Best Protein Powders for Weight Loss for Men, Women, Athletes, and More

Weight loss can be difficult for even the most dedicated individuals, and sometimes we need a little bit of help. While many people turn to fat burners to potentially aid in burning more calories and controlling their appetite, other folks may need an extra hand in weight loss. This is where protein powders come in. Protein powders are usually low in calories and make for a great snack or even a meal replacement shake if you add some other nutritious ingredients to it.

Protein can be a great way to potentially facilitate weight loss by helping you feel fuller and by burning fat — especially when compared to carbs and fats. (1) Protein powders may also help to maintain your hard-earned muscle mass when in a caloric deficit. (2) We have searched to bring you the best protein powders for weight loss for a variety of circumstances to bring you this curated list. Let’s dive in and discover the ones that will aid you in your weight loss journey.

Best Protein Powders for Weight Loss

• Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss Overall: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
• Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss for Men: Momentous Whey Protein Isolate
• Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss for Women: Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
• Best Whey Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
• Best Vegan Protein Powder for Weight Loss: KOS Organic Plant Protein
• Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss for Athletes: Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
• Best Casein Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Transparent Labs Casein Protein
• Best Tasting Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Onnit Whey Protein
• Best Organic Protein Powder for Weight Loss: KOS Organic Plant Protein
• Best Budget Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Kaged Whey Protein Isolate

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 the 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.

Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss Overall

If you’re interested in the best protein powder to accompany you on your weight loss journey, you’ll want to check out this 100-percent grass-fed whey protein from Transparent Labs. 

Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate

This protein powder features a larger-than-average dose of 28 grams of high-quality whey isolate per serving. Whey isolate is generally digested more quickly and may not cause bloating like other types of protein might, making this protein more ideal for weight loss since the last thing you want when trying to lose weight is to look bloated. (3) It also helps that this comes in a bunch of unique and tasty flavors like Cinnamon French Toast, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, and Mocha, among other staples.

In addition to the 28 grams of protein, you’ll also find three grams of carbs and two and a half grams of fat for a total of 150 calories per serving. Though not the lowest in calories, Transparent Labs Whey Isolate packs one of the highest doses of protein out there — which might help with feeling fuller longer and eating less over the course of the day. (1) You can snag a 30-serving container for around $59.99 (about $2.00 per serving) — which is a little pricey, but we think it’s worth it.

Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate

• Those who are looking for the highest dose of protein they can find will like that this has an above-average 28 grams in each scoop.
• Anyone who wants whey from a grass-fed, hormone-free source.
• Athletes who want to expand their horizons with some more unique flavors will appreciate the options here.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate

• Anyone who is bulking and seeking a more calorically dense product may want to look for a mass gainer powder instead.
• Those who have a lot of hunger at night might want to invest in a casein protein that might digest slower to potentially sate hunger for a long time.
• People who are on a budget can find a cheaper protein powder — this is about $2.00 per serving, which is a little on the pricey side.

Transparent Labs Whey Isolate comes in eight different flavors and features a top-notch macro profile. The large dose of protein from high-quality sources and the relatively lean formula make this a winner for anyone with the goal of weight loss.

Read our full Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate Review.

Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss for Men

Though it’s not ideal to generalize, men and women do inherently have different nutritional needs due to differences in hormones and physiology. (4) That’s why it can be helpful to consider carefully what protein you select as a man whose goal is weight loss. This protein powder might be ideal for men thanks to its high protein-to-calorie ratio, as well as the addition of micronutrients that can be particularly beneficial for men.

Momentous Whey Protein Isolate

This protein is a solid choice for guys who are trying to lose weight while sparing their hard-earned muscle. It features a solid dose of 20 grams of whey protein isolate with only 100 total calories per serving. In addition to protein, you’ll also find calcium (90mg), sodium (140mg), and potassium (115mg). The potassium is key for men, as it may help lessen the likelihood of heart-related issues, something that men are especially at risk for. (5) 

In addition to the 20 grams of protein, each serving also has 200mg of ProHydrolase, a proprietary blend of enzymes that may aid in digestion and help the body absorb protein faster. There are only 1.5 grams of fat and three grams of carbohydrates (two of which are dietary fiber), which makes this an ideal protein for men who are looking to pack on muscle without adding body fat. 

