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We updated this article in April 2023 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.
There are lots of factors to consider when trying to lose weight, and protein powder for weight loss remains could just be one of the most helpful. Whether you’re looking to lose some pounds, gain muscle, or both, the best protein drinks and protein powder will help you meet your protein requirements and fast track your goals.
That said, the supplement aisles are awash in powder options, and not all powders are created equal. The best protein powders come from various sources and choosing the best one really comes down to your dietary needs and fitness goals. For instance, if you’re a vegan, it’s best to choose vegan-friendly proteins made from pea, soy, or hemp. Or if you’re lactose intolerant, you might want to steer clear of whey or casein powders, both of which are derived from cow’s milk. You may also want to think about when and how you plan to take your protein. Whey protein is known as one of the fastest-absorbing, most bioavailable powders around, which makes it a good option after a workout. But if you want a slower-absorbing protein to take before bed, casein may be a better option.
Meet the Experts: Marie Spano, R.D., C.S.C.S. is a registered dietitian and one of the country’s leading sports nutritionists. Sarah Mirkin, R.D.N., is a registered dietitian and the author of Fill Your Plate, Lose The Weight, a 21-day weight loss plan for women over 40, Abby Langer R.D., is the owner of Abby Langer Nutrition and author of Good Food, Bad Diet.
Reading nutrition labels and checking out the ingredients is a simple way to choose the best protein powder for you, but to help make the process a whole lot easier, we decided to round up the top-selling ones on major retailers like Amazon and Walmart.
Our top picks
If you're ready to start adding protein powder to your daily routine, check out our top picks now.
Disclaimer: Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. Be cautious about taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or nursing and be sure to consult your doctor before taking new supplements (or providing them to a family member) in any situation, as they can interfere with medication.
Pros
- More than 9,000 5-star reviews on Amazon
- Low sugar
- Contains amino acids
Cons
- Chalky texture
If you’re concerned about buying protein powders littered with additives, Naked Whey’s 100% grass-fed, pure whey protein uses a cold processing method to eliminate chemical detergents, synthetic additives, or heavy metals from its powders. And with zero additives, artificial sweeteners, or colors, this powder is the purest you can get.
Each scoop delivers 25 grams of muscle-building protein with only 3 grams of carbs and 2 grams of sugar. Whey protein also contains the most leucine, an essential amino acid that helps build muscle, so it’s best to consume it right after a workout.
Nutrition info per 2-scoop serving: 120 calories, 2 g fat (0.5 g saturated fat), 45 mg sodium, 3 g carbs (0 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 25 g protein
Source of protein | Whey (cow’s milk byproduct) |
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Grams of protein per serving | 25 g |
Cost per serving | $1.25 |
Flavors | Unflavored, chocolate, vanilla |
Pros
- More than 8,900 5-star reviews on Amazon
- Contains no artificial flavors or sugar
- High quality protein
Cons
- May not blend well
Levels Nutrition puts their protein powders through strict protocols to ensure you get the highest quality product. Their whey protein powders are antibiotic-free, rGBST-free (the hormone that farmers inject into cows to boost milk production), and contain no sugar or artificial flavors. Add it to your morning oatmeal, pancakes, and homemade granola bars for a boost of the muscle-building stuff. You also get this giant five-pound tub for $70–a steal for grass fed whey protein.
Nutrition info per scoop: 130 calories, 2 g fat (1.5 g saturated fat), 70 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (0 g fiber, 2 g sugar, 0 g added sugar), 25 g protein
Source of protein | Whey (cow’s milk byproduct) |
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Grams of protein per serving | 25 g |
Cost per serving | $1.07 |
Flavors | Unflavored, vanilla, chocolate, cappuccino, strawberry, double chocolate, vanilla cinnamon, mocha, chocolate peanut butter |
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Pros
- More than 3,100 5-star reviews on Amazon
- Dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free
- Includes digestive enzymes for sensitive stomachs
Cons
- Doesn’t mix well with water
Ora Organic’s protein powder features kale, acai, blueberries, rice protein, pea protein, hemp, flax, quinoa, and spirulina, giving you a big nutritional boost in each serving—meaning it’s a great choice for those who prefer to turn their smoothie into a well-balanced snack. The base is pea and rice protein, which blend into a smooth consistency that never feels gritty or chalky.
