Protein has various weight reduction and overall health advantages, and a low carb protein powder is a practical way to add extra protein that fits neatly into your macros.
Still, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of protein powders to select from, and picking the finest one from a sea of potential possibilities may be intimidating.
As a result, we’ve compiled a list of the top low carb protein powders of 2023 based on carb count and consumer feedback.
How We Selected These Low Carb Protein Powders
Although most protein powders are low in carbohydrates, we didn’t just choose the first protein powder we saw. Instead, we picked them based on the following:
- Carb count: Carbohydrate count is crucial, especially on a ketogenic diet. All of the protein powders on this list have 6 grams of net carbohydrates or less, with the majority having less than 3 grams.
- Customer reviews: We also picked protein supplements that generally received excellent customer feedback. All of these protein powders have four or more stars out of five.
- Price: Finally, we added protein powders in various pricing ranges. Despite our preference for high-quality, minimally processed ingredients, we recognize that many protein powders are much more expensive than others. So our list includes a wide variety of pricing ranges and a vast range of components.
We’ve provided a detailed shopping guide with some extra criteria you might be interested in as you look for the best low carb protein powder.
The following are the top low carb protein powders in 2023.
Best Low Carb Protein Powders
1. Best Overall Low Carb Protein Powder: Isopure Zero Carb Protein
Isopure is a well-known and reputable brand that produces a carb-free protein powder. It’s manufactured from whey protein isolate and comes in various flavors, including Creamy Vanilla and Banana Cream.
One serving (Banana Cream) comprises the following ingredients:
- Calories: 100
- Protein: 25 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbs: 0 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Net carbs: 0 grams
This serving has 25 grams of protein, 0 grams of carbohydrate, and 0 grams of fat.
Several more flavors are available, each with only 1 gram of carbohydrates per serving. Nonetheless, this protein powder contains low-quality components and artificial sweeteners.
2. Best Tasting Low Carb Protein Powder: Natreve Vegan Protein Powder
Natreve creates plant-based and whey protein powders with clean ingredients and distinctive tastes, such as Strawberry Shortcake and Peanut Butter Parfait. Their vegan choices have fewer total carbohydrates than their whey powders.
One serving (Strawberry Shortcake) comprises the following ingredients:
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 25 grams
- Fat: 2.5 grams
- Carbs: 5 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Net carbs: 3 grams
The powder has excellent flavor ratings. However, some users complain that it does not combine well. Natreve’s protein powders are also frequently unavailable on Amazon and Natreve.
3. Best Low Carb Protein Powder to Build Muscle: Premier Protein Powder
Premier Protein is a well-known brand of ready-to-drink protein smoothies, but they also sell whey protein powder, allowing you to make your own. Their smoothies and powders include a staggering 30 grams of protein per serving, making them an excellent choice if you require a lot of extra protein, such as when trying to develop new muscle.
One chocolate dish contains:
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 30 grams
- Fat: 2 grams
- Carbs: 2 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Net carbs: 2 grams
Premier Protein is very reasonably priced. It is, however, manufactured with specific low-quality components, such as artificial sweeteners and flavors.
4. Best Low Carb Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Garden of Life Raw Organic Fit Vegan Protein Powder
Although it has more calories than other protein powders, it is still an excellent choice for weight reduction. It provides protein as well as a healthy amount of fiber, which may help you feel satisfied for longer. It’s also produced with high-quality plant-based ingredients and has probiotics added to help with digestive health (1).
One chocolate dish contains:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 28 grams
- Fat: 3.5 grams
- Carbs: 10 grams
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Net carbs: 5 grams
Nonetheless, this protein powder is on the pricey side.
5. Best Low Carb Whey Protein Powder: Iconic Protein
Iconic Protein Powder contains grass-fed Whey and casein, two forms of protein found in cow’s milk. It is also produced with simple ingredients and contains no artificial sweeteners. Two kinds of powder are available: Chocolate Truffle and Vanilla Bean.
One serving (Vanilla Bean) comprises the following ingredients:
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 20 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbs: 1 gram
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Net carbs: 1 gram
The powder has received positive feedback for its flavor, as well as for its ease of mixing. However, it does contain less protein per serving than similar protein powders.
6. Best Low Carb Protein Powder with Clean Ingredients: Kion Clean Protein
Kion is well-known for using pure, high-quality components. Their Smooth Vanilla Clean Protein has only five ingredients:
- Grass-fed whey protein isolate
- Organic natural vanilla flavor
- Himalayan pink salt
- Stevia extract
- Sunflower lecithin
Kion is a beautiful alternative to avoid eating highly processed meals but want protein powder.
One serving (Smooth Vanilla) comprises the following ingredients:
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 20 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbs: <1 gram
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Net carbs: <1 gram
Kion Clean Protein, on the other hand, is somewhat pricey. It also has less protein per serving than other brands of equal quality.
