7 Best Protein Powders for Weight Loss in 2023

Protein powder can be a useful tool for losing weight. High protein diets have been shown to boost metabolism, reduce appetite, and preserve muscle mass during weight loss. But with so many protein powders to choose from, how do you know which one is best for weight loss? We reviewed the top weight-loss protein powders on the market based on protein content, quality of ingredients, taste, cost, and customer reviews. Here are the 7 best protein powders for weight loss in 2023.

1. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey

Optimum Nutrition offers a whey protein isolate powder that is low in fat, carbs, and calories. With 24 grams of protein per serving and 120 calories, Gold Standard 100% Whey provides an excellent protein-to-calorie ratio. Whey protein is quickly absorbed by the body, making it effective for reducing appetite and maintaining lean muscle mass. This powder mixes easily and comes in a variety of flavors like chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and cookies & cream.

2. Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate

For those looking for a very high protein, very low carb option, ISO100 is ideal. At 25 grams of protein and only 1 gram of carbs and fat per serving, this whey protein isolate powder maximizes protein while keeping calories and carbs down. The whey protein is hydrolyzed, meaning it is broken down for faster digestion. The powder has a mild taste that blends smoothly.

3. Quest Nutrition Protein Powder

Quest Nutrition makes a protein powder that is both low-carb and high-protein. With 24 grams of protein and only 1 gram of net carbs per serving, it fits well into a low-carb eating plan for weight loss. This powder provides a blend of milk protein isolates and whey protein isolates to optimize muscle building and fat burning and keep you feeling full. It comes in chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and other tasty flavors.

4. Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein Powder

For those concerned about common allergens found in whey and milk proteins, bone broth protein is the perfect dairy-free option. With 20 grams of protein per serving, bone broth protein powder from Ancient Nutrition provides protein, collagen, amino acids, and electrolytes in a tasty, soluble formula. The protein comes from beef bone broth and contains nutrients that support gut health.

5. Garden of Life Meal Replacement Powder

Garden of Life offers an organic plant-based meal replacement powder that is vegan, dairy-free, soy-free, and raw. It contains 20 grams of complete protein per serving from sources like organic brown rice, pea, chia, and amaranth. This powder provides an excellent source of protein without any animal products. It comes in chocolate, vanilla, and other natural flavors.

6. Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder

Another great plant-based option is Orgain’s organic protein powder. It contains 21 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving. The protein comes from peas, brown rice, and chia seeds, providing a complete amino acid profile. This is a smooth protein powder with a creamy texture that blends well into shakes, smoothies, and recipes.

7. FitMiss Delight Protein Powder

FitMiss Delight is a protein powder designed specifically for women’s weight loss needs. Each serving contains 16 grams of protein and is lower in carbs and calories compared to most powders. It provides high-quality whey protein isolate and has added vitamins, minerals, digestive enzymes, and probiotics. This powder has a pleasant taste and dissolves easily in water or smoothies. The chocolate delight flavor tastes like a healthy, low-calorie milkshake.

Benefits of Protein Powder for Weight Loss

There are several reasons why protein powder can aid in weight loss:

• Increases metabolic rate – Protein has a high thermic effect, meaning your body burns more calories digesting protein compared to carbs or fat. This results in increased metabolism and more calories burned.
• Promotes muscle growth and maintenance – Adequate protein intake prevents muscle breakdown, allowing you to retain or even build muscle during weight loss. Muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat.
• Reduces appetite – Protein is very satiating, helping control hunger and cravings. This leads to an easy calorie deficit.
• Provides nutrition – Protein powders offer a nutritional boost that gives you energy for your workouts and satisfies nutrient needs during calorie restriction.

Choosing the Best Protein Powder

When shopping for a weight-loss protein powder, keep these tips in mind:

• Protein content – Aim for at least 20g of protein per serving
• Low sugar – Choose a powder with little added sugar, 5g or less per serving.
• High-quality ingredients – Look for powders made with whey, casein, egg, or plant proteins without a lot of fillers or artificial ingredients.
• Low calorie – Pick an option that is under 150 calories per serving.
• Taste – Make sure to select flavors you enjoy so you stick with drinking them!

Conclusion

Adding protein powder to your diet can help promote fat loss and preserve lean muscle mass. Opt for a high protein, low carb, and sugar powder with quality ingredients. Focus on flavors and textures you like so it is easy to consume daily. Any of the protein powders on our list can help support your weight loss goals this year. Just remember protein powder is a supplement, and a balanced diet and exercise regimen are still key.

FAQs

What is the best time to drink protein shakes for weight loss?

The best times to drink protein shakes for weight loss are in the morning to start your day off right and within 30 minutes after your workout. Having a protein shake for breakfast or after the gym gives your body the right building blocks at times when they can be best utilized for energy and recovery.

What should I mix protein powder with for weight loss?

Great mix-ins for protein shakes include unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, Greek yogurt, berries, leafy greens, nut butter, chia seeds, flax seeds, and ice. Avoid sugary juices, syrups, and fruits. Keep the total calories of your shake around 200-300 for weight loss.

Can protein powder help you lose belly fat?

There is some evidence that regular whey protein intake combined with exercise may potentially help reduce abdominal fat. However, protein powder alone is not enough to specifically target belly fat. A comprehensive diet and consistent exercise are needed to lose fat from any area.

How much protein powder should you drink per day to lose weight?

Most protein powder servings contain 20-25 grams of protein. To preserve or build muscle while losing weight, experts recommend eating 0.5 to 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight per day. For a 150 lb person, that equals 75 to 150 grams of protein daily or about 3 to 6 scoops of protein powder.

What happens if I drink protein shakes without exercising?

You can use protein powder for weight loss without exercising if you maintain a calorie deficit through diet alone. However, adding exercise allows you to burn even more calories and builds metabolism-boosting muscle. It is ideal to pair protein shakes with consistent workouts.