If you’re trying to lose weight, then you know it’s not always a linear journey. But, there are steps you can take to keep you on track. One of the keys to successful weight loss is feeling fuller for longer, and the best protein powders for weight loss can be an excellent way to stay satiated.
However, when your goal is to lose weight, not all protein powders are created equally. Many protein powders are full of…umm, well, they are full of protein, and while consuming protein can help you build muscle when you work out, it won't necessarily make the scale start a downward trend.
Additionally, many protein powders are high in calories which is problematic when you are trying to lower your weight. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to labels to ensure that your protein powder of choice can actually help you slim down. To help you meet your goals, we've rounded up the best protein powders for weight loss.
The health and safety of ACTIVE's readers is of the utmost importance to us. To ensure your well-being when consuming protein powders, the ACTIVE.com editorial team prioritizes products that are independently tested by a third-party. We've also consulted with a team of nutritionists and dieticians to ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. This helps us create the most accurate, authentic review content for our readers. For more information on how we chose the best protein powders, scroll to the end for our rating scale.
Disclaimer: Exercise caution when consuming new supplements and always make sure to consult with your doctor before trying a new supplement or pill. Weight-loss supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet and regular exercise. Any supplements taken should be used in accordance with a healthy lifestyle. Any weight loss more than a pound per week over a long period of time is unusual and should be monitored by a doctor.
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With no added sugar and chock full of high-quality ingredients, the Ritual Essential plant-based protein powder offers great weight loss assistance. The company prides itself on using clean, high-quality ingredients to create a product that not only helps with weight loss, but also promotes bone, muscle, and brain health.
The flavoring is distinguishable, but not overpowering. Therefore, depending on how much flavor you like your protein powders to have, you may find this one on the light side. We also like that this powder mixes up well with water or with fruit and other ingredients in smoothies. All in all, this protein powder tastes good, and helps build healthy bones and muscles while promoting weight loss which is why we picked it as our best overall protein powder for weight loss.
If you are planning on replacing an entire meal with a protein powder, it’s important to choose one with enough calories and nutrients to power you through. Even if you are trying to lose weight, you will want to be satiated, and Kaged Clean Meal does a great job of making you feel full. With that being said, you will want to make sure that you are replacing an entire meal with this powder as each serving has 7 grams of fat, 27 grams of carbs, and 42 grams of protein per serving. It also has 360 calories which matches up with other meal replacements but more than others that are being used as a supplement.
Kaged Clean Meal also provides you with plenty of additional vitamins and minerals, and the company does not use any artificial ingredients. Plus, this protein powder contains MCT oil which can help your body absorb the protein and other nutrients.
An on-going complaint about protein powder is that when you mix it with just water you basically have to hold your nose and chug to neutralize the taste. And those searching for a vegan-friendly powder often find that this problem is made worse with some less-than-pleasant plant powders on the market. Thankfully, Ghost Whey Protein Powder combines delightful flavor with easy mixability. Additionally, this protein powder is vegan-friendly, and unlike some other protein powders, it’s specifically designed to not spike your insulin level. So, you don't have to worry about the crash that can happen with other protein powders.
When you consume this powder, you’ll enjoy a hearty 25 grams of protein—which only comes out to 130 calories, 1.5 grams of fat, and 4 grams of carbs. However, keep in mind that this powder does include sucralose. So, you will want to steer clear if you don't like artificial ingredients.
Women need protein to reduce feelings of hunger, build muscle mass, and boost metabolism. Orgain’s Organic Vegan Protein Powder uses pea, brown rice, and organic chia seed protein to help women reduce cravings and increase fat burning. Additionally, this combination of ingredients can help support healthier hair, skin, and nails.
Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder is vegan-friendly and certified USDA organic. It comes in a wide variety of flavors, including unique ones such as pumpkin spice and chocolate coconut. On top of being a top-notch choice for protein, this powder also offers a nice dose of iron—a nutrient many women are deficient in.
Although some protein powder geared towards weight loss can certainly be pricey, it doesn't have to be. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard is not only low in calories, sugars, and carbs, but it also costs less than $1.00 an ounce. Furthermore, given the variety of flavors and sizes, it should be easy for you to find an Optimum Nutrition protein powder that works for you.
While this protein powder is low in calories—and other ingredients that could lead to weight gain—it does contain some dairy. Dairy can encourage the building of mass. However, as long as you're mindful of this, this powder makes for a budget-friendly and effective protein powder for weight loss.
