When it comes to the ketogenic diet, it's all about keeping those carbs low and the fats high. But what about protein? Well, it's still an essential part of your diet and can be easily supplemented with protein powder.
There are a few types of protein powder that are keto-friendly, including whey, casein, whole-egg, beef, and collagen. When choosing a powder, be sure to check the label for added sugars and other carbohydrates that might kick you out of ketosis. Also, look for products that are labelled grass-fed, which indicates a healthier fat composition.
- Xwerks Grow
- Jacked Factory Authentic ISO
- Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
- Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+
- Momentous Grass-Fed Whey
- Naked Nutrition Naked Egg
- Perfect Keto Whey
- Klean Athlete Klean Isolate
- Sunwarrior Protein Warrior Blend
- Kiss My Keto Protein Powder
- Ketologie Collagen Keto Shake
- Vega Sport Premium Protein
- RSP Nutrition Collagen Peptides & Avocado Oil Powder
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Type | Whey, casein, whole-egg, beef, collagen, pea, hemp, brown rice, egg white |
Carb content | No more than 4 grams of carbs per serving |
Fat sourcing | MCT oil or other healthy fats |
Additional ingredients | Ingredients with a purpose, no fillers, additives or unwanted ingredients |
Sweeteners | Monk fruit, stevia, sucralose |
Certifications | NSF Certified for Sport, Informed-Sport, USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Gluten-Free |
What You'll Learn
- Whey protein isolate is the purest form of whey protein, with the highest percentage of protein and lowest number of carbs
- Casein is digested and absorbed slowly, making it a popular overnight recovery choice
- Egg-based protein powders are made from egg whites, which are a nutrient-dense source of protein
- Pea protein is a good option for vegans or those avoiding dairy, but manufacturers sometimes add sugar
- Rice protein is hypoallergenic and plant-based, with 90% protein by weight
Whey protein isolate is the purest form of whey protein, with the highest percentage of protein and lowest number of carbs
Whey protein isolate is the best option for those following a ketogenic diet. It is the purest form of whey protein, with the highest percentage of protein and the lowest number of carbohydrates per serving.
Whey protein is derived from milk and is the most popular type of protein powder. It is suitable for vegetarians and those on a keto diet. Whey protein isolate has a higher percentage of protein than other forms of whey protein, such as whey protein concentrate, and is lower in carbohydrates and higher in protein by weight. This makes it a preferred choice for individuals on low-carb diets.
One brand that offers whey protein isolate is Klean Athlete, with their product Klean Isolate. This unflavoured protein powder contains 20 grams of protein and only 1 gram of carbohydrates per serving, making it an excellent choice for those on a low-carb or keto diet. It is also gluten-free and free from artificial sweeteners or other flavours.
Another recommended brand is Xwerks, with their product Grow. This whey protein isolate has only 1 gram of carbohydrates per serving and is sourced from grass-fed cows. It comes in four flavour options—Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Strawberry, and Vanilla—and is free from artificial sweeteners, flavourings, and dyes.
In addition to whey protein isolate, there are other types of protein powders that can be suitable for a keto diet. These include casein protein, egg white protein, pea protein isolate, and collagen protein. However, when choosing a protein powder, it is important to read the labels carefully and ensure that the product is low in carbohydrates and added sugars.
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Casein is digested and absorbed slowly, making it a popular overnight recovery choice
Casein is a slow-digesting protein derived from milk. Unlike whey protein, which is also derived from milk, casein is digested and absorbed at a much slower rate. This makes it ideal for overnight recovery as it can help boost muscle growth and reduce muscle breakdown while sleeping.
Casein is often marketed as a "time-release" protein due to its slow absorption rate in the gut. This means that it feeds your body's cells with amino acids at a low level over a long period. This is particularly beneficial when you haven't eaten for a while, as it can help prevent muscle breakdown by providing a sustained supply of amino acids to your muscle cells.
Several studies have shown the benefits of casein for overnight recovery. One study found that a casein protein shake before bedtime helped strength-training men increase their muscle fiber size more effectively than a training-only group. Another study showed that pre-sleep casein protein ingestion could help post-exercise recovery and positively affect acute protein metabolism and exercise performance.
Casein is a complete protein source, meaning it provides all the essential amino acids your body needs for growth and repair. It is also a good source of calcium, an important mineral for bone health, muscle contractions, and blood clotting.
When choosing a casein protein powder, look for products that are third-party tested and certified, such as the Informed Sport Certified NOW Sports Micellar Casein. This ensures the purity and potency of the product. Additionally, consider your budget and flavor preferences, as casein protein powders come in various flavors and price ranges.
