Top 8 Low Carb Protein Powders [Upd. 2024]
8
Protein Powders Reviewed
52
Hours of Research
120+
Reviews Examined
3
Experts Interviewed
Published by David Williams
As an engineer, David loves technical product comparison and analyzing the data to assess top products.
If you’re trying to build lean muscle and also trying to lose weight, you might be in the market for the best low carb protein powders on the market.
If you’re here, then you most likely are well aware that protein powders can help you lose weight, build muscle, and stay healthy on a low calorie, low carb, or keto diet. Protein powders are supplements that provide concentrated protein sources from animal or plant foods. They can support various health and fitness goals, such as weight management, muscle growth, recovery, and metabolic health.
However, not all protein powders are well-suited for low-carb dieters. Some may contain hidden carbs or sugars that can interfere with ketosis, and otherwise derail a low carb diet.
In this article, we’ll review eight (8) of the best low-carb protein powders on the market. We’ll cover their protein sources, quality, taste, price, and cost. We will also give you some tips on using them effectively and enjoyably.
And our review includes confirmed product updates coming in 2024, as well as some new flavor offerings and formulaic changes for several products. As we wind down 2023, some brands have made substantial improvements and also received some powerful endorsements.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
How to Choose the Best Protein Powders for a Low-Carb Diet
Protein powders are popular supplements that can help you meet your daily protein needs. They can also support your health and fitness goals and enhance your diet quality. However, with so many types and brands of protein powders on the market, how do you choose one with the best results? Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision when you’re following a low carbohydrate diet plan:
- Carb Content: If you’re here, then you’re likely managing your carbs. A very smart thing to do, and one of the very best things you can do for weight control and weight loss. And focus on net carbs – that’s where the rubber meets the road! See the net carb calculation below.
But the low carb content is not the only factor in our rankings. If, for example, one protein powder has 5 net carbs, and another has 3 net carbs, but the one with 5 is much better in other ways, then we’ll rank it higher. This is because we assess the carb difference (in the example) to be inconsequential as compared to other ingredients and benefits. - Consider Your Protein Source: Protein powders can come from animal or plant sources, such as whey, casein, egg, soy, pea, rice, or hemp. Each source has pros and cons, such as amino acid profile, taste, and allergenic potential. Depending on your dietary preferences, choose one that suits you.
- Look at the Protein Content: The amount of protein per serving can vary widely among different products. Generally, you want to choose a protein powder with at least 15 to 25 grams per serving. It will help you reach your daily protein target and optimize muscle growth and recovery. Whey protein has the highest BV of all protein sources.
- Compare Prices and Flavors: The price of protein powders varies widely from store to store, brand to brand, and product to product. You can compare different products and look for ones that offer good value for money.
- Check for Third-Party Certification: To ensure that the protein powder you choose is safe and meets its label claims, look for products that have undergone testing and verified by independent third-party organizations. Good examples of such organizations include NSF International or Consumer Lab.
Choosing the best protein powder for you may take some trial and error. However, following these tips, you can narrow your options and find a product that suits your needs and preferences.
Having gone over what to look for, let’s look at the best protein powders in the market.
Crazy Nutrition
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ON - Gold Standard
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MYPROTEIN
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1. Crazy Nutrition 100% Tri-Protein
Crazy Nutrition is a well-known brand specializing in top-quality supplements for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The company aims to offer supplements that help people into fitness achieve their goals. Some of their supplement product lines include mass gainers, pre-workout, fitness stack, and protein.
As 2023 was winding down and moving into 2024, Tri-Protein received a very impressive endorsement from Men’s Fitness. These endorsements are coveted, because they are not given out very often. So this is a big step for this brand, and it is likely connected to their Formula 2.0 release.
They also have two new flavor offerings (strawberry, banana), which are limited edition so we are not sure how long they will be around. They might be a short-term thing, or longer depending on demand. But it’s a nice variation to their base flavor offerings of chocolate and vanilla. I have tried both (chocolate, vanilla) and these flavors are definitely delicious, and did not have a chalky taste like some protein powders. I have not tried the strawberry and banana yet.
