8 Best Protein Powders for Weight Loss in 2024, Recommended by Dietitians

★ Posted on 11-17,2024

Our expert dietitians analyzed protein powders to support your weight loss goals. We chose the best options to suit everyone’s needs, including plant-based, dairy-free, and affordability. See our full list, plus our hands-on reviews.

Transparent Labs and Garden of Life protein powdersShare on Pinterest

A quick look at the best protein powders for weight loss

  • Best overall protein powder for weight loss: Naked Whey Flavored Protein Powder | Skip to review
  • Best flavored: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate | Skip to review
  • Best organic: Ora So Lean & So Clean Plant-Based Superfood Protein Powder | Skip to review
  • Best affordable: Dymatize Elite 100% Whey | Skip to review
  • Best for women: Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder | Skip to review
  • Best for weight loss and muscle gain: Momentous Whey Protein Isolate | Skip to review
  • Best dairy-free: Drink Wholesome Egg White Protein Powder | Skip to review
  • Best plant-based: Orgain Simple Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder | Skip to review

In addition to reducing your overall calorie intake, increasing the amount of protein you consume may help you lose weight. Protein powders are a convenient way to add more protein to your diet, but they can also:

  • Increase feelings of fullness: Protein helps you feel full longer, which can help you consume fewer calories.
  • Boost metabolism: Compared with carbs or fat, protein demands the most calories during digestion and utilization. Therefore, raising your protein intake can increase calorie burning.
  • Maintain lean muscle mass: You might also lose fat and muscle when you lose weight. Consuming enough protein — alongside resistance training — can help you maintain muscle and prevent a decline in metabolism.

Our editors and dietitians reviewed more than 100 protein powders to determine which are best for people trying to lose weight.

Why Trust Healthline75protein powders evaluated by our medical standards team58protein powders met our criteria19protein powders personally tested by our teamHow we evaluate protein powders

Our Medical Standards and Insights team has carefully researched and vetted over 11,000 products and services. We fact-check health claims, evaluate ingredients, and look into each brand’s reputation before sharing products and services on Healthline.

To choose the products on this page, we considered all the protein powders that passed our vetting process. Then, we personally tested some of them to narrow down our list even further.

Disclaimer: Some of the products below were provided to Healthline testers for free. Our opinions and reviews are ours alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the brands.

A note on price

General price ranges with dollar signs ($–$$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.

Generally, prices range from $1.25–$3.12 per serving, or $25.49–$95.80 per container, though this may vary depending on where you shop. Prices may also vary by flavor and container size.

Pricing guide:

  • $ = under $1.50 per serving
  • $$ = $1.50–$2.00 per serving
  • $$$ = over $2.00 per serving

Note that the serving recommendations vary between 1 and 2 scoops.

Healthline’s picks of the best protein powders for weight loss

Best overall protein powder for weight loss

Naked Whey Flavored Protein Powder

4.3 (13.4k+) from Amazon
  • Protein type: whey
  • Nutrition stats per serving: (Chocolate) Calories: 160, Total carbs: 8 g, Added sugar: 3 g, Fat: 3 g, Protein: 25 g
  • Price: $
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON

Healthline's review

Naked Whey is our best overall pick because of its impressively short ingredient list, Informed Choice certification, and multiple flavor options.

In addition to Vanilla, Chocolate, and other dessert-inspired flavors, Naked Whey has an unflavored option so you can easily mix it into coffee, oatmeal, or soups for a protein boost.

For those who need or prefer a vegan option, Naked also offers a pea-based protein powder that boasts a short ingredient list and third-party certification.

What our tester says

Healthline Nutrition editor and registered dietitian Kelli McGrane recommended Naked Whey.

“I’m not a huge fan of stevia — the aftertaste just isn’t for me — so I like that Naked Whey uses sugar instead.

“I’ve tried multiple flavors of this powder, but the chocolate is by far my favorite. I love that it has a creamy, rich chocolate taste that isn’t overly sweet. While it’s satisfying mixed with just water and a splash of oat milk, my favorite way to use it is blended in a smoothie with a frozen banana and a handful of spinach.