Nutrition info per 2-scoop serving: 130 calories, 3 g fat (0.5 g saturated fat), 390 mg sodium, 5 g carbs (1.8 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 22 g protein
Source of protein | Pea and rice proteins |
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Grams of protein per serving | 22 g |
Cost per serving | $2.00 |
Flavors | Unflavored, vanilla, chocolate, vanilla chai |
Pros
- Contains omega-3 fats
- High fiber
Cons
- Powdery texture
Hemp protein is a nutritious choice when you’re looking to fill your glass with a good dose of fiber and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. This hemp powder from Manitoba Harvest has 20 grams of protein in one scoop, along with 3 grams of fiber and 4.5 grams of polyunsaturated fats. It has a mild taste, so it mixes well in smoothies, soups, and sauces.
Nutrition info per scoop: 140 calories, 6 g fat (0.5 g saturated fat), 15 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (3 g fiber, 2 g sugar, 0 g added sugar), 20 g protein
Source of protein | Hemp protein |
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Grams of protein per serving | 20 g |
Cost per serving | $1.07 |
Flavors | Unflavored |
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Pros
- More than 42,500 5-star reviews on Amazon
- Carrageenan-free
- No added sugar
Cons
- Contains guar gum and xanthan gum
Plant protein powder blends are an excellent way to get the best vegan proteins in addition to other nutrients. This powder from Orgain includes all-organic ingredients including pea protein, brown rice, and chia seeds, increasing the fiber content to 5 grams per two scoops. Plus, reviewers note that it blends well, tastes great, and doesn’t cause pain or bloating for those with sensitive stomachs.
Also, it’s important to note that it has amassed more than 42,500 5-star reviews on Amazon. And in a segment that typically has 5-star reviews ranging between 60-70% of the total reviews for high-quality, popular products (people tend to be highly critical of protein powders due to the taste and consistency), this protein powder maintains an impressive 75% 5-star review percentage of the total.
Nutrition info per 2-scoop serving: 140 calories, 4.5 g fat (0.5 g saturated fat), 190 mg sodium, 7 g carbs (5 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 21 g protein
Source of protein | Pea and brown rice protein |
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Grams of protein per serving | 21 g |
Cost per serving | $1.60 |
Flavors | Natural unsweetened, iced coffee, pumpkin spice, strawberries and cream, vanilla |
Pros
- No artificial flavors or sweeteners
- Contains amino acids
Cons
- May not blend well
Egg protein powder simply comes from dried egg whites. This type of protein is slow digesting but works faster than casein, making it another good option for a post-workout smoothie. This particular powder has just two ingredients: egg white protein and sunflower lecithin. It contains zero artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors. Thanks to its 25 grams of protein in one serving, it tastes a bit more savory than sweet.
Nutrition info per 2-scoop serving: 110 calories, 380 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (less than 1 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 25 g protein
Source of protein | Egg whites |
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Grams of protein per serving | 25 grams |
Cost per serving | $1.54 |
Flavors | Unflavored |
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Pros
- No added sugar
- Great taste
Cons
- Contains xanthan gum
This multi-purpose protein powder contains a blend of whey and casein, a great muscle-building combo. And even without any sugar in the product, reviewers rave about the taste and versatility of this powder. Add it to shakes, pancakes, yogurt, you name it—this powder will blend in easily and amp up the nutrition of your snack or meal.