Product Specification
100% TRI-PROTEIN has a combination of four (4) sources of protein (Formula 2.0 updated) which include:
- Whey protein concentrate
- Micellar Casein
- Whey protein isolate
- Milk protein concentrate
Each serving offers 1.9g of carbs, 21 grams of protein, and 0g of sugar. Plus, it is full of digestive enzymes that improve digestion and absorption. The best part is it comes in a 2lb tub containing 30 servings and yummy flavors.
Product Features and Benefits
This protein supplement offers remarkable features and benefits for fitness enthusiasts, some of which include the following:
- Very Low Carb: 100% TRI-PROTEIN has 1.9g of Total Carbs per serving
- High-Quality Ingredients: This company only uses the best ingredients to make their supplements. The TRI-PROTEIN powder blends top-quality casein and whey proteins.
- High-Quality Amino Acids Profile: Blending different protein types ensures the supplement has a comprehensive amino acid profile. This high-protein content and amino acids help support muscle recovery and growth.
- Great Taste: This supplement comes in various delicious flavors, such as strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate. Plus, it mixes well with milk and water.
Price
A 2lb tub costs $49.99, equivalent to $1.67 per serving. The pricing is reasonable considering the premium ingredients formula for enhanced health and performance.
Phased Release
One of the things we love about 100% TRI-PROTEIN is the phased release. The protein is “dripped” in 3 phases, which is the most effective way to feed and power your muscles.
Pros
- Endorsed by Men's Fitness (Formula 2.0)
- Low carb - 1.9 g per serving for their chocolate flavor
- It contains L-carnitine and green tea extract to boost metabolism
- It contains a low-carb and high-protein content per serving, suitable for keto dieters
- It's full of digestive enzymes which help improve gut health and digestion
- It has a smooth, creamy texture and delicious vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry flavor.
Cons
- It contains artificial sweeteners
- It's not ideal for lactose-intolerant people
2. Gold Standard 100% Casein
It’s a product of Optimum Nutrition, a company with a reputable name in the fitness industry. The company makes this protein supplement from premium micellar protein.
It is a slow-digesting protein supplement that supports muscle repair and growth while you sleep. The product contains 24g of protein per serving and 5g of naturally occurring BCAAs to help muscle recovery and endurance.
Product Specifications
Some of the supplement specifications per serving include:
- Total Carbs: 4g (Chocolate Flavor)
- 24g casein protein
- 9g essential amino acids
- 5g of BCAAs
- 1g fat
- 1g sugar
Product Features and Benefits
The slow-digesting nature of this protein supplement helps it sustain the release of amino acids to your muscles for up to 8 hours. Even during sleep, your muscles will continue receiving nutrients for repair and growth. Plus, a combination of digestive enzymes in the supplement supports absorption and reduces bloating.
One of the standout features and benefits of Gold Standard 100% Casein is that it is a remarkable protein source for lactose intolerant individuals. In addition, the casein protein is naturally low in lactose, making it suitable for people who experience discomfort consuming dairy-based proteins.
Price
A 2lb tub costs $57.20, but pricing varies with the size of the container. You can also save more through the discounts they offer when you buy in bulk or have a subscription.
Pros
- It is low in sugar and fat, making it suitable for people watching their calorie intake
- It contains a blend of digestive enzymes that help in the absorption
- It is low in lactose, making it suitable for lactose-intolerant people
- It provides up to 8 hours of sustained amino acids release
Cons
- It has a chalky flavor
- People looking for quick protein intake after workouts will find the slow-digesting supplement not ideal
3. Impact Whey Protein
It is a famous protein supplement made by My Protein, a world leader in sports nutrition. The composition of this protein supplement includes premium whey protein concentrate, rich in essential amino acids that repair and build muscle tissue. Impact whey protein provides over 80% per serving, making it an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts.
Product Specifications
Each Impact whey protein serving contains:
- 3.6g of glutamine
- 1g of fat
- 25 grams of protein per serving
- 1g of sugar
- 4.5g of BCAAs
- Total Carbs: 10g (Chocolate Flavor)
Product Features and Benefits
The fast-digesting nature of this protein supplement offers a quick protein source to your muscles, particularly post-workout. It suits athletes or fitness enthusiasts to achieve fast muscle recovery and growth.
Another standout feature is its delicious vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry flavors. Mix the supplement easily with milk, water, or a smoothie for a quick protein boost.
The protein powder’s low-carb, fat, and sugar content. It makes it ideal for most lifestyles and diets. It also contains fiber which makes you feel full for an extended period aiding in weight loss.