It’s available in three flavor options: Chocolate, Vanilla, and Unflavored, and user reviews are big fans of the flavor. “One of the best proteins I’ve tasted,” one reviewer says. “You can mix the chocolate with water and it tastes just like a chocolate shake.” It’s on the pricier side at $64.95 for a one-month supply (about $2.17 per serving), but you can save nine bucks by going with a monthly subscription. 

Who Should Buy Momentous Whey Protein Isolate

• Men who want a dose of protein without adding a lot of calories. 
• Guys who are concerned about heart health will like the added dose of potassium here. 
• People who need help digesting whey. The enzyme blend can make this protein easier on the stomach than other whey proteins. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy Momentous Whey Protein Isolate

• Men who are on a tight budget may not like the $2.17 per serving price tag. 
• Anyone who wants a variety of flavors to choose from. This only has Vanilla, Chocolate, and unflavored. 

Men who are looking to add lean muscle without doing a dirty bulk will appreciate this protein’s low carbohydrates and fat, as well as the low calorie count. The heart-healthy potassium is a bonus, since heart disease is the leading cause of death among men. (6)

Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss for Women

Women have some different requirements than men might have — especially when it comes to pregnant, elderly, and postmenopausal women. (7)(8) Having a protein powder that’s lean but still offers a solid dose of protein can be a challenge. We might have just what you need with this option since it provides a digestive enzyme blend, which may help prevent bloating and aid digestion.

Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate

This protein powder provides a large dose of fast-digesting protein with minimal extra calories to prevent bloating and provide what women need. (7)(8) Swolverine Whey Isolate has 26 grams of micro-filtered pure protein sourced from grass-fed cows. This protein is very lean, with almost all 110 calories in each serving coming from protein and only half a gram of fat and one gram of carbs. You’ll also receive a 10mg dose of digestive enzymes to potentially help break down and digest the protein even faster.

If you like to try different flavors, you’ll appreciate that Swolverine offers two unique options — Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter and Mint Chocolate Chip — in addition to the classics like Vanilla and Chocolate. You can snag a 30-serving container for around $62.99 (about $2.10), which may be a bit on the expensive side, but we think it’s worth the cost.

Who Should Buy Onnit Whey Isolate Protein Powder

• Women who are looking for a way to easily increase their protein intake without adding a bunch of extra calories.
• Anyone who is interested in a protein powder that might not cause as much bloating as other proteins.
• People who have trouble digesting protein will appreciate the digestive enzyme blend here.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Onnit Whey Isolate Protein Powder

• People who are on a budget may want to consider a more cost-effective protein powder.
• If you want a slowly digesting protein that may help you feel full for as long as possible, you’ll want to check out other options on this list.
• Anyone who is looking for a meal replacement protein won’t find it here — this doesn’t have enough calories or micronutrients on its own to be considered a meal replacement.

Many women already struggle with bloating throughout their menstrual cycle, so this formula may come in clutch. This protein may be quickly digested thanks to the pure whey isolate and digestive enzyme blend.

Read our full Swolverine Whey Isolate Protein Powder Review.

Best Whey Protein Powder for Weight Loss

Whey protein is one of the most popular supplements besides fat burners for weight loss. Many protein powders have a bunch of added calories from other ingredients, whereas this one has minimal extras, with nearly all of the powder being protein.

Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate

This protein powder has 120 calories and one of the highest protein-by-weight ratios in the industry at 82 percent. Each scoop provides 28 grams of protein sourced from grass-fed whey isolate, along with one gram of carbohydrates and zero fat. The protein’s ability to sate your appetite and the lack of extra calories are potentially highly beneficial for weight loss.

There are a variety of flavors to choose from, so you can stay on track and prevent your routine from becoming stale. Eight flavors, some unique along with some more straightforward ones, are available in 30-serving containers. The tubs cost around $59.99, which is about $2.00 per serving, making this somewhat on the expensive side for a weight-loss protein powder.

Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate

• Anyone who is interested in a high-protein supplement that isn’t loaded with carbs or fat.
• Those who become bored easily with their protein flavors will appreciate having eight options to select from.
• People who want to potentially feel fuller for longer. The large dose of protein in this powder may help improve satiety.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate

• Someone who is on a budget may be able to find a more affordable option.
• Those who are interested in a meal replacement or a protein powder with higher calories will want to look for other options.
• Anyone who doesn’t want a protein powder that uses whey as the protein source may want to check out some plant-based options.

