Protein offers several benefits for weight loss and overall health, and a low carb protein powder is a convenient way to add some extra protein that fits easily into your macros.
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Still, there are hundreds — if not thousands — of protein powders to choose from, and it can be overwhelming trying to choose the best one from a sea of potential options.
That’s why, in this guide, we’ve rounded up the best low carb protein powders of 2023 based on carb count and customer reviews.
A Quick Summary of the 18 Best Low Carb Protein Powders
- Best overall low carb protein powder: Isopure Zero Carb Protein
- Best tasting low carb protein powder: Natreve Vegan Protein Powder
- Best low carb protein powder to build muscle: Premier Protein Powder
- Best low carb protein powder for weight loss: Garden of Life Raw Organic Fit Vegan Protein Powder
- Best low carb whey protein powder: Iconic Protein
- Best low carb protein powder with clean ingredients: Kion Clean Protein
- Best low carb plant-based protein powder: Form Performance Protein
- Best high end low carb protein powder: Naked Whey
- Best low carb unflavored protein powder: NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate
- Most affordable low carb protein powder: Animal Whey Isolate
- Best low carb meal replacement protein powder: HLTHCode
- Best low carb protein powder for women: Designer Wellness Aria
- Best low carb protein powder for keto: Perfect Keto Keto Whey Protein
- Best low carb protein powder with fiber: Ritual Essential Protein Powder
- Low carb protein powder with the best flavors: Dymatize ISO 100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder
- Highly rated low carb protein powder: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey
- Best low carb collagen protein powder: Vital Performance Protein Powder
- Best low carb protein powder packets: Ladder Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder
How We Selected These Low Carb Protein Powders
Although most protein powders are fairly low in carbs, we didn’t just pick the first protein powders we came across. Instead, we chose them based on:
- Carb count: Carb count is an important consideration, especially if you’re on keto. All of the protein powders on this list clock in at 6 grams of net carbs or less, but most of them contain less than 3 grams.
- Customer reviews: We also chose protein powders that had mostly positive customer reviews. All of these protein powders are rated at least four or more stars out of five.
- Price: Finally, we included protein powders at a variety of price points. Although we prefer high-quality, minimally processed ingredients, we understand that these protein powders are significantly more expensive than others. So there’s a wide range of price points on our list, along with a wide range of ingredients.
Below, we’ve included a comprehensive shopping guide with some additional criteria that you might be interested in as you search for the perfect low carb protein powder.
Here are the best low carb protein powders in 2023.
Best Low Carb Protein Powders
| Brand | Pros | Cons |
| Isopure Zero Carb Protein | Zero carb flavors available 25 grams of protein | Contains artificial ingredients |
| Natreve Vegan Protein Powder | 3 grams of net carbs Clean ingredients | May not mix well |
| Premier Protein Powder | 2 grams of net carbs 30 grams of protein | Contains artificial ingredients |
| Garden of Life Raw Organic Fit Vegan Protein Powder | 28 grams of protein Contains fiber and probiotics | Expensive |
| Iconic Protein | Grass fed whey and casein No artificial ingredients | Less protein than other brands |
| Kion Clean Protein | Clean ingredients Grass fed whey | Less protein than other brands |
| Naked Whey | Clean ingredients Grass fed whey | Expensive |
| NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate | Unflavored Inexpensive | Some complaints about taste |
| Animal Whey Isolate | Inexpensive 25 grams of protein | Contains artificial ingredients |
| HLTHCode | Made with high quality ingredients Contains 9 grams of fiber | Difficult to mix |
| Designer Wellness Aria | Inexpensive Contains added nutrients for women’s health | Lower in protein than other powders |
| Form Performance Protein | Plant based Contains BCAAs and glutamine | Expensive |
| Perfect Keto Whey Protein | Designed for keto Contains added MCT oil | Less protein than other powders |
| Ritual Essential Protein Powder | 0 grams of net carbs Contains fiber to promote fullness | Expensive |
| Dymatize ISO 100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder | 25 grams of protein Available in unique flavors | Contains artificial ingredients |
| Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey | Highly rated Available in unique flavors | Contains artificial ingredients |
| Vital Performance Protein Powder | Contains collagen Good reviews for flavor | Gritty |
| Ladder Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder | Convenient on-the-go packets Added probiotics and tart cherry | Expensive |
1. Best Overall Low Carb Protein Powder: Isopure Zero Carb Protein
Isopure is a well-known and trusted brand that makes a totally carb free protein powder. It’s made from whey protein isolate, and the zero carb version is available in several flavors, including Creamy Vanilla and Banana Cream.
One serving (Banana Cream) contains:
- Calories: 100
- Protein: 25 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbs: 0 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Net carbs: 0 grams
25 grams of protein, along with 0 grams of carbohydrate and 0 grams of fat.
