Best Lactose-Free Protein Powders

Best Lactose-Free Protein Powders

Roughly 65% of the world is lactose intolerant. For those who want to build more muscle, this takes a lot of protein powders off the menu.1Lactose intolerance

We’ve scoured the most popular picks on Amazon to bring you this curated list of the top 10 best lactose-free protein powders.

In this guide:

Quick Glance: 4 of 10
Isopure Unflavored Protein, Whey Isolate, with Vitamin C & Zinc for Immune Support, 25g Protein, Zero Carb & Keto Friendly, 1 Pound (Packaging May Vary)Best Overall: Isopure – Low-Carb, High-Protein Whey Isolate

“This high-protein whey isolate is one of the best lactose-free protein powders on the market.”
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LEGION Casein+ Casein Protein Powder (Dutch Chocolate) - Slow-Release Micellar Casein Protein Powder - Non-GMO, Gluten-Free & Naturally Sweetened Casein Powder from Grass-Fed Cows (30 Servings)Runner-Up: Legion – Casein+ Protein Powder

“Legion’s Casein+ is one of the best casein lactose-free protein powders available. “
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OWYN Only What You Need Plant-Based Protein Powder, Smooth Vanilla, 1.05 lbsAllergy-Friendliest: OWYN – Allergy Friendly Vegan Protein

“This allergy-friendly plant-based protein powder is a go-to for anyone with other food allergies.”
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Isopure Protein Powder, Clear Whey Isolate Protein, Post Workout Recovery Drink Mix, Gluten Free with Zero Added Sugar, Infusions- Tropical Punch, 16 ServingsBest-Tasting: Isopure Infusions – Keto-Friendly Fruity Whey Isolate

“If you want a lactose-free protein powder that manages to be delicious without added junk, this is a great choice.”
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Top 10 Best Lactose-Free Protein Powders

Best Lactose-Free Protein Powder Overall

Isopure – Low-Carb, High-Protein Whey Isolate

Sale
  • Whey isolate
  • Low carbs
  • Delicious flavors
30g1 oz1/4 cup
25.9g
protein
0g
carbs
0g
fats
103
calories

Isopure’s high-protein whey isolate powders are some of the best lactose-free protein powders available.

If you want zero carbs, you can pick up the unflavored powder. If you want a little more fun, grab one of the flavored versions—each with zero sugar and only a handful of ingredients.

No matter your choice, you’re getting a high-protein powder that’s great for any fitness goal.

BOTTOM LINE

This high-protein whey isolate is one of the best lactose-free protein powders on the market.

Best Lactose-Free Protein Powder Runner-Up

Legion – Casein+ Protein Powder

  • Low-calorie
  • All natural
  • Keto-friendly
30g1 oz1/4 cup
22g
protein
2.6g
carbs
0.4g
fats
97
calories

Legion’s Casein+ protein is a great low-calorie, all natural powder.

Featured on our gluten-free protein powder guide, this protein powder is 100% free of gluten, soy, GMOs, hormones, antibiotics, artificial ingredients, fillers, dyes, and—of course—lactose. That’s a long list!

And Legion is so confident in their product that they offer a 100% satisfaction money-back guarantee. Per their Amazon listing, if you’re not satisfied for any reason, they’ll give you a full refund and let you keep the protein. It’s one of the best no-hassle guarantees on the market.

BOTTOM LINE

Legion’s Casein+ is one of the best casein lactose-free protein powders available.

Allergy-Friendly Protein Powder

OWYN – Allergy Friendly Vegan Protein

Sale
  • Vegan
  • No gluten, diary, and more
  • Very allergy-friendly
30g1 oz1/4 cup
15.6g
protein
7g
carbs
3.1g
fats
117
calories

Protein Sources: Pea, pumpkin, chia

This vegan protein powder lives up to its name: Only What You Need. And if you have food allergies, “what you need” may not include a lot of things.

This plant-based protein powder is tested for traces of all top 8 allergens after production. It contains no trace of peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, soy, gluten, eggs, shellfish, or fish.

And this plant-based protein powder is notable for more than just what it doesn’t contain. On top of its vegan complete protein blend, it contains zucchini, spinach, broccoli, and kale for some extra green superfood oomph.

