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The 15 Best Keto-Friendly And Low-Carb Protein Powders, According To Nutritionists

There are no sneaky carbs in these.

By The Editors of Women’s Health
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Taia Leituala

The keto diet emphasizes low carb and high fat, but you don't want to forget that protein is also an important part of the lifestyle. Ideally, you'll want this macronutrient to make up 20 percent of your daily calories. One easy way to do that is by supplementing your diet with a keto protein powder.

There are a few kinds of protein you can choose from, including whey, casein, whole-egg, beef protein, and collagen protein, according to Tammy Lakatos Shames, RDN, one half of the Nutrition Twins. You'll want to avoid egg-white protein because it lacks fat, which is vital to the keto diet, she adds.

Another word you want to keep an eye out for on the label is "grass-fed," which basically means it's a beef protein and the cows have been fed a grass diet. "The composition of the meat from that cow is going to be a healthier composition of fats," explains nutritionist Lauren Weiss, PhD, the owner of La Jolla Nutrition Health. You'll also want to pick a product without a ton of added sugar since that can take you out of ketosis.

Our Top Picks

  • 1
    Keto Collagen Protein Powder with MCT Oil

    Sweetest Keto Powder

    Preferred Elements Keto Collagen Protein Powder with MCT Oil

    $32 at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    Collagen Keto Shake

    Best For Shakes

    Ketologie Collagen Keto Shake

    Read more
  • 3
    Warrior Blend

    Best Organic

    Warrior Blend

    Read more
  • 4
    Sport Premium Protein

    Best For Vegans

    Sport Premium Protein

    Read more
  • 5
    Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides Powder

    Best For Overall Wellness

    Garden of Life Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides Powder

    Read more

Note that not everyone needs a protein powder—you should try to get most of your protein from whole natural foods and only add one to your routine if you don't get enough from your diet, Weiss says. One example is vegans or vegetarians who're considering trying the keto lifestyle. Some plant-based sources of protein like lentils are high in carbs, so adding a keto protein shake to your routine is an easy way to hit your macro goals. (Though, there are still plenty of keto vegetarian recipes you can try if you prefer getting your fill the organic way!)

If you think a protein powder is right for you, these 16 keto protein powders recommended by nutritionists will do just the trick.

Meet the experts: Tammy Lakatos Shames, RDN, is a nutritionist and owner of the Nutrition Twins. Lauren Weiss, PhD, is a nutritionist and the owner of La Jolla Nutrition Health.

1
Sweetest Keto Powder

Preferred Elements Keto Collagen Protein Powder with MCT Oil

Keto Collagen Protein Powder with MCT Oil
1
Sweetest Keto Powder

Preferred Elements Keto Collagen Protein Powder with MCT Oil

$32 at Amazon
Pros
  • Grass-fed protein
  • Dairy-free
Cons
  • Doesn't mix well in water
  • Contains stevia

With flavors like chocolate, salted caramel, and vanilla, this protein powder is made with ingredients like MCT oil, electrolytes, and collagen protein. (And FYI, collagen is a great source of keto-approved protein, Shames says.)

And a quick PSA: With over 6,000 positive reviews on Amazon, users are totally obsessed with the product. "I absolutely LOVE this chocolate collagen powder," writes one reviewer. "Doesn't taste salty like other MCT products I've tried. I mix one full scoop with my hot coffee in the morning, I whisk it well and add a splash of heavy cream." Yep, sounds delicious.

Per serving (1 scoop): 80 calories, 4 g fat (3.5 g saturated), 2 g carbs, 0 g sugar, <1 g fiber, 10 g protein

Servings per container20
Protein sourceCollagen
Protein per serving10 g
Artificial sweetenerNone
2
Best For Shakes

Ketologie Collagen Keto Shake

Collagen Keto Shake
2
Best For Shakes

Ketologie Collagen Keto Shake

Now 42% Off
Pros
  • Zero added sugar
  • No strange aftertaste
  • Grass-fed protein
Cons
  • Pricier than other options

With ingredients like stevia, collagen peptides, coconut oil, and sea salt, this low-carb keto protein powder is the perfect addition to your at-home shake situation. (Plus, it comes in yummy flavors like strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla.) This powder does pack some carbs—but only 15 grams per serving.

And this protein powder is totally delicious. "Over the years I've experimented with many protein powders and this is by far my favorite. Smooth, creamy, clean, no strange aftertaste. Mixes well with any liquid I use. Neither clumpy nor chalky. Just a good, basic , clean, powder," says one reviewer.