“The only downside is that, as with most whey-based protein powders, I do notice some bloating and general discomfort if I drink this powder multiple days in a row.”

Healthline Nutrition editor and registered dietitian Kelli McGrane recommended Naked Whey.

“I’m not a huge fan of stevia — the aftertaste just isn’t for me — so I like that Naked Whey uses sugar instead.

“I’ve tried multiple flavors of this powder, but the chocolate is by far my favorite. I love that it has a creamy, rich chocolate taste that isn’t overly sweet. While it’s satisfying mixed with just water and a splash of oat milk, my favorite way to use it is blended in a smoothie with a frozen banana and a handful of spinach.

“The only downside is that, as with most whey-based protein powders, I do notice some bloating and general discomfort if I drink this powder multiple days in a row.”

Pros & cons

  • available in multiple flavors and sizes
  • unflavored option available
  • minimal ingredients
  • certified gluten-free
  • doesn't contain sugar substitutes
  • Informed Choice certified
  • not vegan-friendly
  • not suitable for people with severe lactose intolerance
  • available in multiple flavors and sizes
  • unflavored option available
  • minimal ingredients
  • certified gluten-free
  • doesn't contain sugar substitutes
  • Informed Choice certified
  • not vegan-friendly
  • not suitable for people with severe lactose intolerance

Product details

  • Number of servings: 60 per container
  • Serving size: 2 scoops (38 g)
  • Certifications: Informed Choice Certified, certified gluten-free, non-GMO verified, third-party tested
  • Available flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Double Chocolate
  • Number of servings: 60 per container
  • Serving size: 2 scoops (38 g)
  • Certifications: Informed Choice Certified, certified gluten-free, non-GMO verified, third-party tested
  • Available flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Double Chocolate

Best flavored

Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate

4.7 (3.8k+) from Transparent Labs
  • Protein type: whey
  • Nutrition stats per serving: (Milk Chocolate) Calories: 130, Total carbs: 1 g, Added sugar: 0 g, Fat: 1 g, Protein: 28 g
  • Price: $$
SHOP NOW AT TRANSPARENT LABS

Healthline's review

Transparent Labs Whey Protein comes in an impressive 14 flavors, including Milk Chocolate, Mocha, Peanut Butter, Blueberry Pancakes, and an unflavored option.

The flavored varieties are sweetened with stevia, which may be a drawback for those who dislike the aftertaste.

Transparent Labs protein is both Informed Choice and Informed Protein certified and, certificates of analysis (COAs) are available on the company’s website.

What our tester says

“I have been using Transparent Labs Whey Grass Fed Protein for several months. It has been a great addition to post workout recovery shakes and breakfast shakes.

“The product consistency, smell, and taste are all great. The peanut [butter] flavor has added a great taste to both shakes and acai bowls, with the added benefit of adding nutritional value.

“I would certainly recommended the product to others, and my wife has actually incorporated it into her meals as well!”

— Nick Trull, Healthline director of business development

Learn more about Transparent Labs in our comprehensive brand review.

“I have been using Transparent Labs Whey Grass Fed Protein for several months. It has been a great addition to post workout recovery shakes and breakfast shakes.

“The product consistency, smell, and taste are all great. The peanut [butter] flavor has added a great taste to both shakes and acai bowls, with the added benefit of adding nutritional value.

“I would certainly recommended the product to others, and my wife has actually incorporated it into her meals as well!”

— Nick Trull, Healthline director of business development

Learn more about Transparent Labs in our comprehensive brand review.

