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10 Best Protein Powder For Weight Loss In 2023
Updated on
- Written by Mitchelle Morgan, Health Writer
Medically reviewed by
Kathy Shattler, MS, RDN
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Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Isolate
- High amount of protein per serving.
- No artificial additives.
- Grass-fed whey isolate powder
Elm & Rye Protein Powder
- Standard and vegan options.
- Contains nine essential amino acids.
- Support weight loss and muscle recovery.
Optimum Gold Standard 100% Whey
- Bestseller on Amazon.
- Several flavors.
- Combines whey hydrolysate, isolate and concentrate.
Weight loss is one of the most challenging fitness goals to achieve. Currently, there are many weight loss aids and regimens available to people. The most well-known ways to achieve your weight loss goals are through exercising and calorie restriction.
However, just exercising and restricting your calories may not be enough. Including sufficient protein and micronutrients in your diet is crucial to weight loss success and maintenance.
Besides exercising and calorie restriction, another great tactic is supplementation. Supplementation can effectively support your weight loss regimen, especially when combined with other methods. Protein powder for women and protein powder for men can be good aids in losing weight.
Best Protein Powders For Weight Loss In (November. 2023)
- Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Isolate – Editor’s Choice
- Elm & Rye Protein Powder – Best For Different Dietary Restrictions
- Optimum Gold Standard 100% Whey – Best Selling Whey Protein Powder On Amazon
- Optimum Gold Standard Casein Powder – Best Casein Protein Powder Supplement
- Naked Nutrition 100% Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder – Best No-Filler Whey Protein Powder
- Naked Nutrition Egg White Protein – Best Egg White Protein Powder
- Quest Multi-Purpose Protein Powder Mix – Best Versatile Protein Powder
- Orgain Organic Protein – Best Plant-Based Protein Powder
- Sunwarrior Protein Warrior Blend – Best Keto-Friendly Protein Powder
- Gainful Personalized Protein Powder – Best Customizable Protein Powder
How Do Protein Powders Help You Lose Weight?
Protein[1] is an essential nutrient for weight loss. Upping your protein intake decreases hunger, increases metabolism, and benefits hormones controlling weight. You’re increasingly likely to feel satiated for extended periods and also fend off sugar cravings if you substitute protein for carbohydrates and fat.
When your appetite decreases, you naturally consume fewer calories. This decrease in appetite is beneficial for weight loss and long-term weight maintenance. Even though numerous foods are high in protein, protein powder is the easiest and most practical way to increase your daily protein consumption.
10 Best Protein Powders For Weight Loss In 2023
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Isolate
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Isolate is the best protein powder for weight loss and muscle gain because of its high protein per serving.
- High amount of protein per serving.
- No artificial additives.
- Grass-fed whey isolate powder.
- Pricey.
- Contains stevia.
Transparent Labs protein powder is a nutritional supplement that claims to assist gymgoers in meeting their daily protein requirements to enhance muscle development and repair with 25 grams of complete protein per serving.
Transparent Labs provides high-quality whey isolate protein powder with no coloring, artificial flavors, or sweeteners. This means there is virtually no lactose present to digest since it’s an isolate. Whey is the fast-digesting component of milk protein, lower in fat and carbohydrate than concentrate.
Transparent Labs Isolate has eight flavor choices, depending on your taste preference.
There are no extra preservatives or additives, and the certificates of analysis or COA guarantee that there are no dangerous substances in their products, such as mercury or lead.
Whey protein, stevia, salt, and natural flavors, are the ingredients in this product. Stevia has recently been found to alter the gut microbiome, but further studies are needed[2] to determine the significance of this. Furthermore, the sodium content can add up fast, with 270 milligrams per serving.
Elm & Rye Protein Powder
Elm and Rye is a great vanilla protein powder for weight loss. It has two options, standard and vegan, and three flavors in the standard option.
- Standard and vegan options.
- Contains essential amino acids.
- Support weight loss and muscle recovery.
- Only one flavor for the vegan option.
- Contains sucralose.
