Dietitians Say These High-Quality Protein Powders Will Help You Lose Weight
Dietitians Say These High-Quality Protein Powders Will Help You Lose Weight
We updated this article in December 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.
High-quality protein powders can be incredibly versatile. You can incorporate them into smoothies, protein balls, overnight oats, and more. They not only help you meet your daily protein requirements (particularly important if you’re exercising regularly), but can also help you stay fuller, longer which is helpful if you’re trying to lose weight. Plus, having a protein-rich snack after a tough workout may help you build lean muscle, which is critical for experiencing body composition changes (getting that leaner, more svelte-looking appearance). regardless of whether the numbers on the scale change.
That said, the supplement aisles are awash in powder options, and not all powders are created equal. The best protein powders come from various sources and choosing the best one really comes down to your dietary needs and fitness goals. For instance, if you’re a vegan, it’s best to choose vegan-friendly proteins made from pea, soy, or hemp. Or if you’re lactose intolerant, you might want to steer clear of whey or casein powders, both of which are derived from cow’s milk. You may also want to think about when and how you plan to take your protein. Whey protein is known as one of the fastest-absorbing, most bioavailable powders around, which makes it a good option after a workout. But if you want a slower-absorbing protein to take before bed, casein may be a better option.
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 major retailers like Amazon and Walmart.
Meet the Experts: Marie Spano, R.D., C.S.C.S. is a registered dietitian and one of the country’s leading sports nutritionists. Sarah Mirkin, R.D.N., is a registered dietitian and the author of Fill Your Plate, Lose The Weight, a 21-day weight loss plan for women over 40.
Our top picks
If you're ready to start adding protein powder to your daily routine, check out our top picks now.
A quality protein powder is essential in your fitness arsenal. Dietitians share how to choose a protein powder for weight loss, plus the best ones to try.
