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The Best Lactose-Free Protein Powders

Updated By the HealthWorld editorial teamHow we pick

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Top picks at a glance

  1. 1
    Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed

    Best whey isolate

    Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed

    Protein 25 g · Type Hydrolyzed isolate

  2. 2
    Isopure Zero Carb Whey Isolate

    Best zero-carb isolate

    Isopure Zero Carb Whey Isolate

    Protein 25 g · Carbs 0 g

  3. 3
    Orgain Organic Protein Plant-Based

    Best dairy-free

    Orgain Organic Protein Plant-Based

    Protein 21 g · Source Plant blend

See all 5 picks and why ↓

If regular whey upsets your stomach, you have two routes: a whey isolate, which is filtered to remove most of the lactose, or a plant protein with no milk in it at all. Dymatize ISO100 and Isopure Zero Carb are the isolates we'd start with, Orgain's plant proteins are fully dairy-free, and Myprotein Clear Whey is the light, juice-like option.

Our picks

  1. Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed

    #1Best whey isolate

    Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed

    A hydrolyzed whey isolate with 25 g of protein per serving and very little fat or sugar. Isolate is filtered to remove most of the lactose, which is why many people with mild intolerance get on with it when regular whey doesn't.

    Protein 25 gType Hydrolyzed isolateAmazon Full facts →
  2. Isopure Zero Carb Whey Isolate

    #2Best zero-carb isolate

    Isopure Zero Carb Whey Isolate

    100% whey protein isolate with 25 g of protein and 0 g of carbs and sugar per serving, so there's almost nothing left but protein. Isopure markets this line as lactose-free; it's still made from milk, so the allergen line says 'contains milk'.

    Protein 25 gCarbs 0 gAmazon Full facts →
  3. Orgain Organic Protein Plant-Based

    #3Best dairy-free

    Orgain Organic Protein Plant-Based

    Pea, brown rice and chia protein — vegan, dairy-free and soy-free, with 21 g of protein per serving. USDA Organic and one of the smoothest plant proteins, so it's the safe choice if you want no milk at all.

    Protein 21 gSource Plant blendAmazon Full facts →
  4. Orgain Organic Protein + 50 Superfoods

    #4Best dairy-free with fiber

    Orgain Organic Protein + 50 Superfoods

    The same plant blend plus 50 organic superfoods: 21 g of protein, 8 g of fiber and 160 calories per serving with 1 g of sugar. Dairy-free, vegan and USDA Organic, it works as a breakfast shake rather than a plain protein.

    Protein 21 gFiber 8 gAmazon Full facts →
  5. Myprotein Clear Whey Isolate

    #5Best if you hate milky shakes

    Myprotein Clear Whey Isolate

    Hydrolyzed whey isolate that mixes into a light, fruity drink: 20 g of protein and 4.5 g of BCAAs per serving with almost no fat or sugar. Isolate means most of the lactose is filtered out, and the juice-like texture avoids the creamy feel that puts some people off.

    Protein 20 gBCAAs 4.5 gAmazon Full facts →
Amazon's live top 100 in Protein

What to look for

Isolate vs concentrate
Whey concentrate keeps more of milk's natural lactose and fat. Isolate is filtered further, to roughly 90% protein, so it contains far less lactose — often little enough for mild intolerance, but it isn't guaranteed to be zero unless the brand says so.
Check the allergen line
Every whey, including isolate, is made from milk and must list it under 'Contains'. If you have a milk allergy rather than lactose intolerance, skip whey altogether and choose a plant protein.
Plant protein for a true dairy-free option
Pea, rice and chia blends contain no milk, so no lactose. Check the protein per serving (plant powders are often 20–21 g) and that the blend combines sources for a complete amino acid profile.
Sweeteners and sugar alcohols
Bloating from a shake isn't always lactose. Sugar alcohols and some fibers cause the same symptoms in some people, so compare the ingredient list before you blame the dairy.
Start small
Try half a scoop mixed with water or a plant milk the first time. If an isolate still bothers you, a plant protein or a lactose-free ready-to-drink shake is the next step.

Frequently asked questions

Is whey isolate lactose-free?

Not completely. Isolate is filtered to remove most of the lactose, typically leaving well under a gram per serving, which is why many people with lactose intolerance tolerate it. Some brands label their isolate lactose-free; the allergen line will still say it contains milk. If even small amounts bother you, choose a plant protein.

Can I drink protein shakes if I'm lactose intolerant?

Usually, yes, if you pick the right kind. A whey isolate or a plant protein avoids most or all of the lactose found in regular whey concentrate and milk-based shakes. Mix it with water or a plant milk rather than cow's milk, and start with a smaller serving to see how you feel.

What's the difference between lactose intolerance and a milk allergy?

Lactose intolerance means your body struggles to digest milk sugar, which causes bloating and discomfort. A milk allergy is an immune reaction to milk proteins and can be serious. Whey isolate can suit lactose intolerance, but it is a milk protein, so it's not for a milk allergy. If you're unsure which you have, talk to your doctor.

Where can I buy lactose-free protein powder?

All the picks here are sold on eBay by supplement sellers, often in multi-tub bundles, and our links go to a search for each product so you can compare sellers. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Check the expiry date and that the tub is sealed.

Sources