Per serving (2 scoops): 300 calories, 25 g fat (23 g saturated), 15 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 7 g fiber, 14 g protein

Servings per container18
Protein sourceCollagen
Protein per serving15 g
Artificial sweetenerNone
3
Best Organic

Warrior Blend

Warrior Blend
3
Best Organic

Warrior Blend

Now 10% Off
Pros
  • Vegan
  • Soy- and gluten-free
  • USDA organic certified
Cons
  • May not taste as good as other brands
  • Contains stevia

This protein powder contains a blend of pea and hemp seed protein. It also packs MCT oil from coconuts, which officially makes it keto-approved, per nutritionist Randall Evans, RDN. One satisfied reviewer notes, "Have been keto almost a year and this is one of my favorite keto products and definitely the best tasting protein shake."

Per serving (1 scoop): 100 calories, 2 g fat (0.5 g saturated), 2 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 1 g fiber, 18 g protein

Servings per container30
Protein sourcePea and hemp seed
Protein per serving17 g
Artificial sweetenerNone
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Pros
  • NSF certified for sport
  • Vegan
  • Gluten-free
  • Contains probiotics
Cons
  • Weak taste
  • Contains stevia

Another great option for keto diet vegans, this plant-based protein powder made from pea protein, organic pumpkin seed protein, organic sunflower seed, and alfalfa. Our sources recommend adding a little coconut oil to your shake up the fats. “I appreciate that there are no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners,” Maggie Moon, RD, previously told WH.

"This is the first time I am able to drink a protein shake just mixed into my almond milk. I usually cannot stand the flavor and the grit and need to blend it into a smoothie. I am happy to have something a little easier to grab and go now!" one reviewer says.

Per serving (1 scoop): 160 calories, 3 g fat (0 g saturated), 4 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 410 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 30 g protein

Servings per container20
Protein sourcePea and pumpkin seed
Protein per serving30 g
Artificial sweetenerNone
5
Best For Overall Wellness

Garden of Life Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides Powder

Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides Powder
5
Best For Overall Wellness

Garden of Life Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides Powder

Pros
  • Zero carbs
  • Third party-tested
  • Gluten-free
Cons
  • Doesn't dissolve well in liquid
  • Unflavored

If you're looking for a simple protein powder, this is it. It contains only what's advertised on the label—collagen and probiotics, which are great for your gut health. Reviewers love that the powder truly aides overall health and can be easily added to any diet. "After using this collagen powder for a few weeks, I've already noticed a difference in the health and appearance of my hair, skin, and nails," a satisfied customer writes.

Per serving (1 scoop): 70 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated), 0 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 100 mg sodium, 0 g fiber, 18 g protein

Servings per container28
Protein sourceCollagen
Protein per serving18 g
Artificial sweetenerNone
6
Best Natural

Organic Chocolate Protein Powder

Organic Chocolate Protein Powder
6
Best Natural

Organic Chocolate Protein Powder

Pros
  • No added sugars or artificial flavoring
  • Plant-based
  • Made with whole foods
Cons
  • May not be good for sensitive stomachs

Shames loves that this vegan protein powder is organic. It's made with pea protein, sprouted rice, and a whole host of other good-for-you organic ingredients like kale, apple, broccoli, and quinoa. It also has just five grams of net carbs, which is totally doable on the keto diet.

Reviewers can't get enough of this product too. "Buy it all the time. I love protein powder as it mixes well. No lumps. Taste great. Mixes thick fruit smoothies with water instead of milk," one happy user says.

Per serving (2 scoops): 120 calories, 2.5 g fat (0 g sat), 7 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 250 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 21 g protein.

Servings per container20
Protein sourcePea and rice
Protein per serving21 g
Artificial sweetenerNone
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7
Best Unflavored

Collagen Peptides

On Sale
Collagen Peptides
7
Best Unflavored

Collagen Peptides

Now 11% Off
Pros
  • Includes hyaluronic acid and vitamin C
  • Easy to mix into foods and drinks
Cons
  • Pricey

When it comes to protein powders, “no taste” can be a rave review. Vital Protein Collagen Peptides has only one ingredient—collagen—and it tastes like, well, nothing.

It also dissolves easily, says Pegah Jalali, RD, of Middleberg Nutrition, which means it's easy to add to coffee, tea, soup, or smoothies.

"Great way to add collagen and protein to morning coffee. Dissolves really well in hot beverages, no after taste and does not change consistency of beverage," one reviewer writes.

Per serving (2 scoops): 70 cal, 110 mg sodium, 18 g protein.

