Top 9 Best Keto Protein Powder 2023: According To Nutritionists
Reviewed by Dr. Drew Sutton, MD
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Weight loss is among the primary reasons for dieting. People across the globe seek to lose weight for various reasons, including medical, personal and professional. Weight loss has resulted in the emergence of numerous fitness enthusiasts, and diet apps offer solicited and unsolicited weight loss tips. One of these diets for losing weight is the keto diet. This diet is one of the most popular and recommended methods of enhancing health and wellness, and in fact, there are specific apps designed solely for a ketogenic diet. A ketogenic diet is characterized by moderate proteins, low carbs, and healthy fats. The primary goal of a keto diet is to stimulate a ketosis state. When the body uses reserved fats, rather than carbohydrates, to produce energy, this metabolic state is called ketosis.
This article provides a comprehensive review of some of the best keto-friendly protein powders. We shall comprehensively review these dietary supplements, describe various types of keto protein powders, and much more. Let us have a look, shall we?
Top 9 Best Keto Protein Powder of 2023
- Klean Athlete Klean Isolate – Editor’s Choice
- NOW Sports Micellar Casein – Best casein protein
- Promix Vegan Protein Powder – Best pea protein
- NOW Sports Egg White Protein – Best egg white protein
- Momentous Essential Plant – Based Protein– Best rice blend protein powder
- NOW Sports Soy Protein Isolate – Best soy protein
- True Athlete Natural Whey Protein – Best whey protein concentrate
- Garden of Life Sport Certified Grass Fed Whey – Best for competitive athletes
- Gnarly Collagen Pro – Best collagen
Keto Protein Powders That Fit The Ketogenic Diet
Protein powders are one of the most convenient ways to boost the body’s daily recommended protein intake.
Keto dieters also look for protein powders to boost their nutrition; however, these protein powders need to be keto-friendly. A keto lifestyle can be effective when the right protein powder is implemented. Since the market is flooded with numerous protein powders, choosing the most effective and keto-friendly protein powder might be overwhelming. It needs to fit the keto lifestyle
Top 9 Best Keto Friendly Protein Powders Of 2023
Klean Athlete Klean Isolate
This protein powder is one of the market’s top-rated dietary supplements. It is certified for sports and contains no synthetic flavors or sweeteners.
- Third-party tested
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- All-natural ingredients
- Certified for sports by the NSF
- Vegan friendly
- Relatively pricey
This brand offers one of the best and high-quality protein powders. This protein powder contains 20 grams of protein in each serving and comes with low-carb content, one gram in each scoop. As a whey protein isolate, this protein powder contains a significant amount of protein compared[1] to when protein concentrate. This is an excellent option if you are on keto because the protein content outweighs carbohydrates. The protein powder comes in multiple flavors, including strawberry, chocolate, vanilla, and unflavored. You can add this supplement to recipes and beverages. Also, it is gluten-free, third-party tested and does not contain synthetic flavors or sweeteners. This is an excellent option if you prefer an unflavored or flavored protein powder.
NOW Sports Micellar Casein
This brand offers stellar quality and keto-friendly protein powders. It contains 19 grams of protein and less than a gram of carbohydrates per serving.
- Certified by Informed Sport
- No synthetic flavors, colors, or sweeteners
- Mixes well with beverages and recipes
- No multiple flavors
This protein supplement is made from high-quality micellar casein[2]. It is slowly digested and an excellent choice to consume when going to bed. It can help with muscle recovery and prevent the breakdown of muscles when sleeping. The product can also be consumed during the day to enhance the recommended daily protein intake. This protein powder can be added to recipes, smoothies, or other preferred recipes since it is unflavored. This brand claims that this protein supplement is gluten-free; however, it is manufactured in an environment that processes allergens such as wheat. On the other hand, it does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners.
Promix Vegan Protein Powder
This keto protein powder contains 25 grams of protein and 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving. It comes in two tasty flavors and is approved by the NSF for sports.
- Made by a sustainability-focused brand
- No artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners
- Comes in two flavors
- Each flavor contains B12
- The NSF does not approve one flavor
This is a pea-based protein powder that is obtained from yellow pea protein isolate. It contains 3 grams of carbohydrates and 25 grams of protein per serving. This is one of the best low-carb protein powders, and it comes in two flavors, including chocolate and vanilla. The NSF approves this protein supplement for sports; however, some flavors are not, including Raw Chocolate and Vegan B12. The latter is unflavored and contains essential vitamins; however, B12 is also included in all the other flavors. This protein powder does not contain artificial sweeteners and is flavored with monk fruit. The company is among the top rated in formulating top-tier quality protein powders and focusing on sustainability. Promix uses plastic-free packaging and is dedicated to channeling a percentage of its profits to sustainability courses.