Pros & cons

  • 14 flavors, including an unflavored option
  • Informed Choice and Informed Protein certified
  • COAs available online
  • free of artificial additives
  • contains stevia, which has an aftertaste some people may dislike
  • not vegan-friendly
  • 14 flavors, including an unflavored option
  • Informed Choice and Informed Protein certified
  • COAs available online
  • free of artificial additives
  • contains stevia, which has an aftertaste some people may dislike
  • not vegan-friendly

Product details

  • Number of servings: 30 per container
  • Serving size: 1 scoop (34.9 g)
  • Certifications: non-GMO verified, Informed Choice Certified, Informed Protein Certified
  • Available flavors: Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Mint Chocolate Chip, Vanilla Peanut Butter, Strawberry Milkshake, Unflavored, Dark Chocolate, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Cinnamon French Toast, Sugar Cookie, Mocha, Peanut Butter, Vanilla Oatmeal Cookie, Blueberry Pancakes
  • Number of servings: 30 per container
  • Serving size: 1 scoop (34.9 g)
  • Certifications: non-GMO verified, Informed Choice Certified, Informed Protein Certified
  • Available flavors: Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Mint Chocolate Chip, Vanilla Peanut Butter, Strawberry Milkshake, Unflavored, Dark Chocolate, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Cinnamon French Toast, Sugar Cookie, Mocha, Peanut Butter, Vanilla Oatmeal Cookie, Blueberry Pancakes

Best organic

Ora So Lean & So Clean Plant-Based Superfood Protein Powder

4 (5k+) from Amazon
  • Protein type: plant-based blend
  • Nutrition stats per serving : (Vanilla) Calories: 120, Total carbs: 4 g, Added sugar: 0 g, Fat: 2.5 g, Protein: 21 g
  • Price: $$
SHOP NOW AT ORA ORGANICS

Healthline's review

If choosing organic is important to you, Ora Organic Vegan Protein Powder may be a great choice since it’s certified organic by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

In addition to 21 grams (g) of protein, it contains a proprietary blend of nutrient-rich foods and greens, including organic pea protein, rice protein, cranberry, blueberry, turmeric, pomegranate, and kale.

Keep in mind that the specific amount of each ingredient is not listed in proprietary blends, so if you’re sensitive to any of the ingredients, you might want to choose another protein powder.

Ora Organic products are tested by several third-party labs, including Eurofins and JK BioScience Analytical Laboratories.

What our tester says

“I’ve tried a handful of plant-based protein powders on the market, and Ora Organics is my favorite vanilla-flavored option because it lacks the cloyingly sweet, artificial vanilla flavor that many other powders have.

“I also appreciate that the powder mixes easily in a shaker bottle and actually feels refreshing to drink. I primarily use the powder in my overnight oats for a boost of protein in the morning, but it’s also delicious blended into a smoothie.”

— Kelli McGrane, MS, RD, Healthline Nutrition editor

“I’ve tried a handful of plant-based protein powders on the market, and Ora Organics is my favorite vanilla-flavored option because it lacks the cloyingly sweet, artificial vanilla flavor that many other powders have.

“I also appreciate that the powder mixes easily in a shaker bottle and actually feels refreshing to drink. I primarily use the powder in my overnight oats for a boost of protein in the morning, but it’s also delicious blended into a smoothie.”

— Kelli McGrane, MS, RD, Healthline Nutrition editor

Pros & cons

  • available in three flavors plus an unflavored option
  • certified USDA organic
  • third-party tested for purity and potency
  • certified vegan
  • non-GMO
  • contains proprietary blends
  • available in three flavors plus an unflavored option
  • certified USDA organic
  • third-party tested for purity and potency
  • certified vegan
  • non-GMO
  • contains proprietary blends

Product details

  • Number of servings: 20 per container
  • Serving size: 2 scoops (30 g)
  • Certifications: USDA organic
  • Available flavors: Chocolate, Unflavored, Vanilla, Vanilla Chai
  • Number of servings: 20 per container
  • Serving size: 2 scoops (30 g)
  • Certifications: USDA organic
  • Available flavors: Chocolate, Unflavored, Vanilla, Vanilla Chai

Best affordable

Dymatize Elite 100% Whey

4.6 (5.4k+) from Amazon
  • Protein type: whey
  • Nutrition stats per serving: (Gourmet Vanilla) Calories: 140, Total carbs: 2 g, Added sugar: 0 g, Fat: 3 g, Protein: 25 g
  • Price: $
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON

Healthline's review

Protein powders aren’t cheap. However, if you’re on a tight budget, Dymatize Elite 100% Whey is one of your best options.