Nutrition info per serving: 110 calories, 0.5 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 115 mg sodium, <1 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 23 g protein
Source of protein | Whey and casein (cow's milk byproducts) |
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Grams of protein per serving | 23 g |
Cost per serving | $0.72 |
Flavors | Multipurpose, cinnamon crunch, vanilla milkshake, cookies and cream, salted caramel |
Pros
- Vegan
- Gluten-free, soy free, sugar free
Cons
- Gritty texture
Pea protein powder is a popular option for vegans or those who have an aversion to whey because it’s a an easily digestible plant protein. The only drawback is that it’s not a complete protein, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting complete proteins elsewhere in your diet. This pea protein powder from BulkSupplements has 21 grams of the muscle-building macronutrient in one scoop and has just 2 grams of carbs. It’s also free of soy, sugar, and gluten.
Nutrition info per 30 grams: 110 calories, 1 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 180 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (1 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 21 g protein
Source of protein | Pea protein |
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Grams of protein per serving | 21 g |
Cost per serving | $0.72 |
Flavors | Unflavored |
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Pros
- Affordable price
- Creamy taste
Cons
- Chalky texture
Soy is a complete plant protein, providing all nine essential amino acids. It’s also considered the best plant-based protein for building muscle. This powder from NOW Sports packs 20 grams of pure, unadulterated soy protein isolate, while keeping the calorie count low at 90. NOW Sports products have also been tested for banned substances by LGC, a global assurance program for anti-doping in sports nutrition products.
Nutrition info per 1/3-cup serving: 90 calories, 0.5 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 170 mg sodium, 0 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 20 g protein
Source of protein | Soy |
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Grams of protein per serving | 20 g |
Cost per serving | $0.65 |
Flavors | Unflavored, chocolate, vanilla |
Pros
- More than 5,900 5-star reviews on Amazon
- Vegan, non-GMO and gluten-free
- Contains digestive enzymes
Cons
- Contains guar gum
Made with peas, artichokes, algae, sprouted quinoa, and amaranth, this vegan-friendly powder is a great way to sneak in more plant-based powerhouses in your smoothie or snack. Best of all, it’s non-GMO and gluten-free. If you’re following a low-carb diet, this protein powder is a great option and will allow you to eat more of the nutrient in your actual meals.
Nutrition info per scoop: 120 calories, 3 g fat, 390 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (<1 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 21 g protein
Source of protein | Pea and whole algae protein |
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Grams of protein per serving | 21 g |
Cost per serving | $1.53 |
Flavors | Unflavored, chocolate, vanilla, cookies and cream, red velvet |
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Pros
- No heavy metals
- Super creamy
- Vegan and organic
Cons
- Delicate packaging
This vegan-friendly protein powder is made with organic yellow peas from Canadian farms. What sets this pea protein powder apart from others is NorCal’s method of adding nitrogen and biomass back to the soil in their farms, thereby reducing pests and yielding more nutritious harvests. The powder is free of added flavors, sugars, and colors, so you’re getting the real deal.
Nutrition info per 2-scoop serving: 100 calories 1.5 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 90 mg sodium, 1 g carbs (1 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 22 g protein
Source of protein | Pea protein |
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Grams of protein per serving | 22 g |
Cost per serving | $1.31 |
Flavors | Unflavored |
Pros
- Contains amino acids
- No GMOs, gluten, or soy
Cons
- Grainy texture
Think of casein as the slow-digesting cousin of whey protein, delivering a steady flow of amino acids. While it’s not as effective at building muscles as whey, it still keeps you fuller for longer. This low-calorie powder has 25 grams of casein protein and 0 grams of sugar. ProMix Nutrition also ensures that they work with Midwest dairy farms that provide hormone- and antibiotic-free milk for a higher-quality protein.