Discover Magazine named this brand-exclusive protein combination the tastiest and healthiest protein supplement on the market. The protein mixture is created from grass-fed, pasture-raised, and free-range cows.
What stood out most to us was that the protein offers two options. There is a standard option and a vegan alternative. The stock option comes in three distinct flavors — cookies and cream, chocolate, and vanilla. However, the vegan option is only available in the vanilla flavor.
Elm and Rye, collagen protein powders, are made with branched-chain amino acids or BCAAs[3] for muscle maintenance and increased strength. It has a unique mushroom combination for brain health and recovery. Additionally, each meal contains ashwagandha for improved mental clarity and strength and collagen to promote healthy bones along with turmeric to decrease inflammation.
The composition for Elm & Rye Protein Supplement is intended to be a complete body therapeutic. Twenty grams of protein containing all nine amino (disclaimer: the manufacturer does not state whether amino acids are the essential nine) acids are provided in each serving, which will help you lose weight by keeping you satiated between meals.
Despite the amazing qualities of the ingredients noted above, consumers should beware that the product contains sucralose which, according to a 2022 study, disrupts the gut microbiome causing uncontrolled blood sugars.[2] This supplement may not be the best choice for you if you have blood sugar issues.
Optimum Gold Standard 100% Whey
Optimum Gold Standard 100% Whey protein powder for weight loss is the number one bestseller in the spot nutrition whey protein powders category on Amazon.
- Bestseller on Amazon.
- Several flavors.
- Combines whey hydrolysate, isolate and concentrate.
- Contains artificial sweeteners and maltodextrin.
Although some of the best protein shakes for weight loss might be expensive, they don’t always have to be. In addition to being minimal in sugar, calories, and carbohydrates, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard also costs about $1 per serving. You should have no trouble locating an Optimum Nutrition protein powder that suits you considering they are known for offering an infinite range of flavors and quantities.
Besides protein, each serving of the powder contains 5 grams of BCAAs. The brand’s whey protein combination, which contains whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and hydrolyzed whey protein, can promote muscle repair and synthesis and retention of lean muscle mass as you work to burn fat. The product is not gluten-free but has been tested by third-party labs for purity and quality.
There is no arguing that Optimum Nutrition has created a name for itself in the supplements industry. This is evidenced by this protein powder taking the first spot on Amazon’s Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Powders category.
However, despite the wonderful qualities of the product described above, the product does contain some controversial ingredients. Maltodextrin is an ultra-processed food additive that may cause dysbiosis[4] in the user. Furthermore, it also contains artificial sugar substitutes, including sucralose[2] and acesulfame potassium,[5] that have been shown to alter the gut microbiome, cause hyperglycemia, raise blood pressure, and potentially cause digestive distress.
Optimum Gold Standard Casein Powder
A protein powder from micellar casein,[6] a slow-digesting protein, is formulated to support weight loss and build and maintain lean muscle mass.
- Different flavors.
- Contains BCAAs.
- Uses premium micellar casein.
- Artificial flavors.
- Contains sucralose and acesulfame potassium.
This casein supplement can be a good choice if you seek the best protein powder for weight loss and muscle recovery. The primary protein source is premium micellar casein, which is digested slowly. Due to this, the product can be used between meals, after a workout session, or before going to bed. It supports muscle recovery and satiety.
Each serving contains 24 grams of proteins to support muscle growth and maintenance. It also has close to 5 grams of BCAAs in each serving to help support recovery and endurance. Additionally, there are 120 calories, 0.5 to 1 gram of fat, 100% DV for zinc, and 1 gram of sugar.
The manufacturer recommends you mix the protein powder in 8 to 14 ounces of milk or cold water.
While this protein powder is a high-quality micellar casein product, the supplement contains the artificial sugar substitutes sucralose[2] and acesulfame potassium[5] with the associated side effects discussed above for Optimum Gold Standard.
Naked Nutrition 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder
A good option for anyone looking for a no-filler best protein powder for weight loss that women and men can use.
- No filler ingredients.
- Contains all nine essential amino acids.
- Low sugar.
- Has a chalky taste.
