenient to get it in your protein powder.”

BarBend expert Leona West Fox, a certified nutritionist, adds, “Pea protein is often referred to as the easiest [plant-based protein] to digest and obtain the amino acids and I agree on both fronts.”

Bourgeois scored the formulation a 4.5 out of 5, and our tester gave it a 5 out of 5 for third-party testing, as it comes with a stamp of approval from Informed Sport. “I’m a huge fan of companies that are transparent with their formulas, and Ritual’s got that down to a science,” Bourgeois says. “Essential Protein Daily Shake is third-party tested and made with traceable ingredients, so you know exactly what you’re putting in your body and where it came from.”

This vegan protein powder contains zero net carbs, making it ideal for a ketogenic diet. It’s also sweetened with natural compounds like fermented sugar cane (Reb-M) and monk fruit. You should make sure you enjoy such sweeteners first though before buying this product. This is because such compounds can cause an aftertaste. 

“You do get a little aftertaste,” said our tester, who scored taste a 4 out of 5 and solubility a 5 out of 5. “When mixed in a smoothie, it’s noticeable but not overpowering.” We do wish there were more flavor options, though, as this one only comes in Vanilla, which may not appeal to every athlete desiring pea protein’s benefits. 

Bourgeois did, however, ding it slightly for its high sodium content. “While it’s not an outrageous amount, each serving of Essential Protein provides 290 milligrams of sodium — something to keep in mind if you’re watching your sodium intake.”

She adds, “The cost is another deterrent for me. You only get 15 servings per container, which means you’re paying around $2.67 for 20 grams of protein.”

Best Low-Carb, High-Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Onnit Grass-Fed Whey Protein

Pros

It’s been third-party tested for banned substances by Informed Sport

Non-GMO and made from milk derived from grass-fed Irish dairy cows

Contains a digestive enzyme blend

Cons

Nearly $2 per serving

Just two flavors available

Very thin when mixed with water, per our tester

“Research continues to point to high-protein intake as a sustainable weight management method,” says BarBend expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, a registered dietitian nutritionist. (6) “It helps increase energy expenditure, promote satiety between meals, and decrease lean muscle loss.” If weight loss is your goal, supplementing with high-protein, low-carb product like Onnit Grass-Fed Whey Protein could help support your efforts.

It delivers a solid macro balance, with each serving packing 20 grams of protein, between 110 and 120 calories, between 3 and 4 grams of carbs, and less than 3 grams of fat, depending on the flavor.

“Onnit Whey Protein also provides an impressive complete amino acid profile to support muscle gains and workout recovery,” says Bourgeois.

The formulation, which Bourgeois scored a 4.5 out of 5, also includes an enzyme blend that can “help promote good digestion” and a probiotic strain — Lactobacillus acidophilus — that supports gut health. (7) “A healthy intestinal barrier is responsible for the uptake of essential nutrients, an important consideration when pursuing weight loss,” notes Bourgeois. (8)

[Related: Best Supplements for Weight Loss]

It is, however, light on flavor variety, with just Vanilla and Mexican Chocolate flavors available. Thankfully, we like the taste of the Mexican Chocolate, scoring it a 3.75 out of 5. “I tried the Mexican Chocolate flavor, which was good, but I struggled with how thin it was after mixing it in water,” they said. “It has a bit more body when mixed with whole or oat milk.” Solubility scored a 5 out of 5. 

It is a pricier powder at around $2 per serving, and each tub contains especially since it contains between 5 and 8 grams less protein per scoop than products from Transparent Labs and XWERKS Grow. 

Read our full Onnit Grass-Fed Whey Protein Review.

Best Low-Carb Chocolate Protein Powder: Sports Research Whey Protein

Pros

The Chocolate and Vanilla flavors are delicious, per our tester

Mixes up smooth and creamy in water or milk

6.9 grams of BCAAs per serving

Cons

Not much flavor variety beyond Chocolate and Vanilla

Contains tree nuts, a common allergen

Has sucralose, an artificial sweetener

Taste matters, and it can be a real bummer when a protein supp’s promised flavor tastes like a poor imitation. Thankfully, Sports Research Whey Protein Isolate doesn’t disappoint with its takes on classic Chocolate and Vanilla. “Would rate this as a very good-tasting protein powder,” says BarBend team member Eric Pisko, who scored this powder’s taste a 5 out of 5 while shouting out its “creaminess” when mixed in water or milk.

