Looking for a keto-friendly protein powder but unsure where to start? With so many options on the market, choosing the right one can be challenging. We’ve created this list to save you from the arduous research process so you can dive right into the fun part: making delicious protein shakes and other keto-friendly treats.
Protein powder is an essential addition to any keto dieter’s lifestyle. A good protein powder boosts your daily macros, helps you recover after workouts, and even serves as a great flour substitute for preparing low-carb meals. Discover which one is the right choice for your diet, along with some tasty recipes you can make with these protein powders!
Jump to:
- Here Are the Best Keto Protein Powders
- Is Protein Powder Keto?
- What Makes the Best Keto Protein Powder?
- What Protein Powder Is Good for a Keto Diet?
- 1. Best Grass-Fed Keto Protein Powder
- 2. Best Whey Protein Powder
- 3. Best Tasting Keto Protein Powder
- 4. Best Plant-Based Keto Protein Powder
- 5. Best Budget Keto Protein Powder
- Baking and Cooking with Protein Powders
- Conclusion
- Frequently asked questions
Here Are the Best Keto Protein Powders
- Best Grass-Fed: Equip Prime Protein
- Best Whey Protein Powder: Isopure Zero/Low-Carb
- Best Tasting: Quest Protein Powder
- Best Plant-Based: Vega Sport Premium - Plant-Based Protein Powder
- Best Budget: Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate Powder
Is Protein Powder Keto?
Yes, protein powder can be keto-friendly, but it depends on factors like the protein source and specific ingredients. Whey protein isolate and egg white protein isolate are great options because they have a very low carb content. On the other hand, brown rice protein isolate tends to be higher in carbs, making it less suitable for a ketogenic diet.
What Makes the Best Keto Protein Powder?
A high-quality keto protein powder should be low in carbohydrates, of course, but also low in processed ingredients – the shorter the list, the better! It should be as high in protein as possible and, ideally, really tasty and able to mix well. So, when choosing the right option for you, make sure to follow these tips:
What Protein Powder Is Good for a Keto Diet?
Not all protein sources are equal, so here is a list of the most common ones to help you determine which are the most suitable for your diet.
1. Best Grass-Fed Keto Protein Powder
If you’re looking for a clean, grass-fed protein powder that tastes great and keeps your keto goals on track, this one’s a game-changer.
Equip Prime Protein
Ingredients (Chocolate Flavor)
Grass-Fed Beef Protein, Cocoa Powder, Stevia Extract
Other Flavors
Vanilla, Salted Caramel, Peanut Butter, Strawberry, Iced Coffee, Unflavored
Nutritional Information (1 scoop/25.7g)
This protein powder is on the pricier side, but it’s worth it due to its minimal, high-quality ingredients. The beef protein isolate is rich in collagen and free from allergens often found in whey, dairy, and eggs. It’s sugar-free and easy to digest. You can enjoy it in various ways, like mixing it with coffee or yogurt, and keto-dieters rave about its taste – Vanilla, Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Iced Coffee are among their favorite flavors.
2. Best Whey Protein Powder
This whey protein powder mixes smoothly into any drink and helps you meet your protein goals without adding carbs.
Isopure Zero/Low Carb
Ingredients (Dutch Chocolate Flavor)
Whey Protein Isolate, Vitamin And Mineral Blend, Cocoa (Processed With Alkali), Soy Lecithin, Salt, Xanthan Gum, Natural And Artificial Flavor, Sucralose
Other Flavors
Banana Cream, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cookies & Cream, Creamy Vanilla, Strawberries & Cream, Toasted Coconut, Vanilla Salted Caramel
Nutritional Information (1 scoop/33g)
Another top-notch (and carb-free!) protein option, it blends seamlessly into any keto-friendly beverage, aiding you in meeting your daily protein intake goals. Known for its muscle-building and muscle-recovery benefits, whey protein isolate can also be helpful for weight management, keeping you feeling full without packing on the calories. The flavor is more subtle than some other protein powders, making it a versatile ingredient for enhancing various keto-approved treats without overpowering their taste.
3. Best Tasting Keto Protein Powder
With a milkshake-like flavor, this protein powder makes sticking to your keto diet more enjoyable.
