15 Best Lactose-Free Protein Powders

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What if you want to optimize your workouts but are lactose intolerant, allergic to milk, or don’t want to consume animal-based products? You may have trouble finding a protein powder because the most common protein powders are made with whey and casein protein, both milk derivatives.

Fortunately, I've found plenty of high-quality non-dairy protein powders that I have recommended to clients successfully and have also used myself.

The 15 best lactose-free protein powders are:

1. Vega Sport Premium Plant-Based Protein Powder – Best Overall
2. BulkSupplements.com Egg White Protein Powder – Best Premium Option
3. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Plant – Best Name Recognition
4. MuscleMeds Carnivor – Best Beef-Based Protein Powder
5. Source Nutrition Egg White Protein Powder – Best Egg-Based Protein Powder
6. Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder – Best Budget Option
7. Naked Nutrition Organic Brown Rice Protein Powder – Best Rice-Based Protein Powder
8. Vega One All-in-One Nutritional Shake – Best Environmentally-Friendly Protein Powder
9. Naked Pea Protein – Best Pea-Based Protein Powder
10. Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein Powder – Best Hemp-Based Protein Powder
11. BioTech USA Iso Whey Zero – Best Milk-Based Lactose-Free Protein Powder
12. NOW Sports Nutrition Soy Protein Isolate – Best Soy-Based Protein Powder
13. Entomo Farms Organic Cricket Powder – Best for Adventurous Eaters
14. Naked Vegan Mass – Best for Weight Gain
15. Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth – Best Bone Broth Protein Powder 

If you get the wrong protein for your needs though, your growth and gains could stall out, so read on about the proteins that catch your eye for the details.

In this article, we will provide an overview of the best lactose-free protein powders, including:

• Pros and cons of each powder
• Tne nutritional breakdown of each powder
• Who each powder is right for
• Why you should trust our reviews
• Factors to consider when buying lactose-free protein powder
• How to know if your lactose intolerant
• Benefits of lactose-free protein powders
• Side-effects of lactose-free protein powders

Whether you're an athlete looking to optimize your performance, a fitness enthusiast trying to lose weight, or someone looking to improve your overall health, here you will find the best protein powder for lactose intolerance and other dietary preferences.

Let's go!

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Featured Lactose-Free Protein Powders

1. Vega Sport Premium Plant-Based Protein Powder – Best Overall
2. Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder – Best Budget Option
3. MuscleMeds Carnivor – Best Beef-Based Protein Powder

15 Best Lactose-Free Protein Powders

After reading this list, check out more plant-based protein powders from California Gold Nutrition on iHerb. They also have a selection of creatine, l-arginine veggie capsules, and more.

1. Vega Sport Premium Plant-Based Protein Powder – Best Overall

Rating: 4.5/5

Nutritional Breakdown Per Serving

• 20 Servings
• Protein: 30 g
• Fats: 3.5 g
• Carbs: 4 g
• Calories: 170

Pros

• Larger amount of protein per serving than most powders
• NSF certified for sport, thus effective for athletes
• Blends well with other ingredients

Cons

• Strong stevia taste
• Pricey for the number of servings per tub

Vega Sport's protein powder's high protein content per serving (30 g) makes it stand out from other powders, especially benefiting athletes like myself who need abundant protein. This also makes it the best dairy-free protein powder for building muscle, as your muscles need plenty of protein to grow.

It's made from a blend of peas, pumpkin seeds, and other plant-based proteins.

It comes in five flavors (vanilla, chocolate, mocha, berry, peanut butter), allowing you to consume it consistently, regardless of your taste preferences. Chocolate is my favorite and the most popular with clients, but vanilla is also well-liked.

I like that I can mix it with a dairy-free milk like almond milk and the texture is super creamy and delicious, unlike some cheaper brands that taste artificial.

This powder is NSF-certified, meaning it has passed several safety and health regulations set out by the National Sanitation Foundation.

Female athletes must be mindful of how they fuel their bodies themselves, as they consume less protein than they need. Here is a guide on how to fuel your performance as a female athlete: Female Powerlifting Diet: Complete Guide.

2. BulkSupplements.com Egg White Protein Powder – Best Premium Option

Rating: 4/5

Nutritional Breakdown Per Serving

• 33 Servings
• Protein: 24 g
• Fats: <1 g
• Carbs: <1 g
• Calories: 120

Pros

• Coming from eggs, this powder has a high protein content
• Great for baking
• Beneficial for individuals on a keto diet

Cons

• Lacks flavors and sizes
• Messy to work with and can get sticky

This protein powder based from egg whites is a perfect alternative to those with lactose intolerance who still want the benefits of high-quality protein.

