What Is The Best Low Calorie Protein Powder – High Protein And Low Carb
If you are looking for protein supplements that are low in calories, chances are that you are also interested in using protein powder for weight loss. So what is the best low calorie protein powder?
Getting a high protein diet with the help of a protein powder is the healthiest and best way to lose weight long term. We will discuss how this supplement can help to burn fat and the benefits of eating more protein.
Along with the top low calorie picks, we will also discuss what to look for in the best protein powders.
Low Calorie Protein Powder Benefits
A quality protein powder comes with many other healthy benefits than just weight loss. However, many of the advantages only work when coupled with exercise or an active lifestyle.
⊕ Increases fat burn by speeding up metabolism
⊕ Muscle built from protein burns calories even when resting
⊕ 
Protein has appetite-reducing hormones to support weight loss
⊕ It’s slow and easily digested which keeps you fuller for longer
⊕ Works as an excellent source of energy
⊕ Helps to maintain existing muscle mass
⊕ Enables the body to gain muscle mass faster
⊕ Protein is the most effective nutrient for muscle recovery
⊕ These powders contain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients
⊕ They are great for heart, kidney, and liver health
⊕ Very low in calories, carbs, and fat, and high in amino acid proteins
How Protein Powder Helps with Weight Loss
One of the biggest factors can be your amount of activity. Combine a high protein and low calorie protein powder with exercise and you will be burning plenty of fat. This will result in a negative calorie intake throughout the day.
Keeps You Feeling Full
Protein powder helps with weight loss by both suppressing the appetite while at the same time, speeding up metabolic rates.
Protein powders also produce a high amount of satiety. This is when the feeling of fullness is increased when trigger by certain chemical inhibitors.
Besides protein, these powders also contain fiber. Both protein and fiber take the stomach longer to digest than other foods. This helps to reduce the amount of snacking and to avoid eating larger meals.
Boosts Metabolic Rate
Protein has also been shown to boost metabolic rates.
Eating more protein calories can actually help to burn more fat. This is a healthy response that the body has when getting a lot of protein.
Part of the reason for this is eating foods that are harder to break down and digest have thermogenic properties. They heat up the body to burn more calories.
Nutrition Without Fat Gain
To add to the fullness factor, plant protein powders are also low in calories, fats, carbohydrates, and sugars. The protein to carb ratio is incredibly high, meaning that these ingredients don’t have the potential to be changed into fat.
How to Use Protein Powder for Weight Loss
Here are a few tips that will help you succeed with your weight loss program.
Eat Consistently
You can eat all of the high protein and low calorie powders or meals that you want. But if you cheat by eating other sugary, high carb foods, there won’t be any success in losing weight.
Sugars and carbohydrates are extremely high in calories. The basis for any diet is that you must use more calories than consumed in any 24 hour period.
Start an Exercise Routine
Unless you have a lot of muscle tone, being sedentary will result in very little calorie burn. Even diet pills and supplements recommend that their products are best used with exercise.
Be sure to get on a regular exercise program with some calorie burning workouts. This will make a huge difference in your weight loss goals.
Add A Fat Burning Pre Workout Supplement
There are some excellent thermogenic pre workouts. The caffeine will motivate and bring energy and focus to your exercise routine. The amino acids that they contain give muscle endurance and strength to push you harder.
Thermogenic pre workouts go one step further because they contain calorie burning ingredients. They are triggered by exercise and will heat up the body to burn calories at a much faster rate. This is an excellent way to burn fat. My personal favorite is C4 Ultimate Shred.
What To Look For in a Low Calorie Protein Powder
Most protein powders are designed to be a healthy, nutritious supplement. Here are a few things to look for in a good powder.
How Much Protein?
The amount of protein per serving that a powder contains does not necessarily have anything to do with the number of calories.
If your goal is strictly weight loss, anything above 15 grams per serving will be sufficient. When trying to attain more muscle tone, you may want to look for 20-30 grams per serving.
An average person should get at least .5 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day. If you are trying to increase muscle, up to 1 gram per pound of body weight is more ideal.
How low is low calorie?
