9 Best Protein Powders for Weight Loss in 2025, Reviewed by an RDN

Why We Like It

Transparent Labs is known for offering high-quality, third-party-tested products made with natural ingredients that you can trust. This whey protein supplement earns its place atop this list thanks to its protein-rich formulation, low fat and carb counts, abundance of flavor options, and excellent solubility.

“I love that Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is free from artificial sweeteners, food dyes, and preservatives,” says registered dietitian Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN. “You get 28 grams of high-quality protein without any unnecessary fluff.” She gave this protein a 4.5 out of 5 for formulation. Plus, each serving only includes 0.5 to 2.5 grams of fat and 0 to 3 grams of carbs depending on the flavor, which is great for those not wanting the extra calories from other macros. 

Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate uses 100% grass-fed whey protein isolate as its sole source of protein. Whey protein isolate is a more refined type of whey protein that’s filtered to remove most of the lactose and fat content. Additionally, studies indicate that supplementing with whey protein isolate may help offer prebiotic benefits that reduce weight gain associated with a high-fat diet. (1)

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, was highly impressed when it came to solubility, rating this product a 5 out of 5 for this category. “I had no hiccups in blending this protein powder with my liquid of choice — typically, water or milk,” they note. “There were no clumps or residue. It’s one of the smoothest protein powders I’ve ever had.”

With 16 flavors to pick from, you won’t get tired of drinking the same one over and over. We’ve enjoyed several flavors of Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate, and we haven’t hesitated to rate the taste a perfect 5 out of 5. However, we do note that not every flavor is available across all container sizes — those opting for the 4-pound tub are limited to just five taste options.

A potential downside of this protein powder is the cost. We rate this supplement at 3.5 out of 5 for the $1.82 starting price per serving, which is higher than most powders on the market (most others are $1 to $1.75 per serving). For more affordable options, consider something like Jacked Factory Authentic ISO or Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate.

Read our full Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate Review.

Why We Like It

For weight loss, we recommend Authentic ISO from Jacked Factory as one of the best whey protein powders. Whey protein is used in tons of protein powders on the market today — and for good reason. It’s rich in leucine, a branched-chain amino acid that boosts muscle protein synthesis. Building more lean muscle can help you burn additional calories throughout the day, promoting weight loss. 

We like how this impressive protein supplement uses grass-fed whey protein isolate as its protein source, as this whey isolate type of protein is more filtered and refined than whey protein concentrate, and can aid in thermogenesis. (2) Because whey protein isolate contains less fat and carbs than whey protein concentrate, the formulation typically contains fewer calories. 

Our expert reviewer, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, R.D, was pretty satisfied with the formula, which offers 25 grams of protein and virtually no fat and minimal carbs (depending on your flavor of choice). However, she notes the higher sodium content. “Some flavors provide up to 300 milligrams of sodium, which is a significant portion of your recommended daily intake,” she says, giving the formula a 4.25 out of 5. “If you’re watching your sodium intake for any reason, you might not be keen on this protein powder.” 

Additionally, this protein powder earns a 4 out of 5 for cost, thanks to its budget-friendly price. This protein has a pretty standard price at $1.33 per serving, as most protein powders range from $1.00 to $1.75 per serving.

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, gives Authentic ISO some high flavor praise during trials. “I really enjoyed the Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor, which had a good consistency when mixed with milk. I’d also recommend adding some ice cubes to your concoction for a sweet treat throughout the day.” Be mindful, though, that some flavors may be too sweet for certain taste buds, according to some customers. In our experience, the tastes of Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate and Momentous Whey Protein Isolate are more approachable. 

Those who find it too sweet may be picking up on the included artificial sweetener, sucralose. Studies indicate that artificial sweeteners, including sucralose, can cause gastrointestinal distress in some athletes. (3) However, we do rate the solubility at 4 out of 5 — this powder blends well, even in smoothies — so while the flavors may be a little too rich for certain taste buds, the consistency is at least appealing time and again.

Read our full Jacked Factory Authentic ISO Review.

Why We Like It

Supplementing with whey protein when working to lose weight can help increase diet-induced thermogenesis and satiety throughout your day. (2) Choosing a protein powder that tastes great can make it easier for you to stick with and actually experience those benefits. We consider Onnit Whey Protein one of the best-tasting protein powders that you’ll actually enjoy drinking. 