Egg whites are the only ingredient, and unlike other animal-byproduct powders, egg powder is very low in carbs and fats. This is an ideal choice when I want to follow a keto diet or for those who are looking for a lactose-free protein powder for weight loss.

However, make sure to prepare for a bit of a messy ordeal when working with this powder. The powder can get everywhere when I try to make a shake, as the consistency is different from typical protein powder.

For a more traditional protein powder experience, we love our #1 choice, but you can also check out the Source or Naked protein powders we've recommended below.

Quick Take From A Friend:

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Barrios Jordi (@jab_10)

Yo, let me tell you about Bulk Supplements Egg White Protein! It’s an absolute game-changer for my post-workout nutrition. This stuff is packed with pure, lean protein that my muscles need to grow and recover after my intense weight training sessions. Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also easy to digest and helps me stay full and energized throughout the day. Bulk Supplements Egg White Protein is the ultimate supplement for any serious bodybuilder looking to take their gains to the next level!

Barrios Jordi

3. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Plant – Best Name Recognition

Rating: 3.5/5

Nutritional Breakdown Per Serving

• 20 servings

• Protein: 24 g
• Fats: 3.5 g
• Carbs: 6 g
• Calories: 150

Pros

• Contains all nine essential amino acids
• Decently priced for the quantity of product
• Company has a strong following and good reputation for protein powder products

Cons

• Only comes in two flavors, and there are no sample sizes
• Many complaints around the packaging of the product and emptiness of the tub

Optimum Nutrition is the big name in the supplement industry which is helpful as an experienced trainer because I know I can recommend their products and they will get results.

Unlike many plant-based protein powders on the market, this option has all 9 essential amino acids (EAAs) needed for muscle growth.

This is important, as your body cannot produce EAAs on its own and must get them from food. However, not all plant-based proteins contain all 9 EAAs. The fact that Optimum Nutrition’s dairy-free protein powder does helps it stand out amongst its competitors. Its protein sources include peas, brown rice, and fava beans.

But this protein powder is also chunky and difficult to blend well, similar to the egg white powder. But if you can get past those shortcomings, this is a great option if you’re looking for plant-based protein options from a reputable and recognizable company.

4. MuscleMeds Carnivor – Best Beef-Based Protein Powder

Rating: 4.5/5

Nutritional Breakdown Per Serving

• 28 or 56 Servings
• Protein: 23 g
• Fats: 0 g
• Carbs: 3 g
• Calories: 100

Pros

• Comes in a variety of flavors and sizes
• Has a higher concentration of protein than whey protein powder
• Protein absorption is high and effective, making it easier to gain muscle mass than with other powders

Cons

• Chunky and difficult to blend
• Flavors are hit or miss

In a list of lactose-free protein powders you may think you’ll only see plant-based and maybe some egg-based products, but surely not something completely animal-based, right?

MuscleMeds came out with a unique idea many years ago. The company sources its protein powder from beef, making it highly concentrated and easily absorbed. It contains the beneficial nutrients and all the essential amino acids that come with meat-based proteins.

For those who are lactose intolerant but have no qualms about eating meat, this is a great option.

If you are a competitive athlete, your nutrition is as important to your development as your training routine. In powerlifting, in particular, your overall nutrition is crucial to your performance. Learn more about why powerlifters don't eat whatever they want.

5. Source Nutrition Egg White Protein Powder – Best Egg-Based Protein Powder

Rating: 4.5/5

Nutritional Breakdown Per Serving

• 27 servings
• Protein: 25 g
• Fats: <1 g
• Carbs: 4 g
• Calories: 110-120, depending on the flavor

Pros

• Egg-sourced protein is very high-quality
• Easy to mix and blend 
• Few and simple ingredients, so you know what’s in it

Cons

• Only three flavors and one size option
• May cause stomach pain and digestive issues

Despite only being available in three flavors (vanilla cream, milk chocolate, and strawberry), Source Nutrition’s protein powder tastes great. It has more protein and fewer calories per serving than other options, so it is ideal for those wanting as much protein as possible in their protein powder.

