Whey protein is a high-quality, complete protein derived from dairy[*].
It not only offers all of the essential amino acids your body needs each day to sustain and repair itself, but also has other health and fitness benefits as shown in scientific studies[*].
Most notably, research suggests whey protein may boost fat-burning, decrease cravings, speed metabolism, and support healthy fasting insulin and lipid levels[*][*][*][*].
All of those benefits mean that whey protein supplements can offer significant advantages for people looking to lose weight and stay healthy.
In this guide, you’ll learn all about the best whey protein brands, including nutrition facts, ingredients, benefits and drawbacks, and reviews from customers.
What are the 3 Types of Whey Protein?
The three types of whey protein powder are whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and whey protein hydrolysate (also called hydrolyzed whey protein)[*].
While all three types of whey protein come from milk (usually cow’s milk), they’re processed differently from one another, resulting in different properties[*].
Whey concentrate is the least processed or refined form of whey protein and it has more leftover lactose (milk sugar) and milk fat remaining[*].
As a result, it’s got less protein per serving (usually around 21 grams of protein per 28 gram serving). However, whey concentrate is usually the most economical whey protein because the manufacturing process is less costly.
Whey isolate is whey protein with as much lactose and milk fat removed as possible. This form of whey protein has more protein per serving (typically 25 grams of protein per 28 gram serving), but also tends to cost more than whey concentrate.
Finally, whey protein hydrolysate or hydrolyzed whey is the most processed form of whey protein[*]. It’s also the most expensive, because the extra processing costs more money for manufacturers.
The manufacturing process of hydrolyzed whey breaks protein molecules down into smaller molecules called dipeptides and tripeptides that are made up of fewer amino acids[*].
Whey hydrolysate may absorb slightly faster than other forms of whey, but that doesn’t necessarily make it better[*].
Most studies comparing whey protein hydrolysate to other forms find that it offers similar benefits without any measurable advantages[*][*].
The Top 8 Whey Protein Powders for Weight Loss
1. Best Overall Whey Protein: Perfect Keto Whey Protein Powder
Perfect Keto makes doctor-developed and science-backed low-carb products for weight loss, better health, and disease prevention.
Our founder and CEO, Dr. Anthony Gustin, started the company with the intention of creating the best possible products for his family, friends, and anyone who wants to get more out of the low-carb lifestyle.
Quick summary: Perfect Keto whey is formulated from the ground up for healthy low-carb diets and other weight loss diets. Starting with a base of whey isolate from grass-fed dairy, we added MCTs for focus and fullness along with other healthy ingredients and all-natural flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Per 1 scoop (approx. 24 g):
- Calories: 100 kcal
- Total fat: 4 g
- Saturated fat: 4 g
- Total carbohydrate: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- MCT: 5,000 mg
Ingredients:
- Whey Protein Isolate (Grass Fed)
- MCT Powder
- Natural Flavor
- Stevia Leaf Extract
- Gum Acacia
What customers are saying about Perfect Keto Whey Protein:
- “This is the first flavored protein powder I’ve liked. Blending half a scoop into a big cup of black coffee makes an incredible mocha. No other sweetener needed. Made up a recipe the other day that tasted like the inside of a Butterfinger bar. Addictive af, can’t make that one very often!”
- “Great taste! I bought this for smoothies to increase my protein intake and burn fat and it did not disappoint! No chalky aftertaste!”
- “I have been on protein shakes ‘prescribed’ by weight loss physicians and learned to acquire a taste for them. That was my initial expectation of this shake. This is my new favorite protein powder! It’s great as a traditional shake or as an ingredient in smoothies or other recipes.”
The best whey protein for weight loss is doctor-formulated, low-carb whey isolate. Perfect Keto Whey Protein is extremely low in carbs and lactose and includes MCT powder to boost fat-burning and fullness.
2. Best Whey Protein for Athletes: True Nutrition Elite Post Workout Formula
True Nutrition is a supplement company that specializes in bulk protein powder blends for athletes and bodybuilders.
