The best low-carb protein powders for weight loss are high-quality protein supplements to help athletes and all active individuals recover quickly after workouts, build lean muscle, replenish protein reserves in the body, and lose extra weight. Let’s get to know the top 10 brands of the best protein powder for weight loss.
Highlights
The best low-carb protein powder for weight loss is a supplement made from animal- and plant-based sources.
The most common sources of protein powder are whey, casein, egg, collagen, soy, pea, and rice.
To lose weight using protein powders, you should choose supplements with few carbohydrates, few calories, and no added sugar or preservatives.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard, Isopure Zero-Carb Protein Powder, Quest Nutrition Protein Powder, and Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder are among the best brands producing protein powders.
What Are Protein Powders Made of?
Protein powders are dietary supplements made up of different types of protein, like whey, casein, soy, or pea proteins. These powders are usually supplemented with other additives, such as vitamins, minerals, flavorings, and sweeteners, to improve taste and nutritional value.
The proteins are extracted from various food sources and processed into a powdered form that can be easily mixed with liquids like water and milk.
Protein powders are used to enhance the protein level by athletes, bodybuilders, and anyone who wishes to increase the level of protein consumption to repair muscle, improve health, and lose weight.
To lose weight, you need to decrease carbohydrates and increase the intake of protein (and fat on low-carb diets like Carnivore and Keto) to build muscles.
Since there are numerous protein powders in the market, you should know the features of the best low-carb protein powders for weight loss.
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What to Look for in a Low-Carb Protein Powder?
The first thing to check is the carbohydrate content on the packet per serving and see if it aligns with your diet. Also, consider added sugars and artificial sweeteners, as these add to carbohydrate content.
Read through the ingredient list to ensure there are no fillers or additives that may undermine quality. Taste and mixability are a final possible dissatisfier of the product.
Check what the source of the protein is: whey, casein, soy, plant-based, etc., to see if it’s in line with your dietary specifications and restrictions.
Dr. Mark Hyman, Director of the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine:
"Incorporating low-carb protein powders into your diet can be an effective strategy for weight loss. These powders can help maintain muscle mass while reducing overall calorie intake."
Different Types of Protein Powder
Protein powders come from various animal-based and plant-based sources, each with its unique benefits and characteristics. The most common types of protein powder are
Whey protein is a dairy-based rich protein source that’s digested easily and absorbed quickly [1] and comes in two main types: isolate and concentrate.
Whey protein isolate has the highest protein content and lowest carbohydrates per serving of all whey proteins. Per scoop, whey protein has a very low or even zero carbohydrate content.
Whey protein isolate’s protein volume by weight should be at least 89.5%, while whey protein concentrate’s protein by weight should be at least 79.5% [2].
Casein Protein Powder
Casein protein is another dairy-based source of protein, which takes more time to be digested, positively affecting overnight muscle protein synthesis [3].
Casein protein powders generally have about 80% protein by weight, with a small number of carbohydrates and high levels of protein. These powders are also rich in minerals like calcium, which helps bones, muscle contractions, and blood clotting [4].
Egg Protein Powder
Egg protein powders are nutritious products from eggs, which are known to be rich sources of protein, choline, vitamins A, D, E, and B vitamins.
About 12.5% of the weight of a whole egg is protein content but this percentage can vary among different egg-based protein powders because they can be made from egg whites, yolk, or both [5].
A large number of egg-based protein powders are made from egg whites by taking out the yolks and dehydrating the whites.
After dehydration, egg whites are pasteurized to deactivate avidin, a protein that interferes with the absorption of biotin, an important B vitamin [6].
Egg protein powders made from egg whites, egg yolks, and a mix of both have very different nutrients, including cholesterol and protein levels. So, you should check the label and see if the ingredients align with your dieting goals.
Collagen Protein Powders
Collagen protein powders come from different parts of ruminants, poultry, and seafood that contain collagen. The most common sources are cowhide, cow bones, chicken bones, eggshell membranes, and fish scales.
Collagen protein powders have about 90% or more protein by weight and if taken before exercise, can help avoid injuries, as they’re effective in preventing skin aging and boosting wound healing [7].
Collagen also plays a significant role in hair, skin, nails, bones, ligaments, and tendons health as it’s the most important structural protein [8].