Most protein powders contain under 200 calories per serving. Exceptions to this are usually weight or muscle mass gainers and meal replacement powders.
Look for a protein powder that is between 100-150 calories. Sometimes going under the amount of 100 calories per serving, will result in a significant drop in the amount of protein.
You won’t necessarily have to worry about the fat content in protein powders since “fat doesn’t make fat”.
Plant or Animal Protein
Whether you are on a vegan diet or paleo, both types of protein sources come in many varieties of carbs, sugars, and calories.
Whey Isolate protein powders are made from dairy and are the most popular because they tend to be high in protein and low in calories.
As far as plant proteins, mixed plant source blends are usually recommended over single source powders (come from one type of plant).
Single source protein powders such as brown rice and hemp will have the least amount of calories, but are lower in protein. Mixed blends contain more fat burning protein per serving.
Amount of Sugars
Sugars are calories and can turn into fat. Just one scoop of protein powder won’t contain a tremendous amount of sugar, so this isn’t a huge factor.
However, you may want to look for zero sugar sweeteners such as Sucralose (artificial sugar) or Stevia (natural sugar substitute). Some protein powders even offer “unsweetened” or “unflavored” that don’t contain any type of flavoring or sweeteners.
Value
Unless you are using a specialized powder such as Keto protein or a meal supplement, most quality powders can be found for under $2.50 per serving.
This is an incredible value considering all of the healthy protein and nutrients packed into one, especially compared to other foods.
⇒ If you have any questions or comment about what to look for in the best low calorie protein powders, please leave a message at the bottom and I will respond.
What Is The Best Low Calorie Protein Powder
#1 Low Calorie Whey Protein Powder
Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder
Price: $
Container size: 29 servings
Number of Calories: 120
Protein Per Serving: 24 grams
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Manufacturer: Optimum Nutrition
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
This is one of my favorites and it gets excellent ratings as well. The fact that it is made out of whey and is high in protein, makes it a good powder for weight loss and for muscle gain. Whey isolate is the purest and most concentrated form of protein.
Gold Standard is packed with 24 grams per serving. Whey is an efficient protein source, so it has a great Amino Acid ratio. 4 grams of Glutamine are added to increase muscle strength along with 5 grams of BCAA’s (Branch Chain Amino Acids).
Gold Standard doesn’t contain any additives or fillers. It is gluten-free but does contain milk products. If you are looking for a powder that doesn’t contain any artificial ingredients you can try “all natural” Gold Standard Whey.
See My full Gold Standard Whey Protein Review
Gold Standard Positives
- 24 grams of protein per serving
- Added Glutamine and BCAA’s
- Low in fat and carbohydrates
- Whey isolate digests well
- Gluten-free
Potential Negatives
- Sucralose sweeteners in certain flavors
- Natural and artificial flavoring
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Low Calorie Whey Runner Up
Garden of Life Sport Whey Protein Powder
Price: $$
Container size: 20 servings
Number of Calories: 120
Protein Per Serving: 24 grams
Rating: 8 out of 10
Manufacturer: Garden of Life
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
This is another great whey protein that is fortified with even more amino acid proteins. It includes additional BCAA’s and glutamine.
Even though this is not an Organic product, the dairy is isolated from grass fed, free range cows. This means that there are no hormones, antibiotics, or GMO’s. No artificial ingredients either.
Garden of life protein powder also contains probiotics for digestion and immune support.
See my full review of Garden Of Life Whey Protein Powder
Garden of Life Whey Positives
- 24g grass-fed whey protein per serving
- 6g of BCAAs
- 4g of glutamine & glutamic acid
- Includes probiotics to support immunity
- No added hormones, no antibiotics, non-GMO, gluten-free
- No artificial ingredients or preservatives
- No added sugars
Potential Negatives
- Not Certified USDA Organic
- Contains small amounts of Lactose
- Sweetened with Sucralose
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Lowest Calorie Fat Burning Protein Powder
BSN ISOBURN – Lean Whey Protein Powder
Price: $
Container size: 20 servings
Number of Calories: 120
Protein Per Serving: 20 grams
Rating: 4 out of 5
Manufacturer: BSN
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
This is a great 100% whey isolate from the BSN product line. ISOBURN is one of the only protein powders that are streamlined specifically for fat burn. L-Carnine is an important Amino Acid and a thermogenic ingredient that is known to work for weight loss.