7. Best High End Low Carb Protein Powder: Naked Whey
Do you want a protein powder prepared with premium ingredients? Naked Whey (or any of Naked Nutrition’s other protein powders) is an excellent choice. This protein powder is derived from grass-fed Whey and comes in vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and unflavored varieties.
One serving (unflavored) comprises the following ingredients:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 25 grams
- Fat: 2 grams
- Carbs: 3 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Net carbs: 3 grams
Naked Whey has positive feedback for its flavor and ingredient quality. However, it is substantially more costly than most protein powders.
8. Best Low Carb Unflavored Protein Powder: NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate
Unflavored protein powder is beneficial if you only sometimes want your protein powder in something sweet, such as a smoothie. Unflavored protein powders may be used in baked goods, smoothies, and savory dishes such as soups, giving you complete control over the flavor. This one from NOW Sports is reasonably priced and highly regarded.
One serving (unflavored) comprises the following ingredients:
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 25 grams
- Fat: .5 grams
- Carbs: <1 gram
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Net carbs: <1 gram
However, some reviews claim that the protein powder isn’t completely flavorless and might impart an “off” taste when added to dishes.
9. Most Affordable Low Carb Protein Powder: Animal Whey Isolate
Animal Whey Isolate is one of the most affordable protein powder solutions. On Amazon, the price per serving is around $.89. It’s also available in various delectable tastes, such as Brownie Batter and Frosted Cinnamon Bun.
One serving (Vanilla) comprises the following ingredients:
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 25 grams
- Fat: 1.5 grams
- Carbs: 4 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Net carbs: 3 grams
However, this protein powder contains artificial sweeteners, tastes, and many additives, so it may not be a suitable choice if you want a product manufactured with natural components.
10. Best Low Carb Meal Replacement Powder: HLTHCode
If you want a proper meal replacement, you need a powder that contains more than simply protein. HLTHCode was created with high-quality ingredients and is intended to replace keto-friendly meals. Therefore it is heavy in calories, fat, protein, and fiber. It was created by Benjamin Bikman, a well-known keto scientist and researcher.
One serving (Chocolate Macadamia) comprises the following ingredients:
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 27 grams
- Fat: 27 grams
- Carbs: 13 grams
- Fiber: 9 grams
- Net carbs: 4 grams
This meal replacement has received positive feedback, although some users have complained that combining it is clumpy and challenging. It is substantially more costly than other protein powders because it is a meal replacement created with high-quality components.
11. Best Low Carb Protein Powder for Women: Designer Wellness Aria
Regardless matter how they’re promoted, most protein powders aren’t for men or women. This one is the same as the last. Both men and women may take it, but it is geared at women and contains certain extras that may be especially useful to women, such as nutrients for bone, hair, nail, and skin health. It’s also pretty cheap.
One serving (Vanilla Blossom) comprises the following ingredients:
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 15 grams
- Fat: 1.5 grams
- Carbs: 5 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Net carbs: 2 grams
Nonetheless, it has less protein than most other protein powders, with only 15 grams per serving as opposed to the standard 25 grams.
12. Best Low Carb Plant Based Protein Powder: Form Performance Protein
Form’s Performance Protein combines pea, brown rice, and pumpkin protein, providing an amino acid profile similar to animal-based protein powders. It also includes glutamine and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which may aid muscle repair following a strenuous workout (2, 3).
One serving (Chocolate Peanut) comprises the following ingredients:
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 30 grams
- Fat: 3 grams
- Carbs: 2 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Net carbs: 2 grams
However, Performance Protein is pricey, especially given one bag only contains 13 servings.
13. Best Low Carb Protein Powder for Keto: Perfect Keto Keto Whey Protein
Perfect Keto (that’s us!) manufactures a protein powder that may be precisely what you’re searching for if you’re on a low-carb, high-fat keto diet. It contains grass-fed Whey and is sweetened with stevia. It also has medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, which may help with ketosis (4).
One chocolate dish contains:
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 15 grams
- Fat: 4 grams
- Carbs: 3 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Net carbs: 2 grams
This protein powder has excellent flavor ratings. However, it contains less protein than typical protein powders.
14. Best Low Carb Protein Powder with Fiber: Ritual Vegan Protein Powder
Ritual is well-known for its visually appealing multivitamins, but they also produce an excellent plant-based protein powder. With three grams of fiber per serving, it might help you feel full and content, and it has 0 net carbohydrates.
One serving (Vanilla) comprises the following ingredients:
- Calories: 115
- Protein: 20 grams
- Fat: 2 grams
- Carbs: 3 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Net carbs: 0 grams
However, this protein powder is costly. If you currently purchase Ritual vitamins, you may save money by adding them to your monthly bundle.
15. Low Carb Protein Powder with the Best Flavors: Dymatize ISO 100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder
Want unique tastes that other protein powders don’t have? Then Dymatize ISO 100 is the protein powder for you. It comes in various flavors, including Birthday Cake, Dunkin’ Cappuccino, Fruity Pebbles, and typical protein powder varieties.