Quest Protein Powder
Ingredients (Vanilla Milkshake Flavor)
Protein Blend (Whey Protein Isolate, Micellar Casein), Natural Flavors, Silicon Dioxide, Lecithin, Cellulose Gum, Carrageenan, Sea Salt, Sucralose, Stevia Sweetener
Other Flavors
Chocolate Milkshake, Salted Caramel, Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Crunch, Cookies & Cream
Nutritional Information (1 scoop/31g)
This dairy-based protein powder combines fast- and slow-absorbing proteins for a balanced post-workout meal. Keto dieters love its creamy texture and milkshake-like taste. It contains a small amount of sugar, not sufficient to kick you out of ketosis, but just enough to make your drinks delicious. Available in a variety of flavors, you can choose your favorite, mix it in any keto-friendly way you like, and enjoy it guilt-free.
4. Best Plant-Based Keto Protein Powder
For vegans, this plant-based protein powder offers a good protein boost while keeping carbs low.
Vega Premium Sport- Plant-Based Protein Powder
Ingredients (Chocolate Flavor)
Pea Protein, Cocoa Powder (Processed With Alkali), Natural Flavors, Pumpkin Seed Protein, Organic Sunflower Seed Protein, Alfalfa Protein, Tart Cherry Powder, Stevia Leaf Extract, Beetroot Powder, Sea Salt, Xanthan Gum, Probiotics
Other Flavors
Vanilla, Mocha, Berry, Peanut Butter
Nutritional Information (1 scoop/44g)
If you’re interested in a vegan protein powder, Vega might be a great choice for you. It stands out for being entirely plant-based and protein-rich, delivering 30 grams of protein per serving to help you easily meet your daily macro goals. While some reviewers note that those who strictly avoid processed ingredients might find better options, Vega remains a strong contender due to its affordability and high protein content.
5. Best Budget Keto Protein Powder
On a budget? This affordable protein powder helps you stay keto-friendly without spending too much.
Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate Powder
Ingredients (Chocolate Peanut Butter Flavor)
Whey Protein Concentrate (Whey Protein, Sunflower Lecithin), Peanut Flour, Cocoa (Processed With Alkali), Natural And Artificial Flavors, Sodium Chloride, Sucralose
Other Flavors
Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry Milkshake, Unflavored
Nutritional Information (1 scoop/38g)
Anyone on the lookout for a low-carb protein powder that won’t break the bank should check out Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate Powder. It is not only budget-friendly, but the 38g serving size is also quite generous. Keto dieters particularly love the chocolate flavor, which mixes well with milk. While it might not be as flashy as some other options on the market, it’s still an excellent and affordable choice for meeting your keto goals while saving you money.
Baking and Cooking with Protein Powders
If you’ve started a keto journey but love baking and cooking, you can continue this habit in a keto-friendly way by using protein powders as a substitute for high-carb flour. It can also serve as “breading” to coat food before frying and be used in making keto-friendly dressings. Check out some of our delicious recipes that incorporate protein powder!
Keto Funnel Cake
Try this keto cake for a delicious, low-carb treat that brings back fun, fair nostalgia. These gluten-free, sugar-free cakes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without breaking your diet. Let’s get cooking!
Net carbs: 3g per serving size
Keto Bang Bang Shrimp
Indulge in this Thai-inspired keto shrimp, perfect for those seeking a quick, keto-friendly, and gluten-free dish. Marinate the shrimp in a tangy blend, coat them in a low-carb flour batter, fry for approximately five minutes, then drizzle with our irresistible bang bang sauce. Dive in and enjoy!
Net carbs: 19g per serving size
Keto Crack Chicken
This keto chicken recipe is a low-carb delight featuring tender chicken breasts, zesty ranch seasoning, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy blend of cheeses. Find out the secret to crafting the ultimate ranch seasoning with protein powder. It's the perfect combination for a truly indulgent keto meal.
Net carbs: 12g net carbs per serving size
Conclusion
Finding the perfect keto-friendly protein powder doesn’t have to be a headache. With these top picks, you’ll be blending up delicious shakes and cooking up a storm in no time. Remember, the best protein powder is the one that fits your diet, tastes great, and helps you hit your goals. Happy shaking and baking!
If you want to find more high-quality keto items for your diet, check out our other Best for Keto pages.
Frequently asked questions
Check out some of our most frequently asked questions below. If you don’t see your question listed, feel free to comment; we’ll be happy to assist you!
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