Protein powder to help with weight loss

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To help you meet your goals, our ACTIVE Reviews Team has rounded up the best protein powders for weight loss.

Why Trust Us?

The health and safety of ACTIVE's readers is of the utmost importance to us. To ensure your well-being when consuming protein powders, the ACTIVE.com editorial team prioritizes products that are independently tested by a third party. We've also consulted with a team of nutritionists and dieticians to ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. This helps us create the most accurate, authentic review content for our readers.

Disclaimer: Exercise caution when consuming new supplements and always make sure to consult with your doctor before trying a new supplement or pill. Weight-loss supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet and regular exercise. Any supplements taken should be used in accordance with a healthy lifestyle. Any weight loss more than a pound per week over a long period of time is unusual and should be monitored by a doctor.

The Best Protein Powders for Weight Loss - Our Top Picks

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  • Best Overall Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake
  • Best Meal Replacement Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Kaged Clean Meal
  • Best Whey Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Xwerks Grow
  • Best-Tasting Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Ghost Whey Protein Powder
  • Best Women's Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder
  • Best Budget Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard
  • Best Protein Powder for Weight-Loss Smoothies: GNC Total Lean Lean Shake 25
  • Best Vanilla Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Live Conscious Vanilla Dream
  • Best Low-Carb Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Sunwarrior Classic Protein Powder
  • Best Keto Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Vega Sport
  • Best Men's Protein Powder for Weight Loss: MuscleTech Nitro Tech Elite

Best Overall Protein Powder for Weight Loss - Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake

Protein powder to help with weight loss

SPECS

  • Type: Powder
  • Serving size: 1 scoop
  • Calories: 115
  • Protein: 20g
  • Carbs: 3g
  • Fiber: N/A
  • Added sugar: 0g
  • Fat: 2g

Protein powder to help with weight loss

With no added sugar and chock full of high-quality ingredients, the Ritual Essential plant-based protein powder can be a great supplement to take while losing weight. The company prides itself on using clean, high-quality ingredients to create a product that not only helps with weight loss, but also promotes muscle synthesis and repair.

The flavoring is distinguishable, but not overpowering. Therefore, depending on how much flavor you like your protein powders to have, you may find this one on the light side. We also like that this powder mixes up well with water or with fruit and other ingredients in smoothies. It's third-party tested by Informed Sport, has BPA-free packaging, and is free of most major allergens. All in all, Ritual Essential Protein tastes good, and can support weight loss when included in a healthy diet.

What We Like

  • Free of artificial sweeteners
  • Third-party tested
  • Free shipping on all orders
  • Light taste

What We Don't Like

  • Fairly expensive
  • Only available in 1 size and flavor

BUY: Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake

Best Meal Replacement Protein Powder for Weight Loss - Kaged Clean Meal

Protein powder to help with weight loss

SPECS

  • Type: Powder
  • Serving size: 2 scoops
  • Calories: 240-260
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbs: 18g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Added sugar: 0g
  • Fat: 4.5g

Protein powder to help with weight loss

If you are planning on replacing an entire meal with a protein powder, it's important to choose one with enough calories and nutrients to power you through. When you're focusing on weight loss you still want to feel satiated, and Kaged Clean Meal does a great job of doing just that. With that being said, it's important to remember that this is an entire meal replacement and NOT just a protein supplement. With up to 260 calories, 5 grams of fat, 17 grams of carbs, and 28 grams of protein per serving, it can stand alone in your day. It holds up well compared to other meal replacement powders, but may have a slight advantage on many because it is made with whole-food ingredients.

Kaged Clean Meal also provides you with plenty of additional vitamins and minerals, thanks to their fruit and veggie blend, and avoids using artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and dyes. Plus, this protein powder contains MCT oil which can help slow digestion to make you feel more full and help absorb those fat soluble vitamins.