BOTTOM LINE

This allergy-friendly plant-based protein powder is a go-to for anyone with other food allergies.

Best-Tasting Lactose-Free Protein Powder

Isopure Infusions – Keto-Friendly Fruity Whey Isolate

Sale
  • 5 delicious flavors
  • 5 all-natural ingredients
  • Easy mixing
30g1 oz1/4 cup
24g
protein
2.4g
carbs
0g
fats
108
calories

Isopure’s protein powders can make being lactose free a little more fun. This deliciously lactose-free protein powder is light, fruity, and low on carbs.

No matter the flavor, this powder is deliciously fun, containing only 5 all-natural ingredients. If you’re not a fan of plain protein powder, this is a great alternative.

BOTTOM LINE

If you want a lactose-free protein powder that manages to be delicious without added junk, this is a great choice.

Vegan Lactose-Free Protein Powder Pick

Isopure – Vegan Lactose-Free Protein Powder

  • 100% vegan
  • Gluten-free
  • Non-GMO
30g1 oz1/4 cup
23g
protein
2g
carbs
2g
fats
115
calories

Protein Sources: Organic pea, organic brown rice

We featured Isopure’s whey isolate protein above. In a similar vein, their vegan protein powder is a top-notch lactose-free protein supplement.

This each 30-gram scoop of this lactose-free protein powder delivers 20 grams of organic pea and brown rice protein. It’s a fantastic high-protein supplement, great for supporting any health and wellness goal.

All vegan protein powders are lactose-free, so if you want some more options, you can take a look at our list of the best vegan protein powders.

BOTTOM LINE

Though all vegan protein is lactose free, this pea and rice protein powder is a great option.

Vegan Runner-Up

KOS – Organic Vegan Protein Blend

Sale
  • Vegan
  • Non-GMO
  • Complete protein
30g1 oz1/4 cup
15.4g
protein
6.9g
carbs
4.6g
fat
131
calories

Protein Sources: Pea, flaxseed, quinoa, pumpkin seed, chia

KOS’s plant-based lactose-free protein powders earns our runner-up vegan pick. It’s a great powder with multiple protein sources, but it’s a little lower in protein content than Isopure’s.

However, you don’t need to worry about protein quality. This100% vegan blend of pea, flaxseed, quinoa, pumpkin seed, and chia seed adds up to a complete amino acid profile.

As a bonus, this powder is completely organic and non-GMO. It’s also sweetened with coconut and monk fruit instead of sugar or artificial sweeteners, making this a great pick even for those on the strictest diets.

BOTTOM LINE

This vegan, lactose-free protein powder is a diverse source of protein at a great price.

Paleo Pick

Ancient Nutrition – Bone Broth Protein Powder

Sale
  • Complete protein
  • Nutrient-dense
  • Keto- and paleo-friendly
30g1 oz1/4 cup
24g
protein
2g
carbs
1g
fats
120
calories

Ancient Nutrition’s bone broth protein powder is a go-to when it comes to paleo-friendly protein. While not all bone broth and collagen protein powders are complete sources of protein, this one is. It’s perfect as a paleo meal replacement, coffee additive, or protein shake.

Available in 7 all-natural flavors, this is one of the best bone broth paleo protein powders—and, of course, it’s lactose-free.

If you’re looking for other paleo-friendly lactose-free protein powder, our paleo protein powder guide is also completely lactose-free.

BOTTOM LINE

Ancient Nutrition’s top-notch bone broth protein is completely lactose-free.

Egg White Pick

Bulk Supplements – Egg White Protein Powder

Sale
  • Good value
  • Single ingredient
  • High protein content
30g1 oz1/4 cup
25g
protein
1g
carbs
0g
fats
113
calories

While almost all egg white protein powder is lactose-free, Bulk Supplements earns our top spot in this category. It’s pure, single-ingredient protein with absolutely no filler.

Egg white is an incredibly high-quality protein source, so this is a great option for fueling protein-hungry muscle pre- or post-workout.

And, interestingly, this powder comes in sizes up to a whopping 50 pounds (22.6 kilograms). If you’re wanting to stock up on lactose-free protein powder for a great price, this is it.