In addition to having a lower price, the powder comes in several dessert-inspired flavors and is Informed Choice Trusted for Sport certified.

Pros & cons

  • available in a variety of sizes and flavors
  • Informed Choice Trusted for Sport certified
  • free of added sugars
  • contains some artificial additives, including sweeteners
  • not vegan-friendly
  • not suitable for people with severe lactose intolerance
  • available in a variety of sizes and flavors
  • Informed Choice Trusted for Sport certified
  • free of added sugars
  • contains some artificial additives, including sweeteners
  • not vegan-friendly
  • not suitable for people with severe lactose intolerance

Product details

  • Number of servings: 67 per container
  • Serving size: 1 scoop (34 g)
  • Certifications: Informed Choice Certified
  • Available flavors: Rich Chocolate, Gourmet Vanilla, Cookies & Cream
  • Number of servings: 67 per container
  • Serving size: 1 scoop (34 g)
  • Certifications: Informed Choice Certified
  • Available flavors: Rich Chocolate, Gourmet Vanilla, Cookies & Cream

Best for women

Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder

4.4 (7.1k+) from Amazon
  • Protein type: plant-based blend
  • Nutrition stats per serving: (Vanilla) Calories: 160, Total carbs: 7 g, Added sugar: 0 g, Fat: 3 g, Protein: 30 g
  • Price: $$$
SHOP NOW AT IHERB

Healthline's review

This option from Garden of Life tops many of our best-of lists and is our pick as the best protein powder for women trying to lose weight.

Because calorie needs differ, we like that the powder includes a smaller scoop, so you can opt for a 80-calorie serving or 160-calorie one.

The powder also provides 20–40% of the Daily Value for iron, a nutrient that women who menstruate might not be getting enough of through diet alone.

Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein is NSF Certified for Sport, Informed Sport Certified, NSF certified gluten-free, certified vegan, non-GMO verified, and USDA certified organic.

 

Pros & cons

  • NSF and Informed Sport certified
  • certified organic and gluten-free
  • option for 1- or 2-scoop serving size
  • includes iron, a nutrient that some women may not get enough of
  • available in Chocolate and Vanilla
  • expensive
  • may not be appropriate for women already taking a multivitamin
  • no unflavored option
  • NSF and Informed Sport certified
  • certified organic and gluten-free
  • option for 1- or 2-scoop serving size
  • includes iron, a nutrient that some women may not get enough of
  • available in Chocolate and Vanilla
  • expensive
  • may not be appropriate for women already taking a multivitamin
  • no unflavored option

Product details

  • Number of servings: 19 per container
  • Serving size: 2 scoops (42 g)
  • Certifications: USDA organic, non-GMO verified, NSF Certified for Sport, Informed Choice certified, certified gluten-free
  • Available flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla
  • Number of servings: 19 per container
  • Serving size: 2 scoops (42 g)
  • Certifications: USDA organic, non-GMO verified, NSF Certified for Sport, Informed Choice certified, certified gluten-free
  • Available flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla

Best for weight loss and muscle gain

Momentous Whey Protein Isolate

4.5 (78+) from Amazon
  • Protein type: whey
  • Nutrition stats per serving : (Vanilla) Calories: 100, Total carbs: 3 g, Added sugar: 0 g, Fat: 0 g, Protein: 20 g
  • Price: $$$
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON

Healthline's review

Momentous Essential Grass-Fed Whey Protein is an ideal pick for those looking to lose weight while gaining muscle mass.

Each 100-calorie serving provides 20 g of protein. The powder also includes ProHydrolase.

While more research is needed, ProHydrolase is an enzyme blend that may increase protein digestion and absorption and may help increase blood levels of amino acids, such as leucine, that are important for building muscle.

Momentous Protein is third-party tested and is both NSF Certified for Sport and Informed Sport Certified, which means it’s a good option for competitive athletes.