What We Like

  • Addition of MCT oil
  • No artificial flavors or colors
  • Satiating combo of fat, carbs, and proteins

What We Don't Like

  • Limited flavors
  • At over $2 per serving, may be cost prohibitive for some

BUY: Kaged Clean Meal

Best Whey Protein Powder for Weight Loss - Xwerks Grow

Protein powder to help with weight loss

SPECS

  • Type: Powder
  • Serving size: 1 scoop
  • Calories: 110
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbs: 1g
  • Fiber: N/A
  • Added sugar: N/A
  • Fat: 0g

Protein powder to help with weight loss

Don't be fooled by the name, Xwerks Grow is a solid option to shrink fat stores while supporting muscle synthesis and repair. It's the one-two punch of a low-calorie, high-protein combo that works really well to control hunger and preserve lean body mass. It does a great job to support weight loss as long as total calorie intake is less than total calories burned. Grass fed whey protein isolate is the shining star in the supplement. This clean ingredient contains no additional hormones, antibiotics, or pesticides.

We like that there are no artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavorings in this product. It's also soy and gluten free. The company offers free shipping and a money-back satisfaction guarantee. With four classic flavors to choose from, we are confident you'll enjoy Xwerks Grow.

What We Like

  • No artificial sweeteners, flavorings, or colors
  • Soy and gluten free
  • Grass fed whey protein isolate
  • Free shipping

What We Don't Like

  • Does not appear to be third-party tested
  • Nearly $2 per serving

BUY: Xwerks Grow

Best-Tasting Protein Powder for Weight Loss - Ghost Whey Protein Powder

Protein powder to help with weight loss

SPECS

  • Type: Powder
  • Serving size: 2 scoops
  • Calories: 160
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbs: 7g
  • Fiber: N/A
  • Added sugar: 2g
  • Fat: 3g

Protein powder to help with weight loss

An ongoing complaint about protein powder is that when you mix it with just water you basically have to hold your nose and chug to neutralize the taste. Ghost changes the game with their protein powder because they have carved out a specific niche for themselves thanks to their exceptionally good-tasting protein powders. They've partnered with brands like Chips Ahoy and Oreo to bring those familiar flavors to your shake. With nine flavors to choose from, you'll for sure find one to love.

When you consume this powder, you'll take in 25 grams of protein, 160 calories, 7 grams of fat, and 4 grams of carbs. It is slightly higher in calories than some of the other protein supplements in this list, but its taste makes up for the slight increase. It is good to note that this powder does include sucralose and other artificial colors and flavors. So, you'll want to steer clear if you don't like artificial ingredients.

What We Like

  • Variety of flavors
  • Mixes well with water
  • Great taste

What We Don't Like

  • Artificial flavors and colors
  • Only available in 1 size
  • Contains sucralose

BUY: Ghost Whey Protein Powder

Best Women's Protein Powder for Weight Loss - Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder

Protein powder to help with weight loss

SPECS

  • Type: Powder
  • Serving size: 2 scoops
  • Calories: 150
  • Protein: 21g
  • Carbs: 15g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Added sugar: 0g
  • Fat: 4g

Protein powder to help with weight loss

Women need protein to reduce feelings of hunger, build muscle mass, and boost metabolism. Orgain's Organic Vegan Protein Powder uses pea, brown rice, and organic chia seed protein to do just that. With no added sugars, this soy free, non-GMO protein powder is a well-rounded product that stands up to animal-based protein supplements.

Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder is vegan-friendly and certified USDA organic. It comes in a wide variety of flavors, including unique ones such as pumpkin spice and chocolate coconut. As an added bonus, this high-quality protein powder offers a decent dose of iron, as well.

