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12 Best Protein Powders for Weight Loss in 2022, According to Dietitians
These high-quality protein powders will curb hunger, tame cravings, and help you build muscle.
Courtesy of brands
We updated this article in April 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.
Protein powders are incredibly versatile. You can easily incorporate them into smoothies, protein balls, overnight oats, and more. They not only give you a boost of nutrients, but can also help you stay fuller, longer which is especially helpful if you’re trying to lose weight. Plus, having a protein-rich snack after a tough workout helps you build lean muscle—meaning you’ll eventually burn more calories at rest.
Protein powders come in various forms, and choosing the best one really comes down to your dietary needs and fitness goals. For instance, you can select protein powders that are made of plants, whey, casein, egg whites, and/or collagen powder. Reading nutrition labels and checking out the ingredients is a simple way to choose the best protein powder for you, but to help make the process a whole lot easier, we decided to round up the top-selling protein powders on Amazon.
How we chose the best protein powders for weight loss
We consulted experts such as Marie Spano, R.D., C.S.C.S. and Sarah Mirkin, R.D.N., author of Fill Your Plate, Lose The Weight, a 21-day weight loss plan for women over 40, who shared their top picks for protein powders worth consuming to meet your fitness or weight loss goals. We also examined the bestselling protein powders on Amazon and combed through thousands of reviews from shoppers just like you to find the most delicious and satiating protein powders on Amazon.
Our top picks
To save you from having to scour the internet, we’ve
rounded up the best protein powders to add to your daily menu, according to dietitians and reviews. Check out our top picks below:
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Best Overall
100% Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder NAKED Nutrition
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Best Value
100% Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder Levels Nutrition
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Most Nutritious
So Lean & So Clean Vegan Protein Powder Ora Organic
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Best Soy Protein Powder
Soy Protein Isolate Powder NOW
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Best Plant-Based Protein Powder
Complete Plant-Based Protein Powder PlantFusion
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Best Overall
NAKED Nutrition
100% Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder
Best Value
Levels Nutrition
100% Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder
Most Nutritious
Ora Organic
So Lean & So Clean Vegan Protein Powder
Best Soy Protein Powder
NOW
Soy Protein Isolate Powder
Best Plant-Based Protein Powder
PlantFusion
Complete Plant-Based Protein Powder
Rave Reviews
Orgain
Organic Unsweetened Plant-Based Protein Powder
Best Multi-Purpose Protein Powder
Quest Nutrition
Multi-Purpose Protein Powder Mix
Best Casein Protein Powder
Promix
Casein Protein Powder
Best Pea Protein Powder
BulkSupplements
Pure Pea Protein Powder
Best Hemp Protein Powder
Manitoba Harvest
Organic Hemp Protein Powder
Best Organic Protein Powder
NorCal Organic
Premium Isolate Pea Protein Powder
Best Egg Protein Powder
NAKED nutrition
Egg White Protein Powder
How to choose and use the protein powder for weight loss
✔️Read the label: Your body can only absorb up to 30 grams of protein at a time, Mirkin says. Look for powders with 20 to 30 grams of protein per 120-calorie scoop. Ideally, it should be pure protein with no sugar or artificial sweeteners. “I recommend minimizing or avoiding Stevia,” Mirkin says, as it can boost your cravings for sweets. The shorter the ingredients list, the better.
✔️Experiment with a blend: A powder that contains a blend of high-quality proteins such as whey, egg, and soy, will give you a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids, Spano explains. “If you choose a plant-based protein, look for a combination of proteins versus one single source,” she says.
✔️Steer clear of junk: Spano says to avoid protein powders littered with other additives. “A high-quality protein does not contain added taurine, creatine, BCAAs, beta alanine, glycine—these are high-nitrogen amino acids that make the protein powder artificially tested for more protein than it actually contains,” she says. “If you want protein, get protein and no ‘extras.’”
✔️Go beyond smoothies: It’s important to note that smoothies and protein shakes aren’t considered filling meals. Mirkin says people are more satisfied when they eat (rather than drink) their food because the act of chewing helps with digestion and it signals the brain to catch up with your stomach. That’s why she recommends making a thicker shake or adding your protein powder to solid meals, like oatmeal or healthy pancakes.Now that you have the basics down, we’ve rounded up the best protein powders to aid your weight loss goals—all approved by our dietitians’ standards.
Tiffany Ayuda Tiffany Ayuda, a senior editor at Prevention and certified personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise, has specialized in fitness, health, and general wellness topics in her previously editorial roles at Life by Daily Burn, Everyday Health, and South Beach Diet.