NOW Sports Egg White Protein
This keto protein powder contains 16 grams of protein and 2 grams of carbs per serving. It does not contain any artificial colorings, additives, or fillers.
- Approved by the Informed Sports
- Can be added to recipes
- Highly digestible
- No synthetic flavors or additives
- No multiple flavors
This low-carb protein powder contains 2 grams of carbs and 16 grams of protein per serving. This protein supplement is made of egg white which contains a significant percentage of protein and is easily digestible. Typically, most people do not associate eggs with carb content; however, they contain a small percentage of carbs in egg white and egg yolk. Therefore, this keto protein powder contains a small percentage of carbs[3]. This product comes in an unflavored flavor and can be easily added to recipes without altering the flavor.
Momentous Essential Plant-Based Protein
This is among the most effective protein powders, and it contains 20 grams of protein and 9 grams of carbs per serving.
- Approved for sports by the NSF and Informed Sport
- Gluten-free
- Third-party tested
- Smooth texture
- Tasty
- Has added sugars
- Pricey
You can enjoy 20 grams of protein per serving from this protein powder. It is made of pea protein isolate, rice protein concentrate, and 2.5 grams of fat per serving. This protein powder MCT oil powder is therefore suitable for bodybuilders and athletes. You can entertain your taste buds with this protein powder as it comes in two tasty flavors, including Vanilla Chai and Chocolate. It is sweetened with steviol glycosides and organic cane sugar. This protein powder undergoes third-party testing to guarantee potency, quality, and safety. It is also approved for sport by the Informed Sport and NSF.
NOW Sports Soy Protein Isolate
This protein powder contains zero carbs and 20 grams of protein per serving. It comes in multiple flavors and undergoes third-party testing.
- Third-party tested
- No artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners
- Can be added to recipes
- Approved for sports by Informed Sport
- Expensive
- Carbs presence in other flavors
This keto protein powder is among the most reputable since it contains zero net carbs. Each serving contains 20 grams of protein and zero net carbohydrates. It comes in multiple tasty flavors, including Unflavored, Creamy Vanilla, and Creamy Chocolate. The last two flavors contain some percentage of net carbs; the unflavored option is the only one with zero net carbs. This protein powder is gluten-free, nut-free, egg-free, and dairy free. It is also third-party tested to guarantee efficacy, quality, and safety and approved by the Informed Sport for sports.
True Athlete Natural Whey Protein
This keto-friendly dietary supplement is gluten-free and undergoes rigorous third-party testing to guarantee efficacy, safety, quality, and purity.
- Third-party tested
- Flavored and unflavored options
- Certified for sport by the NSF
- No artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners
- Not suitable for anyone with soy allergies
This protein powder contains only 2 grams and 20 grams of carbohydrates and protein in each scoop. This protein powder can boost digestive health[4] as it contains probiotics that are beneficial in digestion. Also, it does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners. However, it contains soy, and therefore if you are intolerant to milk-derived whey and soy, this might not be a suitable choice. This protein powder undergoes third-party testing for efficacy and safety and is approved by the NSF for sport. It also has flavored options, including vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate.
Garden of Life Sport Certified Grass Fed Whey
This protein powder contains 24 grams of proteins and 6 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
- Third-party tested
- Sustainability-based ingredients
- Approved by NSF Certified for Sport
- Approved by Informed Choice
- Has alcohol sugars
Garden of Life Sport Certified Grass Fed Whey protein is an excellent option for athletes and active people since it undergoes rigorous third-party testing to guarantee potency, safety, and quality. It is also approved for sports by Informed Choice, and NSF Certified for Sport. This protein powder contains 6 grams of carbs and 24 grams of protein per serving. This protein powder contains zero sugars, is low in carbohydrates, and comes in two flavors, including Vanilla and Chocolate. It is naturally sweetened with stevia leaf extract and erythritol. This supplement does not contain soy ingredients and is certified gluten-free.
Gnarly Collagen Pro
This is among the best collagen protein powders, and it contains zero carbs and 14 grams of protein per serving.