There are many other flavors available, which contain just 1 gram of carbs per serving. Still, this protein powder doesn’t have the most high-quality ingredients, and does contain some artificial sweeteners.
Price: $75.99 at Isopure, $69.94 at Amazon
2. Best Tasting Low Carb Protein Powder: Natreve Vegan Protein Powder
Natreve makes plant-based and whey protein powders with clean ingredients and in unique flavors, like Strawberry Shortcake and Peanut Butter Parfait. Their vegan options are slightly lower in total carbs than their whey powders.
One serving (Strawberry Shortcake) contains:
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 25 grams
- Fat: 2.5 grams
- Carbs: 5 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Net carbs: 3 grams
The powder has great reviews for taste, but some people say that it doesn’t mix well. Natreve’s protein powders also sell out regularly on Amazon and Natreve.
Price: $39.99 at Natreve, $31.49 at Amazon
3. Best Low Carb Protein Powder to Build Muscle: Premier Protein Powder
Premier Protein is a well-known brand of ready-to-drink protein shakes, but they also offer a whey protein powder so you can blend up your own. Their shakes and powders contain a whopping 30 grams of protein per serving, making them a great fit if you need lots of extra protein — for instance, if you’re trying to build new muscle.
One serving (Chocolate) contains:
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 30 grams
- Fat: 2 grams
- Carbs: 2 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Net carbs: 2 grams
Premier Protein is also very affordable. However, it’s made with some low-quality ingredients, including artificial sweeteners and flavors.
Price: $42.29 at Premier Protein, $25.18 at Amazon
4. Best Low Carb Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Garden of Life Raw Organic Fit Vegan Protein Powder
Although it’s a bit higher in calories than some other protein powders, this one is still a great choice for weight loss. It contains protein alongside a healthy dose of fiber, a combo that may help you feel fuller longer. It’s also made with high-quality plant-based ingredients and contains added probiotics to support gut health (*).
One serving (Chocolate) contains:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 28 grams
- Fat: 3.5 grams
- Carbs: 10 grams
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Net carbs: 5 grams
Still, this protein powder is on the expensive side.
Price: $51.99 at Garden of Life, $42.99 at Amazon
5. Best Low Carb Whey Protein Powder: Iconic Protein
Iconic Protein Powder is made with grass-fed whey and casein, two types of protein from cow’s milk. It’s also made with simple ingredients and free of artificial sweeteners. The powder is available in two flavors: Chocolate Truffle and Vanilla Bean.
One serving (Vanilla Bean) contains:
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 20 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbs: 1 gram
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Net carbs: 1 gram
The powder has great reviews for taste, and reviewers also say that’s really easy to mix. However, it has less protein per serving than many other comparable protein powders.
Price: $29.99 at Iconic, $29.99 at Amazon
6. Best Low Carb Protein Powder with Clean Ingredients: Kion Clean Protein
Kion is known for their clean, high-quality ingredients. Their Clean Protein in Smooth Vanilla contains just five: grass-fed whey protein isolate, organic natural vanilla flavor, Himalayan pink salt, stevia extract, and sunflower lecithin. If you are trying to minimize highly processed foods in your diet, but still want a protein powder, then Kion is a great option.
One serving (Smooth Vanilla) contains:
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 20 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbs: <1 gram
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Net carbs: <1 gram
However, Kion Clean Protein is fairly expensive. It also contains less protein per serving than other comparable brands.
Price: $59.95 at Kion, $64.95 at Amazon
7. Best High End Low Carb Protein Powder: Naked Whey
Want a protein powder made with high-end ingredients? Naked Whey (or any of the other protein powders from Naked Nutrition) is a great option. This protein powder is made with grass-fed whey and is available in vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and unflavored.
One serving (Unflavored) contains:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 25 grams
- Fat: 2 grams
- Carbs: 3 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Net carbs: 3 grams
Naked Whey gets great reviews for its taste and ingredient quality, but it’s significantly more expensive than most protein powders.
Price: $109.99 at Naked Nutrition, $109.99 at Amazon
8. Best Low Carb Unflavored Protein Powder: NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate
An unflavored protein powder can be really versatile, especially if you don’t always want your protein powder in something sweet, like a shake. You can use unflavored protein powders in baked goods, shakes, and savory foods like soups, and have total control over the flavor. This one from NOW Sports is inexpensive and highly rated.
One serving (Unflavored) contains:
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 25 grams
- Fat: .5 grams
- Carbs: <1 gram
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Net carbs: <1 gram
Still, some reviewers say that the protein powder isn’t totally unflavored and that it can add an “off” taste when mixed into foods.