Pros & cons

  • Informed Sport certified
  • NSF Certified for Sport
  • contains ProHydrolase, which may support muscle gain
  • available in Chocolate, Vanilla, and Unflavored
  • expensive
  • not vegan-friendly
  • Informed Sport certified
  • NSF Certified for Sport
  • contains ProHydrolase, which may support muscle gain
  • available in Chocolate, Vanilla, and Unflavored
  • expensive
  • not vegan-friendly

Product details

  • Number of servings: 24 per container
  • Serving size: 1 scoop (26.5 g)
  • Certifications: NSF Certified for Sport, Informed Sport Certified, third-party tested
  • Available flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Unflavored
  • Number of servings: 24 per container
  • Serving size: 1 scoop (26.5 g)
  • Certifications: NSF Certified for Sport, Informed Sport Certified, third-party tested
  • Available flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Unflavored

Best dairy-free

Drink Wholesome Egg White Protein Powder

4.2 (427+) from Amazon
  • Protein type: egg white
  • Nutrition stats per serving: (Chocolate with Monk Fruit) Calories: 160, Total carbs: 7 g, Fiber: 3 g, Added sugar: 0 g, Fat: 6.5 g, Protein: 20 g
  • Price: $$$
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON

Healthline's review

Drink Wholesome Egg White Protein Powder is worth considering for those who need or prefer to avoid dairy but don’t want a plant-based option.

The powder comes in Unflavored, Chocolate, and Vanilla. You can also choose your sweetener — either monk fruit or maple sugar.

Each serving contains 15–20 g of egg white protein and 0–4 g of added sugar, depending on the flavor and sweetener selected.

Drink Wholesome products are third-party tested for heavy metals and pesticides, as well as their amino acid profiles, and COAs are available under each product listed on the company’s website.

What our tester says

Healthline writer and registered dietitian Ellen Landes recommended Drink Wholesome after trying free samples a few months back.

Landes shared, “A lot of protein powders, especially dairy-based powders, upset my stomach, but Drink Wholesome didn’t cause any stomach upset for me.”

“It does need to be blended, rather than stirred or shaken, to avoid any clumps, but it’s worth the extra step for a smooth, lightly sweet protein shake. I tried the vanilla flavor and found the taste really pleasant.”

Landes also notes that there is a slight coconut flavor, which she enjoyed but acknowledged that it might not be for everyone.

As for whether she’ll continue to use the product, Landes answered, “Yes, I will continue to use this protein powder. I really enjoy the taste and the fact that it doesn’t bother my stomach the way many other protein powders do.”

Healthline writer and registered dietitian Ellen Landes recommended Drink Wholesome after trying free samples a few months back.

Landes shared, “A lot of protein powders, especially dairy-based powders, upset my stomach, but Drink Wholesome didn’t cause any stomach upset for me.”

“It does need to be blended, rather than stirred or shaken, to avoid any clumps, but it’s worth the extra step for a smooth, lightly sweet protein shake. I tried the vanilla flavor and found the taste really pleasant.”

Landes also notes that there is a slight coconut flavor, which she enjoyed but acknowledged that it might not be for everyone.

As for whether she’ll continue to use the product, Landes answered, “Yes, I will continue to use this protein powder. I really enjoy the taste and the fact that it doesn’t bother my stomach the way many other protein powders do.”

Pros & cons

  • third-party tested for heavy metals and pesticides
  • dairy-free
  • additive-free
  • available in Chocolate, Vanilla, and Unflavored
  • option for monk fruit or maple sugar as the sweetener
  • relatively high in fiber
  • expensive
  • 4 g of added sugar per serving in maple sugar-sweetened options
  • third-party tested for heavy metals and pesticides
  • dairy-free
  • additive-free
  • available in Chocolate, Vanilla, and Unflavored
  • option for monk fruit or maple sugar as the sweetener
  • relatively high in fiber
  • expensive
  • 4 g of added sugar per serving in maple sugar-sweetened options

