The 17 Best Protein Powders For Weight Loss, According To Nutritionists

If you’re embarking on a weight loss journey, a super potent ingredient that has been shown to help you lose (and maintain) weight is protein. And opting to get more of it through a clean protein powder is an easy way to do it. But with so many options out there, which protein powders are best for weight loss?

“Protein plays a big role in weight loss because it keeps us full and satisfied so that we make it to our next meal without snacking in between,” says Brigitte Zeitlin, RD. It can also help you increase and maintain muscle mass—something necessary to burn fat, even when you’re not working out, says Zeitlin.

Zeitlin’s main suggestion? Focus on the unsweetened kinds. “They won’t add in sneaky sugars that could actually be sabotaging you.” Keeping that in mind, we asked nutritionists for their picks on the best protein powders for weight loss, and you’ve got 17 awesome options ahead.

1. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Isolate

“This protein powder is a mixture of whey protein and hydrolyzed isolate, which means it is not only quick digesting, but also contains a higher amount of protein per serving than regular whey protein which is great for building lean muscle,” says Jonathan Valdez, RDN, owner of Genki Nutrition and media spokesperson for the New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “It is also low fat and contains only a gram of carbohydrates for anyone watching their carb intake.”

What’s more, since the supplements aren’t closely regulated, you can feel secure using Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard because the ingredients have been verified by a third party called Informed Choice, Valdez adds.

Per serving (serving size: 1 scoop/31 grams): 110 calories, 0.5 g fat, 190 mg sodium, 1 g carbs, 25 g protein

2. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

Not only is Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides packed with 18 grams of protein to stimulate lean muscle growth and help combat cravings, but it also contains 20 grams of collagen peptides, which promote joint health as well as hyaluronic acid to keep your skin glowing, says Valdez. “The peptides are the perfect addition to your morning coffee or afternoon smoothie to get that extra protein boost and they’re NSF verified, so you can be confident in the ingredients you’re choosing with each sip,” he says.

Per serving (serving size: 2 scoops/20 grams): 70 calories, 110 mg sodium, 18 g protein

3. Garden of Life Meal Vanilla Powder

“This vegan protein powder is made from a blend of pea protein, brown rice proteins and a combination of whole grains including millet, quinoa, amaranth as well as seeds like chia, flax and lentil,” says Valdez.

Per serving (serving size:1 scoop/36 grams): 130 calories, 2 g fat, 190 mg sodium, 12 g carbs, 2 g sugar, 20 g protein

4. RSP Nutrition AvoCollagen Protein Powders

“People tend to forget that fat is very satiating, so adding a fat-based product like AvoCollagen can [provide] the satiety one needs to prevent overeating later,” says Monica Auslander Moreno, RD, founder of Essence Nutrition. Plus the oleic acids in the avocado oil help fight inflammation, and the collagen peptides go easy on the gut, and repair damaged tissue and muscles post-workout, she says.

Per serving: 90 calories, 4 g fat, (1 g sat fat), 4 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 10 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 10 g protein

5. Quest Multi-Purpose Protein Powder

Adding powder to smoothies is nice and all, but this powder can be baked into peanut butter bars, tossed into tomato sauce, and mixed right into oatmeal.

Plus, “One scoop has only 100 calories and no sugar since it’s simply pure protein which makes it a perfect addition to any recipe to increase its nutrient density,” says Kristin Kirkpatrick, RD.

Per serving: 100 calories, 0.5 g fat, (0 g sat fat), <1 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 115 mg sodium, 0 g fiber, 23 g protein

6. RSP Nutrition TrueFit Protein Powder

Thanks to the “whopping 25 grams of protein per serving,” Moreno says you’ll squash any chance of an afternoon snacking marathon since protein balances blood sugar levels—and low blood sugar contributes to hunger. “You’ll sail until dinner” with a scoop of this stuff, she says. And if chocolate isn’t your jam, opt for one of the other four available flavors all packed with eight grams of prebiotic fiber (the stuff that nourishes the organisms in your gut) from sweet potatoes and five net carbs.

Per serving: 160 calories, 3 g fat, (2 g sat fat), 13 g carbs, 3 g sugar, 160 mg sodium, 8 g fiber, 25 g protein

7. Isopure Whey Protein Isolate Powder

Instead of adding a spoonful of honey or cocoa powder to your morning oatmeal, Leah Kaufman, RD, suggests sprinkling a serving of this powder on top instead since it’s sweetened with monk fruit, rounding out its sugar count to only three grams. It packs a huge punch of protein (25 grams, to be exact), in addition to satisfying even the pickiest sweet tooth.