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Egg-based protein powders are made from egg whites, which are a nutrient-dense source of protein
Most egg-based protein powders are made from egg whites, although some are made purely from egg yolks, while others are a combination of the two. The specific nutrient values for egg protein powder will vary depending on whether it is made from egg whites, yolks, or a combination of both. For example, egg yolks contain small amounts of carbohydrates, while egg whites do not.
One popular egg white protein powder is the NOW Sports Egg White Protein, which contains 16 grams of protein and 2 grams of carbohydrates per serving, making it a good choice for those on low-carb diets. This powder is unflavoured, making it a versatile option for recipes without affecting the flavour. It is also manufactured without gluten-containing ingredients, although it is processed in a facility that handles other allergens, including wheat.
Another example is the Naked Egg protein powder by Naked Nutrition, which provides 25 grams of protein per serving. This powder is also dairy-free and gluten-free, making it suitable for people with lactose intolerance or gluten intolerance. It can be used for baking, protein shakes, or added to vegetables and other ingredients for taste.
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Pea protein is a good option for vegans or those avoiding dairy, but manufacturers sometimes add sugar
Pea protein is a great option for those on a keto diet, especially vegans or those avoiding dairy. It is made from yellow split peas and is a good source of protein, typically containing around 20 grams of protein per 25-gram serving. It is also a complete protein, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids, and has a high absorption rate in the body.
Pea protein has a variety of benefits for those on a keto diet. Firstly, it is a plant-based and vegan-friendly option, making it suitable for those who do not consume dairy or animal products. It is also generally well-tolerated and hypoallergenic, free from common allergens such as gluten, soy, and nuts. Pea protein is also a good choice for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
Additionally, pea protein has a high protein content and low carbohydrate content, making it suitable for a keto diet. It has a digestion and absorption rate of more than 89%, and studies have shown that it can promote muscle growth and retention, with outcomes similar to those of whey protein.
However, it is important to note that some manufacturers add sugar to pea protein to improve its palatability, which can increase the carbohydrate content. Therefore, it is essential to carefully check the ingredient labels when choosing a pea protein product to ensure it aligns with your dietary needs and goals.
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Rice protein is hypoallergenic and plant-based, with 90% protein by weight
Rice protein is an excellent option for those following a ketogenic diet. It is a plant-based, hypoallergenic source of protein that is highly digestible and offers a complete amino acid profile. With 90% protein by weight, rice protein is an effective way to meet your daily protein goals while adhering to a keto diet.
Rice protein is derived from brown rice and is typically produced by treating the rice with enzymes to separate the carbs from the proteins. This process results in a high-protein content, with 90% of the final product being pure protein. This makes it a very efficient way to increase your protein intake while keeping carbohydrates low, which is crucial for maintaining ketosis.
One of the standout features of rice protein is its hypoallergenic nature. Rice is naturally low in allergens, and the process of creating rice protein further reduces the presence of allergenic proteins. This makes rice protein a safe and suitable option for individuals with allergies or sensitivities to other protein sources.
In addition to its hypoallergenic properties, rice protein offers several other benefits. It is a complete protein, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids required by the body. This is especially important on a keto diet, as adequate protein intake is necessary to support muscle growth and repair. Rice protein is also easily digestible, ensuring that your body can effectively utilize the protein for various physiological functions.
Furthermore, rice protein is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various recipes. It can be added to smoothies, baked goods, or simply mixed with water or milk to create a quick and convenient protein shake. Its neutral flavour makes it an ideal base for creating tasty keto-friendly treats without worrying about altering the flavour profile of your creations.
When choosing a rice protein product, it is important to read the labels carefully. Some manufacturers may add sugars or other carbohydrates to enhance the taste or texture, which could impact your keto goals. Opt for products that are transparent about their ingredients and contain minimal additives.
In conclusion, rice protein is an excellent choice for individuals following a ketogenic diet. Its high protein content, hypoallergenic nature, complete amino acid profile, and ease of digestion make it a superior option for meeting your protein needs while adhering to the keto diet's strict guidelines. By incorporating rice protein into your diet, you can support your health and fitness goals while enjoying the convenience and versatility it offers.
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Frequently asked questions
The best protein powder for the keto diet is low in carbs and high in protein. Protein powders with added MCT oil or other healthy fat sources are also a great option. Ultimately, the best protein fits your dietary needs and preferences, especially by factoring in the type of protein (like a whey-based or dairy-free alternative) and your preferred flavor.
When low in carbs and optional healthy fats, protein powder can be a great supplement to a keto diet. The utmost importance is choosing a high-quality protein powder that suits your unique dietary needs and macronutrient targets.
Keto protein powder can help with weight loss by inducing satiety (feelings of fullness), in turn aiding in calorie control. If you’re new to keto, you may also experience an initial drop in body weight due to water loss as glycogen stores are depleted.