Although collagen can help prevent injuries, it lacks tryptophan, a vital amino acid, so it cannot be considered a complete protein suitable for muscle protein synthesis [9].
Soy Protein Powders
Soybean protein powders come from soybean, a nutritious legume, which positively impacts muscle protein synthesis after resistance training [10].
In a meal, soybeans are ground to turn into soy protein isolate, which is rich in protein with minimal carbohydrates. Protein volume in soybean protein powder is over 90% protein by weight [11].
Some producers add sugar to soy protein, which increases their total carbohydrate content, so you need to check the label to ensure it has no added sugar.
These plant-based protein powders can be as effective for muscle protein synthesis as animal-based protein, like whey [12].
So, if you can’t tolerate animal-based protein powders because of allergies or dietary restrictions, you can use soybean protein powders.
Kristen Smith, Registered Diet Nutritionist
"Protein powders, particularly those low in carbohydrates, can support weight loss by promoting satiety and preserving lean muscle mass during calorie restriction."
Pea Protein Powder
Pea protein powders are another plant-based protein source coming from peas, a nutritious legume. These powders are high-quality and allergy-friendly sources that can provide muscle repair and growth effects similar to animal-based sources if consumed after resistance training [13].
Peas contain 20%-25% protein and the protein volume in pea protein powder is about <85% protein by weight [14].
Pea protein powders are made using methods similar to soy protein powders, which include grinding dried peas to make powders and extracting carbohydrates [15].
Although these protein powders usually contain zero carbohydrates, again some producers add sugar, which increases the carbohydrate content in these powders.
So, if you’re looking for the best low-carb protein powders for weight loss, you should check the label and ensure the protein powder is sugar-free.
Rice Protein Powder
Rice protein powders are made by treating brown rice with enzymes separating carbohydrates from proteins. This plant-based hypoallergenic source doesn’t cause allergic reactions.
Rice contains essential amino acids, but some concentrations are higher than others. So, it’s usually mixed with other plant-based proteins to enhance the amino acid profile [16]. The protein volume of rice protein powders is about 90% of protein by weight [17].
No matter what source of protein you wish to consume, you need to find a high-quality product. Various manufacturers produce protein powders and it may be overwhelming to choose among them.
But don’t worry, as here are the top 10 brands for the best low-carb protein powders for weight loss.
10 Best Low-Carb Protein Powders for Weight Loss
Here is the list of the 10 best low-carb protein powders for weight loss. The brands listed here provide protein powders from different animal- and plant-based sources, so you need to check their labels to ensure they work for your diet.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard
Isopure Zero-Carb Protein Powder
Quest Nutrition Protein Powder
Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder
Garden of Life Organic Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder
Orgain Organic Protein Powder
MusclePharm Combat Protein Powder
Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein
NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate
Vega Sport Premium Protein Powder
Protein Intake Boosts Weight Loss
A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2015) found that increased protein intake, including through protein supplements, was associated with greater weight loss and fat mass reduction compared to lower protein diets.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard
One of the best low-carb protein powders for weight loss is Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard, 100% Whey, providing quality protein with low carbohydrates and great taste.
This gluten-free product is a high-quality hydrolyzed and ultra-filtered whey protein isolate with 25 grams of protein per serving, 5.5 grams of natural BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) per serving, and only 1 gram of carbohydrates per serving.
5g whey protein isolate per scoop, 25 grams per serving, which supports muscle building and recovery. It also contains immunity-boosting mixes to support overall health.
Isopure Build Your Smoothie Power Bundle Zero Carb Creamy Vanilla Protein Powder
It can be a suitable supplement for athletes and everybody with an active lifestyle to be used post-workout, between meals, along with a healthy breakfast, or throughout the day.
Amazing Grass Greens Superfood Detox & Digest
It is also a good source of vitamin C and zinc that supports immune function along with vitamin E. Since it contains almost no carbohydrates it can be one of the best low-carb protein powders for weight loss, helping those watching their calorie intake.
A nutritious dairy-based protein powder is Quest Vanilla Milkshake Protein Powder, a delicious protein boost with 24g of protein, 3g of net carbohydrates, and 1g of sugar per scoop.