What We Like

  • Variety of flavors
  • Includes calcium, potassium, and iron
  • No sugar added
  • Gluten and soy free, non-GMO

What We Don't Like

  • Only 21g of protein per serving
  • Some complaints of chalky taste
  • Caused bloating in some users

BUY: Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder

Best Budget Protein Powder for Weight Loss - Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard

Protein powder to help with weight loss

SPECS

  • Type: Powder
  • Serving size: 1 scoop
  • Calories: 120
  • Protein: 24g
  • Carbs: 3g
  • Fiber: Less than 1g
  • Added sugar: 1g
  • Fat: 1.5g

Protein powder to help with weight loss

Although some protein powder geared toward weight loss can certainly be pricey, they don't necessarily need to be. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard is not only low in calories, sugar, and carbs, but it also costs around $1.00 a serving. Furthermore, given their reputation for an endless variety of flavors and sizes, it should be easy for you to find an Optimum Nutrition protein powder that works for you.

Their whey protein blend, including whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and hydrolyzed whey protein, will help support muscle synthesis and repair, as well as the maintenance of lean body mass while you lose fat. We like that it is gluten free and third-party tested. It's a solid budget friendly and effective protein powder for use while losing weight.

What We Like

  • Inexpensive
  • Plenty of flavor choices
  • Easy digestion

What We Don't Like

  • Contains soy
  • Artificial sweeteners

BUY: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard

Best Protein Powder for Weight-Loss Smoothies - GNC Total Lean Lean Shake 25

Protein powder to help with weight loss

SPECS

  • Type: Powder
  • Serving size: 1 scoop
  • Calories: 180 calories
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbs: 14g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Added sugar: 1g
  • Fat: 2.5g

Protein powder to help with weight loss

GNC Total Lean Shake 25 is a meal replacement shake to add to your weight-loss arsenal of tools. It provides 25 grams of hunger satisfying protein and 180 calories. This is slightly higher than protein supplements but lower than other meal replacements. It comes in a variety of flavors and it blends up well, making it a great way to enhance your smoothie or simply stand alone to support you during weight loss.

Although it packs a punch with its low-calorie, high-protein formula, it's important to remember that most dietitians don't recommend dipping below 1,200 calories per day even when trying to lose weight.(2) As an added bonus, GNC made sure to fortify this powder with 22 vitamins and minerals.

What We Like

  • Easily blends in smoothies
  • Ample protein
  • Low carbs

What We Don't Like

  • Could cause stomach discomfort for some users
  • Uses lower quality protein

BUY: GNC Total Lean Lean Shake 25

Best Vanilla Protein Powder for Weight Loss - Live Conscious Vanilla Dream

Protein powder to help with weight loss

SPECS

  • Type: Powder
  • Serving size: 1 scoop
  • Calories: 80 calories
  • Protein: 15g
  • Carbs: 3g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Added sugar: N/A
  • Fat: 0.5g

Protein powder to help with weight loss

There is something soothing and nostalgic about the taste of vanilla. When it comes to protein powder, Live Conscious Vanilla Dream delivers that delicious, familiar taste you crave. Given the trace amount of fat and the low calorie count, it can also help with weight-loss goals. However, it should be noted that when compared to other powders, Live Conscious Vanilla Dream has a little less protein (15 grams per serving compared to the standard 20-25 grams of protein per serving). That's OK if you want to use this protein powder as part of a snack throughout the day, or to help make sure you are meeting those protein needs.

This powder uses a blend of four different types of plant proteins, and has prebiotics to boost overall nutrient amounts. Combining plant proteins helps ensure that there is a good amount of each amino acid for muscle growth and preservation during weight loss.

What We Like

  • Delicious vanilla taste
  • Low calories
  • Mixes up well

What We Don't Like

  • Lower amount of protein
  • Some complaints of digestion issues

BUY: Live Conscious Vanilla Dream

Best Low-Carb Protein Powder for Weight Loss - Sunwarrior Classic Protein Powder

Protein powder to help with weight loss

SPECS

  • Type: Powder
  • Serving size: 1 scoop
  • Calories: 100
  • Protein: 18g
  • Carbs: 4g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Added sugar: 0g
  • Fat: 1g

Protein powder to help with weight loss

With 100 calories and 18 grams of protein per serving, Sunwarrior Classic Protein Powder is a great way to add protein to your diet without making much of a dent in your overall calorie intake. Taken on its own, or using the unflavored version in a smoothie, this protein powder can be a great way to boost your overall protein intake throughout the day and help keep you satisfied.