Quick summary: True Nutrition’s Elite Post Workout Formula comes in men’s and women’s versions. Both contain a blend of whey protein and fast-acting carbs designed for athletes to refuel after activity to sustain performance for further training or competition.
Nutrition Facts
Per scoop:
Calories: 116 kcal
Total fat: 0 g
Total carbohydrate: 18 g
Total protein: 11 g
Ingredients:
- Highly branched cyclic dextrin
- Whey protein isolate
- Lecithin
What customers are saying about True Nutrition:
- “Excellent protein powder with a short ingredient list that anyone can understand.”
- “The smell of the powder is really nice and it blends and dissolves well. The flavor is really good.”
3. Best Budget-Friendly Whey Protein: Levels USA Whey Protein
Levels USA is a New Jersey–based company that specializes in protein supplements for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Quick summary: Levels Whey Protein is whey protein concentrate, which costs less due to being less processed than other forms of whey protein. This protein powder is grass-fed with no added sugars, artificial flavors, or sweeteners.
Nutrition Facts
Per 1 scoop (32 g), Pure Chocolate flavor:
- Total fat: 2.5 g
- Saturated fat: 1 g
- Total carbohydrate: 3 g
- Total sugars: 2 g (0 g added sugars)
- Protein: 24 g
Ingredients:
- Grass-Fed Whey Protein Concentrate
- Cacao Powder
- Non-GMO Sunflower Lecithin
- Monk Fruit Extract
- Stevia Leaf Extract
What customers are saying about Levels Whey Protein Concentrate:
- “We were looking for a grass-fed protein option and the price of this product can’t be beat. I love that it mixes easily and only uses natural sweeteners.”
- “Price is good for grass fed and nice that this is a concentrate. The powder mixes pretty well. Overall this is a good deal and I would buy again.”
4. Best Value Hydrolyzed Whey Protein: Muscle Feast Grass Fed Whey Hydrolysate
Muscle Feast is an Ohio-based family-run nutritional products company.
Quick summary: Studies show no added benefit to results from whey hydrolysate over other types of protein, but if you want to experiment for yourself, Muscle Feast is a value-priced option to consider.
Nutrition Facts
Per 1 level scoop (28 g):
- Calories: 114 kcal
- Total fat: 1.6 g
- Saturated fat: 0.8 g
- Total carbohydrate: 3 g
- Protein content: 23 g
Ingredients:
- Hydrolyzed whey protein
- Natural vanilla flavoring
- Stevia Reb A
What customers are saying about Muscle Feast:
- “The taste is not that great. I did not buy this product for taste but rather for increased digestibility and hopefully lack of digestive issues. So far after 7 days of daily usage I do notice zero bloating. For me, at 28g protein per scoop, this type of digestibility is very much appreciated.”
5. Best Whey Protein for Women: Pro Nutrition Labs “Her” Natural Whey Protein
Pro Nutrition Labs is a sports nutrition company that designs sports supplements, protein powder, and pre-workout powder for women.
Quick summary: Marketing aside, there’s really no such thing as whey protein specifically for women (or for men), but aside from the small amount of fructose, Her Natural Whey Protein is still a well-rounded choice for fat loss or recovery.
Nutrition Facts
Per 1 scoop (28.4 g):
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Total fat: 2 g
- Total carbohydrates: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
Ingredients:
- Microfiltered whey protein concentrate
- Whey protein isolate
- Whey peptides
- Skim milk
- Natural flavors
- Fructose
- Xanthan gum
- Stevia
What customers are saying about Pro Nutrition Labs:
- “It mixed quickly and easily leaving a smooth texture with no lumps. I also like the fact that this protein also includes amino acids.”
- “This protein (along with added glutamine) has really cut down on my soreness and rest time needed.”
6. Best Whey Protein for Food Allergies: Nutrecelle Nutralean Whey Protein
After former bariatric patient Melanie Wildman had weight loss surgery, she learned her son had a life-threatening nut allergy. This turn of events inspired her to found a protein company focused on healthy weight loss and 100% nut-free, allergen-free, allergy-safe protein.
