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Best protein powders for weight loss in 2024
This content should not be considered medical advice. The information provided is not meant to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine or taking any new supplements.
Effective weight loss often entails a delicate balance between caloric intake and expenditure with a focus on cultivating lean muscle mass to boost metabolism. Here is where the best protein powder for weight loss comes into play. The amount of muscle in your body is the main factor in your metabolic rate. So when you're losing weight, you want to lose fat but maintain muscle. Eating enough protein is crucial to building and maintaining muscle mass to increase your metabolism.
Protein powder can also serve as a valuable weight-loss ally by keeping you feeling fuller for longer. By keeping hunger at bay, protein powder can help reduce your overall calorie consumption, making it easier to reach a calorie deficit, which can lead to weight loss.
How we chose the best protein powders
Multiple factors influenced our selection of the best protein powders for weight loss. The number of calories per serving played a significant part. We sought out options that offer a high-protein punch without excessive calories. Taste was an important consideration as well. We also paid attention to the price per serving to ensure the protein powder offers good value for money. Lastly, we prioritized products that have undergone third-party testing. This independent verification assures that high standards of quality and safety are met and that label claims are accurate and reliable.
Top protein powders for weight loss
- Best all around: Naked Pea protein powder
- Best whey protein isolate: Isopure zero/low-carb protein
- Best for flavor variety: Optimum Nutrition gold standard 100% whey protein
- Best for vegans: NOW Sports pea protein
- Best unflavored protein powder: Ascent 100% whey
Best all around: Naked Pea protein powder
- Plant-based protein
- 120 calories and 27 grams of protein in 2 scoops (30 grams)
- Only one ingredient
About Naked Pea protein powder
Naked Pea protein powder distinguishes itself in the crowded protein powder market with its simple and clean formula. The product contains only one ingredient: yellow split pea protein isolate (in the unflavored variety). The peas are only sourced from farms in the United States and Canada.
Pea protein is a fantastic plant-based alternative to traditional whey protein. It is easily absorbed by the body, and this brand of pea protein has the highest amount of protein on the list. While pea protein is not a complete protein, meaning it doesn't contain all nine essential amino acids, you can get the remaining essential amino acids from a balanced diet.
If you don't mind a few more ingredients, you can opt for Naked Pea protein powder in Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Double Chocolate and Vanilla. Each of the flavored varieties contains minimal ingredients and are well-received by consumers.
Why we like it
- Highest amount of protein on the list
- Affordable
- Unflavored option with only one ingredient
What to consider
- Not a complete protein
Best whey protein isolate: Isopure zero/low-carb protein
- Whey protein isolate
- 100 to 110 calories and 25 grams of protein per scoop (31 to 33 grams)
- Available in eight flavors
About Isopure zero/low-carb protein
Isopure zero/low-carb protein powder boasts whey protein isolate as its primary ingredient. Your body absorbs whey protein isolate quickly and effectively, making it an excellent choice for those looking to foster lean muscle growth while minimizing calorie intake.
This protein powder is available in eight different flavors, such as cookies and cream and vanilla salted caramel. Isopure also fortifies this protein powder with a range of vitamins and minerals, enhancing its nutritional profile. This product comes with a slightly heftier price tag compared to other products on this list, but it's still worth considering for your weight loss journey.
Why we like it
- Complete protein with all nine essential amino acids
- Wide flavor variety
- Added vitamins and minerals
What to consider
- Pricey
- Not vegan
- Contains milk and soy if you are allergic
Best for flavor variety: Optimum Nutrition gold standard 100% whey protein
- A blend of whey concentrate, whey isolate and whey hydrolysate
- 120 to 130 calories and 24 grams of protein per scoop (30 to 32 grams)
- Available in about 20 different flavors
About Optimum Nutrition gold standard 100% whey protein
Optimum Nutrition gold standard 100% whey protein is a popular choice among fitness enthusiasts. It has a unique blend of three types of whey proteins: whey concentrate, whey isolate and whey hydrolysate.
The product stands out for its exceptional variety of flavors. It offers around 20 different flavors, from chocolate coconut to mocha cappuccino, to satisfy diverse taste preferences. This whey protein powder does contain artificial ingredients, which could be a significant consideration for some.
Why we like it
- Complete protein with all nine essential amino acids
- Impressive flavor variety
- Contains three types of whey protein
What to consider
- Not vegan
- Contains milk and soy if you are allergic
- Contains artificial ingredients
Best for vegans: NOW Sports pea protein
- Plant-based protein
- 120 calories and 24 grams of protein per scoop (33 grams)
- Only one ingredient
About NOW Sports pea protein
NOW Sports pea protein is a superior choice for vegans, standing tall with its straightforward and pure formulation. The product's only ingredient is yellow pea protein isolate. It's an ideal choice for individuals who struggle with lactose intolerance or have difficulties supplementing with other types of protein.