Price
It is reasonably priced, with a 250g pouch for $15.20. You can also save more through the discounts they offer when you buy in bulk or have a subscription.
Pros
- It contains high protein content with over 80% per serving
- It has a variety of delicious flavors like strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate
- It contains essential amino acids and BCAAs
- It is low in carbs, fat, and sugar
- It is rich in fiber which helps in weight loss
Cons
- It can cause bloating and digestive discomfort
- It is not ideal for vegans and lactose-intolerant people
4. Transparent Labs, Whey Protein Isolate 100% Grass Fed
It is a product of Transparent Labs, a US-based sports supplement nutrition company in Utah. Transparent Labs products have a reputation for high-quality ingredients and well labeling.
The Whey Protein Isolate 100% Grass-Fed supplement is among the powders with the highest protein-by-weight ratios of 28 grams of protein per 32g scoop (88%). The company makes this supplement from grass-fed cow’s milk, free from preservatives and artificial sweeteners.
Product Specification
Some of the specifications of this product include the following:
- Gluten-free and no artificial sweeteners
- 28g of protein per 32g scoop
- It has 4-6 natural ingredients
- 88% protein-to-weight ratio
- 2g carbs
- Total Carbs: 1g (Milk Chocolate Flavor)
Product Features and Benefits
Some of this protein supplement’s features and benefits offer fitness enthusiasts include:
- Low Carb: It contains 2g carbs per serving, making it suitable for keto dieters.
- High Protein Content: Each serving contains 28 grams of protein, which is ideal for individuals who want to build muscle or help in recovery.
- Clean Ingredients: The ingredients from grass-fed cows that aren’t injected with hormones or antibiotics make it a healthy option. Plus, there are no added artificial sweeteners.
- Easy Digestion: This supplement is well-known for quick absorption, which is suitable for post-workout recovery.
- Great Taste: It comes in delicious flavors such as mocha, vanilla, and chocolate.
Price
The 2.45lb tub costs $59.99 for a 30-serving container. The pricing is reasonable considering the blend of all-natural ingredients.
Pros
- It has a low-carb content
- It is gluten-free, has no artificial sweeteners, and no preservatives
- The supplement comes from all-natural ingredients
- It contains essential amino acids
- It has a delicious vanilla, mocha, and chocolate flavor
Cons
- It's not ideal for people with lactose intolerance
5. Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein
It is a premium quality protein supplement by Optimum Nutrition, a world-known sports nutrition company. This company makes its products in Illinois using strict quality control standards. Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein supplement aims to support recovery and muscle growth for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Product Specifications
This supplement combines the following ingredients;
- Whey protein isolate
- 0.5 saturated fat
- 1.2g fiber
- 112 kcal calories
- Whey protein concentrate
- 1g sugar
- Peptides
- Total Carbs: 1.6g (Chocolate Hazelnut Flavor)
Each supplement serving provides 28g of protein, 5.5g of BCAAs, and 4g of glutamic acid. In addition, it contains 1g of sugar and fat, making it ideal for people watching their calorie intake. (1)
Product Features and Benefits
This protein supplement has several unique features that make it an outstanding choice for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. For starters, it’s a fast-digestive protein that works by providing protein to muscles after workouts. People looking to promote quick muscle recovery and growth will find it an excellent choice.
Another standout feature is its low sugar, carb, and fat content, which makes it ideal for most diets and lifestyles. It also contains bioactive components and essential amino acids, which provide building blocks for muscle protein synthesis. (2)
Lastly, the Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein supplement has various flavors, such as banana, vanilla, chocolate, and mocha. It mixes well with milk, water, or any protein shakes. Plus, you can get products with natural flavors with no dyes or colors.
Price
The product’s pricing varies depending on container size, flavor, and where you buy it. For a 5 lb tub, it costs $41.99, and you can also save more through the discounts they offer when you buy in bulk.
Pros
- It supports muscle recovery, growth, and gut health
- It comes in a variety of flavors and mixes well with water or milk
- It provides a source of protein rich in essential amino acids ideal for muscles post-workout
- It contains a low-carb, fat, and sugar content
Cons
- It contains traces of soy and other allergens depending on the flavor
- It can cause bloating for lactose intolerant people.
6. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
Vital Proteins is a leading brand in the fitness world that manufactures supplements, one being the Collagen Peptides. The hydrolyzed supplement source is from grass-fed bovine, which boosts collagen growth when digested and absorbed by the body.
Product Specification
Each serving of Collagen Peptides provides the body with the following:
- 28g of protein
- 0g of fat
- 0g of carbs
- 72 calories
- 0g of sugar
- Hyaluronic acid
- Vitamin C
- Total Carbs: 0g (Unflavored)
The supplement is also gluten, dairy, soy-free, and paleo-friendly.
Product Features and Benefits
The collagen peptides supplement provides the body with the building blocks of natural collagen production. It helps support healthy skin, nails, and hair growth by boosting their elasticity, hydration, and strength. The supplement also contains fibers that help improve gut health by restoring intestinal lining.
Another standout feature of this supplement is its richness in amino acids critical in muscle repair and protein synthesis. It also improves mobility and promotes bone density by supporting healthy joints and reducing inflammation. (3)
Lastly, it is soluble in cold and hot beverages and does not form clumps. In addition, it has no flavors or smell.
Price
The supplement costs $51.00 for a 20 oz container. It works out to $2.55 per ounce or $1.82 per serving.
Pros
- It has no flavor meaning its suits different taste preferences
- It mixes easily with hot and cold liquids
- It is a source of high-quality collagen from pasture-raised animals
- It contains vitamin C for added benefits
- It is soy, dairy, gluten-free
Cons
- The texture of the powder is not appealing
- It has side effects such as can bloating or gas
7. The Diet
The Diet is a supplement product from My Protein, a sports nutrition company. This supplement contains a unique blend of refined and purified proteins to help you maintain and grow muscle. In addition, it has glucomannan fiber which helps in weight loss, and pantothenic acid, which keeps your focus on your fitness goals.
Product Specifications
The supplement has a blend of proteins which include:
- Hydrolyzed whey protein
- Micellar Casein
- Whey protein isolate
- Conjugated linoleic acid
- Fat-reduced cocoa powder
- Total Carbs: 2.8g (Chocolate Brownie Flavor)
Each serving contains 25g of protein, 116 kcal, and 3.1g of carbs. You should note that the nutritional info varies with the flavor.
Product Features and Benefits
The protein supplement contains high-quality ingredients, and this blend aims to help you lose weight while making you feel full for a long time. Plus, help in maintaining muscle mass when you experience calorie deficit.
The supplement is also full of essential amino acids, which help maintain and build muscle during muscle protein synthesis. Another standout feature is its low-carb/sugar content making it an excellent option for individuals on a ketogenic diet.
Price
The pricing of the diet supplement varies with flavor. A 2.25 lb tub costs $82.50 per 30 servings. You can also save more through the discounts they offer when you buy in bulk or have a subscription.
Pros
- It contains fibers that help in weight loss
- It contains 28 grams of protein per serving
- It comes with delicious flavors
- It is rich in essential amino acids
- It has a low-carb and sugar content
Cons
- It contains soy, which is not suitable for individuals with allergies.
- It contains artificial sweeteners.
8. Now Foods Pea Protein Powder
Now Foods is a reputable brand in the health and wellness industry. They make a wide range of supplements, including Pea Protein Powder. This product is a plant-based protein supplement high in essential amino acids and allergen-free. This non-GMO protein powder source is from yellow peas and provides 24g of protein per serving.
Product Specification
Each serving of pea protein powder contains the following:
- 24g of protein
- 1g of carbs
- 0g of sugar
- 2g of fat
- Arginine
- Total Carbs: 1g (Unflavored)
The supplement powder is gluten, soy, and dairy-free, with zero added sugar.
Product Features and Benefits
The pea protein supplement is a welcome alternative to animal-based sources. It’s made from yellow peas that are environmentally friendly and don’t need irrigation or nitrogen fertilizers. People with sensitive stomachs will find this product suitable for their diet because it’s easy to digest and absorb.
One of its standout features is its high amounts of BCAAs which are crucial for muscle recovery and growth. In addition, it contains arginine, a component with nitric oxide that supports cardiovascular health and improves blood flow. Each serving typically has 2000mg of arginine and 4200mg of BCAAs. (4)
It also has a low carb, fat, and sugar content that helps support weight management and reduce increased metabolism. Lastly, it is hypoallergenic, meaning people who have allergies to animal protein sources will find it ideal.