Speaking of mixing, Pisko scored its solubility a 5 out of 5. “Mixed great in a shaker cup. Not chunky at all and smooth to drink,” he says.

Registered dietitian nutritionist Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, our expert reviewer, says this about its formulation: “This is a pretty impressive whey protein powder — just take a look at its amino acid profile. It contains 25 grams of protein per serving, including 6.9 grams of BCAAs, but minimal carbs and fat. If you’re looking to increase your protein intake without skewing your other macros, this could be a great option.” She scored its formulation a 4.5 out of 5.

If Chocolate and Vanilla are your bag, then you’re all set, But, as Bourgeois notes, there’s not much variety beyond that. “If you’re prone to flavor fatigue, you might get bored with Sports Research Whey Protein Isolate,” she says.

It’s also worth noting that those with an allergy or sensitivity to tree nuts will want to avoid this powder. It also contains sucralose, an artificial sweetener, which may not appeal to those practicing a clean diet. Rest assured, though, that this supp has been third-party tested by Informed Sport, meaning that it’s free of any banned substances.

Best Low-Carb, Low-Sugar Protein Powder: Gainful Personalized Protein

Pros

All of Gainful’s protein powders contain less than a gram of sugar, if none at all

Customized product caters to different diets and fitness goals

Many options contain just 1 to 3 grams of carbs

Cons

Nearly double the cost of many other protein powders

No third-party testing

We experienced some clumping when shaking

Gainful is unique in the category as they allow you to customize your protein powder in a few different ways. You can opt for whey, plant-based, or low-lactose options, as well as formulations designed for weight loss, weight gain, and muscle-building. The good news? No matter which option you choose, you’ll find no more than a gram of sugar. As for carbs, the weight gain option includes up to 8 net grams of carbs, while the others can contain as little as 1 gram.

“No matter your formula, you’re getting decent protein — anywhere between 19 and 26 grams per serving,” says BarBend expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, a registered dietitian nutritionist. “And I like that it contains minimal, if any, added sugar. It’s a fairly lean protein powder, which may be ideal for those trying to lose weight.”

Each protein arrives unflavored, but Gainful takes its customization a step further by allowing customers to choose individual flavors packs they can drop into their shakes. “I really enjoyed how the packs let you control how much or little flavor you want to add in each shake,” says our tester, a certified personal trainer. “I tried most of them and even mixed a few, which was fun. I even dug the Sea Salt Caramel flavor, which is not usually a favorite.”

The taste is solid, scoring a 5 out of 5, but it’s worth noting that the flavor packs add an additional 10 calories. They also contain organic tapioca maltodextrin, organic monk fruit, and organic stevia, which may cause GI distress for some athletes. (9) We were also left wanting when it comes to solubility — a 3.5 out of 5 — as our whey protein blend experienced some clumping when mixing with milk in a shaker.

And then there’s the price. Gainful is pricey, costing around $3.21 per serving. Our tester, though, nevertheless scored the value with 4 out of 5, noting that the uniqueness of the customization options and the fact that Gainful offers customers access to a registered dietitian for nutritional guidance.

“Gainful definitely doesn’t make budget supplements, but the customization makes it a solid option for those with dietary restrictions,” says our tester. “And having access to an RD? That alone earns the price.”

Read our full Gainful Protein Powder Review.

Best Vegan Low-Carb Protein Powder: Momentous Essential Plant-Based Protein

Pros

Vegan-friendly, plant-based protein with complete amino acid profile

Third-party tested by Informed Sport

Gluten-free and devoid of artificial sweeteners, colors

Cons

Costs $2.50 per serving for just 20 servings

Has an “earthy” taste, per our tester

The sandy texture may be off-putting for some

It can be tough to find good vegan protein sources, but Momentous Essential Plant-Based Protein is here to help. This product sources its protein from pea protein isolate and rice protein concentrate, resulting in a complete amino acid profile that’s been third-party tested by Informed Sport to verify its purity. Our tester scored its impressive formulation, which is free from gluten and artificial sweeteners, a 5 out of 5. 

Vegans will be happy (and perhaps surprised) to find that our tester scored the flavor a 5 out of 5, noting that the Chocolate variety was true to taste. They did, however, report an “earthy taste” that may not be for everyone. “Personally, I dug that it was mild and not super sweet. Stuff that’s overly sweet with artificial sugars, stuff like that, I dislike the taste.”

They did the texture to be curious, though. “It was sorta sandy. Very fine, but definitely sand-like, which gave it a bit of thick texture. Still, I had no trouble getting it down.”

