As a certified sports nutritionist, I take protein seriously. Some people are coffee enthusiasts who try out different blends; I’m a protein-powder fanatic who strives to consume high-quality powders when I need a few extra grams apart from food.
When you’re eating low-carb and high-fat on the keto diet, you still need to focus on protein. Protein is an essential macronutrient that our body uses to build and maintain muscle, as well as repair and make new cells. It’s important whether you’re on the keto diet or not. All of the best protein powders below are keto-friendly, but they’re also excellent, even if you’re not keto.
Best Keto Protein Powder of 2024 – Our Experts’ Top Picks
You’ll learn all that you need to know about each of these protein powders below.
Perfect Keto Whey Protein
Best Keto Protein Powder Overall
- 15 grams of grass-fed whey protein isolate
- Contains all nine essential amino acids
- Great for maintaining and building muscle
- Perfect for any time of day
- Subscription delivered available
- Might be harder for some to digest
- Only two flavors
This protein powder uses whey protein powder and MCTs to give you all essential amino acids and healthy fats. Whey is the most popular type of protein powder, but it can be known to be harder for some users to digest because it contains lactose. Perfect Keto uses whey isolate, which removes as much of the lactose as possible, making it easier to digest.
Whey protein is best for building muscle, and adding 15 grams of protein per serving should certainly help you gain muscle.
Perfect Keto Whey Protein has a low carbohydrate count of 3 grams and 15 grams of protein per serving to help you stay in ketosis while on the keto diet. The MCTs from coconut oil will help you focus and keep you feeling fuller longer. Perfect Keto Whey Protein can be used to supplement your diet or as a meal replacement.
We suggest looking into Perfect Keto Whey Protein if you’re on the keto diet and want to build or even just maintain muscle. We are impressed that it uses whey isolate as well as MCTs for a nice fat, protein, and carb ratio. Check out this best keto protein powder pick.
Interested in the Perfect Keto Whey Protein?
Vega Sport Premium Protein
Best Vegan Keto Protein Powder
- Vegan, plant-based protein
- Includes BCAAs, probiotics, and tart cherry
- 30 grams of protein per serving
- Mixes well in water and smoothies
- Multiple purchase option
- The taste could take some getting used to
- Lower fat content for keto
Vega Sport Premium Protein also includes beneficial ingredients to directly help with your training. The tart cherry powder is known for helping to support muscle recovery, while BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) can help with muscle growth and soreness post workouts. It also has probiotics to help support your gut health.
Vega Protein comes in five different flavors: chocolate, berry, mocha, peanut butter, and vanilla. It’s perfect for supplementing your diet and for meal replacement. It has low sugar and carbohydrates, making it a nice option for maintaining the keto diet.
We’ve named Vega Sport Premium Protein as the best vegan keto protein powder on this list because there are no animal products, by-products, or animal GMOs in the protein. It is also NSF-certified for sports, so you can rest assured that you’re taking a healthy protein powder that’s free of banned substances and filled with no added sugars or healthy ingredients. Plus, it’s keto-friendly.
If you’re looking for a high protein powder to help up your overall daily protein consumption, then check out Vega Sport Premium Protein. You’ll help support your muscles and gut health while on the keto diet.
Click here to read more about Vega Protein Powder here.
Interested in the Vega Sport Premium Protein?
Naked Whey
Best Whey Keto Protein Powder
- High-quality, grass-fed whey protein
- 25 grams per serving
- Low-calorie and low-carb keto diet
- Minimal ingredients
- No artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors
- It might not be best for those who are lactose
There are no growth hormones or additives, so you can trust them to fuel your body while helping keep you in ketosis.
Naked Whey is low-calorie, with just 120 calories per serving, while providing 25 grams of protein per serving. At Naked Nutrition, you don’t have to worry about artificial flavors, sweeteners, or coloring, so you can trust what you’re putting in your body.
This protein powder also only has 3 grams of carbs, so it is keto-friendly. We love that it has minimal and simple ingredients.
