Best Low Calorie Protein Powders for Weight Loss Reviewed

Choosing the Best Low Calorie Protein Powder for Weight Loss and Fitness Goals

Protein powders can be a convenient way to add protein and nutrients to your diet. With so many options available, it can be tricky finding a quality low calorie protein powder suited for weight loss. When choosing a protein powder, you want to consider your overall nutrition needs, diet preferences, and fitness goals.

Benefits of Adding Protein Powder

Here are some potential benefits of using protein powder for weight loss:

• Increases satiety and fullness
• Preserves or builds lean muscle mass
• Boosts metabolism
• Regulates appetite hormones
• Provides convenient nutrient boost to meals or snacks

Look for a protein powder with about 100-150 calories per serving to keep calorie intake in check.

Types of Low Calorie Protein Powder

There are many varieties of low calorie protein powder to consider:

Whey Protein

A fast digesting milk-based protein powder that is low carb.

Plant-Based Protein

Vegan protein powders made from peas, rice, hemp, etc. Lower in leucine than whey.

Egg White Protein

An easy to digest animal-based protein source made from egg whites.

Casein Protein

A slow digesting milk protein ideal for overnight recovery.

Collagen Peptides

Supports hair, skin, nails, and joint health. Doesn't contain all essential amino acids.

What to Look for in a Product

Here are the key factors to evaluate when choosing a protein powder:

Calories and Macros

Aim for 100-150 calories, 20-25g protein, and less than 5g carbs and sugar per serving.

Protein Sources

Look for high-quality whey, plant, or egg proteins as the first ingredients.

Texture and Flavor

Opt for natural flavors and smooth, mixable consistencies you enjoy drinking.

Limit Additives

Avoid protein with excessive thickeners, gums, and artificial sweeteners or colors.

Third Party Testing

Choose brands that have Informed Choice or NSF certification for safety.

Reviews of the Best Low Calorie Protein Powders for Weight Loss

Based on nutritional profile, taste, and quality, here are the top low calorie protein powders to support weight loss:

1. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey

Gold Standard 100% Whey is one of the most popular protein powders for good reason. It provides 24g protein and just 1-3g carbs per serving. It mixes smoothly and comes in decadent flavors like chocolate, cookies and cream, and vanilla ice cream.

Pros

• Trusted brand
• Lean and muscular body composition
• Mixes easily
• Great taste and variety

Cons

• Higher cost
• Contains soy
• Can be high in sodium

2. Quest Protein Powder

Quest makes tasty high protein, low carb products. Their protein powders contain whey isolate and micellar casein. With 23-24g protein and less than 1g sugar, they support muscle growth and fat loss. The banana cream flavor mixes and tastes great.

Pros

• Low carb formula
• Includes slow-digesting casein
• Delicious flavors
• No artificial sweeteners

Cons

• Contains milk ingredients
• Higher price point
• Can be chalky if not mixed well

3. Pure Food Plant Based Protein Powder

This vegan protein powder contains a blend of pea, rice, and sacha inchi protein. With 21g protein and 110 calories per scoop, it provides clean nutrition. The chocolate flavor has great taste and texture.

Pros

• Vegan and non-GMO
• Made from whole foods
• Low sugar and carbs
• No artificial sweeteners

Cons

• rice and legumes can cause bloat
• Can be coarse or gritty
• Contains tree nuts

4. Isopure Low Carb Protein Powder

With 25g protein and zero carbs, Isopure is a top choice for low carb diets. It's a pure whey isolate protein that mixes easily and comes in flavors like Dutch chocolate and toasted coconut. Each serving contains 100 clean calories.

Pros

• Zero carb formula
• Supports ketogenic diets
• Has protein isolate
• No artificial colors

Cons

• Contains soy
• Higher sodium content
• Can cause bloating

5. Nutiva Organic Plant Based Protein Powder

This USDA certified organic protein powder delivers 15g pea and rice protein per serving. It's unsweetened, so you control added sugars. With just 110 calories, it fits into any healthy diet. The creamy chocolate flavor is excellent.

Pros

• Organic and plant-based
• Naturally extracted stevia
• Rich chocolate taste
• Sustainably sourced

Cons

• Less protein than some
• Contains tree nuts
• Can be gritty

Choosing the Best Protein Powder for Your Needs

Here are some factors to consider when selecting a protein powder tailored for you:

Dietary Preferences

Choose whey for lacto-ovo, plant-based for vegan, and egg white for egg-free diets.

Calorie and Macro Needs

Adjust protein, carb, and fat levels based on your individual calorie goals.

Body Composition Goals

Higher protein supports building and retaining lean muscle mass while cutting.

Workout Intensity

Whey or blends work best for intense training, while casein is ideal for light workouts.

Nutritional Priorities

Pick organic, non-GMO, or other attributes important to your health values.

Taste Preferences

Flavor and texture impact consistency - pick options you enjoy drinking.

Mixing Ability

Some dissolve better in liquids than others. Samples can help you assess mixing ease.

Digestive Sensitivities

Avoid ingredients like lactose, soy, and artificial sweeteners you have issues tolerating.

How to Select Quality Protein Powder

Keep these tips in mind when evaluating a protein powder purchase:

• Review the ingredient list for quality protein sources first.
• Avoid products with excessive sugars, carbs, and artificial additives.
• Look for 100-150 calories with 20-25g protein per serving.
• Opt for naturally flavored and sweetened when possible.
• Check third party testing seals for safety assurances.
• Choose brands manufactured in cGMP compliant facilities.
• Compare cost per serving when determining value.
• Purchase small samples to evaluate taste and texture.

Get the Most Out of Your Protein Powder

Follow these tips to reap the full benefits from protein powder:

• Have protein shakes as meal replacements or snacks between meals.
• Use shakes to supplement protein around workouts for muscle recovery.
• Blend with fruit, veggies, nut butters and healthy fats for balanced nutrition.
• Mix with water, almond milk, or skim milk based on calorie needs.
• Add protein powder to smoothies, oats, yogurt, baked goods and desserts.
• Experiment with new flavors and recipes to prevent taste fatigue.
• Store opened protein powder in the refrigerator or freezer.

Protein powders can support an active, healthy lifestyle when used properly. Follow dosage guidelines and incorporate shakes into a balanced eating plan tailored to your nutrition requirements and fitness regimen.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.