Solubility also scored a 5 out of 5, as the powder mixed well in water with nothing but a utensil. “I was sorta shocked at how well this mixed since I didn’t have a shaker cup handy,” they said. “Only took about two minutes to get it completely smooth with a fork.”

This is one of the best vegan protein powders we’ve tried, but we were still disappointed to see just two available flavors. As such, those who struggle with flavor fatigue may want to consider if this product is for them. Our eyes bugged out of our heads when we saw it costs $2.50 per serving for just 20 servings. Most protein powders cost between $1 and $2 per serving, so this one is not for budget shoppers. You can, however, save a bit of coin by buying in bulk. 

Best Budget Low-Carb Protein Powder: Bulk Supplements Whey Protein Isolate 90% Powder

Pros

Just a little over $1 per serving

Has 26 grams of protein per serving with no fat, carbs, or sugar

No soy, gluten, or added sugars

Cons

No flavor variety

No third-party testing

Our pick for the best budget low-carb protein powder is Bulk Supplements Whey Protein Isolate 90% Powder. At just over $1 per serving — on the low range of the $1 to $2 per serving average of protein powders — this whey protein isolate product is chock full of protein and amino acids to support your post-workout routine. According to the label, each serving packs 26 grams of protein and contains no carbs, sugar, or fat. Our tester scored this product a 5 out of 5 for value and a 4 out of 5 for formulation.

We also like that it’s free of gluten, soy, and added sugars. Previous iterations of this powder did contain soy lecithin, but, per the label, it now utilizes sunflower lecithin. 

[Related: Best Supplement Stacks]

Those desiring some funky flavors won’t find much variety here. Bulk Supplements only provides an Unflavored option. Unflavored powders, however, are more stackable than flavored powders, as you can mix them with smoothies, soups, cereal, and yogurt to best suit your routine. Our testers scored the taste a 4 out of 5 and solubility a 3.5 out of 5. 

The biggest downside to this product is its lack of third-party testing, resulting in a 1 out of 5 for the category. That can be a dealbreaker for some athletes, as it doesn’t give them the peace of mind that a company is delivering on its promises. 

Read the full Bulk Supplements Whey Protein Isolate Review.

Best Low-Carb Casein Protein Powder: NOW Sports Micellar Casein

Pros

Has 19 grams of casein protein with less than 1 gram of fat and carbs

Just 90 calories per serving

Casein tends to digest slower than other proteins, potentially helping with satiety

Cons

Contains less protein per serving than many competitors

No flavor variety

There are several different types of protein, including casein, which also comes from milk but tends to be lower in lactose than whey. It also digests more slowly, so some find it helps them stay fuller for longer. (10) NOW Sports Micellar Casein contains 19 grams of protein per serving — most protein powders we’ve tested deliver between 20 and 28 — but its macro balance is nevertheless impressive, as it has less than 1 gram of fat and carbs per serving. 

It’s also one of the least calorie-dense protein powders we’ve tried, clocking in at just 90 calories per serving. This, along with casein’s potential to help maintain satiety, makes it a good pick for those trying to drop a few pounds. 

We also like that it’s manufactured in a GMP-certified facility and third-party tested by Informed Sport for banned substances. Its formulation and testing each scored a 5 out of 5 from our tester.

Our tester scored its taste a 4 out of 5, noting that the casein protein’s thicker nature can make it feel as if it’s coating your tongue when consuming it in a shake. “This can give it a bit of a ‘protein’ taste, if you know what I mean,” they said. Solubility, meanwhile, scored a 5 out of 5, as we had no issues during testing. 

Those looking for variety may be disappointed by its lack of flavors, but its sole Unflavored option can be easily mixed in with smoothies, cereal, yogurt, and nut butters. Of course, this may be a downside for those looking for a more portable protein powder option that can be quickly made into a shake with your blender bottle. 

[Related: Are Protein Shakes Good For You?]

Benefits of Low-Carb Protein Powders

Low-carb protein powders can support your protein intake needs without the extra sugar and calories. These low-carb protein powders can also support muscle strength and performance with essential amino acids. They can also be a great addition to low-carb lifestyles as either a meal replacement or as a supplement to meals and snacks.