It doesn’t have any artificial sweeteners or flavorings, which is great if you’re looking for a more natural protein powder for lactose intolerance or other dietary needs.

Additionally, the company follows guidelines set forth by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) when producing this protein powder, so you can be confident that you’re consuming a clean supplement.

6. Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder – Best Budget Option

Rating: 3/5

Nutritional Breakdown Per Serving

• 20 servings
• Protein: 21 g
• Fats: 4 g
• Carbs: 15 g
• Calories: 150

Pros

• Very affordable
• Comes in interesting flavors like pumpkin spice and iced coffee
• Certified USDA Organic

Cons

• Lacks essential amino acids
• Many complaints of sweeteners and general taste

Orgain’s plant-based protein powder is the best budget option on the market because of the price to quantity offered. Even though a two-pound tub only has 20 servings, you can buy two containers for the same price as one tub with the same number of servings from another brand.

This powder is completely plant-based, making it an easy choice for those who do not consume animal products. Its main protein sources are peas, brown rice, and chia seeds. There are also no added sugars, preservatives, or artificial ingredients.

Some find the flavors too subtle and flat, but others find them delicious, so I recommend at least trying it to see how you like it. Because it’s so affordable, you won’t waste too much money if you don’t like it.

7. Naked Nutrition Organic Brown Rice Protein Powder – Best Rice-Based Protein Powder

Rating: 4/5

Nutritional Breakdown Per Serving

• 76 servings
• Protein: 25 g
• Fats: <1 g
• Carbs: 4 g
• Calories: 120

Pros

• Only one ingredient: brown rice
• Great option for people with multiple food sensitivities (FODMAP approved)
• Flexible and adaptable for many uses

Cons

• May be chalky when blended (but this does not appear to be an issue in baked goods)
• Complaints of wasting plastic as the container is big and barely half full

Rice is the only ingredient in this product, making it an ideal protein powder for lactose intolerance. It’s also third-party verified, so you know it doesn’t contain ingredients not listed on the label.

The extraction process that Naked uses allows for a higher protein content than typical vegan protein powder options. This protein powder also boasts a good amino acid profile and contains more BCAAs than other plant-based protein powders, making it a good option for athletes who want to maximize their muscle-building potential.

8. Vega One All-in-One Nutritional Shake – Best Environmentally-Friendly Protein Powder

Rating: 3/5

Nutritional Breakdown Per Serving

• 18 servings
• Protein: 20 g
• Fats: 3.5 g
• Carbs: 11 g
• Calories: 140

Pros

• Contains 50% of the daily recommended vitamins and minerals from various fruits and vegetables
• Low glycemic profile
• 1 Billion CFU Bacillus Coagulans (probiotics) can help your gut flourish

Cons

• Heating it can damage the enzymes and probiotics and make the maca powder gelatinous
• Stevia can make it have an odd aftertaste
• May be thick and chalky

For those who struggle to eat enough fruits and vegetables in addition to consuming enough protein, this is a good option. It contains vitamins and minerals from powdered spinach, carrots, strawberries, kale, oranges, blueberries, and other fruits and vegetables. One serving also has seven grams of fiber and a healthy dose of probiotics to help promote gut health.

This is also a good protein powder if you like adding fruits and vegetables to your lactose-intolerance protein shakes but struggle to get everything blended enough.

The company cares about the environment and plants a tree with every purchase. If sustainability is important to you, you can feel good supporting this brand.

9. Naked Pea Protein – Best Pea-Based Protein Powder

Rating: 4/5

Nutritional Breakdown Per Serving

• 76 servings
• Protein: 27 g
• Fats: <1 g
• Carbs: 2 g
• Calories: 120

Pros

• Flavor is undetected when mixed into smoothies
• No thickeners make it gut-friendly
• Made solely from raw yellow peas grown on environmentally-friendly farms in both the USA and Canada

Cons

• Contains some sugars
• Reviewers complain of bulky packaging that arrives half full

Naked packed a surprising amount of protein per serving into this powder, surpassing even some animal-based protein powders. Its main protein source is peas, and pea protein powder is easily absorbed by the body. The different flavors (chocolate, vanilla, and unflavored) provide everyone a chance to enjoy it. 

The flavored options have more sugar, carbs, and calories, but Naked uses coconut sugar, which has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar. This means it won’t spike your blood sugar levels as much as other forms of sugar.