There are tons of options to choose from, with whey being an extremely popular protein powder option. This powder from Transparent Labs is a solid option and is nearly entirely made up of protein, which may aid in fat loss through improved fullness.

Best Vegan Protein Powder for Weight Loss

Not everyone who wants more protein is willing or able to drink whey protein. For people who follow a vegan diet or have allergies to milk products, there are some amazing options for plant-based protein. Our favorite is KOS Organic Plant Protein.

KOS Organic Plant Protein

This plant-based protein offers a vegan and organic five-protein blend made from pea, flax, quinoa, pumpkin seed, and chia seed for a complete amino acid profile. Each serving provides a solid dose of 20 grams of protein along with five grams of fat and eight grams of carbs — two of which are fiber — for a total of 150 calories. The organic fruit and veggie blend provides 12 vitamins and minerals like folate, vitamin B12, and potassium, to name a few.

To aid in digesting the plant ingredients, some of which may be somewhat difficult to break down, KOS includes a digestive enzyme blend. Both the Vanilla and Chocolate flavors are sweetened and flavored naturally with stevia, Peruvian cacao, and monk fruit. You can pick up this vegan protein for around $59.99 for a 30-serving container (about $2.00 per serving) which is about the average price for proteins in this category.

Who Should Buy KOS Organic Plant Protein

• People who are following a vegan diet or can’t consume milk-based protein.
• Those who are looking for an all-natural and organic protein powder.
• Anyone who needs a little help digesting their protein will appreciate the digestive enzyme blend here.

Who Shouldn’t Buy KOS Organic Plant Protein

• Those who are trying to keep their fat intake down may want to look for a vegan protein with lower fat than the five grams here.
• Anyone who doesn’t need or want to follow a vegan diet may find higher protein options at a lower price with milk-based protein.
• People who want more flavor options than Vanilla or Chocolate may want to look at other options.

Plant-based protein powders can often be low in protein and leave a gritty taste in your mouth, but that’s not the case here. KOS Plant Protein provides a high-quality five-protein blend along with a host of extras like digestive enzymes, micronutrients, and fiber to boot.

Read our full KOS Organic Plant Protein Review.

Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss for Athletes

Athletes often have to cut weight for competitions or to enhance their performance. Having a top-notch protein on your team may help make the process a bit easier, which is where Swolverine Whey Isolate comes in.

Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate

We really like this formula for athletes as Swolverine’s protein powder provides a large 26-gram dose of high-quality, grass-fed whey isolate. This protein may digest more quickly than most other proteins and it includes a 10mg digestive enzyme blend. This is great for athletes, as they won’t feel as weighed down during training while still reaping the benefits of protein powder.

Each serving also includes a mere half a gram of fat and a single gram of carbs in addition to the 26 grams of protein in every 110-calorie serving. You can pick up a 30-serving tub for about $62.99 (around $2.10 per serving), which is a bit more than some other protein powders. We think the price is justified, though, as athletes might feel the need to splurge for the higher quality.

Who Should Buy Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate

• Athletes who find themselves bloated from other types of protein will appreciate the whey isolate and digestive enzymes here.
• Those who want a lean protein powder with minimal added fat and carbs.
• People who prefer grass-fed protein instead of grain-fed will appreciate the diligence Swolverine put into their ingredients here.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate

• Anyone who wants a slowly digesting protein for overnight or between meals may want to look at other options on this list.
• People who are on a tighter budget might want to opt for a more cost-effective option.
• Those who don’t have any problem digesting protein powders might not need a digestive enzyme blend.

Athletes have unique needs, even more so when it comes to losing weight loss. This protein powder digests easily and is made from top-tier ingredients, making it a great way to potentially give yourself a leg up on the competition.

Best Casein Protein Powder for Weight Loss

Casein holds a special place in the mythos of protein powders and is often ignored despite how beneficial it has the potential to be. If you’re trying to lose weight, it might be time to stop sleeping on casein.

Transparent Labs Casein Protein

One of the most common ways to ingest casein is before bed. Casein protein may be helpful for weight loss and fat metabolism when consumed before sleep because it gives the body something to burn and turn into muscle. (8) Many people also drink casein between meals to help them feel fuller because casein is generally digested more slowly, which might help you eat less throughout the day. (9)

Transparent Labs Casein offers a large 25-gram dose of instantized grass-fed casein along with half a gram of fat and four grams of carbs for a total of 120 calories. Every 30-serving tub costs about $59.99, working out to around $2.00 per serving — a bit above average for casein protein. This only comes in one flavor, but if you like Chocolate, then you’re in luck. The flavor is tasty, though, and naturally sweetened with stevia and cocoa powder.

Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Casein

• Anyone who has hunger pangs that they want to control throughout the day may find relief with this casein protein.
• People who want to take a protein before bed that they can be confident may digest more slowly overnight to promote fat metabolism.
• Those who want a naturally sweetened casein will appreciate that this doesn’t have any artificial sweeteners.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs Casein

• Those who aren’t fans of chocolate protein powders may want to check out other casein powders.
• Anyone on a tight budget may be able to find a lower-cost casein.
• People who feel bloated from casein protein might want to opt for a whey-based protein instead.

Casein, often the prodigal son of protein powders, is a solid option for potentially helping to reduce hunger between meals. It’s also an ideal nighttime protein to potentially aid fat loss, making it a smart choice for anyone looking to shed a few pounds. (8)

Best Tasting Protein Powder for Weight Loss

Protein powders are only helpful if you actually take them. Having a protein powder that tastes great may help you stay on track with your weight loss goals, which is why we’re big fans of Onnit Whey Protein.

Onnit Whey Protein

They may only make this protein powder in two flavors — Vanilla and Mexican Chocolate — but both are, in our opinion, delicious. Onnit even provides recipes for both flavors if you prefer to mix them with other ingredients to make a tasty smoothie. Both flavors are sweetened and flavored naturally with stevia and monk fruit, so you don’t have to worry about artificial sweeteners making their way into your protein shakes.

Onnit does skimp a bit on the protein with 20 grams of grass-fed whey isolate per serving, but its excellent taste makes it more likely that you’ll drink it regularly. Each scoop also has two grams of fat and five grams of carbs for a total of 110 calories, making it quite lean. A 30-serving tub costs around $59.95 (about $1.99 per serving), placing this slightly above average.

Who Should Buy Onnit Whey Protein

• People who want a rich and smooth protein powder that they actually enjoy drinking rather than choking down.
• Anyone who likes to mix their protein with other ingredients will appreciate that these flavors mix well, and Onnit even has recipes on its website.
• If you prefer grass-fed protein or whey isolate, you’re in luck — that’s what Onnit uses to source its protein.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Onnit Whey Protein

• Exercisers who want the biggest dose of protein they can find will want to look at other options on this list.
• People who want a large variety of flavors to choose from may be disappointed that there are only two options available here.
• Anyone who wants to keep carbs and fat to a minimum may find that this protein has a less favorable macro split than others.

If you can’t seem to stomach other protein powders, this may be just what you’ve been searching for. The formula is designed to produce a rich, creamy, and all-around tasty protein shake, even if you only combine it with water.

Read our full Onnit Whey Protein Review.

Best Organic Protein Powder for Weight Loss

People that eat only organic may have a tough time finding a protein powder that lives up to their standards. This powder fits the bill while still providing a solid dose of protein, plus some nice extras.

KOS Organic Plant Protein

KOS champions the organic lifestyle with all its products, but this protein powder is where it arguably shines through the most. Each scoop provides 20 grams of protein from a blend of organic pea, flax, quinoa, pumpkin, and chia seed proteins. You’ll also be ingesting five grams of fat and eight grams of carbs from the plant ingredients. In addition to the macros, you’ll also receive a blend of 12 vitamins and minerals from organic fruits and veggies. KOS also includes a digestive enzyme blend to potentially break down and absorb all the nutrients.

KOS only makes this protein in two naturally sweetened and flavored options which might be a negative to some people, but the simple flavoring makes it easier to mix other ingredients into your protein shakes. Each 30-serving container costs about $59.95 (around $1.99 per serving), which is more than some other protein powders that have a similar macro profile. We think that the superior organic formula is worth it, however.

Who Should Buy KOS Organic Plant Protein

• Those who prefer organic protein powder will appreciate the all-organic formula here.
• Anyone who wants plant protein instead of milk-based protein. This powder features a blend of five plant proteins.
• People who want a naturally flavored and sweetened protein. This one is all-natural and organic.