• Weight Management: If you’re trying to drop a few pounds, studies have shown that a low-carb diet can help promote fat loss. (11) Research has also shown that a diet low in carbohydrates may help improve the health of those struggling with obesity or diabetes. (12). If you’re eating less meat due to a diet, adding a protein powder that’s light on calories and carbs can help ensure that you’re keeping up with your protein needs without impacting your other macros. 
• Metabolism Support: Studies have shown that a low-carb diet, when paired with exercise, can help support fat and carbohydrate metabolism and regulate the metabolic factors of cardiovascular diseases. (13) 
• Post-Workout Recovery: Research has shown that a high-protein diet can support increased lean muscle mass and decreased fat mass. (14) Mounting evidence suggests that a high-protein diet may have safe, positive effects on your body weight and body composition (increased lean muscle mass and decreased fat mass). Better yet, it’s also been shown to help improve muscle recovery after an intense day in the gym. (15)

How Much Do Low-Carb Protein Powders Cost?

The average protein powder costs roughly between $1 and $2 per serving, though vegan and plant-based options can sometimes cost upwards of $2.50 per serving. We’ve got picks on both ends of that average, as well as a few that surpass it. Check out the chart below for a side-by-side look at the cost of these low-carb protein supplements. 

Best Low-Carb Protein Powder Overall	Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate	$1.99 per serving
Best-Tasting Low-Carb Protein Powder	XWERKS Grow	$1.96 per serving
Best Grass-Fed Low-Carb Protein Powder	Legion Whey+	$2 per serving
Best Low-Carb Whey Isolate Protein Powder	Jacked Factory Authentic ISO	Starting at $1.16 per serving
Best Low-Carb Pea Protein Powder	Ritual Essential Daily Shake 18+	$2.67 per serving
Best Low-Carb, High-Protein Powder for Weight Loss	Onnit Grass-Fed Whey Protein	$2 per serving
Best Low-Carb Chocolate Protein Powder	Sports Research Whey Protein	$2.50
Best Low-Carb, Low-Sugar Protein Powder	Gainful Personalized Protein	Starting at $3.21
Best Vegan Low-Carb Protein Powder	Momentous Essential Plant-Based Protein	$2.50 per serving
Best Budget Low-Carb Protein Powder	Bulk Supplements Whey Protein Isolate 90% Powder	$1.12 per serving
Best Low-Carb Casein Protein Powder	NOW Sports Micellar Casein	$1.32 per serving

How to Choose the Best Low-Carb Protein Powder

Not every low-carb protein powder will be right for everyone. Different health backgrounds and lifestyles will require different nutrient requirements.

But the factors below can be helpful to think about for anyone trying to choose the right low-carb protein powder. 

Protein Source

Depending on your health status, you may not be able to consume all types of proteins. Protein powders may contain whey protein, egg protein, pea protein, soy protein, or casein, for example. Therefore, be sure to read the package label line by line. This way you can make sure the protein powder you choose best fits your healthy eating plan. 

Protein Content

First, how much protein does the average person need? Research shows that the average consumer needs anywhere from 0.8 to 1.3 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. (16) This increases to 1.2 to 1.7 grams per kilogram of body weight for strength and endurance athletes. (17) 

When choosing a protein powder, you also want to check the protein content of the product. Most protein powders contain between 20 and 25 grams of protein per serving, give or take a few grams. If you have an active lifestyle, you will want to choose a protein powder that contains a higher amount of protein to meet your daily needs. 

Added Ingredients

Some low-carb protein powders may contain compounds that you wouldn’t know were present if you didn’t check the label. Such compounds may include MCT oil compounds, sunflower lecithin, probiotics, flavors, dyes, or sweeteners like stevia, sucralose, or monk fruit. Some of these ingredients can trigger allergies or cause GI distress for some athletes, so it’s best to scan the label before buying to ensure a pleasant experience. 

Flavor

If you do not like the flavor of the protein powder you choose, you likely won’t be consuming it very often (if at all). Before experimenting with new flavors, opt for old favorites so you don’t end up with a tub that sets off your gag reflex. 

It can also be helpful to read reviews — like ours — and scan the customer remarks on a company’s website, as they’ll often comment on the available flavors. If possible, check for samples that the protein powder company may provide, so you can try before you buy.

Price 

Before choosing any supplement for your daily routine, you should consider price. We broke down the cost of the powders on our list by their price per serving, as the amount of servings in a given package can have a big impact on its overall cost. 

Budget-friendly protein powders tend to cost around $1 per serving, while pricier options can cost upwards of $2 per serving.

Best Low-Carb Protein Powders FAQs

References

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