One serving (Fruity Pebbles) comprises the following ingredients:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 25 grams
- Fat: 1 gram
- Carbs: 2 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Net carbs: 2 grams
Some protein powders contain artificial additives such as sweeteners, colors, and tastes.
16. Highly Rated Low Carb Protein Powder: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey
This highly rated protein powder is Amazon’s #1 best seller in the “Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Powders” category, with over 130,000 Amazon reviews averaging 4.7 stars. Optimum Nutrition’s whey powder is also available in various tastes, including interesting selections like Chocolate Coconut, Hazelnut, and Rocky Road.
One serving (Delicious Strawberry) comprises the following ingredients:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 24 grams
- Fat: 1.5 grams
- Carbs: 3 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Net carbs: 3 grams
The powders, however, are created using artificial tastes and sweeteners. Some of the flavors also contain artificial colors.
17. Best Low Carb Collagen Protein Powder: Vital Performance Protein Powder
Collagen may provide health and aesthetic advantages to your bones, joints, and skin, but it is ineffective as a single protein powder since it lacks all the amino acids your body requires. Still, if you want to ensure you’re receiving your collagen and the advantages of a complete protein (one that has all of the necessary amino acids), this protein powder with collagen and milk protein isolate is excellent (5).
One serving (Cold Brew Coffee) comprises the following ingredients:
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 25 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbs: 6 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Net carbs: 6 grams
Although reviewers like the flavor, many complain that the powders are grainy.
Best Low Carb Protein Powder Packets: Ladder Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder
Individually portioned protein powder packets are easy and mess-free for on-the-go protein smoothies (such as at work or the gym). These Ladder products are also created with grass-fed Whey, probiotics for intestinal health, and tart cherry for workout recovery. They’re also sweetened naturally with stevia (6).
One serving (Vanilla) comprises the following ingredients:
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 26 grams
- Fat: 0.5 grams
- Carbs: 4 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Net carbs: 2 grams
Nonetheless, these packets are pricey – more than $2 per serving.
Low Carb Protein Powder Shopping Guide
Here are some things to keep in mind while buying protein powder.
Protein Type
Whey protein derived from cow’s milk is the most popular and least priced form of protein powder. However, it is only suitable for some. For example, if you follow a plant-based diet or have a milk allergy, you must select a different protein powder.
Egg white protein, soy protein, pea protein, and brown rice protein are also popular possibilities.
Testing and Certifications
Dietary supplements include protein powders. Although there are many laws in the supplement sector, most are reactive rather than proactive, so no testing is necessary before these items hit the market.
Third-party testing and certifications are one approach for supplement manufacturers to demonstrate that their product is safe, pure, and honest. You might be interested in the following certifications:
- NSF Sport Certified: devoid of prohibited chemicals and suitable for competitive sports.
- Informed Sport: free of banned substances and safe for competitive sport
- Verified by the Non-GMO Project to be devoid of genetically engineered substances.
- USDA Organic: conforms to USDA organic standards.
- Vegan certification means that no animal products are used.
- Gluten-free certification: gluten-free.
Carb Count
Another critical factor is the carbohydrate count. If you’re on a keto diet, stick to protein powders with 3 grams of net carbohydrates or fewer.
If you’re on a less rigorous low carb diet, you have more leeway and may be able to pick a protein powder with a larger carb count.
Ingredients
Finally, consider the quality of the ingredients.
Many protein powders contain artificial sweeteners, colors, tastes, and unnecessary ingredients.
If you’re on a clean keto eating plan or attempting to cut back on processed foods, here are a few guidelines for selecting a protein powder:
- Look for a brief list of ingredients.
- Use grass-fed whey, casein (another milk protein), or organic plant-based proteins as a source of protein.
- Look for powders that are unflavored or that have been sweetened with organic stevia, monk fruit, or sugar.
- Avoid artificial sweeteners (acesulfame potassium, sucralose), flavors, and colors (red 40, blue 2, yellow 6, etc.).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use protein powder on a low carb diet?
Yes. If you’re attempting to lose weight on a low carb diet, protein powder is an excellent alternative. It can make you feel fuller and more content and help you maintain muscle mass (x).
Do low carb protein shakes help you lose weight?
They can if they are part of a nutrition and exercise plan that results in a calorie deficit (burning more calories than you consume).
Which protein powder has the least carbs?
Isopure Zero Carb Protein (produced from Whey) and Ritual Essential Protein (derived from pea protein) were the only protein powders on our list with zero net carbohydrates.
The Bottom Line
Numerous fantastic low carb protein powders with favorable ratings and less than 6 grams of net carbohydrates per serving are available at various pricing points.
Other factors to consider when purchasing a protein powder include the following:
- Protein type (animal vs. plant-based).
- Third-party testing and certifications.
- Ingredient quality.
Any of the 18 options listed above is a terrific low carb protein powder, and if you’re on a keto diet, you might be interested in our Keto Whey.
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