Sunwarrior uses their proprietary protein blend made up of pea, brown rice, quinoa, chia seed, and amaranth to support a comprehensive amino acid profile. We like that this vegan supplement is soy, gluten, dairy, and GMO-free, and contains zero artificial ingredients.

What We Like

  • Vegan
  • Gluten-free
  • Dissolves easily

What We Don't Like

  • Some complaints of chalky taste
  • May taste overly sweet to some

BUY: Sunwarrior Classic Protein Powder

Best Keto Protein Powder for Weight Loss - Vega Sport

Protein powder to help with weight loss

SPECS

  • Type: Powder
  • Serving size: 1 scoop
  • Calories: 150
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbs: 6g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Added sugar: 2g
  • Fat: 3g

Protein powder to help with weight loss

The high protein and lower carb content make Vega Sport a contender in any diet, but certainly suitable for keto. Many products that satisfy a keto diet are often made with lots of artificial ingredients. This is where Vega is different. With no artificial flavors or preservatives, no added sugar, and non-GMO verified ingredients, this is a clean, high-quality protein supplement.

We like the addition of whole-food ingredients to support a well-rounded supplement. Vega Sport Premium is third-party tested and certified by NSF. Offered in five flavors, you're bound to find at least one you enjoy.

What We Like

  • Vegan, gluten-free
  • Quality plant protein
  • Third-party tested

What We Don't Like

  • Complaints of powder being super fine
  • Price may be prohibitive for some

BUY: Vega Sport

Best Men's Protein Powder for Weight Loss - MuscleTech Nitro Tech Elite

Protein powder to help with weight loss

SPECS

  • Type: Powder
  • Serving size: 1 scoop
  • Calories: 160
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbs: 4g
  • Fiber: Less than 1g
  • Added sugar: 0g
  • Fat: 3g

Protein powder to help with weight loss

MuscleTech Nitro Tech Elite is no joke when it comes to protein. Coming in at 30 grams per serving, it contains one of the highest amounts of protein per serving on the market today. In terms of weight loss, it also contains metabolism boosters such as L-carnitine and C. canephora robusta, both of which are thought to help boost the metabolism and increase fat burning.(3,4) With a lower amount of calories, fat, and carbohydrates, protein is the standout ingredient.

Nitro Tech Elite is made from whey protein peptides and whey protein isolate, which are more easily absorbed and often decrease bloat and stomach discomfort. The powder itself is very fine and takes a while to mix up. So if you are someone who prefers a thicker protein powder consistency, you may find that you like this one better mixed with milk, a smoothie, or even oatmeal.

What We Like

  • High amount of protein per serving
  • Additional weight-loss ingredients
  • Easy to digest

What We Don't Like

  • Contains several allergens
  • Can be hard to mix

BUY: MuscleTech Nitro Tech Elite

How to Choose the Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss

When faced with the sea of protein powders out there, here are some way to help you narrow your search:

  • Protein amount. Although it may seem like a no-brainer, this is true when protein is used for weight loss or gain, but particularly for weight loss because protein helps you feel full and satisfied, leaving you less likely to reach for those calorie-laden convenience foods.(5) Protein grams per serving can vary widely amongst brands, and is therefore one of the most important aspects to focus on before purchasing.
  • Calories and additional nutrients. As with protein grams, protein powders range significantly in calories, carbs, and sugars. Which you choose depends on how you will be using your protein powder: as a meal replacement, snack, alongside a meal, and so on.
  • Metabolism boosters. The beauty of today's health and wellness industry is that we have the science to tweak our supplements to help us reach our goals. When looking to lose weight, you could choose a protein that has ingredients such as green tea, L-carnitine, or CLA, all known to boost the metabolism and promote weight loss.
  • Artificial colors, flavorings, and sweeteners. Just because a protein powder can be purchased from a health food store, doesn't always mean it's a health food. It is very important to read ingredient labels and be sure that you are comfortable with the ingredients listed. When in doubt, aim for fewer ingredients and the least amount of artificial additives.