Although 20 grams of protein is on the low end for a whey protein, this is still sufficient enough for proper muscle growth. There are other thermogenic properties added, including green coffee extract, pomegranate, and polysaccharides.
Even though this contains thermogenic ingredients, it is still considered to be stimulant free. This is another low carb and calorie powder.
Here are my reviews on some other BSN Exercise Supplements
ISOBURN Positives
- Fat burning support from L-Carnitine
- Supports muscle recovery and weight loss
- 300mg of green coffee extract
- 300mg fat oxidation blend
- Stimulant free fat burn
- Added vitamins and minerals
- 120 calories
Potential Negatives
- Lower protein concentration for whey
- Contains artificial flavor and sweetener
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Best Zero Carb Protein Powder
ISOPURE – Zero Carb Protein Powder
Price: $$
Container size: 44 servings – 3lbs
Number of Calories: 110
Protein Per Serving: 25 grams
Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Manufacturer: The Isopure company
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
Here is another whey protein designed for weight loss and muscle recovery. It is designed to be Keto friendly with low carbohydrates and no disregard for fat content. ISOPURE contains added Glutamine which is an Amino for adding muscle strength and performance.
This powder has one of the lowest amounts of calories at 110 per serving. Although this is a dairy based protein, the 100% isolate makes it lactose free. An added benefit to this powder is that it has a higher than normal quantity of vitamins and minerals added.
ISOPURE Positives
- Zero carbohydrates
- 25 grams of protein
- Added Amino Glutamine
- High quantity of vitamins and minerals
- 100% whey isolate
- Weight management support
- Gluten and lactose free
- Supports ketogenic macros
Potential Negatives
- Low amount of fiber
- Contains artificial sweetener
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#1 Low Calorie Plant Protein Powder
Orgain Organic Protein Powder
Price: $$
Container size: 20 servings
Number of Calories: 140
Protein Per Serving: 21 grams
Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Manufacturer: Orgain Organic
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
This is the best selling Organic plant based protein on the market. It’s a low calorie, mixed plant protein powder that includes a mix of pea, brown rice, and chia seeds.
Mixed plant source blends make a more well rounded than any singe plant protein. Because of this, Orgain contains all 21 essential Amino Acids.
Orgain comes with 6 grams of dietary fiber to help you feel fuller. 21 grams of protein is a great quantity for a plant protein. It contains zero grams of sugar and is sweetened with Stevia. It’s also low in calories and carbohydrates.
See My full Orgain Organic Protein Powder Review
Orgain Organic Positives:
- Mixed plant protein, so it contains all 21 Aminos
- 21 grams of protein
- 100% Organic
- High fiber with 6 grams
- No artificial ingredients
- Zero sugar
Potential Negatives:
- Must take 2 scoops per serving
- Taste a bit bland
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Runner Up Low Calorie Plant Protein
PlantFusion Organic Plant Based Protein
Price: $$$
Container size: 15 servings
Number of Calories: 120
Protein Per Serving: 21 grams
Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Manufacturer: PlantFusion
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
This low calorie, organic plant based protein powder uses pea, artichoke, quinoa, and algae protein sources. It’s an amino acid infused protein blend for complete muscle recovery.
This protein powder includes 2,000 mg of sprouted superfoods. Probiotic enzymes from fermented foods assist digestion and absorption of proteins.
PlantFusion says their product is ideal for improving energy, managing appetite, aiding digestion, and muscle recovery. It’s 100% Organic, all natural, dairy free, soy free, gluten free, and free of many other major allergens.