Smoothies are a delicious and nutritious way to add fruit, vegetables, and nutrients to your diet when you are trying to lose weight. And when you add in GNC Total Lean Shake 25 to your blended treat, you also get 25 grams of weight loss boosting protein. This protein powder comes in a variety of flavors and it blends up well, making it a great way to enhance your smoothie and help with weight loss.
Although it packs a punch with protein, it is on the lighter side when it comes to carbs which helps when you're trying to take off a few pounds—just remember that this powder isn’t intended as a meal replacement. Therefore, you will need to take that into account when adding it into your daily routine. Additionally, this protein powder is fortified with 22 vitamins and minerals.
There is something soothing and nostalgic about the taste of vanilla. When it comes to protein powder, Live Conscious Vanilla Dream delivers that delicious, familiar taste you crave. Given the trace amount of fat and the low calorie count, it can also help with weight loss goals. However, it should be noted that when compared to other powders, Live Conscious Vanilla Dream has a little less protein (15 grams per serving compared to the standard 20-25 grams of protein per serving).
This powder uses a blend of four different types of plant proteins, and it has prebiotics to boost overall nutrient amounts. Considering that plant proteins lack some amino acids on their own, combining them together helps form a more complete protein.
With four grams of carbohydrates, 100 calories, and 18 grams of protein per serving, Sunwarrior Classic Protein Powder is a great way to add protein to your diet without worrying about your carb intake. This combination is also an excellent way to accomplish your weight loss goals.
It is also soy-, dairy, and GMO-free, and contains zero artificial ingredients. The protein comes from a blend of peas and brown rice. And, in addition to being a top pick for a low carb protein powder, this option is vegan- and keto-friendly, plus it’s gluten-free.
Protein is an important part of a keto diet. Although protein powders are an excellent way to add protein to your diet, some of them are carb-laden which can make you go from keto to ke-no. However, with Vega Sport, you get plant-based protein powder that won't derail your keto goals because it only has four grams of carbs per serving.
Additionally, the pea, pumpkin seed, and alfalfa proteins make this a great choice for vegans and for those who avoid gluten, soy, and dairy. Vega Sport is also a solid option for those who carefully monitor what they consume.
Men who are looking for a protein powder that maxes on a protein should check out MuscleTech Nitro Tech Elite. Not only does it have 30 grams of protein per serving, it also contains fat-burning boosters such as L-carnitine and C. canephora robusta that can help aid your weight loss journey.
This protein powder is made from whey protein peptides and isolates that help manage bloat and stomach discomfort. It’s also very fine and takes a while to mix up. So if you are someone who prefers a thicker protein powder consistency, you may find that you like this one mixed better with milk, cereal or oatmeal.
When utilizing protein powder to help you lose weight you will want to pay attention to the amount of protein that is packed into each serving. This may seem like a no-brainer, but the amount of protein can vary depending on the kind that you get. More protein means more satiety which keeps you fuller for longer. And when you feel full, you’re less likely to reach for calorie-laden convenience foods.
For a protein powder to be an effective component of weight loss you will also need to check the calories and carbs. Some protein powders are used to help people bulk up or build mass. Additionally, you can also check if your protein powder has metabolism boosters such as green tea, L-carnitine, or CLA.
Prices depend on a number of factors and tend to fluctuate over time, so we've kept our affordability rating scale simple so you can easily see how products compare:
$ = under $1 per serving $$ = $1-2 per serving $$$ = over $2 per serving
When it comes to dietary supplements that you take frequently or even daily, options are important. And while your protein powder or pre-workout doesn't have to taste good to be effective, having several flavors to choose from can make it easier to stick with your fitness and health goals.
Protein powder can definitely help you lose weight. Be sure to use one that’s high in protein, but low in calories and carbs. When possible, mix your protein powder with water if your goal is to shed some pounds.
Protein powder can help you stay full longer. This will keep you from reaching for convenient foods that can make you gain weight. When you lose weight, you will also lose belly fat. But, keep in mind that you can’t target one area of your body when losing fat. Rather, losing weight reduces your body fat all over your body, not just in one single area.
Although it can vary from person to person, one to two protein shakes per day is what you should drink for weight loss. Also, make sure to consider whether your protein powder is intended to be a meal replacement or a snack to avoid overconsuming it.
Protein is an essential nutrient when it comes to repairing the muscles that you have used in your workout. Therefore, many people prefer to drink them after they exercise. However, there are benefits to drinking protein before a workout as well. It comes down to personal preference, and how well you are able to digest protein powder. If you have a hard time digesting it, you would probably be better off waiting until afterward.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.