This powder is Informed Choice-certified, meaning it is tested by a third-party lab and meets safety and quality standards for a clean product. Whether you’re an athlete in a drug-tested sport or a fitness enthusiast who cares about what you put in your body, you can safely consume this protein powder.

10. Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein Powder – Best Hemp-Based Protein Powder

Rating: 3.5/5

Nutritional Breakdown Per Serving

• 15, 28, or 45 servings
• Protein: 15 g
• Fats: 3 g
• Carbs: 8 g
• Calories: 110

Pros

• Nutrient packed with extra nutrients in addition to protein, such as fiber and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
• Cold processing helps avoid additional chemicals such as hexane
• No additional sweeteners
• Compatible with various diets such as Whole 30, keto, and vegan

Cons

• Low in protein content
• Have to refrigerate after opening

Though classified as a protein powder, this is more of an all-around nutrient powder than a pure protein powder. As a hemp-based product, it is rich in healthy fats like omega-3 and omega-6, often found in fish. These fatty acids are associated with reduced inflammation and help protect against the development of obesity.

If you’re new to protein powders, this is a good choice. It also includes many other nutrients and isn’t known to cause unwanted side effects, such as bloating.

11. BioTech USA Iso Whey Zero – Best Milk-Based Lactose-Free Protein Powder

Rating: 4.5/5

Nutritional Breakdown Per Serving

• 90 servings
• Protein: 21 g
• Fats: 0.5 g
• Carbs: 1.3 g
• Calories: 93

Pros:

• Great option to use when making foods such as pancakes
• Contains 
• Zero trans fats and sugar

Cons:

• May still result in an upset stomach despite being a whey isolate
• Higher overall price compared to other protein powders

A common question when it comes to protein powders is, “Is whey protein isolate lactose-free?”

If a protein powder is lactose-free, it almost always means it doesn’t come from animal milk. However, there are exceptions if a company has a great filtration process.

BioTech USA is one of those companies. Its whey protein powder is whey isolate, meaning nearly all of the lactose has been removed, leaving mostly protein behind.

Many people with lactose intolerance can consume whey isolate without any negative side effects, so this product is worth considering if you can’t consume dairy but aren’t a fan of plant-based protein powders.

It’s important to note that this is an expensive product. However, you get 90 servings per container, which is close to three times the amount you get in other protein powders. Plus, this product is very well-received, so the extra cost may be worth it if you’re looking for a high-quality protein supplement to last you for a while.

12. NOW Sports Nutrition Soy Protein Isolate – Best Soy-Based Protein Powder

Rating: 4/5

Nutritional Breakdown Per Serving

• 23 or 38 servings
• Protein: 20 g
• Fats: <1 g
• Carbs: 0 g
• Calories: 90

Pros

• Packaged in the USA by a family-owned and operated company
• Can help with low estrogen if you follow a premenopausal diet
• Very affordable price

Cons

• Many complain of the inability to mix well
• Double the calorie count with the flavored options

This protein powder is high in phytoestrogen, which is beneficial for reproductive health, heart health, weight loss, and the immune system. Research also suggests that the genistein and daidzein proteins used in this powder have anti-cancer properties. These benefits make this a good protein powder for women or those with specific health conditions.

Beyond that, this powder is also Informed Choice-certified, so you can be confident that it’s not contaminated with foreign substances.

The unflavored option is great for weight loss, as it only has 90 calories. However, the flavored options have double the calories, so those may not be the best for you if you’re trying to keep your daily calories low.

13. Entomo Farms Organic Cricket Powder – Best for Adventurous Eaters

Rating: 3.5/5

Nutritional Breakdown Per Serving

• 6 servings
• Protein: 13 g
• Fats: 4 g
• Carbs: 2 g
• Calories: 90

Pros

• Most sustainable way to get exceptional animal protein
• It is almost 70% protein, has more calcium than milk, more iron than spinach, and almost 20 times more B12 than beef
• Innovative protein powder on the market

Cons

• Crickets are related to crustacean shellfish and are a potential food allergen
• Controversial taste as some say it is very noticeable and others say it isn’t

Because this protein powder is made from crickets, it is not for those who are a bit squeamish. Regardless, if you can handle it and are curious enough to try it, cricket-based protein powder is a perfectly suitable alternative to animal-based protein. It is also extremely sustainable, as crickets require much less feed and water than other animals.

It has a fishy flavor, so this won’t be the product for you if you don’t like fish and seafood. But if you do like those foods, this is a good protein powder to consider. You can add it to various foods, such as soups and sauces, to enhance their flavor and boost their protein content.

