Looking for the best protein shake for losing weight? We've tried and tested a selection of the best powders from both UK and US markets to discover which ones offer the highest protein to lowest calorie ratio, ideal for maintaining that all-important calorie deficit. Show
Protein is one of the body's most vital macronutrients. It's essential for muscle growth, repair, and maintenance. It helps keep our metabolism working hard and as it's also one of the most filling nutrients, a high-protein diet is likely to keep us fuller for longer and less likely to snack between meals. A real game-changer for anyone looking to lose weight. Simply by maintaining adequate protein levels, you can help your body hold on to muscle mass and help ensure healthy, sustainable weight loss. But finding the best protein powders for weight loss can be tricky, with so many out there to choose from. Here, we've taste-tested and reviewed various protein shakes for weight loss depending on how well they would fit into a weight loss program, so you can make the best choice for your goals. How we tested the best protein shake for losing weightWhy you can trust Woman & Home Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test. There are a range of protein shakes that can help us with weight loss out there but what exactly should you be looking for in a product? "Most protein shakes contain around 80% protein, are high in essential amino acids, and low in calories," says Alex Glover (opens in new tab), senior nutritionist at Holland & Barrett. "Diet whey is a good choice for those cutting calories and products containing whey, soy, and milk proteins can help you feel fuller for longer. Vegan protein shakes are now also widely available and tend to be made from soy or pea protein, both of which still contain plenty of essential amino acids for building muscle." To find the best protein shake for losing weight, we assessed a number of different factors including:
Best protein shake for weight lossBest protein shake for weight loss UK (Image credit: Decathlon) 1. Decathlon Isolate Whey ProteinThe overall best protein shake for losing weight SpecificationsCalories per serving : 118 Protein per serving: 24g Protein type: Whey isolate Sizes available: 900g RRP: $30.32 / £22.99 Today's Best Deals VIEW AT DECATHALON (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy+ Mild taste Low fat and low sugar High-protein amount per serving Reasons to avoid- Unsuitable for vegans or lactose-intolerant people You might associate Decathlon better with sports equipment, but the brand also does a great range of protein powders. Our testers tried the Isolate Whey Protein from the range, and were pleasantly surprised at how high-quality the powder was for just $30.32 / £22.99. Many protein shakes have an overpowering taste of protein, however, this shake had a mild (but still chocolatey) flavor when blended with nut or oat milk. This also makes it a great choice for anyone on a diet who is also trying to cut back on sugar. It was a bit of an issue when we wanted to blend the powder with just water, as some of this powdery flavour came through. But it wasn't unpleasant at all and its mild taste means you could add it to smoothies, and even make your own high protein ice cream, without the risk of making it too sickly. In terms of ingredients, the shake uses grass-fed whey and is low sugar, with just 3g per serving. It also has a high amount of protein (24g) per serving when compared to some of the other best protein shakes for weight loss, making it ideal for those who want to keep their protein intake high while keeping their carbohydrates and sugars down. Our testers agreed that for the price and quality of ingredients, you can't really go too wrong with this one if you're wanting to lose weight. (Image credit: Bulk) 2. Bulk Gourmet Vegan ProteinBest vegan protein shake for weight loss SpecificationsCalories per serving: 128 Protein per serving: 23g Protein type: Pea protein isolate, sunflower protein, chickpea protein Sizes available: 700g RRP: £26.99 Today's Best Deals View at Bulk (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy+ Three delicious flavors Easy digestion Blends well with both water and milk Reasons to avoid- Only available in one size When it comes to vegan protein, Bulk is up there with the best. One of the latest additions to the range, Gourmet Vegan Protein is made up of three premium types of vegan protein - including sunflower and pea protein - and available in chocolate, strawberry, and caramel. It's also only 128 calories with 23g of protein per serving. Much like Decathalon's whey isolate, this shake avoids the powdery pitfall that many don't. Not only does the powder blend well with both water and milk, there's no chalk-like aftertaste and it goes down easily. The flavor is solid too, as even when combined with just water, it tastes exactly like a milkshake of the same flavoring and offers that sweet kick without the calories. Bulk's Gourmet Protein also feels easier on the stomach than some of the other powders on our