Onnit Whey Protein is available in two flavors: Vanilla or Mexican Chocolate. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, rates Onnit Whey Protein’s taste and flavor profile at 5 out of 5. “I was really surprised by the unique chocolate notes across the Mexican Chocolate variety,” they note. “I really enjoy this protein when combining it with whole milk or oat milk.” While we wish there were more than two flavor options available, we won’t be getting tired of these any time soon. 

Depending on your preferred flavor, each scoop provides only 110 to 120 calories. These low-calorie shakes are unlikely to threaten your calorie deficit, making them great for weight loss. “Onnit Whey Protein scores a 4.5 out of 5 for its formula,” says Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, R.D. “The macro ratio is on point for its goals, and the enzyme blend is intriguing.”

We love that the protein powder is lean with only 2 to 2.5 grams of fat and 3 to 4 grams of carbs per serving. However, Bourgeois dings the formulation score slightly for its lower protein content. She recommends a weight-loss protein to have 90% protein content, while Onnit offers between 75% and 80%. Higher counts can be found in Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate and Legion Whey+, if you’re interested.

Despite the less protein-dominant formulation, we still hold this protein in high regard for flavor and solubility. Our tester, who rates solubility a 5 out of 5, noted no clumps or residue when mixing this powder with water. 

Read our full Onnit Whey Protein Review.

Why We Like It

The best casein protein powder can keep you feeling fuller for longer thanks to its slower-digesting makeup, which could help with weight loss. Many athletes looking to build muscle and lose fat take casein before bed after an evening workout because its slow release of amino acids during sleep supports recovery. (4) We recommend Transparent Labs Casein Protein to help reduce cravings, build muscle, and promote repair between training sessions. (5)

With 4 grams of carbohydrates, this protein has a bit more than some others we’ve tested, but 1 gram comes from fiber, leaving just 3 net carbs. Fiber helps regulate blood sugar and lower cholesterol — both important factors for those looking to lose weight. (6)

Like other Transparent Labs products, this casein powder is free of artificial preservatives, colorings, and flavors for a clean makeup when compared to other formulations on the market. (7) It’s sweetened with stevia, a natural, non-caloric sweetener. (8) “While stevia appears to be safer than many other artificial sweeteners, it may disrupt the gut microbiome and may cause gastrointestinal upset for some people,” explains Dr. Jennie Stanford, M.D., FAAFP, DipABOM.

“Transparent Labs Casein Protein scores a 4.75 out of 5 for its formulation,” notes Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, R.D. “I’m a fan of the macro breakdown that Transparent Labs offers with their Casein Protein powder. You get a whopping 25 grams of protein without an overwhelming amount of carbs or fat. It helps you meet your protein needs without overdoing it in other areas.”

While there is just a lone Chocolate flavor to choose from, we still rate this Transparent Labs Casein at 5 out of 5 when it comes to taste. That said, if you prefer more flavor options, we recommend looking at Legion Casein+ and its seven available formulations.

Additionally, our tester, a certified nutrition coach, gives this powder a 4.5 out of 5 for solubility. “I had no issues in breaking up clumps during blends,” they note. “This was quite the welcome treat, as other caseins I’ve had tend to clump up more often than not.”

Like all protein powders, this one has a couple of downsides too. For one, there’s only one 30-serving container to choose from, meaning there’s no opportunity to buy in bulk. This is also a detriment, as there’s no chance to potentially shrink the $2.00 cost per serving outside of the available ‘Subscribe & Save’ service offering discounted rates in exchange for repeat orders.

Read our full Transparent Labs Casein Protein Review.

Why We Like It

Studies show that plant-derived protein sources are often less calorie-dense than their animal-based counterparts, which could help you stick to a caloric deficit. (9) Although potentially lower in calories, Gainful Plant-Based Protein has a robust makeup that leaves you satiated, making it one of the best vegan protein powders for weight loss. 

Gainful packs a powerful 23 grams of vegan protein from organic brown rice and pea protein, keeping its macronutrients on par with other animal-based powders we’ve tested over the years. Combining pea protein with brown rice protein creates a complete amino acid profile, which is great for maintaining and building lean muscle — key for boosting metabolism. (10)

“I really like that Gainful offers a personalized protein powder formula, and I like that it’s unsweetened and free from artificial ingredients,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, who rates the formula 4.5 out of 5.

Our personal testers are satisfied with the flavor, too, scoring the tastes at 5 out of 5. “I am not always a fan of super sweet powders, but I really enjoyed this one. For this flavor, I definitely think you should use water instead of milk. I think closer to 8 ounces would be the ideal base to create the best taste,” they say.

