Consuming an ample amount of protein each day can help aid in weight loss and body recomposition, that’s a fact. Also a fact: around a third of US adults aren’t consuming enough protein in their diets.
As a nutritionist and personalized macro coach, I see this all the time, especially when it comes to women. We just aren’t conditioned to eat a lot of protein. Plus, so many of us haven’t been properly educated on the benefits of protein enough to truly understand the why behind we should be prioritizing protein intake.
But the number one thing I hear when I encourage people to start getting more protein is that they don’t know how they can possibly do it. Which is the precise time when I introduce my favorite protein hacks, with one of them being to incorporate some protein powder into their day.
Protein powder is an excellent way to add protein to your diet without adding a lot of extra food volume and calories. The problem is that many of us have tried grocery store protein shakes and have been totally put off by the taste and texture - no one wants to have to choke down a whole glass of protein when it’s chalky and awful tasting.
The good news is that there are some amazing-tasting protein powders out there that not only satisfy you, but they provide your body with high-quality protein that will help you lose weight, build muscle, and reach your personal health, wellness, and fitness goals.
I’ve tried dozens of protein powders over the years, and this list contains the best-tasting protein powders for weight loss so that you can select an option that you’ll actually enjoy and will encourage you along your weight loss journey.
What Type of Protein is Best for Weight Loss?
There are many different types of protein powders available, including:
- Whey
- Casein
- Egg
- Pea
- Brown Rice
- Hemp
But which one is best for weight loss? The answer to this question will vary depending on the individual. For example, the best protein powder for weight loss for a person following a vegan diet is going to vary greatly from the person who isn’t.
In my experience, the best protein powder for weight loss is a protein powder that’s made from whey protein as it’s one of the most satisfying protein powders out there. Plus, whey protein contains a complete amino acid profile and is absorbed relatively quickly in the body.
Whey protein has been linked to increased satiety, weight loss, and body composition changes. For these reasons, the majority of our list will contain whey protein options. That said, most of the brands that we chose also offer vegan options, if interested.
Here’s What to Look For (Buying Guide)
When it comes to finding a great-tasting protein powder to help you achieve your weight loss goals, it can feel overwhelming as the options seem almost endless. With that in mind, we put together a quick buying guide to help you know what to look for when choosing a protein powder:
Taste
This one is obvious. If you’re looking for the best-tasting protein powder for weight loss, taste needs to be at the top of your priority list. Considering we’re all different, what tastes great to one person might not to the next person. But in my experience, the key to finding a delicious protein powder is to find the brand that makes their protein powder not taste like protein powder - and yes, that’s totally possible! Most protein powder manufacturers make their formulas in multiple different flavors, so once you find the right fit, you can start to explore the different flavors.
Texture & Mixability
After taste, the texture is the next biggest consideration for those specifically looking for the best-tasting protein powder. A powder could have great taste, but have a chalky or clumpy texture and make it totally off-putting. Plus, the texture often plays into the mixability factor, which is equally as important. When selecting a protein powder, you want one that offers a smooth texture and the ability to mix seamlessly with your liquid of choice.
Calories/Macros
If you’re trying to lose weight, being aware of your calorie intake is going to be crucial. Choosing a protein powder that’s high in protein and low in fats and carbs is likely going to be your best bet as you’ll get all the benefits from increased protein and none of the extras and junk that can tack on a lot of unnecessary calories.
Cost/Within Budget
The cost of protein powder varies greatly from brand to brand. Unfortunately, if you’re on a tight budget, you might have to sacrifice the taste aspect a bit due to the fact that cheaper proteins aren’t typically associated with fantastic taste. That said, all of the protein powders on our list taste great and are very moderately priced.
The Six Yummiest Tasting Protein Powders For Weight Loss
Armed with some considerations to think about as you navigate your choices, let’s take a look at the protein powders that made our list of the best-tasting for weight loss.
1. 1st Phorm Level-1
Enjoy FREE Shipping using the link below!
1st Phorm’s Level-1 protein powder takes the first spot on our list thanks to the fact that not only does it taste incredible, but it’s just flat-out one of the best, most well-made protein powders on the market. The formula that 1st Phorm uses for Level-1 is a bioavailable, sustained assimilation protein formula that’s designed to mimic the digestion of whole foods.
Level-1 uses only proteins that have been low-temperature processed to ensure that the integrity of the protein is not compromised during the manufacturing process. The result is a protein powder that helps to prevent muscle breakdown, promote muscle growth and repair, and lose weight.
Pros
- Amazing flavors to choose from, including seasonal options
- Superior mixability and consistency
- Low-temperature processed to maintain the highest quality protein
- 24g protein per serving
- Around 150 calories per serving
- Excellent for muscle growth, weight loss, and body composition goals
- An extremely integral brand with a great mission of service
- Free shipping when you use my link
- 1st Phorm has tons of other supplements and apparel you can shop for too
Cons
- The cost is slightly higher than some alternatives
- Seasonal flavors tend to sell out quickly
Enjoy FREE Shipping using the link below!
Use code TAMI for 10% off!
Clean Simple Eats Protein Powder is hands-down one of the best-tasting protein powders in general, but specifically for those who are looking for weight loss. With only 100-110 calories per scoop and 20g of protein per serving, this low-calorie, macro-friendly protein powder is ideal for weight loss goals.
Clean Simple Eats offers a huge selection of flavors to choose from, each one with a deliciously creamy texture. These protein powders are naturally sweetened and made from grass-fed whey that’s cold-processed from start to finish to maintain all the nutrients so you’re always getting the most out of your protein scoop.