list, which studies by the University of Limerick (opens in new tab) would suggest, is down to the triple combination of vegan protein rather than animal-based protein sources. At £26.99, it's certainly one of the more expensive options on our list but we think it's worth the price if your budget can stretch, thanks to the delicious flavors and easy digestion. If not, the brand offers plenty of alternatives worth checking out too - like the traditional Vegan Protein Powder (opens in new tab) at £17.99, or the standard Pea Protein Isolate (opens in new tab) at just under £10 for 500g. (Image credit: Innermost) 3. Innermost The Strong ProteinThe best muscle-building protein shake for losing weight SpecificationsCalories per serving: 147 Protein per serving: 34g Protein type: Whey Concentrate, Whey Isolate, Casein Sizes available: 600g or sample size, 3 x 40g RRP: £29.95 / $44.95 Today's Best Deals VIEW AT INNERMOST (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy+ Highest in protein Contains creatine, another muscle-building ingredient Reasons to avoid- Limited flavors available Losing weight while gaining muscle is a delicate balance: you need to eat enough to fuel the muscles but go over your calorie deficit and you'll stop losing weight. Enter the best protein powder for growing muscle, Innermost's The Strong Protein. Naturally you'll have to combine this powder with enough strength training and exercise to put the muscles under strain but at 34g of protein per serving, this is one of the highest protein shakes on our list with relatively low calories at just 147 per serving. It also contains creatine, a substance naturally found in the muscle cells that many studies - including one from Arak University (opens in new tab) - prove helps with growth. While we didn't test the shakes long enough to determine if it made any substantial change to our muscle mass level, this was certainly one of the shakes that kept us fullest for the longest post-workout. It's made up of two different types of whey protein and casein, another type of protein that's slower to digest than the other two. So while this probably isn't the protein to go for if your stomach is particularly sensitive to protein powder, as our tester found they were a little bloated after drinking the shake, for most people it will likely be perfectly fine. Blend with water or milk, whatever you prefer, our testers found similar results. (Image credit: Protein Works) 4. Protein Works Diet Meal Replacement ExtremeThe best filling protein shake for losing weight SpecificationsCalories per serving: 214 Protein per serving: 24g Protein type: Blend of Soy and Casein Protein Sizes available: 500g, 1kg, 2kg, 4kg RRP: $16.49 / £12.50 Today's Best Deals VIEW AT AMAZON (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy+ Filling High protein Reasons to avoid- Powdery aftertaste Protein shakes are often best taken in conjunction with a healthy diet, however, many people use meal replacement shakes if they're short on time, or don't get enough protein at every meal. The Protein Works Diet Meal Replacement Extreme is high in protein (coming in at 24g per serving) and packed full of vitamins and minerals. The idea of the shake is to help you lose weight, maintain muscle mass and also help keep hunger at bay. This was a higher-calorie shake than some of the others we tested, coming in 214 calories per serving, however, as this is meant to replace either your breakfast or lunch, it's only natural that the calories would be a little higher to keep you satiated. Experts advise caution when using meal replacement shakes as a weight-loss tool, as many don't contain the micronutrients and fiber that our bodies need. However, as a short-term solution, they can be effective for weight loss. Our testers did notice that the 500g packet was a little small (especially as you'd be wanting to drink this at least once a day), so if you do like this protein, then size up to one of the bigger bags available. (Image credit: PE) 5. PE Nutrition Performance LeanThe best low fat protein shake for losing weight SpecificationsCalories per serving: 98 Protein per serving: 12g Protein type: Protein Isolate Sizes available: 900g RRP: $26.38 / £20 Today's Best Deals VIEW AT HOLLAND AND BARRETT (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy+ Blends well Low in fat and sugar Added prebiotics Reasons to avoid- Low amount of protein per serving This was undoubtedly the best protein shake for losing weight for those on a low fat diet, or looking to cut back on their fat intake. The lean vanilla shake from PE is formulated with green tea extract and prebiotics, so the ingredients in this shake were a huge added bonus. Testers commented that they didn't feel bloated after consuming this shake and that it blended perfectly with zero lumps. PE also comes recommended by the experts. "PE Nutrition offers a variety of different products for those wanting to reach their goals, from Simply Whey, to Performance Gainer and Performance Lean, which can people on their journey to lose weight and