Unfortunately, the powder clumps with both water and milk, earning the solubility category a 3 out of 5. “I also found that clumps were more prominent when mixed with a thicker liquid like milk,” notes our tester. “I’d recommend a countertop blender over a shaker bottle for this protein powder.” For better mixability, consider Ritual Essential Daily Shake 18+, which we’ve noticed no harsh solubility issues with during trials.

Since this is a personalized protein powder design to help you meet your personal goals, we aren’t surprised by the higher price tag. The price per serving starts at $2.56, which understandably won’t fit into everyone’s budget. However, if you can swing the expensive cost, we think Gainful Vegan Protein could make a great addition to your weight loss supplement stack. (9)

Read our full Gainful Protein Powder Review.

Why We Like It

To be clear, the best protein supplements for weight loss aren’t specific to any gender. But we like Legion Whey+ here because studies show that a protein-rich in BCAAs may support fat oxidation in those targeting weight loss. (11) Legion’s Whey+ is packed with 5.6 grams of BCAAs, which could promote muscle mass while burning fat. 

We’ve previously declared this product one of the best protein powders for women thanks to its natural makeup containing no hormones, artificial ingredients, or added sugars. (7) Legion also pays close attention to its protein source for Whey+, using whey protein isolate from grass-fed cows raised on small dairy farms in Ireland.

As far as macronutrients are concerned, Chelsae Rae Bourgeois, a registered dietitian, gives her approval. “Legion Whey+ scores a 4.75 out of 5 for its formula. It’s not the most protein-dense protein powder, but its macro ratios and ingredient sources are impressive,” she says.

Be mindful, though, that Whey+ does not include any extra digestive enzymes, which could lead to some side effects for athletes susceptible to stomach discomfort and bloat with other protein powders. (12) Whey protein specifically contains lactose, which could lead to gas and bloating in those who are lactose intolerant. According to research, cis women may be more prone to these side effects than their cis male counterparts. (13) (Research on trans and nonbinary people in this context is lacking; we encourage trans folks to reach out to trans-affirming nutritionists or dietitians when possible.) 

“Of note, this product is a whey protein isolate, which means the lactose is ultra-filtered, making it more tolerable than whey protein for some people. However, gastrointestinal upset is still possible, especially without the added digestive enzymes,” explains Dr. Jennie Stanford, M.D., FAAFP, DipABOM.

We rate the taste of this protein powder a 4.5 out of 5. Our tester says the Cinnamon Cereal variety is less rich than they’d prefer, but they like it overall. Plus, you have 23 flavors to choose from, which should help prevent flavor fatigue.

Regarding solubility, Legion Whey+ scores a 3 out of 5. “There were still some noticeable particles floating throughout the container, so I’d suggest using a blender when you can,” our tester advises. 

Finally, Legion offers Whey+ in different container sizes, ideal for athletes who prefer to buy their supplements in bulk. We recommend taking advantage of the larger tubs, though, to save on cost. A 60-serving bag can cost $2 per serving — still an elevated price tag when compared to other protein powders, but the best option in terms of this Legion offering (and why it earns a modest 3-out-of-5 for value). For those on a tighter budget, consider Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate.

Read our full Legion Whey+ Review.

Why We Like It

One of the best organic protein powders is also among our best weight loss protein powders. Ritual’s Essential Daily Shake 18+ offers 20 grams of organic pea protein per serving, as well as a host of vitamins and minerals. (14) It’s made with natural and traceable ingredients so you don’t have to question what you’re putting into your body. 

Pea protein is a complete protein, but is low in methionine, an essential amino acid. (15) “I like the formula’s macro ratio, but I especially like that Ritual added L-methionine,” says Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RD, rating the formula a 4.25 out of 5. “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.“

Kate Meier, BarBend editorial member and NASM-certified personal trainer, rates this protein shake a 4 out of 5 for taste. “Even just with water, I found this powder had a nice flavor to it. It’s not super plant-y or hemp-y like other plant-based proteins I’ve tried over the years,” she says. Be mindful, though, that the Vanilla flavor offering is your lone option in terms of flavor, which may be less than ideal for those that routinely swap tastes between each order.

Additionally, Meier gives Ritual Essential Daily Shake 18+ a perfect 5 out of 5 for solubility, saying this shake had “shockingly” excellent consistency with a smooth texture. Plant-based protein can be a bit grainy, so we’ve been pleasantly surprised by this one. 