This product is an affordable option for helping you on your weight-loss journey. And if you are a competitive athlete, this protein powder is distinguished by its Informed Sport certification, which ensures they test every batch of the product for prohibited substances.
Why we like it
- Affordable
- No additives or artificial sweeteners
- Informed Sport certified
What to consider
- Not a complete protein
Best unflavored protein powder: Ascent 100% whey
- A blend of whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate
- 110 calories and 25 grams of protein per scoop (30 grams)
- Available unflavored or flavored
About Ascent 100% whey
Ascent 100% whey protein powder is a high-quality blend of whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate. It is a complete protein with zero artificial flavors and sweeteners.
An extraordinary characteristic of Ascent 100% whey is its versatility. The unflavored version can be seamlessly mixed into any food or drink without altering the taste. But for those craving a touch of flavor, Ascent does not disappoint with six varieties, including unique options such as lemon sorbet and peppermint mocha.
Why we like it
- Complete protein with all nine essential amino acids
- Informed Sport certified
- Available unflavored or in six flavor varieties
What to consider
- Not vegan
- Contains milk and soy if you are allergic
How to choose a protein powder for weight loss
When choosing the best protein powder for weight loss, you should consider several factors.
- Type of protein: First, consider the type of protein in the product. Whey protein is a complete protein derived from milk. You may prefer the complete amino acid profile of whey protein. But you may opt for plant-based protein powder due to dietary restrictions, such as lactose intolerance or a milk allergy, or personal preferences, such as following a vegan diet.
- Your budget: Next, evaluate your budget. The cost of protein powders can vary significantly. Some come with a hefty price tag due to special ingredients or a reputable brand name. But there are also more affordable options that still offer a good nutritional profile.
- The taste: The taste of the protein powder is another crucial factor. You may prefer unflavored options you can mix with any type of beverage or food without altering the taste. Or you may prefer flavored versions that you simply mix with water. It's best to select a protein powder that you enjoy consuming so you will stick to your diet routine.
Methodology
To compile this list, our writers and editors reviewed top products on the market, compared specs and features and created a short list of the top protein powders for weight loss. Then, we used product descriptions, reviews and user ratings to find the best protein powders for weight loss for each category. Note that we do not test every product but base our lists on our research, user reviews and expert opinions.
FAQ
Are protein powders good for weight loss?
Utilizing protein powder alone for weight loss is unlikely to give you the results you are looking for. However, when you pair protein supplements with a healthy diet and exercise, it's likely you will see increased weight loss, improved recovery times and lean muscle gain.
Should I drink 2 protein shakes a day to lose weight?
Replacing 2 meals with protein shakes may help you lose more weight in the short term, but it's not a long-term solution to keeping your weight down. Incorporating protein shakes into your routine can help you reach your daily protein goals and build muscle more quickly for sustainable weight loss. Losing weight and keeping it off requires a healthy diet, regular exercise and ample amounts of water.
How do bodybuilders cut fat so fast?
Bodybuilders manage to cut fat by following a high-protein diet and consuming fewer calories than they burn. Their strenuous workouts, including both weightlifting and cardio, burn extra calories and maintain muscle mass. It's important to note that the extreme measures some bodybuilders take to lose fat fast are designed for competition and are not healthy or sustainable in the long term.
References
Ambulkar P, Hande P, Tambe B, Vaidya VG, Naik N, Agarwal R, Ganu G. Efficacy and safety assessment of protein supplement - micronutrient fortification in promoting health and wellbeing in healthy adults - a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Transl Clin Pharmacol. 2023 Mar;31(1):13-27. doi: 10.12793/tcp.2023.31.e1. Epub 2023 Mar 2. PMID: 37034123; PMCID: PMC10079511. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10079511
Moon J, Koh G. Clinical Evidence and Mechanisms of High-Protein Diet-Induced Weight Loss. J Obes Metab Syndr. 2020 Sep 30;29(3):166-173. doi: 10.7570/jomes20028. PMID: 32699189; PMCID: PMC7539343. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7539343
Roberts BM, Helms ER, Trexler ET, Fitschen PJ. Nutritional Recommendations for Physique Athletes. J Hum Kinet. 2020 Jan 31;71:79-108. doi: 10.2478/hukin-2019-0096. PMID: 32148575; PMCID: PMC7052702. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7052702/