Quest Vanilla Milkshake Protein Powder is made with 60% fast-absorbing whey protein isolate and 40% slow-absorbing micellar casein to provide balance for your workout.
This protein powder comes with different tastes other than vanilla, like Quest Cookies & Cream Protein Powder, which contains 20g of protein, 2g of net carbs, and less than 1g of sugar per scoop.
Quest Cookies & Cream Protein Powder is made with 51%-fast absorbing whey protein isolate and 49% slow-absorbing micellar casein and milk protein isolate to provide balance for your workout.
25 grams of protein, including 5.5 grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and 2.6 grams of Leucine per serving.
This gluten-free protein powder contains 1g of fat and sugar per serving, with less than 1g of lactose, and sweeteners like sucralose and steviol glycosides.
Garden of Life Organic Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder
One of the best low-carb protein powders for weight loss is Garden of Life Organic Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder, which is a truly grass-fed certified, non-GMO project verified, gluten-free, soy-free, and NSF-certified, with no added hormones, no antibiotics, and no added sugars.
This product can help you quickly refuel and repair muscles after a hard workout with 24g of grass-fed whey, 4g of glutamine, and over 6g of BCAA amino acids, and supports your immune system during training or dieting.
Both men and women can use this protein powder within an hour after a workout or throughout the day to suppress hunger and improve satiety.
Each serving is USDA-organic, gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, and soy-free without artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
This protein shake powder can be mixed with water or milk to be used after a workout or while you're on the go through. Even kids can drink this organic protein powder.
MusclePharm Combat Protein Powder
MusclePharm Combat Protein Powder is another one of the best low-carb protein powders for weight loss, providing 25 grams of protein per serving.
This product was designed with premium protein from 5 unique sources, including whey protein isolate, hydrolysate and concentrate, egg albumin, and milk protein concentrate for athletes, especially those doing hard workouts.
Combat's diverse protein sources digest at varying rates to deliver comprehensive amino acid infusion, boosting muscle growth and recovery. MusclePharm Essentials Glutamine Powder is rich in pure L-Glutamine, specifically formulated to supercharge your post-workout muscle recovery, pre- and post-workout energy levels, and gut health.
Hard workouts will deplete the sources of glutamine, an essential amino acid necessary for protein and muscle synthesis. Each 5g scoop provides your muscles with the support they need to recover and rebuild.
Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein
Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein is one of the best low-carb protein powders for weight loss, with no aspartame or gluten, providing 30g of protein and 6g of BCAA’s per scoop to help you train harder and rebuild lean muscle faster.
Market Growth of Protein Supplements:
The global protein supplements market size was valued at USD 17.55 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4% from 2021 to 2028, according to a report by Grand View Research. This growth is driven by increasing awareness of health and fitness, including the benefits of protein for weight loss.
This product contains 100% premium whey protein for sustained energy, high digestibility, and fast absorption, which can be used pre- and post-workout or all over the day.
It also includes different vitamins and minerals, like vitamins C and D, and zinc to help support your immune system function.
Athletes and everybody trying to build muscles and recover after intense activity can use NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate, as it provides high-quality protein that is both bioavailable and easily digested.
This product is unflavored without artificial sweeteners, and by mixing one scoop of it into a glass of smoothie, you can get 25 g of protein with BCAAs per serving.
It’s also GMP-quality-assured, i.e., NPA A-rated GMP certification means that every aspect of the NOW manufacturing process has been examined, including laboratory/ testing methods, for stability, potency, and product formulation.
Vega Sport Premium Protein Powder
Another one of the best low-carb protein powders for weight loss is Vega Sport Premium Protein Powder. A 29.2 oz. tub of this vanilla protein powder contains about 20 servings.
This protein vanilla drink powder contains 30 grams of protein and 5 grams of BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) in each serving to help you recover, rebuild, and reset after the workout.
This product is a gluten-free, zero-sugar, and vegan protein powder, suitable for those on ketogenic diets, containing 2 billion CFUs of probiotics and 2 grams of dietary fiber per serving, without artificial flavors or preservatives.
The best low-carb protein powders for weight loss help you control caloric intake while boosting protein content to build lean muscle, manage weight, improve immune function, and support overall health.