Product details

  • Number of servings: 14 per container, 21 per container, 28 per container
  • Serving size: 5 tablespoons (37 g)
  • Certifications: third-party tested for purity and potency
  • Available flavors: Chocolate with Maple Sugar, Chocolate with Monk Fruit, Vanilla with Maple Sugar, Vanilla with Monk Fruit, Unflavored
  • Number of servings: 14 per container, 21 per container, 28 per container
  • Serving size: 5 tablespoons (37 g)
  • Certifications: third-party tested for purity and potency
  • Available flavors: Chocolate with Maple Sugar, Chocolate with Monk Fruit, Vanilla with Maple Sugar, Vanilla with Monk Fruit, Unflavored

Best plant-based

Orgain Simple Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder

4.4 (4k+) from Amazon
  • Protein type: pea, brown rice, almond, pumpkin seed, peanut
  • Nutrition stats per serving: (Vanilla) Calories: 150, Total carbs: 10 g, Added sugar: 5 g, Fat: 3 g, Protein 20 g
  • Price: $
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON

Healthline's review

If you’re following a vegan diet or simply prefer a plant-based protein powder, Orgain Organic Protein is a great option.

This Orgain powder provides 20 g of protein from quality plant-based sources, including organic peas, peanuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds.

Orgain Organic Protein is certified organic by the USDA and is manufactured in third-party certified facilities. Orgain products are third-party tested for purity and potency.

Pros & cons

  • certified USDA organic
  • third-party tested for purity and potency
  • manufactured in third-party certified facilities
  • certified plant-based
  • gluten-free
  • non-GMO
  • available in multiple flavors
  • available in individual-serving travel packets
  • contains erythritol and stevia, which have an aftertaste some people dislike
  • certified USDA organic
  • third-party tested for purity and potency
  • manufactured in third-party certified facilities
  • certified plant-based
  • gluten-free
  • non-GMO
  • available in multiple flavors
  • available in individual-serving travel packets
  • contains erythritol and stevia, which have an aftertaste some people dislike

Product details

  • Number of servings: 15 per container
  • Serving size: 2 scoops
  • Certifications: USDA organic, certified plant-based, third-party tested for purity and potency
  • Available flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Peanut Butter
  • Number of servings: 15 per container
  • Serving size: 2 scoops
  • Certifications: USDA organic, certified plant-based, third-party tested for purity and potency
  • Available flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Peanut Butter

How we chose

When selecting the best protein powders to support weight loss, we considered the following factors:

  • Nutrition content: We looked for products that are lower in calories to support a reduced calorie diet. All products contain less than 200 calories per serving. We also prioritized powders that are low in added sugars and high in fiber.
  • Quality: We selected protein powders that are made by reputable companies and are tested throughout the manufacturing process, ideally by third-party labs.
  • Reviews: We selected protein powders that have mostly positive reviews online. Additionally, several powders on our list were recommended by Healthline writers, editors, and staff members.
  • Vetting: The products on our list have been vetted to ensure that they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.

How protein powders for weight loss compare

ProductPrice rangeProtein typeCalories per servingAdded sugar per servingNaked Whey$whey1603 gTransparent Labs$$whey1300 gOra Organic$$organic pea, organic rice1200 gDymatize Elite$whey1400 gGarden of Life$$$organic pea, lentil, garbanzo, navy bean, and cranberry1600 gMomentous$$$whey1000 gDrink Wholesome$$$egg white1600 gOrgain$organic pea, peanut, pumpkin seed, almond, and chia1505 g

* Nutritional information may vary by flavor.

How to choose

When shopping for a protein powder to support weight loss, be sure to consider the following factors:

  • Price: Protein powders vary significantly in price, depending on the brand, the protein type, and the presence of other ingredients. Be sure to consider the recurring monthly cost when determining which powder is right for your budget.
  • Protein type: Whether you choose whey, casein, or a plant-based source, the protein type doesn’t make a significant difference in terms of its effects on weight loss. Choose the type that best fits your dietary needs and preferences.
  • Quality testing: Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate supplements the same way as pharmaceuticals, it’s important to select a product from a reputable manufacturer. Look for a product that’s third-party tested to ensure that the contents match the label.
  • Additives: Protein powders commonly contain artificial sweeteners, flavors, and other additives to which you may be sensitive or intolerant. Carefully read a product’s ingredient list before purchasing to ensure that the product doesn’t contain an ingredient you need to avoid.
  • Taste: Protein powders vary greatly in terms of taste and texture, so you may need to try a few powders before finding a product and flavor that you enjoy. Keep in mind that protein powders containing artificial sweeteners or sugar alternatives, such as stevia, often have a slight aftertaste that some people dislike.