If you’re worried about purchasing protein powders loaded with chemicals, Naked Whey’s 100% grass-fed and pure whey protein utilizes the cold processing procedure to eliminate any heavy metals, artificial additions, or chemical detergents from its powders. This pure protein has no artificial additives, sweeteners, or colors.
It provides 3 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of sugar per scoop and 25 grams of protein. The optimal time to take whey protein is immediately following exercise since it has a high concentration of leucine, an essential amino acid that supports muscle growth. And, since it is a fast protein, it is absorbed within one to two hours post-ingestion.
This protein powder for muscle gain can be an excellent option for individuals looking for a protein powder with no fillers to support their weight loss needs. It is a third-party lab tested for gluten and heavy metals.
Naked Nutrition Egg White Protein
This supplement is a good option for an egg white protein powder after a workout session.
- Good post-workout option.
- No fillers.
- Unique savory taste.
- Some users say it does not mix well.
Naked Nutrition has a good reputation for providing different dietary supplement products. One of those products is the Egg White Protein[7] powder supplement containing 25 grams of protein per two-scoop serving size.
The source of protein for this powder is dried non-GMO egg whites. One good thing about egg protein is that it works faster than other protein types, e.g., casein. However, it should be noted egg white proteins are digested slower than most of their counterparts. Because this protein powder works fast, it makes the supplement a worthy option for a smoothie after a workout session; however, it is not as effective at improving body performance as a whey-based protein supplement.
Furthermore, you will feel fuller for longer because the supplement’s protein is digested slower than in other forms. This is a good thing, especially in helping you control your appetite. Unlike most protein powders, Naked Nutrition’s Egg White protein powder only contains two ingredients, i.e., sunflower lecithin[8] and egg white protein. It does not have any artificial additives or preservatives.
Quest Multi-Purpose Protein Powder Mix
Quest protein powder is a versatile supplement that can be included in various recipes.
- Versatile protein powder.
- Low in sodium.
- Keto-friendly.
- Contains xanthan gum.
This protein powder supplement stands out from most on the market. While most powders on the market can only be consumed after mixing into a shake, this is very versatile. Besides making a protein shake, it can be baked into recipes such as peanut butter bars or tomato sauce. The accompanying recipe book, however, does not contain recipes that utilize the product.
Each serving of the powder, one scoop, contains 100 calories, less than 1 gram of carbohydrate, 115 milligrams of sodium, 0.5 grams of fat, and 23 grams of protein.
Orgain Organic Protein
These are organic plant-based protein powders for weight loss that contain fiber to help digestion.
- Plant-based protein powder.
- Vegan friendly.
- No added sugar.
- Contains 35% of the DV for iron.
- Contains stevia and erythritol.
Plant protein powders are an excellent method to obtain the best vegan proteins and other nutrients. The fiber content of this powder from Orgain is 5 grams per two scoops, thanks to the inclusion of all-organic components such as brown rice, pea protein, and chia seeds.
According to reviews, it tastes fantastic, mixes nicely, is not irritating, and does not cause bloating for people with sensitive stomachs.
Each serving of the complete protein powder, two scoops, contains 140 calories, 21 grams of protein, 190 milligrams of sodium, 4.5 grams of fat — only 0.5 grams of saturated fat, and 7 grams of carbs — 5 grams of fiber and no sugar.
It’s also significant to note that it has received over 42,500 five-star ratings on Amazon. In a market where 5-star evaluations typically make up 60 to 70% of all reviews for quality and well-liked items — people are generally harsh on protein powders owing to flavor and texture.
This protein powder retains an outstanding 75% five-star review rate from total reviews. It is also the second bestselling pea protein powder supplement on the platform.
The formulation contains some controversial ingredients. Stevia[9] has been shown to impact kidney functionality and alter bile output in animal models. Another artificial sweetener is the sugar alcohol erythritol[10] which may cause gut issues, including flatulence and laxation.
Sunwarrior Protein Warrior Blend
A complete vegan protein powder with three plant-based protein sources that support recovery and weight loss.