Who Shouldn’t Buy KOS Organic Plant Protein

• If you’re not interested in an organic protein powder, you might want to look at another option on this list.
• This protein powder is slightly more expensive than other protein powders, so you can find a more cost-effective option on this list.
• People looking for the largest dose of protein powder they can get their hands on can find options on this list with higher protein content.

Truly organic protein powders can be few and far between. This formula comes through with solid protein content, digestive enzymes, and micronutrients, making it a superlative for anyone seeking an organic protein formula.

Best Budget Protein Powder for Weight Loss

Let’s be real: Protein powders can be pretty expensive, especially when you take multiple scoops per day. That’s why every cent counts, and finding one that doesn’t cost much, like Kaged Whey Protein Isolate, is paramount for athletes on a budget. 

Kaged Whey Protein Isolate

Whey isolate proteins can often cost $60 or more for a 30-serving tub because they go through an extra processing stage to eliminate more carbohydrates, fat, and lactose. At $47.99 per tub, Kaged Whey Protein Isolate is an exception to this rule. Plus, each container has 44 servings instead of the usual 30, making the price per serving of around $1.06. That extra processing means it’s extra lean as well — you’ll receive a total of 110 calories from the 25 grams of protein, zero grams of fat, and two grams of carbs.

Even though there’s less lactose in this isolate than you’d find in whey concentrate, Kaged included an enzyme blend to make it easier to digest — particularly for those who have problems with lactose. You won’t find a huge flavor variety here since there are only four flavor options: Vanilla, Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter and S’mores. But based on our testing, they do those flavors right. “I mixed the chocolate with ice and milk,” our testers says. “It tastes like one of those Carnation instant breakfast mixes.” 

One issue that we did have with the protein was that it tended to clump when we tried to mix it. So you may want to invest in a cheap milk frother or be ready to shake your shaker bottle like it owes you money to break up those clumps.

Who Should Buy Kaged Whey Protein Isolate

• Anyone who wants the lean profile and low lactose of a whey protein isolate without spending a lot of money.
• Fans of chocolate. Three out of the four available flavors are chocolate-based. 
• People who may have digestive issues when consuming whey. This protein is processed to remove more whey than whey concentrate and it contains digestive enzymes to aid digestion. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy Kaged Whey Protein Isolate

• Anyone who can’t stand clumps in their protein shakes. This one doesn’t mix as well as other proteins we’ve tried. 
• People who are looking for a wide range of flavors might be disappointed that this only has four flavor options. 
• Anyone who’s lactose intolerant or has trouble digesting protein powder may want to opt for a whey isolate instead of this whey concentrate.

If you’re looking to up your protein intake to potentially aid in weight loss without breaking the bank, then this is a great option. It has a solid formula, is cost-effective, and even boasts added BCAAs.

Benefits of Protein Powders for Weight Loss

Protein powders have a variety of potential benefits for people who are looking to shed some weight. The most immediately felt potential benefit is improving satiety which means that you’ll likely feel fuller for longer and are less prone to eating between meals. (10)

Less noticeable but still important, protein has a higher thermic effect and takes more calories to digest than carbs or fats — increasing your daily energy expenditure. (11) Protein powders are also generally pretty convenient and low in calories compared to other protein sources. It’s much easier to shake up a scoop of powder than it is to warm up or cook some chicken breast or chickpeas, especially when you’re out and about or traveling.

How Much Do Protein Powders for Weight Loss Cost?

Protein powders for weight loss can vary in price, but since they all share the properties of being oriented toward weight loss, they have a relatively narrow range of prices. Whey isolates are generally more expensive than concentrates, as are grass-fed whey proteins, which are featured on this list more heavily than other types of protein.

Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss Overall	Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate	$59.99 Per serving: $2.00
Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss for Men	Momentous Whey Protein Isolate	$64.95 Per serving: $2.17
Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss for Women	Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate	$62.99 Per serving: $2.10
Best Whey Protein Powder for Weight Loss	Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate	$59.99 Per serving: $2.00
Best Vegan Protein Powder for Weight Loss	KOS Organic Plant Protein	$59.99 Per serving: $1.99
Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss for Athletes	Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate	$62.99 Per serving: $2.10
Best Casein Protein Powder for Weight Loss	Transparent Labs Casein	$59.99 Per serving: $2.00
Best Tasting Protein Powder for Weight Loss	Onnit Whey Protein	$59.95 Per serving: $1.99
Best Organic Protein Powder for Weight Loss	KOS Organic Plant Protein	$59.99 Per serving: $2.00
Best Budget Protein Powder for Weight Loss	Kaged Whey Protein Isolate	$47.99 Per serving: $1.06

You can expect to spend somewhere between $45 and $65 for a tub of protein for weight loss. That said, the tub price doesn’t tell the whole story — for that, we need to consider the price per serving. Serving prices can range from around $1.50 to $2.10, which is a bit higher than other protein powders, but the extra cost, we think, is justified.