How effective is protein powder for weight loss?

Protein powder can help increase overall protein intake, which can support weight loss, as it may help increase feelings of fullness, boost metabolism, and preserve lean muscle mass, even in a calorie deficit.

Specifically, whey protein has been shown to help increase fat loss and preserve lean muscle during weight loss efforts.

However, it’s important to integrate protein powder into a balanced diet and regular exercise routine for the best results.

How to use protein powder for weight loss

Incorporating protein powder is an effective and convenient way to get in plenty of protein that can help you feel full and maintain muscle while eating in a calorie deficit.

Most protein powders can be blended into smoothies, mixed into oatmeal or yogurt, or even used in baking to increase the protein content of meals and snacks without significantly raising the calorie count.

You can use protein powder any time of day, but consuming it after workouts can aid in recovery and muscle maintenance and growth. This can be particularly beneficial if you’re interested in body recomposition, in which you not only lose weight but also build muscle.

Remember, protein powder can be a helpful component of a weight loss plan, but supplements should never replace the basics — balanced nutrition, sleep, stress management, and regular physical activity.

»MORE:Learn how to lose weight the healthy way, the Wellos™ way

Frequently asked questions

What type of protein powder is best for weight loss?

While there are several protein powder options, including whey and casein (which are made from cow’s milk) and plant-based options such as pea and hemp, one is not necessarily better for weight loss than others.

Some research suggests that whey protein may be better for preserving lean muscle mass during weight loss, but other research has shown that plant protein may offer similar benefits to whey.

Ultimately, the overall amount of protein appears to be the most important factor for weight loss.

While there are several protein powder options, including whey and casein (which are made from cow’s milk) and plant-based options such as pea and hemp, one is not necessarily better for weight loss than others.

Some research suggests that whey protein may be better for preserving lean muscle mass during weight loss, but other research has shown that plant protein may offer similar benefits to whey.

Ultimately, the overall amount of protein appears to be the most important factor for weight loss.

What is the best protein powder for weight loss in women?

Some protein powders are marketed to women, but they can be enjoyed by most healthy adults. Thus, there is no one kind of protein powder that is best for weight loss in women.

As mentioned above, whey protein may be desirable for protecting lean muscle mass during weight loss thanks to its higher leucine content, but many products can help women meet their protein needs when losing weight.

Some protein powders are marketed to women, but they can be enjoyed by most healthy adults. Thus, there is no one kind of protein powder that is best for weight loss in women.

As mentioned above, whey protein may be desirable for protecting lean muscle mass during weight loss thanks to its higher leucine content, but many products can help women meet their protein needs when losing weight.

Can protein powder help you lose weight and gain muscle?

Protein powders can help you meet your target protein needs and support body recomposition, a process in which you gain muscle and lose fat at the same time. But keep in mind that resistance training or weightlifting is the primary driver of body recomposition.

Protein powders can help you meet your target protein needs and support body recomposition, a process in which you gain muscle and lose fat at the same time. But keep in mind that resistance training or weightlifting is the primary driver of body recomposition.

Is it safe to use protein powder daily?

It’s generally safe to use protein powder daily as part of a balanced diet. However, you should always choose high quality, third-party tested products to ensure safety and purity. And be sure to read the label thoroughly, as some products may contain additional ingredients that could be contraindicated for certain populations.

It’s generally safe to use protein powder daily as part of a balanced diet. However, you should always choose high quality, third-party tested products to ensure safety and purity. And be sure to read the label thoroughly, as some products may contain additional ingredients that could be contraindicated for certain populations.

The bottom line

Many people use protein powders to build muscle, but these powders can also benefit your weight loss goals.

While these products may help you lose weight, you’ll get the best results if you use them alongside a balanced, reduced calorie diet and an exercise routine.

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