We also appreciate Ritual’s commitment to transparency. Every ingredient — such as the organic, non-GMO pea protein used in the formulation — can be traced back to its source with detailed information. Plus, this powder is independently tested (albeit with no information on the accrediting lab), meaning it’s free of any banned substances and you can trust what’s on the label. (16)

Considering this shake is made with organic, traceable ingredients and undergoes third-party testing, its price is undoubtedly on the high side. We rate this vegan-friendly Ritual protein shake a 2 out of 5 for cost due to its $3.27 price per serving. Cheaper plant-based protein blends include Transparent Labs Organic Vegan and Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder.

Why We Like It

Protein powders aren’t generally formulated for a specific gender, but some may be more beneficial for one than others. (17) For men wanting to add a protein powder to their weight loss plan, we recommend Momentous Whey Protein Isolate. It caught our attention with its hearty 23.3 grams of protein and addition of Prohydrolase to boost your muscle-gaining potential. (18)

“I love that Momentous collaborates with dietitians when formulating their products, and I love love love that they link up-to-date research that backs their product’s ingredients,” says Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, R.D., giving the formulation a 4.25 out of 5. “The use of Prohydrolase makes this product stand out. The research shows that Prohydrolase can increase amino acid concentrations in the post-workout setting. Hello, muscle gain!”

Whey Protein Isolate’s Chocolate offering is especially high in potassium, a mineral that promotes proper muscle function during exercise. Each scoop can deliver 130 milligrams, which is appealing to athletes looking to reach the recommended 3,400 milligrams per day. (19) High potassium intake is associated with lower odds of low muscle mass, among other benefits. (20)

Kate Meier, BarBend editorial member and NASM-certified personal trainer, praises this Momentous protein powder for its rich flavor, giving the protein shake a 4 out of 5 for taste. “I tried the chocolate variety and found it to be very similar to rich cocoa, even when mixed with ice-cold water,” she says. However, those with more adventurous taste buds may prefer a protein with more flavor options such as Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate or Legion Whey+.

Momentous Whey Protein Isolate also rates highly in solubility, earning a 4.5 out of 5. We notice that the unflavored option in particular leaves behind some clumps. Also, some customer reviews note stomach discomfort after consuming this powder. “The Chocolate flavor is great, but the choice of sweetener is awful. Lots of bloat and gas problems,” says one customer who disliked the added stevia. (21)

While we do view this high-quality protein as a worthwhile pick for men (or athletes of any gender) embarking on a weight loss program, we understand that it’s not for every budget. At $2.20 per serving, this is beyond the average $1 to $1.75 price of protein. For this reason, we rate this Momentous pick at 1 out of 5 for cost.

Read our full Momentous Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate Review.

Why We Like It

Protein powder for weight loss doesn’t need to cost a fortune to be effective. At just $0.87 per serving, Nutricost’s Whey Protein Concentrate is well below the $1 to $2 average you tend to see for whey protein powders. It’s available in 2- or 5-pound containers, as well, making it easier to buy in bulk. Needless to say, we score its overall value at 5 out of 5. 

There’s plenty to love about this product beyond its low price tag, too. For starters, it’s both non-GMO and gluten-free. It’s also been third-party tested for banned substances, though our tester — Kate Meier, BarBend editorial member and NASM-certified personal trainer — wishes the testing had been performed by a major lab. (23)

According to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, this formula earns a 3.5 out of 5 due to the sucralose used. Sucralose is an artificial sweetener that can cause gastrointestinal discomfort like gas and bloating for some individuals. (23) Meier doesn’t experience any side effects or GI distress, but you’ll want to consider your own sensitivities before scooping up a tub. “Protein supplements have a tendency to upset my partner’s stomach, but we had no issues with this one,” she adds.

Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate scores a 4 out of 5 for taste. “It’s not overly sweet, and I had no issues getting a shake down each and every day,” she says. “I also like that it had a bit of texture and wasn’t thin like a lot of other powders.” She even notes that the Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor goes down smooth with no aftertaste. However, those who like to alternate between different flavors may not like that Nutricost offers just five standard flavors. For added variety, consider Legion Whey+ or Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate.

Meier also finds this powder easy to blend in milk or water. There are no clumps or leftover residue at the bottom of the cup after mixing. As such, she scores it a 5 out of 5 in terms of solubility. If you’re looking for a great tasting protein powder with good mixability, this one may be the right fit. 

Read our full Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate Review.