Price: $39.99 at NOW, $25.06 at Amazon
9. Most Affordable Low Carb Protein Powder: Animal Whey Isolate
Animal Whey Isolate is one of the most cost-effective protein powder options available. On Amazon, the cost breaks down to about $.89 per serving. It’s also available in several tasty flavors, including Brownie Batter and Frosted Cinnamon Bun.
One serving (Vanilla) contains:
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 25 grams
- Fat: 1.5 grams
- Carbs: 4 grams
- Fiber: 1 grams
- Net carbs: 3 grams
Still, this protein powder contains artificial sweeteners and flavors and several additives — so it may not be a good option if you’re looking for a product made with clean ingredients.
Price: $72.95 at Animal, $48.95 at Amazon
10. Best Low Carb Meal Replacement Powder: HLTHCode
If you’re looking for a true meal replacement, you need a powder that’s got more than just protein. HLTHCode was formulated with high-quality ingredients and designed as a keto-friendly meal replacement, so it’s high in calories, fat, protein, and fiber. It was developed by Benjamin Bikman, a well-known scientist and researcher in the keto world.
One serving (Chocolate Macadamia) contains:
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 27 grams
- Fat: 27 grams
- Carbs: 13 grams
- Fiber: 9 grams
- Net carbs: 4 grams
This meal replacement has great reviews, but some reviewers say it can be clumpy and difficult to mix. Because it’s a meal replacement and it’s made with high-quality ingredients, it’s also much more expensive than most protein powders.
Price: $59.95 at HLTHCode, $69.95 at Amazon
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11. Best Low Carb Protein Powder for Women: Designer Wellness Aria
Most protein powders aren’t for men or women, regardless of how they’re marketed. This one’s the same. It could be used by men or women, but it’s targeted to women and contains some extras that may be particularly beneficial for women — like nutrients for bone, hair, nail, and skin health. It’s also very affordable.
One serving (Vanilla Blossom) contains:
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 15 grams
- Fat: 1.5 grams
- Carbs: 5 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Net carbs: 2 grams
Still, it’s lower in protein than most other protein powders — providing just 15 grams per serving compared to the typical 25 grams.
Price: $31.99 at Designer Wellness, $29.95 at Amazon
12. Best Low Carb Plant Based Protein Powder: Form Performance Protein
Form’s Performance Protein is made from a blend of pea protein, brown rice protein, and pumpkin protein to provide an amino acid profile that’s comparable to animal-based protein powders. It also contains glutamine and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which may help promote muscle recovery after a tough workout (* , *).
One serving (Chocolate Peanut) contains:
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 30 grams
- Fat: 3 grams
- Carbs: 2 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Net carbs: 2 grams
However, Performance Protein is expensive — especially considering that one bag provides just 13 servings.
Price: $39 at Form, $39 at Amazon
13. Best Low Carb Protein Powder for Keto: Perfect Keto Keto Whey Protein
If you’re following a low-carb, high-fat keto diet, Perfect Keto (that’s us!) makes a protein powder that may be just what you’re looking for. It’s made with grass-fed whey and sweetened with stevia. It also contains medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, which may offer benefits for ketosis (*).
One serving (Chocolate) contains:
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 15 grams
- Fat: 4 grams
- Carbs: 3 grams
- Fiber: 1 grams
- Net carbs: 2 grams
This protein powder has got great reviews for taste, but it also contains less protein than most protein powders.
Price: $43.99 at Perfect Keto, $43.99 at Amazon
14. Best Low Carb Protein Powder with Fiber: Ritual Vegan Protein Powder
Ritual may be known for their eye-catching multivitamins, but they also make an impressive plant-based protein powder. With three grams of fiber, it can help you feel full and satisfied, and boasts 0 net carbs per serving.
One serving (Vanilla) contains:
- Calories: 115
- Protein: 20 grams
- Fat: 2 grams
- Carbs: 3 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Net carbs: 0 grams
However, this protein powder is expensive. If you already order Ritual vitamins, you can add it to your monthly bundle for a discount to save some money.
Price: $40 at Ritual, $44.50 at Amazon
15. Low Carb Protein Powder with the Best Flavors: Dymatize ISO 100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder
Want interesting flavors that aren’t offered by other protein powders? Then Dymatize ISO 100 is your ideal protein powder. In addition to standard protein powder flavors, it’s also available in flavors like Birthday Cake, Dunkin’ Cappuccino, and Fruity Pebbles.
One serving (Fruity Pebbles) contains:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 25 grams
- Fat: 1 grams
- Carbs: 2 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Net carbs: 2 grams
Still, these protein powders contain artificial ingredients — including artificial sweeteners, dyes, and flavors.