Along with quality whey protein in each serving, you also get 5.9 grams of BCAAs. Branched-chain amino acids help reduce the breaking down of your muscles from working out. This way, you can focus on building and maintaining muscle mass when you’re following the keto diet, even if you’re not.
Naked Whey is a good-quality whey protein powder. It’s a great option if you’re looking for simple ingredients with minimal sugar, carbs, and calories.
Click here to read our detailed review of the Naked Whey Protein Powder.
Interested in the Naked Whey?
Ora Organic Protein Powder
Best Plant-Based Keto Protein Powder
- 21 grams of protein per serving
- Vegan and gluten-free
- Has superfoods and greens
- Keto-friendly
- Low-carb and low-sugar
- Some people might not like the taste
It also doesn’t hurt that Ora Organic Protein Powder has 21 grams of protein per serving. So, if you’re like me and struggle to get in your protein during the day, this stuff can definitely help you hit that goal.
Along with a good amount of organic plant-based protein per serving, the vanilla flavor has only 4 grams of carbohydrates and 0 grams of sugar. The other flavors include chocolate, vanilla chai, and unflavored.
It contains organic rice, sacha inchi, and pea protein to provide all the essential and non-essential amino acids. Ora Organic Protein Powder is designed to help with muscle growth and recovery, so it is perfect for post-workout. Depending on your preference, it can be mixed with water or other ingredients.
If you’re vegan, and even if you’re not, it’s worth checking out Ora Organic Protein Powder. With all the nutrients and quality ingredients packed into it, you’ll gain some nice health benefits on top of the more standard muscle growth and recovery that protein powders help with.
Interested in the Ora Organic Protein Powder?
Ancient Nutrition Keto Collagen Powder
Best Low-Carb Protein Powder
- Pasture-raised collagen
- Coconut MCTs
- 13 grams of protein per serving
- No carbs–perfect for keto
- Not best for muscle growth
Ancient Nutrition Keto Collagen Powder is a convenient, dissolvable protein powder. It won’t take you out of ketosis, but it provides you with protein and fat to supplement your diet. We like that it includes MCT oils to help keep you full and give you added energy. The MCTs are derived from coconut oil and are said to help promote a healthy body weight.
In our opinion, this is the best low-carb protein powder because it doesn’t contain any carbohydrates. In each serving, you’ll get 13 grams of protein and 3 grams of saturated fat. It’s also low-calorie at only 70 calories per scoop.
So, it isn’t good for replacing a meal, but it is certainly beneficial for supplementing your keto and even non-keto diet. You can also trust that it is keto because it was created by Dr. Josh Axe, the author of the book Keto Diet, which highlights a plan for following the keto diet.
We recommend mixing Ancient Nutrition Keto Collagen Powder into your favorite drinks like tea and coffee, or just water. It comes in unflavored, chocolate, and vanilla, depending on your preference. It uses hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides to help support your gut, skin, and bones.
We love that this collagen powder is specifically formulated for those living a keto lifestyle, but anyone looking to add more collagen, protein, and healthy fat to their diet should try it.
Interested in the Ancient Nutrition Keto Collagen Powder?
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
Best Grass-Fed Keto Protein Powder
- 100% grass-fed whey isolate
- 28 grams of complete protein per serving
- Very few carbs and sugar
- Available in different flavors
- Low calorie, so not best for meal replacement
Speaking of protein, this Whey Isolate has 28 grams of protein per serving. It is good for the keto diet because it only contains 1 gram of carbs and less than 1 gram of sugar. The isolate is easier to digest because it has less lactose. It is also hormone-free and free of artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors.
It comes in several flavors, including milk chocolate, French vanilla, cinnamon French toast, and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. If you’re looking for a grass-fed whey protein isolate that’s keto-friendly, check out Transparent Labs Whey Protein.
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is excellent for anyone following the keto diet, including those who aren’t. We recommend it if you’re looking for high-quality whey protein isolate to supplement your diet.
Interested in the Transparent Labs Whey Protein?