BOTTOM LINE

Bulk Supplements offers some of the most affordable lactose-free egg white protein powder per serving.

Brown Rice Protein Pick

NOW Sports – Sprouted Brown Rice Protein Powder

Sale
  • Nothing but rice
  • Non-GMO
  • Zero carbs
30g1 oz1/4 cup
24g
protein
0g
carbs
0g
fat
90
calories

Protein Sources: Non-GMO sprouted brown rice

This powder is made from 100% non-GMO sprouted brown rice. With no artificial ingredients, sweeteners, or fillers, there’s also no lactose.

And since this protein powder is made only from non-GMO sprouted brown rice, it’s also priced really well. It’s a great option on a budget.

For other low carb, keto-friendly protein powders, check out our keto protein powders guide.

BOTTOM LINE

This zero-carb, single-ingredient rice protein powder is a great pick for going lactose-free on a budget.

Pea Protein Pick

Naked – Pea Protein Isolate

  • Vegan
  • Highest protein content
  • 1-3 ingredients
30g1 oz1/4 cup
27g
protein
2g
carbs
0.5g
fats
120
calories

Protein Sources: Yellow pea

Pea protein is another popular option for lactose-free protein powders. It’s a complete protein and is generally quite inexpensive.

Naked’s pea protein powder is a great option. In addition to being vegan and lactose free, it’s also really high in protein content.

With the unflavored version, you’re getting nothing but pure yellow pea protein isolate. If you pick vanilla, chocolate, or matcha, you get just two additional ingredients for flavoring.

BOTTOM LINE

This protein-packed pea isolate powder is perfect for anyone with high protein needs.


Taking Lactose-Free Protein Powder

Once you’ve picked your protein, you’ll need to strategize your dosage and timing.

Protein Powder Dosage

Here’s how to strategize your protein powder dosage.

  • For Building Muscle

If you’re wanting build muscle mass, research has shown that you should take around 0.73 to 1.1 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight (1.6 to 2.4 grams per kilogram of weight).2A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of the effect of protein supplementation on resistance training-induced gains in muscle mass and strength in healthy adults3Do athletes need more dietary protein and amino acids?

Of course, the more you lift weights or engage in other exercise, the more protein you’ll need.

To build muscle with lactose-free protein powder, we recommend either Isopure’s whey isolate or Naked’s pea protein Isolate, as they both have high protein content.

  • For Weight Loss

If you’re trying to lose weight, it’s important to consume fewer calories and less protein. Research has demonstrated that roughly 0.36 to 0.73 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight is ideal for fat loss. (That’s 0.8 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of bodyweight.)4A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of the effect of protein supplementation on resistance training-induced gains in muscle mass and strength in healthy adults5Dietary protein intake and human health.

And as with any goal, the more active and athletic you are, the more protein you’ll need. If you’re working out a lot, you’ll want to stick to the higher end of that spectrum.

To maintain a lower calorie intake while taking egg white protein powder, Legion’s casein+ protein powder and NOW Sports’ sprouted brown rice protein powder are great options.

  • For Health and Wellness

If you simply want to supplement your diet with lactose-free protein powder, your recommended protein intake will be similar to someone with weight loss goals. That is, about 0.36 to 0.73 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight (or 0.8 to 1.6 grams per kilogram), depending on your athletic activity.

We recommend picking something simple and delicious for this, such as Isopure Infusions’ fruity whey isolate.

When to Take Lactose-Free Protein

Here’s a quick rundown on the science behind when you should take your lactose-free protein powder.

  • For Building Muscle

If you’re wanting to build muscle mass, research has shown that the best time to take any protein supplement is right after your workout.

Many studies have found significant benefit from taking protein right after working out. These effects are more pronounced when taking a protein/carbohydrate mix.

Benefits of post-workout protein:

It’s important to note that although muscle mass is typically thought of as a manly thing, it’s incredibly important for both men and women.

As explained farther down, muscle plays a vital roll in burning calories and fat for both men and women. For more information, you can take a look at our guide on the Top 20 Best Protein Powders for Women.

  • For Weight Loss

If you’re trying to lose fat, you’ll still want to take protein right after your workout. As explained above, studies have shown that this helps with losing fat.