- Third-party tested
- Zero net carbs
- Available in travel packs
- Approved for sports by NSF
- No artificial flavors or sweeteners
- Only suitable with other complete protein sources
- Pricey
This collagen protein powder is made from bovine collagen. It is among the most effective collagen protein powders and comes in convenient travel packs or canisters with multiple servings. This collagen peptides supplement is beneficial for alleviating injury risk during a workout and should be consumed before exercising. On the other hand, this collagen peptides supplement is designed to complement[5] other complete sources of proteins since it is not. It can be added to recipes, smoothies, and other beverages without changing taste since it is unflavored. Also, this hydrolyzed collagen peptides protein supplement contains MCTs, which can be obtained from coconut oil[6].
Types of Keto Protein Powder
Protein powders are categorized into :
- Concentrates of protein[7] are obtained from whole foods using enzymes, acid, or heat.
- Protein isolates [8] consist of carbs and fats.
- Hydrolysates of proteins[9] are obtained when enzymes or acids break down amino acids.
From these three groups, there are other types of protein powders, they include:
- Casein protein powders[10] are processed and absorbed slowly in the body. When mixed with gastric acid, casein makes you feel fuller for longer by delaying amino acid absorption into the bloodstream.
- Whey protein powders[11] support muscle building, muscle strength, and recovery speed after strenuous workouts.
- Egg protein powders[12] offer all the essential amino acids.
- Hemp protein powder[13] is a complete protein. Hemp protein powder offers the body omega-3 fatty acids and essential amino acids.
- Pea protein powders[14] are rich in fiber and contain essential amino acids except for cysteine and methionine.
- Collagen protein powder[15] is not a complete protein, although it can boost healthy skin joints, hair, ligaments, and connective tissues.
- Brown rice protein powder[16] is not a complete protein since it does not contain enough lysine. It can help boost muscle strength and recovery and enhance body composition.
- Mixed protein powders contain chia seeds, flax seeds, artichoke, quinoa, alfalfa, and other ingredients rich in protein.
Which Whey Protein Powder Flavor Tastes Best?
Impact Whey Protein is ranked as the tastiest protein powder. The brand offers more than forty flavors; each serving contains 21 grams of protein. Some of these flavors include:
- Vanilla
- Chocolate Smooth
- Chocolate brownie
- Natural chocolate
- Cookies and cream
- White chocolate
- Salted caramel
- Chocolate mint
- Natural strawberry
- Strawberry cream
How We Selected The Best Keto-Friendly Protein Powders
The following is a list of factors we considered when listing these keto-friendly protein powders:
- Vegan of non-vegan
- Type of protein
- Source of Protein
- Protein and net carb
- Purpose of the protein powder
- Additional ingredients such as preservatives, flavors, or sugars
- Third-party testing
- Flavors varieties
- Brand certification includes USDA-certified, gluten-free, NSF Certified for Sports, and many more.
Where Can I Buy Keto Protein Powder?
These dietary supplements are available both online and offline. The online platform includes the brands’ official website pages or third-party online retailers such as Amazon. The offline establishments include supermarkets, malls, and pharmacies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. This is more recommended since it can easily be digested and absorbed.
Generally, yes. The dietary supplements mentioned above undergo third-party testing and are certified for sports.
No. These products are designed to boost people living an active lifestyle.
There are protein powders designed to lose or gain weight. You can choose according to your fitness goals.
No. The FDA does not approve any dietary supplement.
While this diet is recommended by many fitness and health enthusiasts, it might have various side effects. They include keto flu, low blood sugar, digestive problems, poor bone health, and many more.
Add one scoop of the powder in water or your favorite beverage.
This is a personal preference.
+ 16 sources
MIDSS adheres to strict procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutes, and medical associations. We work mainly with peer-reviewed studies to ensure the accuracy of the information. We avoid the use of tertiary references. You can read about how we ensure the accuracy and timeliness of our content in our editorial process.
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- Khatri, M., Naughton, R.J., Clifford, T., Harper, L.D. and Corr, L. (2021). The effects of collagen peptide supplementation on body composition, collagen synthesis, and recovery from joint injury and exercise: a systematic review. Amino Acids, [online] 53(10), pp.1493–1506. doi:10.1007/s00726-021-03072-x.
- d C. Harvey, C.J., Schofield, G.M., Williden, M. and McQuillan, J.A. (2018). The Effect of Medium Chain Triglycerides on Time to Nutritional Ketosis and Symptoms of Keto-Induction in Healthy Adults: A Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, [online] 2018, pp.1–9. doi:10.1155/2018/2630565.
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