Keyto Collagen Protein Powder with MCT Oil
Best Collagen Keto Protein Powder
- Hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides and MCTs
- Gluten-free and GMO-free
- Added electrolytes
- More affordable than other collagen powders
- Lower protein per serving than others
Keyto Collagen Protein Powder with MCT Oil has a good ratio of protein, carbs, and fat in relation to calories for the keto diet. We like it as a supplemental option when you’re looking to add some collagen, protein, and healthy fat to your nutrition. The MCT oil is great for energy, gut, and brain health, while the grass-fed pasture-raised collagen will encourage healthier hair, skin, digestion, and joints.
At only 80 calories per serving, it probably won’t keep you satiated for long, but it can help you stay in ketosis. It has some yummy flavors to choose from, like salted caramel, too. We like that you can save with the subscription, so you never have to worry about running out. Plus, Keyto Collagen is a pretty affordable buy.
Keyto Collagen Protein Powder with MCT Oil contains healthy fats and protein, so it’s a good option to add to your keto diet. We love how affordable it is and that you can subscribe and save on each purchase.
Interested in the Keyto Collagen Protein Powder?
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
Best Low-Carb Collagen Protein Powder
- 18 grams of protein and collagen
- Unflavored and dissolvable
- Promotes healthy skin and collagen absorption
- No carbs
- Contains no fat but can be mixed with fats for the keto diet
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is the best low-carb collagen protein powder on this list. It has 0 grams of carbs, 18 grams of protein, and 20 grams of collagen peptides per serving. It’s also low-calorie at just 70 calories per serving.
Vital Proteins uses bovine collagen peptides for healthier hair, skin, bones, and joints. We love the amino acids it is packed with, and since it only contains collagen, you don’t have to worry about it messing with your ketosis. It also contains vitamin C, which helps promote collagen production, and hyaluronic acid, which helps keep your skin hydrated.
Want to glow like Jennifer Aniston? Well, this is what she swears by.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides are a great alternative if you want to sneak some extra collagen and protein into your diet without noticing. When you add this to supplement your diet, your joints and bones will reap the benefits, and your skin will get hydrated from within.
Interested in the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides?
SunWarrior Protein Warrior Blend
Best Pea Protein Keto Protein Powder
- Vegan with healthy fats and low carbs
- Aids in building muscle
- Comes in multiple flavors and unflavored
- High iron content
- Doesn’t blend as well as others
- Not for those allergic to peanuts and tree nuts
SunWarrior Protein Powder has earned the award for being the best pea protein keto protein powder on this list. It offers a great blend of plant-based protein and pea protein to provide up to 16 grams of protein per serving. It also only contains 2 grams of carbs per scoop, so it will help you stay in ketosis.
What makes it even more wonderful if you’re on the keto diet is that it has coconut MCTs for added healthy fats. It also contains BCAAs to help post-workouts if you’re sore and your muscles are tired. SunWarrior Protein is excellent if you want to build muscle, too.
It doesn’t mix as well as other protein powders, but considering its many impressive ingredients, we’ll spend a bit more time shaking it up in our protein shaker bottles.
If you’re keto and/or vegan, or even if you just want to add some additional protein to your diet, SunWarrior Protein Warrior Blend is a great choice. It contains BCAAs like whey protein but most likely won’t upset your stomach, especially if you have an aversion to lactose.
Interested in the SunWarrior Protein Warrior Blend?
Unico Apollo Protein Powder
Best Flavor Keto Protein Powder
- Whey, casein, and egg proteins
- 25 grams per serving
- Yummy flavor
- Only 5 grams of carbs and 1 gram of sugar
- It might not be best for those who are sensitive to lactose
Unico Apollo Pure Protein Powder is the ideal protein powder if your stomach can tolerate whey. It is unique because it combines milk protein isolate, whey isolate and concentrate, and casein and egg protein, which are all digested at different rates to help keep you fuller longer. It even claims to provide a steady stream of protein for up to 6 hours.
We like that it has 20 grams of protein and 100 calories per serving. So, it’s low-calorie while still providing a good amount of protein. It is perfect to mix with water or milk. You can also add it to your smoothie for a sweet treat!