In addition, increased muscle mass helps with burning more calories at rest, which in turn will help with weight loss.

If you don’t work out or if you take more than one lactose-free protein powder shake during the day, then you’ll want to take your protein in between meals. Research has shown that protein shakes in between meals, as opposed to those taken with meals, help with fat loss.15Effects of protein supplements consumed with meals, versus between meals, on resistance training–induced body composition changes in adults: a systematic review

For more thorough information on protein powder dosage and timing, check out our full protein powder guide.

Bowel and spoon with lactose-free collagen protein powder
Lactose-free protein powder can be a great tool for fitness goals.

Benefits of Protein Powders

Why take lactose-free protein powders? Here’s a quick breakdown of the benefits.

Building and Preserving Muscle Mass

Studies have shown that taking protein supplements alongside regular exercise can lead to increased muscle mass.16Whey Protein Supplementation Improves Body Composition and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis17A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of the effect of protein supplementation on resistance training-induced gains in muscle mass and strength in healthy adults

There are a two main reasons for this.

First, the supply of amino acids from the protein stops the body from breaking down muscle. This breakdown is a natural process called muscle catabolism, but it’s not helpful when you’re trying to build muscle.

Second, the body starts to create muscle tissue at a higher rate when supplied with plenty of amino acids directly following a workout.18Reduced resting skeletal muscle protein synthesis is rescued by resistance exercise and protein ingestion following short-term energy deficit.19Postexercise net protein synthesis in human muscle from orally administered amino acids20Protein requirements and muscle mass/strength changes during intensive training in novice bodybuilders.21Effects of exaggerated amino acid and protein supply in man.

Boosting Performance and Decreasing Soreness

Protein supplements help with more than just muscle size. Research has shown that drinking a protein shake after workouts leads to increased strength, performance levels, and one repetition max.22A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of the effect of protein supplementation on resistance training-induced gains in muscle mass and strength in healthy adults/mfn]22Timing of postexercise protein intake is important for muscle hypertrophy with resistance training in elderly humans23Effects of resistance training and protein plus amino acid supplementation on muscle anabolism, mass, and strength

There are three major reasons behind this.

First, protein supplements simply help the body produce more muscle tissue, as discussed above.

Second, drinking protein after an intense workout helps restore muscle glycogen, a primary energy source. 24Early postexercise muscle glycogen recovery is enhanced with a carbohydrate-protein supplement25Carbohydrate-protein complex increases the rate of muscle glycogen storage after exercise26Postexercise protein-carbohydrate and carbohydrate supplements increase muscle glycogen in men and women27Regulation of Muscle Glycogen Repletion, Muscle Protein Synthesis and Repair Following Exercise

And finally, post-workout protein also reduces muscle soreness. Since sore, damaged muscle fiber can’t perform as well as it normally could, reducing soreness results in increased performance and resultant strength gains over time. 28THE EFFECT OF A CARBOHYDRATE AND PROTEIN SUPPLEMENT ON RESISTANCE EXERCISE PERFORMANCE, HORMONAL RESPONSE, AND MUSCLE DAMAGE29Effect of milk-based carbohydrate-protein supplement timing on the attenuation of exercise-induced muscle damage30Acute milk-based protein–CHO supplementation attenuates exercise-induced muscle damage

SUMMARY

Taking protein supplements can help with gaining muscle mass, boosting performance, and decreasing soreness.

Weight Loss

Research has demonstrated that drinking protein shakes can help with reducing fat mass while increasing or maintaining muscle mass.31Whey Protein Supplementation Improves Body Composition and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis32A whey-protein supplement increases fat loss and spares lean muscle in obese subjects: a randomized human clinical study33Effects of protein supplements consumed with meals, versus between meals, on resistance training–induced body composition changes in adults: a systematic review

There are a few contributing factors here.

The simplest is that protein shakes are filling, and can often replace unhealthy food choices. They can help with both appetite control and responsible dietary choices.

But beyond simple meal replacements, protein shakes help increase muscle mass, which in turns helps with burning fat.