Price
It costs $20.29 for a 2lb tub. It works out to $0.63 per ounce or $0.80 per serving.
Pros
- It contains arginine and BCAAs for muscle support
- It boosts immunity and cardiovascular health
- It is a source of high-quality plant-based proteins
- It is free of common allergens like dairy, soy, and gluten
- It digests and absorbs quickly by the body
Cons
- The texture and taste of pea protein are not appealing
- The purine content in pea protein may not be ideal for people with kidney disease or gout
Tips on How To Use Low-Carb Protein Powders
Health-conscious people, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone following a keto diet might look for low-carb protein powders as a suitable supplement. However, enjoying and using them well requires know-how and experimentation. Let’s go over some of the ways you can use low-carb proteins to enhance your health and diet:
1. Choose a Powder That Matches Your Dietary Needs and Goals
If you are following a keto diet, avoiding plant-based proteins is best. Why? They contain higher net carbs than animal-based proteins. One way you can go about it is by looking for supplements with ingredients that support ketosis, like MCT oil.
If you are vegan, use high-quality plant-based proteins like hemp or soy. Remember that a low-carb protein powder shouldn’t have over 5g of net carbs per serving.
2. Experiment With Recipes and Flavors and Choose What You Like
Supplements sometimes have a bland or chalky taste, but low-carb sweeteners or fruits can help improve the taste. For example, you can make a vanilla blend smoothie by mixing the low-carb vanilla powder with spinach, frozen berries, and unsweetened almond milk.
3. Time Your Protein Intake According to Activity Level
When you’re between meals or on the go, you can use low-carb protein powder as a post-workout or even pre-workout supplement. For example, a protein shake before or after a workout can fuel your muscles and speed recovery.
Low-carb protein supplements can add versatility and convenience to your diet without a lot of sugar or carbs. They can come in handy in achieving your nutritional needs, aiding fitness goals, and satisfying your taste buds.
Editor's Choice: Crazy Nutrition 100% TRI-PROTEIN
- Endorsed by Men’s Fitness
- 3X More Effective Than Standard Wheys
- Low in Carbs and Sugar
- 4 Proteins for Max Protein Synthesis
- 3-phase timed release of the proteins (Tri)
- Appetite Suppressant for Long Periods
- Now (4) Delicious Flavors
- 60-day Money Back Guarantee
Final Thoughts
Low-carb protein powders are an excellent way to increase protein intake in your diet. They can help you with weight loss, muscle building, and general health.
Whether you choose casein, whey, pea, or collagen protein, find a supplement with natural ingredients and high protein content.
Also, click to see our complete range of protein powders based on categories. And if you’re on the go and looking for low-carb or keto meal replacement, check our top keto meal replacement shakes.
The products in this guide stand out because of their quality, benefits, and taste. So, why wait? Go ahead and give them a try today. The results will amaze you. Happy low carbing!
And always check with your personal, medical professional before starting or changing your personal diet plan.
Click to return to the best protein powders for building muscle.
David Williams
A diet and fitness enthusiast, David is an ex-Army Airborne Ranger and Infantry soldier with decades of fitness and wellness experience. A West Point graduate with a degree in engineering, he focuses on technical research related to fitness, nutrition, and wellness. He loves the beach and working out, and spending time with his wife and daughters.
References
- Glutamic acid. Glutamic Acid – Health Encyclopedia – University of Rochester Medical Center. (n.d.). https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=19&contentid=GlutamicAcid#:~:text=Glutamic%20acid%20is%20an%20amino,involved%20in%20learning%20and%20memory.
- Witard, O. C., Bannock, L., & Tipton, K. D. (2021a, October 25). Making sense of muscle protein synthesis: A focus on muscle growth during resistance training. Human Kinetics. https://journals.humankinetics.com/configurable/content/journals$002fijsnem$002f32$002f1$002farticle-p49.xml?t%3Aac=journals%24002fijsnem%24002f32%24002f1%24002farticle-p49.xml
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Amino acids: Medlineplus medical encyclopedia. MedlinePlus.
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002222.htm - Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2021, February 4). L-arginine. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-l-arginine/art-20364681#:~:text=Overview,grains%2C%20beans%20and%20dairy%20products.
