Quick links:
- Best low calorie protein powder for weight loss 110 calories
- Industry leader – 120 calories
- Low calorie casein/whey protein powder 120 calories
- Beef protein powder 120 calories
- Whey/casein mix 120 calories
- Best tasting low calorie protein powder
Supplement Guides: Creatine | Pre-Workout | Fat Loss | Natural Testosterone
What is the best low calorie protein powder?
Are low calorie protein shakes good for you?
In a general sense, the quick answer is yes. Higher protein diets keep you fuller for longer, keeping you away from junk. They also give your body the nutrients it needs to build and recover muscle. Moreover, high protein diets are advantageous for metabolism, helping to burn more energy in general, as well as being good for your bones and glycaemic regulation.
To provide a slight counter argument to the previous points, 1) you don’t need protein shakes to get a high protein diet (but it does make it a lot easier) and 2) protein powders are usually quite processed which isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (I’m British).
THE TRUTH about low calorie protein powders and losing weight
To be straight with you, the difference between a serving of protein powder that’s considered high calorie vs a low calorie one is about 50 calories per serving, about the same as an apple. The difference is even smaller for normal protein powders vs low calorie ones.
The point is: the protein powder you choose is quite a small factor when it comes to getting lean. What’s more important is a good diet you can be consistent with (not a great one you give up on), sleeping well, drinking plenty of water, keeping stress low and exercising regularly. This exercise doesn’t have to be crazy hiit workouts, or being in the gym every day. In fact, the best exercise for losing weight is arguably walking simply because it’s easier to do and is therefore easier to make a habit of. Good food, sleep, life balance and 10k steps a day.
What’s the lowest calorie protein powder
| Brand | $ per ounce | Pros | Rating | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isopure | $1.39 | 110 calories, contains vitamins C,E & zinc | ★★★★★ | SEE PRICES |
| Optimum Nutrition | $0.95 | 120 calories, industry leader | ★★★★★ | SEE PRICES |
| Vital | $1.04 | 130 calories, whey/casein blend | ★★★★ | SEE PRICES |
| Carnivor | $0.90 | 120 calories, sugar, fat & gluten free | ★★★★ | SEE PRICES |
| Quest | $1.23 | 120 calories, low carb, gluten free | ★★★★★ | SEE PRICES |
| Dymatize | $1.53 | 120 calories, great taste, 11 flavours | ★★★★★ | SEE PRICES |
Isopure – 110 Calories – Low calorie low carb protein powder
At 110 calories, Isopure is one of the best powders you could find if you’re looking to minimise calories in. A serving includes 25g of 100% whey protein isolate. Whey protein isolate is created when whey protein is processed further to remove lactose and fat, helping to keep calories per serving down.
It comes in 8 different flavours and contains vitamins C, E and zinc, helping to boost your immune system. On top of this, it’s also one of the most popular brands on the market, and is reasonably priced for the benefits you’re getting.
$1.39/ounce
Optimum Nutrition – 120 calories, gold standard
This powder might be the most popular on the market. It tastes good, packs plenty of nutrition and only contains 120 calories per serving.
A staple in the industry, Optimum Nutrition have been operating for over 30 years and have cemented themselves as the “gold standard” for whey protein. But what does this actually mean? Here’s what they have to say:
Each great tasting serving contains 24 g of premium whey protein to support muscle growth and 5.5 g of naturally occurring BCAAs. All with just 1.4 g of fat, 0.7 g of sugars, and with 1.3 g of carbs.
$0.95/ounce
Vital Performance – Low calorie casein/whey protein powder
Here we have something a little different, a whey/casein blend. Casein is a slower absorbing protein so with this mix you’ll have whey protein being absorbed quickly and casein over a longer time period. If you know you’re not going to get any protein intake over several hours but your muscles will need it for recovery (sleep, endurance), then a casein blend could be for you.
At 130 calories per serving, this option is still keeping the numbers low, with only a 20 calories between Vital Performance and Isopure. Each serving contains 25g of protein/casein blend and 10g of collagen peptides. The evidence isn’t conclusive, but some research suggests collagen could be beneficial for recovery.
$1.04/ounce
Supplement Guides: Creatine | Pre-Workout | Fat Loss | Natural Testosterone
MuscleMeds Isolate Powder – 120 Calories, beef protein
This powder keeps the calories low with no sugar, fat or gluten. At 120 calories per serving, it’s a good choice for minimising intake. Please bear in mind that the protein per serving is a little lower at 23g than the usual 25g, but I’m splitting hairs here.
Personally, I’ve never tried this product or a shake that uses beef protein. That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with it, it’s clinically tested, has solid numbers and a poplar choice for many.
Don’t pay too much mind to the “350% more concentrated than steak” rubbish, for those numbers they’re comparing the same weight of steak and powder which makes no sense, who is eating a 30g steak?!
$0.90/ounce
Quest – 120 calories, 23g Protein, whey/casein mix
This product from quest boasts 23g of protein per serving, 1g of sugar, is low carb and gluten free. It’s also one of the most popular peanut butter protein powders on the market.
A bit think to note here is that it includes fast and slow absorbing protein (whey and casein). My personal opinion is that unless you have a good reason to have slow releasing proteins, stick to 100% whey. Some reasons to use casein would be to:
- Reduce hunger over time
- Absorb protein slowly for more enduranced based activities
- To have before sleeping to give your muscles nutrients to recover over night
$1.23/ounce
Dymatize – 120 Calories, best tasting low calorie protein powder
If you’re just looking to minimise your calories, here’s what’s good about Dymatize: 120 calories and 25g of whey protein isolate in each serving, less than 1g of fat & sugar per serving, 5.5g of BCAAs and Leucine per serving, gluten free.
Personally, I think Dymatize has some of the best tasting protein powders on the market, and I’ve tried a lot of them. It’s a solid brand with a good following and you can choose from 11 flavours!
$1.53/ounce
Olly is a CIMSPA accredited personal trainer with a BSc degree in sport management from Solent University. He has over 10 years experience helping clients reach their health & fitness goals.