PlantFusion Positives
- 21 grams of plant based protein per serving
- 2,000 milligrams of sprouted superfoods
- 100% Organic
- Contains digestive enzymes
- Added minerals
- No artificial flavors or sweeteners
Potential Negatives
- Low in dietary fiber
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Lowest Calorie Pea Protein Blend
Natures Best Plant-Based Protein
Price: $$$
Container size: 20 servings
Number of Calories: 110
Protein Per Serving: 20 grams
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Manufacturer: Isopure
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
This low calorie protein powder is a blend of both pea and brown rice. Between the pea and rice sources, there’s a comprehensive amount of amino acid profile.
Natures Best contains 20 grams of protein per serving. Pea protein powders can be high in sodium, but this one only has 200 mg.
Natures Best seems to be zero everything. Zero cholesterol, zero sugar, and zero artificial ingredients. It’s non-GMO and vegan but is not organic. This powder comes in 3 flavors that are sweetened with Stevia as well as an “unflavored”.
See the Best Pea Protein Powder
Natures Best Positives
- 20 grams of protein per serving
- 4 grams of carbs and no cholesterol
- Zero sugars and zero fat
- High in Iron
- 2 grams of dietary fiber
- No artificial ingredients
Potential Negatives
- Costs a bit more
- Limited flavors
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Lowest Calorie Rice Protein Powder
Nutribiotic Rice Protein Powder
Price: $
Container size: 20 servings
Number of Calories: 60 for unsweetened
Protein Per Serving: 12 grams
Rating: 4.0 out of 5
Manufacturer: Nutribiotic
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
This is by far the lowest amount of calories. However, rice proteins do not contain the entire amino acid protein profile. That means it is not ideal for gaining muscle tone.
Nutribiotic is of high quality and an extremely healthy formula with no fat or cholesterol and only 60 calories per serving. There are no fillers, added sugars, or artificial ingredients.
A special low temperature, enzyme process allows this rice powder to isolate the amino acid proteins. It’s made without any pesticides or chemicals and is gluten and GMO-free.
Here Is more on Rice Protein Powder Benefits
Nutribiotic Positives:
- 12 grams of protein
- No pesticides or man-made chemicals
- Pure rice with no fillers
- No artificial ingredients
- Zero fat or cholesterol
- Great for weight loss
- 1 gram of sugar
Potential Negatives:
- Limited flavors
- Rice powders contain less protein
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Lowest Calorie Meal Replacement Protein
Garden of Life Organic Plant Based Protein Powder
Price: $$
Container size: 20 servings
Number of Calories: 180
Protein Per Serving: 30 grams
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Manufacturer: Garden of Life
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
For only 180 calories per serving, Garden of Life contains more nutrients than you can get in a regular meal. 30 grams of protein per serving is about as high of a concentration that you can find in any plant based source.
This is a mixed plant protein with organic garbanzo beans, organic navy beans, organic lentils, and organic cranberry seed protein to give the full spectrum of amino acids. It has added BCAA’s and glutamine important to help reduce recovery time after exercise.
This organic protein powder includes a high antioxidant blend of organic tart cherries, organic apples, organic turmeric, organic goji berries, and organic blueberries.
Garden of Life also contains probiotics for digestion and to strengthen the immune system. It’s all natural, 100% organic, and with no added sugars.
See my Garden Of Life Protein Powder Review
Garden of Life Positives
- 30 grams of organic plant-based protein
- 5.5 grams of BCAAs
- 5 grams of glutamine & glutamic acid
- 100% Organic
- No added hormones, no antibiotics, non-GMO, gluten-free
- Includes probiotics to support immunity
- High antioxidant blend
- Packed with minerals
Potential Negatives
- 2 scoops equal 1 serving
- Costs a little more
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The Low Calorie Conclusion
Effective protein powders will be successful with both weight loss and building muscle tone. This requires a healthy balance of low calories and high protein.
The top pick for dairy based animal protein is O.N. Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder and for plant based protein is Orgain Organic Protein powder.
Both are excellent supplements that are low enough in calories to keep your body from turning them into fat. At the same time, they are high enough in protein to boost metabolism, provide energy, and help to maintain and build muscle.
Please let me know if you have had success with any other supplements or protein powders. And if you have any questions or comments on what is the best low calorie protein powders, please leave a message below.
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