Quick summary: Nutracelle Nutrelean caters to the needs of people with severe food allergies who can’t afford to risk exposure to allergens including cereals (it’s also gluten-free), shellfish, eggs, fish, peanuts, soybeans, tree nuts, celery, mustard, sesame seeds, sulphur and sulphites, and lupin.
Nutrition Facts
Per scoop (26 g) unflavored:
- Calories: 85 kcal
- Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrate: 5 g (1 g net carbs)
- Fiber: 4 grams of fiber
- Sugars: 1 g
- Protein: 17 g
Ingredients:
- Whey protein concentrate
- Whey protein isolate
- Acacia gum fiber
- Guar gum
- Xanthan gum
What customers are saying about Nutralean Whey Protein:
- “I’m allergic to tree nuts (anaphylaxis) and I have always struggled to find a protein powder or shake product that does not contain nuts, say “may contain nuts”, and/or is not made in the same facility as nuts. I’m so glad I found nutracelle!”
7. Best Organic Whey Protein: Raw Organic Whey Unflavored
Raw Organic Whey is a division of Performance Inspired Nutrition. According to their website, they ensure strict organic pasture standards through a monitoring process.
Quick summary: Raw Organic Whey is enzymatically cold-processed without acid to ensure the antioxidants and protein molecules remain intact. This flagship grass-fed whey concentrate product only has a single ingredient. However, it’s considerably more expensive than the others listed in this guide.
Nutrition Facts
Per 5 tbsp (25 g):
- Calories: 97.5 kcal
- Total fat: 1 g
- Saturated fat: 1 g
- Total carbohydrate: 2 g
- Sugars: 2 g
- Protein: 21 g
Ingredients:
- Organic whey protein concentrate
What customers are saying about Raw Organic Whey Concentrate:
- “Great product. Good taste, good mixability and no additives. There is another brand that is slightly less expensive but it has added soy lecithin.”
- “Takes the post workout edge off very well. Great flavor & thickening in shakes. Plain, it has a clean astronaut ice-cream type taste with a clear note of cheese. Little to no bitter. This tells me it is likely well- made, not scorched in drying, and really from cheese whey”
8. Best Vegan Protein (Whey Alternative): Neat Nutrition Plant Protein
Neat Nutrition was founded in the UK by two former professional swimmers. They offer a complete line of plant-based nutritional supplements geared toward vegans.
Quick summary: Although no plant-based protein can rival the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and overall amino acid content of whey[*], this vegan whey alternative contains a blend of pea protein and hemp protein to achieve a complete and balanced amino acid profile.
Neat Nutrition also contains a large amount of protein per serving. And unlike many plant-based proteins, it doesn’t contain soy protein.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving:
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Total fat: 2 g
- Saturated fat: 0 g
- Total carbohydrate: 3 g
- Dietary fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
Ingredients:
- Pea protein isolate
- Hemp protein
- Natural flavors
- Xanthan gum
- Thaumatin NB
- Chocolate (contains cocoa)
What customers are saying about Neat Nutrition:
- “I have bought Neat products for a number of years and have always been really pleased with them. Having recently switched to their vegan protein I have been impressed with the flavour and the ease of mix – I have heard about some vegan proteins being clumpy and having a poor taste, but this is not the case with Neat’s product.”
- “I wanted a high quality product that had no flavouring so I could add to smoothies and juices. This is my favourite as it doesnt leave a weird chalky aftertaste.”
Conclusion: How to Choose the Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss
Whey protein is an excellent weight loss supplement because of its fat-burning, satiety, and other metabolism-boosting benefits.
Along with helping you shed unwanted pounds and support lean muscle, whey protein is also good for you — but only if you choose from trusted brands that prioritize customers’ health and don’t cut corners.
If you’re in the market for the highest quality protein, look for grass-fed whey that has a simple ingredients list with zero sugar, no fillers or synthetic chemicals, and little to no lactose or other carbs.
Perfect Keto Whey Protein is the only whey isolate with doctor-formulated ingredients that are proven to support healthy weight loss. Like all our products, Keto Whey Protein is extremely low in carbs, supported by the best science, and backed by our 30-day risk-free quality guarantee.