tone up," says Glover. "Opting for this lean protein means that you can maintain muscle while losing weight." With only 98 calories and 1.7g of sugar per serving, it scored well in our testing, however, one point of concern was the lack of protein per serving. In fact, this shake scored lower than most of the other protein shakes did, coming in at only 12g per serving. Also, compared to other brands, there aren't as many variations in flavor available. PE only stocks Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry, which could put people off from investing in the brand. (Image credit: Form) 6. Form PeakblendThe best low-sugar protein shake for losing weight SpecificationsCalories per serving: 177 Protein per serving: 17g Protein type: Pea Protein Sizes available: 1.3kg RRP: $65 / £49 Today's Best Deals VIEW AT FORM NUTRITION (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy+ Compostable pack No artificial flavors or sweeteners Plant-based option Reasons to avoid- More expensive than other brands Form provides many different protein options depending on your goals, but if you're wanting to lose weight, then their Peakblend Vegan Meal Replacement can be a good option. This nutritionally complete protein is high in protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, containing 26 vitamins and minerals, as well as other natural ingredients to support gut health and immunity. Testers agreed that this was a great low sugar protein shake to help people reach their weight loss goals. Even though the calories per serving were a little higher, this shake provides a meal replacement option, so the extra calories will keep you fuller for longer. Of course, with any low sugar product, it does take a little while for your tastebuds to adjust to the change in sweetness – but that's not to say that this shake is unpleasant. The only negative our testers could find was the price. At £49 for a 1.6kg bag, it was the priciest protein powder that we tried, but Form's attention to detail with formula and packaging comes through. (Image credit: Bulk) 7. Bulk Pure Whey IsolateThe best flavored protein shake for losing weight SpecificationsCalories per serving: 108 Protein per serving : 24g Protein type: Whey Protein Isolate Sizes available: 500g, 1kg, 2.5kg and 5kg RRP: $26 / £19.44 Today's Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy+ Different size options available Good variety of flavors Reasons to avoid- Slightly higher in sugars Can become frothy For those not interested in vegan protein, Bulk has another great pick at a low calorie point. We opted to try the Pure Whey Isolate Powder for review, which comes in at 108 calories per serving and contains 24g of protein per serving. Testers enjoyed the consistency of this shake, as it dissolved well with milk and water, and the taste was neither too overpowering nor underwhelming. Our testers did point out that the shake was a little frothy, but some people like this, so that is very much down to personal preference. In terms of taste, this shake scored highest out of all the protein shakes we tried and the good news is that it comes in a variety of different flavors, meaning if you get bored with one then there are plenty of others to choose from. (Image credit: Holland & Barrett) 8. PhD Diet WheyThe best budget protein shake for losing weight SpecificationsCalories per serving: 91 Protein per serving : 17g Protein type: Whey and Soya Protein Sizes available: 500g, 1kg, 2kg RRP: $12 / £8.99 Today's Best Deals VIEW AT HOLLAND AND BARRETT (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy+ Affordable price Pleasant taste Reasons to avoid- Only 17g of protein per serving Another well-established protein brand in the fitness industry is PhD. PhD offers a high-protein lean matrix option for those looking to lose weight and tone up. Like PE nutrition, it combines protein with fat-burning ingredients such as l-carnitine, CLA and green tea to help people meet their weight loss goals. Our testers had high hopes for this protein but felt it didn't blend as well as some of the other powders and shakes we tried. Also, the flavor was a little too sweet, leaning towards sickly at times. Nutritionally, it's still low in sugar (under 3g), but it does contain only 17g of protein per serving, which our testers found a little disappointing. Overall, this is a great budget option if you're looking for the best protein shake for weight loss, but we'd recommend sticking to shakes with a high amount of protein per serving to keep you fuller for longer and to help you retain muscle mass. Best protein shake for weight loss US(Image credit: Optimum Nutrition) 1. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein PowderBest protein shake for losing weight US SpecificationsCalories per serving: 110 calories Protein per serving: 24g Protein type: Whey protein and hydrolyzed isolate Sizes available: 2 - 10lb RRP: $35 Today's Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Tesco Stores - Groceries (opens in new tab) View at Boots.com (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy+ Smooth taste Higher amount of protein per serving Blends well with different milks and water Lots of flavors to choose from Reasons to avoid- Flavor not as palatable as other powders on the list Optimum Nutrition's Gold Standard is one of our overall favorites when it comes to protein powders and it's ideal especially for those who are trying to lose weight as it contains two different types of protein: whey and hydrolyzed isolate. This not only means it's super digestible, but there's more protein per serving that some of the other picks on our list - and only 110 calories per serving. This shake blends relatively well in a standard shaker but it can retain some lumps, especially when blended with water. If you like shakes smooth then we recommend using plant or cow's milk and blending your protein mixture before drinking, rather than just shaking. We went for the French Vanilla flavor for testing purposes, but I've tried the Chocolate Malt before as well. In this case, the vanilla was quite artificial in flavor and overpowering - so much that we took the advice of some reviewers online and tried blending it with coffee. Delicious! The Chocolate Malt is a more laid-back flavor with a biscuity edge to it. (Image credit: Premier Protein) 2. Premier Protein Whey PowderBest protein shake for added caffeine SpecificationsProtein per serving: 30g Calories per serving: 150 calories Protein type: Whey Sizes available: 1.75 lb RRP: $20.89 Today's Best Deals VIEW AT AMAZON (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy+ More protein in grams per serving Blends easily Unique coffee flavor Reasons to avoid- Package may arrive in different sizes Only three sizes to choose from It's pretty uncommon for protein powder to offer additional extras, after all, it often just does what it says on the tin. If you're a coffee lover and want a shake pre-workout, this Premier Protein powder in Café Latte flavor is the one to go for. Along with a good 30g of protein per serving, which is higher than many of the other picks on our list, there's an impressive 95mg of caffeine per serving as well. That's a little more caffeine than a can of Red Bull. I tried this protein powder with normal milk, plant milk, and water, and found that almond milk was the best out of the bunch as it blended smoothly and created a rich, creamy texture. The water combination didn't do much to enhance the flavor and there were some lumps left at the bottom of the shaker. You could also try oat milk for an even thicker and creamier texture. (Image credit: MyProtein) 3. MyProtein Clear Whey IsolateThe best non-milk based protein shake for losing weight SpecificationsCalories per serving: 89 Protein per serving : 20g Protein type: Hydrolysate Sizes available: 522g or 1.6kg RRP: $35.59 / £26.99 Today's Best Deals VIEW AT MYPROTEIN (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy+ Great for people who don't like milky shakes Easy to prepare Lowest in calories Reasons to avoid- Sugary compared to other shakes Many people find milky protein powder difficult to stomach. One of the great benefits of protein powder is that it can come in many different forms. So for those people, the Clear Whey Isolate from MyProtein is a great alternative. Available in a range of alternative fruity flavors that don’t follow the traditional route of protein powder, such as Orange Mango, Peach Tea, Bitter Lemon, and Watermelon, this shake makes a nice change from the usual types of protein powders. Testers liked this protein powder for its squash-like drinkability and how tasty it was with just water. In terms of weight loss, this protein powder scored extra points for being a whey isolate protein and at 90 calories a serving, it's great for people looking to up their protein intake while keeping their daily calorie count low. However, there are a lot of artificial flavors and sweeteners in this shake, so best to avoid this shake if you want to try and cut down on sugar in your diet. (Image credit: Misfits) 4. Misfits Protein PowderThe best sweet protein shake for losing weight SpecificationsCalories per serving: 113 Protein per serving: 20g Protein type: Pea Protein, Organic Sunflower Protein Sizes available: 500g RRP: $28 / £20 Today's Best Deals VIEW AT AMAZON (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy+ Natural ingredients, including sweeteners Variety of flavors Reasons to avoid- Can become sickly after a while If you have a sweet tooth, one of the hardest things about losing weight is often having to moderate your intake of chocolate, biscuits and other 3pm-snack essentials, which is why we had to include a sweet protein powder on our list. Misfits Vegan Protein Powder comes in three flavors: Chocolate, Salted Caramel, Cookies & Cream, and Vanilla. While it's lower in grams than many of the other protein powders on our list, if a sweet treat is what you're after, then Misfits certainly delivers. While many sweet protein powders taste artificial, this one really doesn't - probably because it's made of all natural ingredients. Testers