- Contains MCTs and BCAAs.
- Keto and vegan-friendly.
- Supports weight loss and muscle recovery.
- Relatively pricy.
- Contains stevia.
The best protein powder for weight loss supplements should contain a combination of different proteins to ensure you get all nine essential amino acids and, thus, a complete protein product rich in BCAAs. This is especially so for plant-based protein powders.
In this regard, the Warrior Blend plant-based protein powder has not been left behind. The manufacturer includes three different protein sources in the proprietary protein blend for a total of 17 grams of protein per serving. These protein sources are organic goji berry, organic hemp protein, and organic pea protein.
The powder contains medium-chain triglycerides or MCTs to help with brain function and BCAAs to reduce fatigue and aid muscle recovery. The product is certified organic and keto-friendly.
One thing to note is that the product contains stevia, which can affect the gut microbiome.
Gainful Personalized Protein Powder
A personalized protein powder is available in micellar casein, whey concentrate, whey, whey isolate, and plant-based proteins — organic pea protein, and brown rice protein.
- Customizable protein powder.
- Dietitian help available.
- Variety of flavors.
- Relatively costly.
Gainful differs from other protein powder supplements on this list because it is only offered as a subscription and is tailored to specific requirements. With an option between plant-based and whey protein isolates, your protein supplement may include 19 to 27 grams for every serving. The personalized powders never include fillers, artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, gluten, or soy.
Gainful provides different flavors, which is more than what most manufacturers do. Customers who get sick of consuming the same protein powder variant will love this diversity. Some flavors include unflavored, Madagascar vanilla, rich cocoa, chocolate peanut butter, strawberry cream, cookies & cream, and cafe mocha.
Gainful offers high-quality components and tailored supplement mixes that most other manufacturers cannot equal, but it is undoubtedly not the most affordable supplement brand.
The fact that you have access to a registered dietitian thanks to your subscription is an additional perk of their service. This service is especially beneficial if you want to lose weight for personal reasons. Given that nutrition consults are rarely inexpensive— this additional benefit alone is probably worth the cost.
How To Use Protein Powders For Weight Loss
Delicious protein powder shakes can be an excellent way to supplement your daily protein intake and keep you feeling fuller. This way, you will reduce your calorie intake. Reducing calorie consumption is one way to lose weight; protein powders can help with this.
How To Choose The Best Protein Powder For Weight Loss
The statement that not all supplements are created equal applies to protein powders. There are considerations to keep in mind when buying the best protein powders. Here are some:
Quality Of Ingredients
The effectiveness of any protein powder is derived from the ingredients used. You must only select a protein powder supplement that is created using the highest quality ingredients possible. Be wary of controversial ingredients and choose products that are free of them or ones that will minimally affect you as an individual while remaining aware of any reactions that may be related to their presence.
Brand Reputation
The best brands offer high-quality protein powder products — that is why they are regarded as the best brands. Additionally, these brands will likely use better ingredients and product formulas, making their offerings safer and more effective.
User Feedback And Reviews
What users say about a product can tell a lot about its effectiveness. Generally, high-quality protein powders will have a more significant percentage of positive reviews from users.
Final Thought
There are so many protein powders out there that it can take time and effort to find the right one. While the primary sources tend to be similar for most protein supplements, differences such as protein sources, nutritional additives, and artificial ingredients usually distinguish one product from the next.
We hope this list of the best protein powders for weight loss supplements will make your search for a good product easier.
Finally, we advise that you consult a registered dietitian before buying any protein powder supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Protein powder supplements are generally considered safe for weight loss. However, we still advise you to consult your nutritionist or dietitian about the safest way to achieve your weight loss goals.
Weight loss protein powders are available in different flavors. Some come unflavored, and you can use them in recipes. Others are flavored, and you can make delicious shakes out of them.
Adhere to a diet deficient in calories, exercise regularly, and avoid junk foods. Practice mindful eating.
+ 10 sources
Health Canal avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Health Canal, you can read more about the editorial process here
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Written by:
Mitchelle Morgan, Health Writer
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