Check out Apollo Protein Powder if you’re looking for a tasty protein blend to help you build muscle and keep you in ketosis.
If you’re looking for a yummy protein powder that can help you build some muscle and hit your daily protein goal, then check out Apollo Pure Protein Powder. With flavors like birthday cake and chocolate, how does it not sound delicious?
Interested in the Unico Apollo Protein Powder?
What To Look For In Keto Protein Powder
Our list above contains a variety of protein powders that use different types of protein, but which one is best for you? It’s important to consider things like this as well as the taste, carb amount, and other ingredients when finding a protein powder for you, whether you are on the keto diet or not.
Type of Protein
As I mentioned, whey is the most popular type of protein powder. However, it isn’t best for some people because it can cause digestive problems, especially if you’re lactose intolerant. Some protein powders consist of whey isolate, which has less lactose than whey concentrate, so it can be easier to digest.
If you’re not lactose intolerant but unsure if whey protein will work for you, try it. I’m not lactose intolerant, but I notice my stomach doesn’t feel its best after having a whey protein shake. Whey is a complete protein, meaning it has all nine essential amino acids that help your body build muscle.
Amino acids are considered the building blocks of protein. Casein protein is also a complete protein with all essential amino acids. Collagen protein is often lacking in some amino acids and usually isn’t considered a complete protein. Collagen is great to add as a supplement to your diet if you get the missing amino acids from other sources. Collagen protein can help make your hair, skin, nails, bones, and joints healthier, so it’s definitely beneficial to take.
Along with whey, casein and collagen are derived from animals and animal products. It is great if you eat meat and animal products, but you might want to check out plant-based protein for those who don’t. Common vegan protein powder consists of peas, brown rice, and seed proteins.
When the right plant protein types are combined, they can make a complete protein with all essential amino acids. These protein powders can be great if you don’t or even if you do eat meat and animal products.
Like whey, it’s best to try a protein powder for a while and see how you feel and if you notice any changes. The best protein powder for you is the one that helps you feel your best.
Macronutrient Ratio
Macronutrients consist of protein, fat, and carbohydrates in your diet. Most protein powders contain higher protein, low fat, and very low carbohydrates. Some have more or less of each of these macronutrients.
When following a keto diet, you must ensure that your protein powder contains low carbohydrates to stay in ketosis. Even if you’re not keto, it is important to consider how many of these macros are in your protein powder to ensure that they help you reach your goals.
Taste and Flavors
Of course, you should ensure you enjoy the protein powder you consume. There’s nothing worse than having to choke down a protein shake that tastes like a foot (I know, I’ve been there).
Some come in fun dessert-like flavors, as you’ve noticed in our best list above, while others are unflavored and even dissolvable. If you can’t stomach the taste or flavor of your protein powder, then try another. You can get creative and mix some into recipes and beverages besides water.
Other Ingredients
Apart from the benefits you’ll see from the protein, protein powders are often filled with other health-benefiting ingredients. MCT oil is a common addition that can help with mental clarity, focus, and energy, as well as help lower your risk of heart disease. Some protein powders even have fruits and vegetables in them to give you even more nutrients per shake.
One sneaky ingredient to look out for, however, is sugar. You want to ensure that your protein powder has little to no sugar. Most healthier protein powders include sweeteners like stevia to help with flavoring without adding much sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does protein powder affect ketosis?
Protein powder can be great for supplementing more protein in your diet, while keto helps you stay in ketosis as long as it is low in carbohydrates and sugar. Eating very low carbs is important for getting into and staying in ketosis.
What is keto protein powder used for?
Keto protein powder adds more protein to your diet without kicking you out of ketosis. Different types of protein powders have different benefits, and using protein powder in your diet can be great if you’re on the keto diet or not.
Which protein is good for keto?
There are multiple different types of protein powders that you can use while following the keto diet. Whey, casein, egg, and collagen are all great options if you eat meat and animal products. They are all low in carbohydrates, which is important for staying in ketosis. Plant-based options like pea, rice, and seed proteins are great if you’re a vegan keto.
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