particularly loved the cookies & cream flavor of this protein powder as it was sweet at the first taste but had a moreish biscuit finish. They also found it blended well with different types of milk and as it's a plant-based protein, it was easily digestible even when drunk after a meal. For those learning how to stop eating chocolate as part of their weight loss journey, this is the best protein shake for having the best of both worlds. One note would be that this protein powder can get a little sickly after a while. We found it's best prepared with a sugar-free alternative milk like almond or oat and served in a short glass rather than as a long shake. If you find it's too much, Misfits Vegan Protein Powder is also available in bar form as one of the best high protein snacks to enjoy. (Image credit: Holland & Barrett) 5. Pulsin Pea Protein PowderThe best unflavored protein shake for losing weight SpecificationsCalories per serving : 41 Protein per serving: 8g Protein type: Pea Protein Sizes available: 250g RRP: $20.71 Today's Best Deals VIEW AT AMAZON (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy+ Vegan option No added ingredients Good for adding to smoothies and bakes Reasons to avoid- Low in protein compared to other brands Unflavored protein powders aren't to everyone's taste, but they can be great for adding to smoothies, yogurts, and bakes, because they take on the flavor of whatever you choose to pair it with. Testers loved the minimal ingredients in this powder (it only contains pea protein) and noticed that following the taste test, they experienced very minimal bloating – a good sign that your body is digesting the protein well. If you're looking to eliminate sugar and artificial sweeteners from your diet, then this is a great option for you, as it contains no more than 0.1g of sugar per serving. However, it doesn't pack as much protein as some of the other brands, with each serving only containing a measly 8g of protein. Testers agreed that while this is a great plant-based, unflavored option, it might not help you reach your weight loss goals, unless you add a few servings to your daily meals. Do protein shakes help with weight loss?If you're looking to lose fat, then protein shakes can definitely help you along your journey. "As well as helping with fat loss, protein supplementation can help you retain your lean muscle," says nutritionist Glover, "This makes it an effective, easy, and scientifically-proven way to help with sustainable weight loss." Protein is more satiating than fat and carbs, as it takes longer to digest than carbohydrates, which helps us feel full. This results in fewer cravings and reduced snacking. "What’s more, digesting protein burns more calories than digesting carbohydrates, meaning that eating more protein will increase metabolic rate; meaning you burn more calories at rest," he adds. Of course, protein powder isn’t a magic weight loss powder. If you want to lose weight, you'll need to make sure you're in a calorie deficit. This is when you burn more calories than you eat every day, and it's normally achieved through a combination of diet changes and exercise. Even if you add the best protein shake for losing weight to your daily diet, you won’t lose weight overnight, but it is one of the best foods if you're wondering what to snack on when dieting. Are protein shakes good for women?Yes, protein shakes can be just as beneficial for women as men. As protein is our source of amino acids (the building blocks that our body needs to repair and renew muscle, hair, and skin cells) and is responsible for building brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that support mood and sleep, it's important that we get enough in our diet. Here, our experts why this food group is key for both genders: "Men and women do carry weight differently, however when it comes to weight loss, the same rules apply for both genders," says Glover. "Some protein powders are marketed more towards women and avoid words like ‘muscle’ to dispel the myth that protein powder makes you pack on bulk. However, the formulas are generally the same, save the occasional addition of vitamins and minerals associated with women’s health are added to the protein, such as folic acid, vitamin B6 and iron." Which Protein shakes are best for weight loss?Our picks of the best protein powders for weight loss. Best overall: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey.. Best for men: Muscle Milk Genuine Protein Powder.. Best for women: Naked Whey.. Best for competitive athletes: Muscle Milk 100% Whey.. Best meal-replacement protein powder: GNC Lean Shake 25.. Can protein shakes help you lose belly fat?Getting enough protein may support healthy metabolism and reduce your appetite. It may also help you lose body fat without losing muscle. Protein shakes are a convenient way to add more protein to your diet and have even been shown to aid weight loss.
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Protein shakes to make you lose weight
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