Servings per container28
Protein sourceCollagen
Protein per serving18 g
Artificial flavorsNone
8
Best For Baking

Paleo Thin Egg White Protein Chocolate

Egg White Protein Chocolate
8
Best For Baking

Paleo Thin Egg White Protein Chocolate

Pros
  • Great taste
  • No stevia
  • Gluten-free
Cons
  • Contains dairy
  • Pricey

This powder is the perfect addition to treats: You can add it to a smoothie or use it as an ingredient when you’re baking. “It’s sweet and chocolatey,” says Lyssie Lakatos, RD, the other half of the Nutrition Twins. It's also free from gluten, soy, antibiotics, and hormones, and made from grass-fed cows.

Per serving (1 scoops): 120 calories, 1 g fat (.5 g sat), 5 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 305 mg sodium, 0 g fiber, 21 g protein.

Servings per container30
Protein sourceEgg white
Protein per serving21 g
Artificial sweetenerNone
9
Best With Water

Ancient Nutrition Keto Protein

Keto Protein
9
Best With Water

Ancient Nutrition Keto Protein

Now 15% Off
Pros
  • Includes superfoods like turmeric and ginger
  • Sourced from non-GMO chickens
Cons
  • May taste bland
  • Contains stevia

This protein powder is ideal for mixing into liquids, from plain ol’ water to coffee, tea, or almond milk. “Each serving also has five grams of MCT oil powder, which helps to include a source of fat for staying in ketosis,” notes Shames.

"We like the taste of the Vanilla Keto Protein powder. It's easy to blend in smoothies. You can add some fruit or greens or both for extra nutrition and fiber," one buyer writes.

Per serving (1 scoop): 70 cal, 3 g fat (3 g sat), 13 g protein.

Servings per container17
Protein sourceChicken bone broth
Protein per serving18 g
Artificial sweetenerNone
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10
Best Grass-Fed Protein

Legion Whey+ Cookies & Cream Protein Powder

Whey+ Cookies & Cream Protein Powder
10
Best Grass-Fed Protein

Legion Whey+ Cookies & Cream Protein Powder

Pros
  • Comes from sustainable dairy farms in Ireland
  • Grass-fed protein
  • Lactose-, gluten-, and sugar-free
Cons
  • Has dairy and soy

With just two grams of carbs, the Legion Whey+ powder is definitely in the keto-friendly range, says Lakatos. Made from whey derived from grass-fed cows, it’s naturally sweetened, and contains no GMOs, hormones, antibiotics, or dyes.

"This is the only protein powder I use because it is the best! Great taste with quality ingredients," one happy reviewer writes.

Per serving (1 scoops): 120 cal, 0 g fat (0 g sat), 2 g carbs, 130 mg sodium, 0 g fiber, 22 g protein.

Servings per container30
Protein sourceWhey
Protein per serving22 g
Artificial sweetenerNone
11
Best Flavor

Ketologic Keto Meal Replacement Shake Powder

Keto Meal Replacement Shake Powder
11
Best Flavor

Ketologic Keto Meal Replacement Shake Powder

Pros
  • No aftertaste
  • Contains 24 vitamins and minerals
  • Gluten- and soy-free
Cons
  • Contains artificial sweetener
  • Low in protein compared to other brands

This protein powder functions as a meal replacement full of vitamins, minerals, and keto-friendly macros, says Maryann Walsh, RD. "It's more of a heartier shake for those who want more calories to hold them over." It's really easy to make too: Simply blend it with water, shake it, and drink up!

"Love this shake. I have tried a lot and couldn't handle the taste. I like this one. Love the chocolate, strawberry and vanilla," one satisfied buyer says.

Per serving (2 scoops): 190 calories, 15 g fat (13 g saturated), 7 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 380 mg sodium, 0 g fiber, 8 g protein

Servings per container20
Protein sourceWhey
Protein per serving8 g
Artificial sweetenerErythritol
12
Best For Smoothies

Plant-Based Protein Powder

Plant-Based Protein Powder
12
Best For Smoothies

Plant-Based Protein Powder

Pros
  • Vegan
  • Eco-friendly company
  • Gluten- and soy-free
Cons
  • Too sweet, according to some reviews
  • Contains artificial sweetener

While this powder isn't necessarily labeled keto-friendly, it's a good option for those seeking a plant-based powder that's still low in net carbs, says Walsh. A plant-based protein powder is ideal for those who can't have dairy or prefer to stay away from whey, she adds. Another fun perk: It comes in several flavors from vanilla bean to chocolate peanut butter.

"Pleasant flavor and scent, definitely blends well into everything. It's a non-vanilla cake-like vibe. I'm on the spectrum and it's hard for me to find safe foods. This is the most flavorless unsweetened, good-tasting protein powder I've tried," according to one positive review.

