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The Best Protein Powders for Weight Loss

Updated By the HealthWorld editorial teamHow we pick

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Top picks at a glance

  1. 1
    Isopure Zero Carb Whey Isolate

    Best overall

    Isopure Zero Carb Whey Isolate

    Protein 25 g · Carbs 0 g

  2. 2
    Myprotein Impact Whey Protein

    Best budget pick

    Myprotein Impact Whey Protein

    Protein 22 g · Calories 120

  3. 3
    Myprotein Clear Whey Isolate

    Best if you dislike creamy shakes

    Myprotein Clear Whey Isolate

    Protein 20 g · BCAAs 4.5 g

See all 5 picks and why ↓

For weight loss, look for a powder with a lot of protein for few calories, so it supports fullness and helps you keep muscle while you eat less. Isopure Zero Carb is our top pick, with 25 g of protein and 0 g of carbs and sugar per serving. Myprotein Impact Whey is the budget pick at about 120 calories a scoop, and Orgain + 50 Superfoods adds 8 g of fiber for plant-based diets.

Our picks

  1. Isopure Zero Carb Whey Isolate

    #1Best overall

    Isopure Zero Carb Whey Isolate

    100% whey protein isolate with 25 g of protein and 0 g of carbs and sugar per serving, so nearly every calorie is protein.

    Protein 25 gCarbs 0 gAmazon Full facts →
  2. Myprotein Impact Whey Protein

    #2Best budget pick

    Myprotein Impact Whey Protein

    22 g of protein for about 120 calories per scoop, and among the lowest cost per serving of the big brands.

    Protein 22 gCalories 120Amazon Full facts →
  3. Myprotein Clear Whey Isolate

    #3Best if you dislike creamy shakes

    Myprotein Clear Whey Isolate

    20 g of protein from whey isolate in a light, juice-like drink that's low in sugar and fat.

    Protein 20 gBCAAs 4.5 gAmazon Full facts →
  4. Orgain Organic Protein + 50 Superfoods

    #4Best plant-based, high fiber

    Orgain Organic Protein + 50 Superfoods

    21 g of plant protein, 8 g of fiber and 1 g of sugar for 160 calories. USDA Organic and vegan.

    Protein 21 gFiber 8 gAmazon Full facts →
  5. Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed

    #5Best for training while dieting

    Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed

    Hydrolyzed whey protein isolate with 25 g of protein per serving and very little fat or sugar.

    Protein 25 gType Hydrolyzed isolateAmazon Full facts →
Amazon's live top 100 in Protein

What to look for

Protein per calorie
Divide grams of protein by calories. Isolates and lean wheys reach 20 g or more of protein for well under 150 calories; mass gainers go the other way and don't belong in a weight-loss plan.
Sugar and carbs
Check sugar per serving on the label. Some flavored powders and ready-to-drink shakes add more sugar than you'd expect.
Fiber
Fiber adds to fullness. Plant powders with added fiber, like Orgain + 50 Superfoods, can make a shake feel more like a snack.
A taste you'll stick with
A diet works when you can keep it up. Pick a flavor and texture you like, or an unflavored powder you can mix into yogurt, oats or coffee.

Frequently asked questions

Is whey or plant protein better for weight loss?

Neither has a clear advantage. What matters is total calories and getting enough protein to stay full and keep muscle. Compare calories, sugar and protein per serving, and choose the one you digest well.

Can I replace a meal with a protein shake?

A protein shake alone isn't a full meal: it lacks the fiber, fats and many nutrients of real food. Blending powder with fruit, oats or nut butter makes a more balanced shake. Ask a dietitian before replacing meals regularly.

How many protein shakes a day for weight loss?

One or two a day is common, to help you reach your daily protein target. More than that usually means you're replacing food you'd be better off eating.

Will protein powder make me gain weight?

Protein powder has calories like any food. Used to replace a higher-calorie snack, it can support weight loss; added on top of your usual diet, it adds calories.

Sources