Pros
- Creamy, dreamy, crave-worthy flavors
- Great texture and mixability
- Each batch is 3rd party tested
- 20g of protein per serving
- About 100 calories per serving (ideal for weight loss!)
- Free of any unnecessary junk and fillers
- Cold processed to maintain the integrity
- Great, family-run brand
- Constant new flavor releases
- The powder comes in large 30-serving bags or individual, on-the-go packets
Cons
- The cost is slightly higher than some alternatives (although you can subscribe and save)
- Shipping isn’t free
Use code TAMI for 10% off!
For those who are seeking a plant-based, great-tasting protein powder for weight loss, Ritual has you covered. This clean, transparent protein powder is made with traceable ingredients to form lean muscle mass, support muscle recovery, and help you lose weight.
If you’re someone who likes to keep things simple, clean, and fresh when it comes to your foods, then you will truly appreciate the clean, sugar-free formula that Ritual uses to make their Daily Shake 18+. Ritual crafts its tasty flavor using layers of sweet vanilla, subtle hints of caramel, and a little pinch of spice to make these shakes a pleasant experience for your taste buds. Plus, each serving contains 20g of protein and just 110 calories per serving.
Pros
- Simple, clean, and fresh taste
- Vegan protein
- Traceable ingredients
- Sugar-free, non-GMO, and free of artificial flavors
- Mixes with liquids well and has a smooth, creamy texture
- 20g of protein and 110 calories per serving
- 3rd party tested
- A very integral brand with a fine selection of premium supplements
- Affordable price
Cons
- There’s only one flavor option to choose from
- Vegan protein isn’t as satiating as whey protein (for some individuals)
Use code FHM for 20% off!
iHeart Macros Protein Powder is an easily digestible protein that contains low calories and a simple, delicious taste. The beauty of iHeart Macros protein powder is that it’s very mixable and works great for everything from protein shakes to baked goods, which can really come in handy when you’re on a weight loss journey and looking for healthy substitutes for your favorite treats.
This nutrient-dense protein-rich whey powder has virtually no lactose, carbs, or milk fat making it very gentle and easy on the stomach. For those who struggle with digesting protein powders, iHeart Macros is well worth a try.
Pros
- Simple, light flavors with a creamy texture
- Works great for drinking or baking with
- Very easily digestible
- Virtually lactose-free
- Bloat-free
- 20g of protein per serving
- 100 calories per serving (great for weight loss)
- Very macro-friendly
- Quality, family-run brand with a nice selection of premium supplements
Cons
- There are only a handful of flavors to choose from
- The cost is on the higher end
Use code FHM for 20% off!
Transparent Labs offers a 100% grass-fed whey protein isolate for muscle gain and fat loss. This protein powder contains a whopping 28g of protein per serving, making it one of the most protein-dense options on our list. Plus, it has just 120 calories, which is impressively low for a high-protein content powder.
Transparent Labs makes their whey protein isolate from naturally-fed, hormone-free cow whey and does not add in any artificial sweeteners, food dyes, gluten, or preservatives. This clean formula mixes really well with milk or water, making it a super-convenient post-workout shake. Plus, they offer a great selection of crave-worthy flavors to choose from.
Pros
- Easily digestible, fast-acting protein
- Rapidly increases muscle protein synthesis
- Contains 28g of protein per serving (highest on our list)
- Only 120 calories per serving making it weight loss friendly
- Made from grass-fed whey
- Free of any artificial fillers and junk
- Smooth, creamy taste and texture
- Delicious flavors
- Great supplement brand with many supplements to choose from
Cons
- The cost is on the higher end
- Some reviewers stated they had some gastrointestinal upset when first taking (some people are sensitive to whey isolates)
6. Future Kind
Future Kind offers an organic vegan protein powder that’s full of high-quality ingredients that will help you lose weight, build muscle, and improve your overall health and fitness. This deliciously creamy protein is made from non-GMO organic pea protein and is easily digestible. Plus, this formula is rich in iron, helping your body to build muscle, repair tissue, and ensure that you’re meeting your protein requirements, especially while following a vegan diet.
With 20g of vegan protein and just 85 calories per serving, this low-calorie protein powder can help you to reach your weight loss quickly, efficiently, and without sacrificing when it comes to taste.
Pros
- Organic, vegan protein powder
- Smooth, creamy texture that’s easy to mix
- Deliciously simple flavors
- Contains ingredients that help to boost your immune system
- Helps to increase your energy levels and metabolism
- Only 85 calories per serving to support your weight loss goals
- A super clean formula that’s free of any junk and fillers
- An organic brand that has a great lineup of vegan supplements to choose from
- Low monthly cost
Cons
- There are only a couple of flavors to choose from
- One reviewer found the powder to be “heavy and chalky”
Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Tasting Protein Powder For Weight Loss?
The protein powder with the best taste that will help you to reach your weight loss goals will be the one that aligns with your needs, preferences, and budget. The options that we offered on this list are all tried and true formulas that our team truly loves.
As with anything, you might need to do some research and experimentation to find the protein powder that works best for you. Personally, I tend to keep a bag or container of at least 3-4 protein options on hand as I have a hard time sticking to just one brand. I love adding protein shakes to my day to keep my protein intake up, especially while in a fat-loss phase. I also enjoy creating high-protein recipes with any of the options that we listed above that are both great tasting and conducive to the healthy, fit lifestyle that I desire to lead.