Most people who purchase dairy-free protein powder are lactose intolerant or suffer negative reactions to whey and casein protein powders. You may also decide to go with a powder that eliminates dairy in order to accommodate special dietary restrictions. For instance, many vegan protein powders naturally do not contain dairy.
Dairy-free protein powders are often lower in calories and fat grams than other types of protein powders. If you are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy bodyweight, you may choose this type of powder in order to supplement your protein without taking in excess calories and fat. You may still need to watch the carbohydrate content of your chosen powder, depending on your dietary preferences.
Selecting Dairy-Free Protein Powder
You should think about all of the following when selecting a protein powder:
1. Your current health and fitness goals.
2. How many grams of protein you need to supplement each day to meet your goals.
3. Whether you will take your protein as an after-workout supplement, pre-workout supplement, snack or meal replacement.
4. You preferred flavor, or you can go flavorless and add ingredients to get the taste you enjoy.
Look at the nutritional profile of each sugar-free protein supplement you consider, measuring the features of the product up to your goals and expected results. Your options are limited if you cannot consume powders that contain dairy, but there are some good options that are suitable for most health and fitness goals.
Recommended Dairy-Free Protein Powders
To help you start sorting through the extensive protein powder market, the following recommendations will give you insight into some of the best options available today. The information presented here will introduce you to each product, but you should do further research into each option to make an educated decision for your health.
Orgain Organic Protein Plant-Based Powder
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This is a vegan protein powder that draws its protein from the following plants:
- Brown rice
- Hemp
- Chia seed
- Peas
The powder mixes with water or other liquids to create a smooth, delicious shake that offers 21 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving. This is a USDA-certified organic supplement that contains no gluten, soy, dairy, GMO or added sugar.
The benefit to this protein powder is the fiber content which will help you feel full and satisfied for a longer period of time. Many other protein powders contain little to no fiber, so this is a perk of using a plant-based powder.
Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein
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This is an organic protein powder that is made from sprouted brown rice protein. It also contains added probiotics and enzymes but leaves out artificial flavors, synthetic ingredients and filler ingredients. If you are concerned with purity or are trying to eat a clean diet, this is one of the best dairy-free protein powders you can consider. Each serving offers 17 grams of protein for just 80 calories, so it is an ideal protein powder if your fitness goals include losing weight or maintaining a healthy bodyweight. You can also use multiple servings to increase your protein content.
PlantFusion Protein
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This is another vegan protein powder that is ideal for anyone eating a clean diet or trying to stick with pure, whole foods. The formula is not only free of dairy, but it is also free of soy, gluten and all animal products. It is hypoallergenic, so you may find it easier to tolerate if you suffer from food allergies beyond dairy. The powder is easy to digest, so it is a good alternative if you experience stomach problems when consuming whey or casein protein powders.
This powder contains 21 grams of protein, 120 calories and 2 grams of fat. While the calorie count is higher than the Garden of Life protein powder listed above, this is another plant-sourced powder that is a competitor of the other products listed on this page. The protein in this powder is a proprietary blend that contains many different sources.
Now Foods Pea Protein
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If you prefer a protein powder from a single plant source, this pea protein powder may suit your needs. It is a pure, clean protein that comes entirely from peas. It is also from a leading brand name in the protein powder market which offers a variety of high-quality supplements. Each serving of this powder offers 24 grams of protein, 120 calories and 2 grams of fat, so it has a similar nutritional profile to the other powders featured on this page. Pea protein has a smoother texture than many other types of protein, so it is preferred by some consumers.
Paradise Herbs Maca Up Protein Powder
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This protein powder is a bit different than many others because it is designed to provide energy as well as supplementing protein. It is a vegetarian blend with a variety of natural ingredients and protein sources. If you need to bump up your energy level while taking in more protein, this is a good product to consider. For each serving, you get 21 grams of protein 121 calories, 1 gram of fat and 4 grams of fiber. The fiber will help fill your stomach, making this product stand out from many other dairy-free protein powders which contain little to no fiber.