Per serving: 120 calories, 0 g fat, (0 g sat fat), 4 g carbs, 3 g sugar, 240 mg sodium, 25 g protein

8. Orgain Grass-Fed Whey

It’s simple: Tasty protein powders are often hard to come by. But “Orgain is a superior option,” says Lisa Moskovitz, RD, CEO of The NY Nutrition Group, a private New York City-based nutrition practice. Snag this one when you want a good protein powder with zero artificial ingredients or sweeteners.

Per serving: 150 calories, 3.5 g fat, (1.5 g sat fat), 14 g carbs, 2 g sugar, 140 mg sodium, 3 g fiber, 21 g protein

9. Ascent Native Fuel Micellar Casein

“Ascent uses only natural ingredients and it has 25 grams of protein for only 110 to 130 calories, depending on the flavor,” says Tara Collingwood, RD, team dietitian for the Orlando Magic. “It’s also an excellent source of all essential amino acids.”

Per serving: 110 calories, 1 g fat, (0 g sat fat), 2 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 30 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 25 g protein

10. Naked Nutrition Egg White Protein

“Naked Nutrition uses clean ingredients and non-GMO eggs, and the only other ingredient is sunflower lecithin,” says Collingwood. “It doesn’t have any added sweeteners or colors, and it packs 25 grams of protein for 110 calories.”

Per serving: 110 calories, 0 g fat, (0 g sat fat), 2 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 380 mg sodium, <1 g fiber, 25 g protein

11. Navitas Organics Cacao & Greens Essential Blend

“This is a great vegan blend that consists of pea, pumpkin seed, sunflower seeds, flax, and hemp,” says Lauren Antonucci, RD. She also adds that it has added greens for fiber, as well as probiotics for gut health, which solidifies its place on the list of best protein powders for weight loss.

Per serving: 100 calories, 2 g fat (0.5 g sat), 200 mg sodium, 10 g carbs, 5 g fiber, 2 g sugar, 12 g protein

12. Vega Protein & Greens

“I like Vega because it includes many nutrients that I’m interested in,” such as pea protein, brown rice protein, and organic kale powder, says Sharon Palmer, RD. It’s a tasty vegan option, as well.

Per serving: 120 calories, 2.5 g fat (0.5 g sat), 270 mg sodium, 6 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 1 g sugar, 20 g protein

13. NOW Sports Nutrition Soy Protein Isolate Unflavored Powder

This unflavored soy protein power offers 20 grams of protein, which is helpful for keeping you full, says Starla Garcia, RD, owner of The Healthy Shine in Houston. She recommends adding this to a smoothie with fruits and veggies blended in to increase the duration of fullness and bump of fiber.

Per serving: 90 calories, 0.5 g fat, 170 mg sodium, 0 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 20 g protein

14. Momentous Essential Plant-Based Protein Powder

This plant-based protein powder comes with 5 grams of fiber per scoop and 20 grams of protein. It’s brown rice and pea protein blend give it more vitamins, minerals, and fiber per scoop than other plant-based options, making it a well-rounded option for those wanting to go the vegan and gluten-free route, says Garcia.

Per serving: 140 calories, 3 g fat, 350 mg sodium, 10 g carbs, 2 g sugar, 20 g protein

15. NOW Sports Nutrition Pea Protein Unflavored Powder

“Pea protein powders are great because they don’t cause a lot of GI issues to pop up for those that use them,” says Garcia. “They’re also super easy to blend and leave minimal after-taste.” Bless.

Per serving: 120 calories, 2 g fat, 320 mg sodium, 1 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 24 g protein

16. OWYN Vegan Plant-Based Protein Powder

“The protein powder is made up of a blend of pea, pumpkin, and chia and is a great option for those with issues like IBS or IBD,” says Garcia, since it’s easy to digest. Available in flavors like chocolate and vanilla, one scoop of this powder offers 20 grams of protein and 3 grams of fat (from the seed blend).

“This kind of heart-healthy fat is great for overall taste, satiety, and texture. This brand is also free of all allergens,” she says.

Per serving: 140 calories, 3 g fat, 240 mg sodium, 7 g carbs, 4 g sugar, 20 g protein

17. Klean Athlete Whey Protein Isolate

This option is also high in protein with 20 grams per scoop, and also offers electrolytes for athletes, which can come in handy as a replenishing drink post-workout, says Garcia.

“This would be best used for recovery to reduce the likelihood of sugar cravings and energy crashes that lead to excessive snacking or overeating at meal times later in the day,” she explains. Mix one up and drink right after a sweat session for max benefit in the muscle-building and craving-crushing departments.

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