Nutrition info per 2-scoop serving: 105 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 45 mg sodium, 0 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 25 g protein
Source of protein | Casein (cow's milk byproduct) |
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Grams of protein per serving | 25 g |
Cost per serving | $1.29 (2.5 lb bag) or $1.02 (5 lb bag) |
Flavors | Unflavored, chocolate, vanilla |
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How to choose the best protein powder for weight loss
✔️Read the label: Your body can only absorb up to 30 grams of protein at a time, Mirkin says. Look for powders with 20 to 30 grams of protein per 120-calorie scoop. Ideally, it should be pure protein with no sugar or artificial sweeteners. “I recommend minimizing or avoiding Stevia,” Mirkin says, as it can boost your cravings for sweets. The shorter the ingredients list, the better.
✔️Experiment with a blend: A powder that contains a blend of high-quality proteins will give you a complete protein that may release more slowly and be easier to digest. Also, it’s important to make sure you’re getting a complete protein. This means it contains all nine essential amino acids that the body can’t make on its low, Spano explains. “If you choose a plant-based protein, look for a combination of proteins versus one single source,” she says.
✔️Steer clear of junk: Spano says to avoid protein powders littered with other additives. “A high-quality protein does not contain added taurine, creatine, BCAAs, beta alanine, glycine—these are high-nitrogen amino acids that make the protein powder artificially tested for more protein than it actually contains,” she says. “If you want protein, get protein and no ‘extras.’”
Do protein powders help weight loss?
Protein powders aren’t considered a weight loss tool, although it’s possible to incorporate them into your diet in a way that helps support a weight loss goal. If you’re exercising regularly and not currently getting enough protein in your diet, consuming a small meal with a protein powder supplement following your workout can help boost your workout results and support muscle growth in a way that can contribute to body composition changes. This is because consuming adequate levels of protein can help support muscle growth.
Another reason protein powder can be helpful for weight loss is because consuming protein “helps with satiety,” or making us feel more full (compared to carbohydrates and fats), explains Abby Langer R.D.,the owner of Abby Langer Nutrition and author of Good Food, Bad Diet. “Protein [also] takes more energy for our body to break down and metabolize, so it has the highest thermic effect of food than any other macronutrient which means that we burn more calories metabolizing it than carbohydrates or fats.”
That said, consuming too much protein, or consuming protein powder and protein supplements in excess in a way that increases your total calorie intake beyond what your body currently requires may not support a weight loss goal.
If you’re unsure about how to change your diet in a way that will help you lose weight in a healthy and sustainable manner, it’s best to talk to a registered dietitian. They can help guide you based on your personal activity level, nutrient needs, and food preferences to help you get on track.
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How much protein do I need per day to lose weight?
The amount of protein needed to support a weight loss goal will depend on a person’s individual health status, explains Langer. However, “a blanket recommendation” would be about 1.4 to 1.6 g of protein per kg of bodyweight, or 25 to 30 g of protein per meal, according to Langer.
What type of protein powder is best for weight loss?
“Whey is the gold standard,” states Langer. “It’s the quickest absorbed, and it has the highest biological value of any other protein,” meaning it contains most of the essential amino acids.
However, for those that seek a plant-based option, Langer suggests looking for a protein powder with a combination of different plant sources to ensure that you get a complete amino acid profile.
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Can protein powder be used as a meal replacement?
Protein powder used as a meal replacement isn’t ideal because the nutritional profile is fairly limited to, well, protein. And while this might cut down on the number of total calories you’re consuming at a single meal, that doesn’t mean it’s a good choice nutritionally.
Mirkin says people are more satisfied when they eat (rather than drink) their food because the act of chewing helps with digestion, and it signals the brain to catch up with your stomach, cueing you for “fullness.” So when it comes to using protein as part of a healthy diet, Mirkin recommends making a thicker shake or adding your protein powder to solid meals, like oatmeal or healthy pancakes.
How we chose the best protein powders for weight loss
We consulted expert dietitians such as Spano and Mirkin who shared their top picks for protein powders. We also examined the bestselling protein powders on Amazon and combed through thousands of reviews from shoppers just like you to find the most delicious and satiating protein powders available.
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Why trust us
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.