Price: $33.43 at Walmart, $33.43 at Amazon
16. Highly Rated Low Carb Protein Powder: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey
With over 130,000 Amazon reviews averaging 4.7 stars, this highly rated protein powder is also Amazon’s #1 best seller in the “Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Powders” category. Optimum Nutrition’s whey powder comes in several different flavors, too — including unique options like Chocolate Coconut, Chocolate Hazelnut, and Rocky Road.
One serving (Delicious Strawberry) contains:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 24 grams
- Fat: 1.5 grams
- Carbs: 3 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Net carbs: 3 grams
However, the powders are made with artificial flavors and artificial sweeteners. Some of the flavors contain artificial dyes as well.
Price: $85.99 at Optimum Nutrition, $85.99 at Amazon
17. Best Low Carb Collagen Protein Powder: Vital Performance Protein Powder
Collagen may offer health and beauty benefits for your bones, joints, and skin, but it’s not good as a standalone protein powder because it doesn’t contain all of the amino acids your body needs. Still, if you want to make sure you’re getting your collagen in along with all of the benefits of a complete protein (one that does contain all of the essential amino acids), this protein powder — containing collagen and milk protein isolate — is ideal (*).
One serving (Cold Brew Coffee) contains:
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 25 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbs: 6 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Net carbs: 6 grams
Although reviewers love the flavor, they say that these powders can be a little gritty.
Price: $29.99 at Vital Proteins, $28.90 at Amazon
Best Low Carb Protein Powder Packets: Ladder Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder
For on-the-go protein shakes (like at work or at the gym), individually portioned protein powder packets are convenient and mess-free. These from Ladder are also made with high quality whey from grass-fed cows, probiotics for gut health, and tart cherry for exercise recovery. They’re also naturally sweetened with stevia (*).
One serving (Vanilla) contains:
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 26 grams
- Fat: 0.5 grams
- Carbs: 4 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Net carbs: 2 grams
Still, these packs are expensive — over $2 per serving.
Price: $37.95 at Ladder, $39.95 at Amazon
Low Carb Protein Powder Shopping Guide
Here are some things to be mindful of as you’re shopping for protein powder.
Protein Type
Whey protein, a type of protein isolated from cow’s milk, is the most common and inexpensive type of protein powder. But, it’s not necessarily right for everyone. For example, if you follow a plant based diet or have a milk allergy, you’ll need to choose a different type of protein powder.
Some other common options include egg white protein, soy protein, pea protein, and brown rice protein.
Testing and Certifications
Protein powders are classified as dietary supplements. Although the supplement industry has a lot of regulations, most enforcement of these regulations is reactive rather than proactive — meaning that there’s no testing required before these products enter the market.
Third party testing and certifications are one way that supplement brands can show that their product is safe, pure, and honest. Some certifications you may be interested in are:
- NSF Certified for Sport: free of banned substances and safe for competitive sport
- Informed Sport: free of banned substances and safe for competitive sport
- Non-GMO Project Verified: free of genetically modified ingredients
- USDA Organic: meets USDA organic guidelines
- Certified Vegan: free of all animal products
- Certified Gluten Free: free of gluten
Carb Count
Carb count is another very important consideration. If you’re on keto, you may want to stick with protein powders that contain 3 grams of net carbs or less.
If you’re on a less strict low carb diet, you have more wiggle room and you may be able to choose a protein powder that’s a bit higher in carbs.
Ingredients
Finally, you’ll want to keep in mind ingredient quality.
Many protein powders contain artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors, along with other (often unnecessary) additives.
If you’re following a clean keto eating pattern, or trying to reduce how much processed food you’re consuming, here are a few tips to choose a protein powder:
- Look for a short ingredient list
- Choose grass-fed whey or casein (another milk protein), or organic plant-based proteins as your protein source
- Look for unflavored powders, or powders sweetened with organic stevia, monk fruit, or sugar
- Avoid artificial sweeteners (acesulfame potassium, sucralose), artificial flavors, and artificial colors (red 40, blue 2, yellow 6, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use protein powder on a low carb diet?
Yes. In fact, protein powder is a great choice if you’re trying to lose weight on a low carb diet. It can help you feel fuller and more satisfied, and may help preserve your muscle mass (x).
Do low carb protein shakes help you lose weight?
They can, as part of a nutrition and exercise routine that results in a calorie deficit — where you’re burning more calories than you’re consuming.
Which protein powder has the least carbs?
Two protein powders on our list contained zero net carbs: Isopure Zero Carb Protein (made from whey) and Ritual Essential Protein (made from pea protein).
The Bottom Line
There are several great low carb protein powders available — at many price points — with positive reviews and less than 6 grams of net carbs per serving.
Some other things you may want to consider when shopping for a protein powder are protein type (animal vs. plant-based), third-party testing and certifications, and ingredient quality.
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Any of the 18 choices above is a great option for a low carb protein powder, and if you’re on keto you may be interested in our Keto Whey.
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