How We Chose the Best Protein Powders for Weight Loss

There are a variety of protein powders available, and it seems like a new one is released every day. We looked at a handful of factors like the calorie distribution, the protein content itself, flavors available, protein type, and price to bring you this curated list.

Calorie Distribution

The three macronutrients that provide calories for energy are protein, fat, and carbs. They add up to the total calorie content of all the protein powders on this list. We only selected products that had a more optimized calorie distribution, with most of the calories coming from protein unless they excel in another area.

We wanted protein powders that were especially lean since these are all focused on weight loss. Added calories from products like meal replacements and mass gainers are undesirable in this context.

Protein Content

Protein content varies from powder to powder, but the average is around 20 grams per serving. Higher protein content is usually desirable for weight loss thanks to the potential to improve weight loss by increasing satiety and thermic effect. All the options on this list contain at least 20 grams per serving of protein, with some reaching as high as 28 grams. The powders on this list with lower protein content distinguish themselves from other factors like being organic or tasting exceptionally good.

Flavors Available

Some of us are creatures of habit that prefer to have a predictable protein shake that we know we like. But even those who are the most stuck in our ways likes to shake things up (no pun intended) once in a while, which is why we put a premium on having a wide variety of flavors available for our picks. Most of them have at least two options, while some have six or eight to choose from. No matter your taste preference, we’re sure you can find something to make your taste buds rejoice on this list.

Protein Type

There are a few different types of protein that you’ll find as staples throughout your search — whey concentrate, whey isolate, casein, and plant-based protein. Plant proteins are usually made up of various protein sources — rice, pea, flax, quinoa, soy, and others — to have complementing amino acid profiles, while milk-based proteins are more straightforward.

Whey protein concentrate, while usually the most cost-effective due to less filtering and processing than whey isolate, is generally a bit harder to digest and may cause some bloating. Whey isolate, though often more expensive than concentrate, is usually quicker and easier to digest and is recommended for those who have trouble digesting milk products. Finally, casein, the other half of milk protein, is usually the slowest to digest and can range in cost widely.

What to Consider Before Buying Protein Powder for Weight Loss

When considering a protein powder to aid you in your weight loss journey, you might want to consider a few things, such as the flavors available, protein content, and type of protein. Additional considerations will arise based on your individual needs, but there are some common threads among shoppers.

Brand Reputation

Taking a look at the brand reputation is a big part of many people’s buying decisions. We only include brands that have a stellar reputation. Many of them even boast good manufacturing practice certifications, USDA organic certifications, or other certifications that let consumers know that they can trust them.

Fiber Content

Fiber content is another area that many people are interested in, especially when purchasing protein powder for weight loss. Protein powders that are also high in fiber with around three or more grams per serving may help you feel fuller for longer and cut down on between-meal eating.

Sweeteners and Flavorings

It has become fairly common for protein powders to be ultra-low in sugar and carbs, with somewhere in the realm of 80 percent of the calories in each scoop coming from protein. That means that they need to be sweetened and flavored in another way. Checking to see if artificial ingredients are used may be important to you, and you’ll find many of the picks on this list use stevia and natural flavors in their powders. Some may still use artificial sweeteners and flavors such as sucralose, so you’ll have to decide if that is important to you or not before finalizing your purchase.

Final Word

Protein powders have the potential to be a powerful ally in achieving your weight loss goals. They may help to improve your satiety, making you feel full for longer and cutting down on extra calories that you might have eaten otherwise. (1) Protein also may generally take more calories to digest than carbs and fats, meaning it has a higher thermic effect which, though small, can add up over time to enhance calorie burn. (11)

No matter what you’re looking for in a protein powder for weight loss needs, we’re confident that you can find it here. We’ve done our due diligence and sifted through the vast number of protein powders on the market to bring you only the best options out there to help give you the best possible chance to realize your goals.

FAQs

References

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