How Do Protein Powders Help with Weight Loss?

The simple answer to this question is that higher protein diets are linked with more weight loss than standard or lower protein diets.(6) And protein powders are an easy and convenient way to meet your increased protein needs. One recent study compared the weight loss of people with metabolic syndrome. They divided them into two groups and gave one group a low-calorie diet with a standard amount of protein, and the second group a low-calorie diet with a high amount of protein. The group given the high protein diet lost significantly more weight than the group given the standard amount of protein.(7)

Results like these are likely due to a few reasons. The first being the thermic effect of food, which is an increase in calorie burn after eating certain meals.(8) We know that eating protein causes the body to burn more calories than eating carbohydrates or fat. We also know that protein helps to preserve lean body mass (muscle) even during fat loss. Muscle stores help keep resting energy expenditure, or calories burned while at rest, higher than they would if muscle was lost.(6) High-quality protein powders are a great resource in ensuring protein needs are met throughout the day.

FAQs About Protein Powders for Weight Loss


Should I use protein powder if I want to lose weight?

Protein powder can definitely help you lose weight. In fact, protein powders have been shown to help lose fat while maintaining the muscle you currently have.(9) It's a good idea to choose one that is high in protein, but lower in calories. If possible, consider sticking to water as your mix in to avoid increasing overall calorie intake.

Does protein powder help you lose belly fat?

Protein powder does help you lose belly fat, but not by targeting this one area. Unfortunately, there is no way to target fat loss in any area of the body without surgery. Protein will help you to stay full longer, which will keep you from reaching for convenient foods, and also aid in weight loss. When you lose weight, you will naturally lose belly fat, as well.

How many protein shakes should I drink a day to lose weight?

When determining how many protein shakes to drink per day, first determine your protein and calorie goals for the day. Once you have a goal, you can more easily figure out how many protein shakes you can have based on your calorie limits. Although it can vary from person to person, one to two protein shakes per day is most common.

Should I drink protein before or after a workout?

Protein is an essential nutrient when it comes to repairing the muscles that you have used in your workout. Therefore, many people prefer to drink them after they exercise. However, there are benefits to drinking protein before a workout, as well. Because of the varying benefits, current recommendations put forward by the International Society of Sports Nutrition are more focused on meeting daily overall protein needs regardless of when the protein is consumed.(10) It comes down to personal preference and how well you are able to digest protein powder.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Are protein powder good for weight loss?

But protein shakes aren't a magic way to lose weight. Some studies find that consuming a higher than usual amount of protein in your diet may offer benefits. For example, eating or drinking products that are high in protein may help you lower body fat, keep lean muscle, feel full and lose weight.

What is the best protein supplement for losing weight?

Our picks of the best protein powders for weight loss.
Best overall: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey..
Best for men: Muscle Milk Genuine Protein Powder..
Best for women: Naked Whey..
Best for competitive athletes: Muscle Milk 100% Whey..
Best meal-replacement protein powder: GNC Lean Shake 25..

Which protein is best for belly fat loss?

Top 6 protein-rich foods to reduce belly fat:.
Eggs. Eggs are a great source of protein, and contains both water and fat-soluble vitamins that help keep the hunger pangs at bay and build lean muscle. ... .
Fatty fish. ... .
Beans and legumes. ... .
Full-fat dairy products. ... .
Almonds. ... .
Chia seeds..

Can you lose belly fat while taking protein powder?

Whey protein can be an excellent addition to your weight loss diet if you're trying to gain muscle, increase strength and lose significant amounts of body fat, including excess belly fat.