Even at rest, muscle consumes more calories than fat does. This means that the more muscle tissue you have, the higher your resting metabolism. And the higher your resting metabolism, the easier it is to maintain a calorie deficit and burn fat.

SUMMARY

Protein supplements can help with losing fat and maintaining calorie-burning muscle mass.

White scoop and lactose-free protein powder
Lactose-free protein powder can be useful for both building muscle and losing weight.

Summary

Protein supplements can be very useful tools for achieving health and fitness goals. For those who are lactose intolerant, lactose-free protein powders are a great way to reap some of protein powder’s benefits.

For more information on protein supplementation, see our full protein powder guide.

Overview: Best Lactose-Free Protein Powders
Isopure Unflavored Protein, Whey Isolate, with Vitamin C & Zinc for Immune Support, 25g Protein, Zero Carb & Keto Friendly, 1 Pound (Packaging May Vary)Best Overall: Isopure – Low-Carb, High-Protein Whey Isolate

“This high-protein whey isolate is one of the best lactose-free protein powders on the market.”
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LEGION Casein+ Casein Protein Powder (Dutch Chocolate) - Slow-Release Micellar Casein Protein Powder - Non-GMO, Gluten-Free & Naturally Sweetened Casein Powder from Grass-Fed Cows (30 Servings)Runner-Up: Legion – Casein+ Protein Powder

“Legion’s Casein+ is one of the best casein lactose-free protein powders available. “
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OWYN Only What You Need Plant-Based Protein Powder, Smooth Vanilla, 1.05 lbsAllergy-Friendliest: OWYN – Allergy Friendly Vegan Protein

“This allergy-friendly plant-based protein powder is a go-to for anyone with other food allergies.”
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Isopure Protein Powder, Clear Whey Isolate Protein, Post Workout Recovery Drink Mix, Gluten Free with Zero Added Sugar, Infusions- Tropical Punch, 16 ServingsBest-Tasting: Isopure Infusions – Keto-Friendly Fruity Whey Isolate

“If you want a lactose-free protein powder that manages to be delicious without added junk, this is a great choice.”
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Isopure Unflavored Vegan Protein Powder, with Amino Acids, Post Workout Recovery, Sugar Free, Plant Based, Organic Pea Protein, Dairy Free, 20 Servings (Packaging May Vary)Vegan Pick: Isopure – Vegan Lactose-Free Protein Powder

“Though all vegan protein is lactose free, this pea and rice protein powder is a great option.”
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KOS Vegan Protein Powder Erythritol Free, Chocolate - Organic Pea Protein Blend, Plant Based Superfood Rich in Vitamins & Minerals - Keto, Dairy Free - Meal Replacement for Women & Men, 28 ServingsVegan Runner-Up: KOS – Organic Vegan Protein Blend

“This vegan, lactose-free protein powder is a diverse source of protein at a great price.”
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Ancient Nutrition Protein Powder Made from Real Chicken and Beef Bone Broth, Vanilla, 20g Protein Per Serving, 20 Serving Tub, Gluten Free Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides SupplementPaleo Pick: Ancient Nutrition – Bone Broth Protein Powder

“Ancient Nutrition’s top-notch bone broth protein is completely lactose-free.”
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BulkSupplements.com Egg White Protein Powder - Egg White Powder, Lactose Free & Dairy Free Protein Powder - Unflavored & Gluten Free, 30g per Serving, 1kg (2.2 lbs) (Pack of 1)Egg White Pick: Bulk Supplements – Egg White Protein Powder

“Bulk Supplements offers some of the most affordable lactose-free egg white protein powder per serving.”
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NOW Foods Sports Nutrition, Sprouted Brown Rice Protein, 80% Protein, Unflavored Powder, 2-PoundBrown Rice Pick: NOW Sports – Sprouted Brown Rice Protein Powder

“This zero-carb, single-ingredient rice protein powder is a great pick for going lactose-free on a budget.”
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Naked Pea - 5LB 100% Pea Protein Powder from North American Farms - Unflavored Vegan Pea Protein Isolate - Plant Protein Powder, Easy to Digest - 76 ServingsPea Protein Pick: Naked – Pea Protein Isolate

“This protein-packed pea isolate powder is perfect for anyone with high protein needs.”
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