Per serving (2 scoops): 150 calories, 0.5 g fat (0 g saturated), 15 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 270 mg sodium, 5 g fiber, 21 g protein

Servings per container20
Protein sourcePea, brown rice, chia seed
Protein per serving21 g
Artificial sweetenerErythritol
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13
Best On-The-Go Option

Healthy Delights Nature Fuel Keto Meal Replacement Powder

Nature Fuel Keto Meal Replacement Powder
13
Best On-The-Go Option

Healthy Delights Nature Fuel Keto Meal Replacement Powder

Pros
  • Contains 24 vitamins and minerals
  • Gluten-free
Cons
  • Not very filling
  • Low protein compared to other brands

Not only does this protein powder serve as a meal replacement, it's also made with grass-fed collagen, which is great for a keto diet and your skin. "This protein powder has 250 percent of the daily recommendation of biotin, a nutrient linked to hair, skin, and nail health," says Walsh.

"This shake mix tastes great. I mix it with 2% milk and an ice cube in a shaker and it comes out very frothy. Its not gritty at all, mixes well, and has no after-taste," one reviewer writes.

Per serving (2 scoops): 190 calories, 15 g fat (8 g saturated), 9 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 220 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 8 g protein

Servings per container14
Protein sourceWhey and collagen
Protein per servings8 g
Artificial sweetenerErythritol
14
Best Budget Pick

SlimFast Keto Meal Replacement Powder

Keto Meal Replacement Powder
14
Best Budget Pick

SlimFast Keto Meal Replacement Powder

Now 25% Off
Pros
  • Affordable
  • Contains 24 vitamins and minerals
Cons
  • Not very filling
  • Contains artificial sweeteners

Walsh is a fan of this product because it includes 24 vitamins and minerals in a keto-friendly formula. It's also rich in fats from coconut oil and grass-fed butter. The fact it tastes like a fudge brownie also doesn't hurt.

"I’m not doing the keto diet, I just lead a low carb lifestyle. It’s better than I thought it would be honestly, as I was never a fan of the regular old SlimFast cans. But it seems very sweet to me. I actually add 12 oz of water instead of 8oz and a splash of milk just to give it a richer texture," one reviewer says.

Per serving (2 scoops): 190 calories, 15 g fat (8 g saturated), 9 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 220 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 8 g protein

Servings per container20
Protein sourceWhey and collagen
Protein per serving8 g
Artificial sweetenerErythritol
15
Best High-Fat Option

RSP Nutrition Collagen Peptides & Avocado Oil Powder

Collagen Peptides & Avocado Oil Powder
15
Best High-Fat Option

RSP Nutrition Collagen Peptides & Avocado Oil Powder

Pros
  • Grass-fed protein
Cons
  • May taste chalky

What's more keto-friendly than avocado? With four grams of fat, just four grams of carbs, and zero sugar, this chocolate protein powder is a keto dieter's dream come true.

"Adding a fat-based product like AvoCollagen can [provide] the satiety one needs to prevent overeating later," Monica Auslander Moreno, RD, founder of Essence Nutrition previously told Women's Health.

The reviews speak for themselves, too: "Not only is it keto-friendly but it tastes great!" writes one satisfied customer. "It’s so versatile that you can put it in your smoothie, your coffee, and also in baked goods."

Per serving: 80 calories, 4 g fat, (.5 g sat fat), 3 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 10 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 10 g protein

Servings per container20
Protein sourceCollagen
Protein per serving10 g
Artificial sweetenerNone
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What makes a keto-friendly protein powder?

squiggle

Sure, keto protein powders aren't totally necessary to your weight-loss success, but, oh, the convenience! As any devotee knows, it’s hard to beat the grab-and-go factor. Still, you'll want to make sure you're getting the most out of your powder.

Not all protein powders are created equal—nor are they all keto-friendly. The keto diet is all about hitting that magical balance of about 70 percent fat, 20 percent protein, and 10 percent carbs in your diet in order to achieve ketosis. (ICYDK: Ketosis is when your body burns fat instead of glucose for fuel). So, your protein powder needs to offer up a whole lot of healthy fats and practically zero carbs.

Be extremely mindful of any artificial ingredients when considering supplementing your keto diet with a powder, Weiss notes. "It almost defeats the purpose of a keto diet when you're taking in protein powders that are inflammatory, and then you're trying to eat an anti-inflammatory diet," she says.

And even with a protein powder, you're probably going to have to BYO-fat to nail those perfect keto diet ratios. Shames recommends using an avocado base or mixing in a bit of MCT oil or coconut oil to your powders.

“The ketogenic diet is a high-fat diet, so you want to make sure that you are adding quality fat sources to your protein powders,” says Jalali.

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