14. Naked Vegan Mass – Best for Weight Gain

Rating: 4.5/5

Nutritional Breakdown Per Serving

• 11 servings
• Protein: 50 g
• Fats: 4-15 g, depending on the flavor
• Carbs: 248 g
• Calories: 1,230

Pros

• Results show quickly
• Accommodating to many different allergies and dietary restrictions
• Easy on the stomach and comfortable to digest

Cons

• High sugar content
• Pricey and doesn’t have a lot of servings per tub

The nutritional breakdown may seem excessive, but this powder is a mass gainer, meaning it is higher in fat and calories to help you gain weight. If you are trying to build muscle and need to consume a lot of calories, this can be a helpful supplement to add to your diet.

Naked’s ingredients and processes, such as its sustainable farming practices and extraction process, allow this mass gainer to maintain a strong amino acid profile. Like its other products, Naked’s mass gainer is gluten-free, doesn’t contain any additives, and is suitable for vegans.

If you want to gain weight without consuming a lot of junk, this dairy-free mass gainer can help you reach your goals.

15. Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth – Best Bone Broth Protein Powder

Rating: 4.5/5

Nutritional Breakdown Per Serving

• 20 servings
• Protein: 20 g
• Fats: 0 g
• Carbs: 0 g
• Calories: 90

Pros

• Has additional health benefits, such as reducing joint discomfort
• Helps support a healthy inflammation response, immune system, and gut
• More versatile than other options and can be used in soups and gravies

Cons

• Lacks certain essential amino acids needed to make it a complete protein
• Tends to clump when blended with warm water

Bone broth protein powder has gained a lot of popularity since its arrival to the market, and Ancient Nutrition has really tried to perfect its development.

Beyond the protein content, this powder has many overall health benefits. It contains ingredients such as chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, and collagen type II, which support joint, connective tissue, and skin health.

The taste is hit or miss, as the flavors are more savory, unlike that of other protein powders that come in flavors like vanilla or chocolate. But if you don’t mind the taste and are interested in boosting the protein content of your soups or gravies, this powder can be a worthwhile addition to your diet.

Why You Should Trust PowerliftingTechnique

We have a diverse group of coaches and writers on staff who have extensive knowledge in a diverse set of fields. We all have different dietary needs, but we have plenty of experience with lactose-free protein powders to help supplement our protein requirements.

From our extensive experience in the industry, we also know how to determine the supplement brands that have consumers’ best interests in mind and which ones are just trying to make a quick buck.

How We Chose the Best Lactose-Free Protein Powders

To find the best dairy-free protein powder for building muscle and other dietary needs, we first looked for appropriate alternative sources of protein, like plant-based and animal-based proteins that weren't dependent on milk. We then created a good list of options like soy, pea, hemp, egg, and bone broth protein powders.

We also considered the following criteria:

• Overall nutritional value, including the protein content per serving
• Ingredients and whether the protein powder has low amounts of sugar and other additives
• Brand reputation, so you can ensure you’re supporting trustworthy companies
• Available flavors to suit a variety of taste preferences
• Texture, so you don’t have to choke down your protein powder

Buying Guide: What To Look For in a Lactose-Free Protein Powder

Protein Source

When buying a lactose-free protein powder, consider the protein source. If you don’t mind consuming animal products but can’t tolerate dairy, you may be able to handle a whey isolate due to its low lactose content. You may also want to consider other animal-based powders that come from egg and bone broth.

However, if you have a dairy allergy or follow a vegan diet, there are many plant-based alternatives like soy, hemp, brown rice, and pea.

Nutritional Profile

Sometimes we focus so much on the protein content that we forget about the other nutrients and ingredients in a protein powder.

Check the nutritional label to ensure it contains the macronutrients and micronutrients you need and isn’t full of nonsense like sugar.

Flavor and Texture

Protein powder comes in various flavors, so you may need to experiment to find the one you like best. Plant-based protein powders can also be gritty, but mixing them with various liquids, such as milk or juice, can help. 

To avoid being stuck with a protein powder whose flavor or texture you can’t tolerate, see if you can buy a sample first. This way, you can try different brands and flavors without wasting money.

Price

Standard-size protein powder tubs cost around $20-$80, which can be a lot of money to spend on a nutrition item. However, the price is well worth it because the tubs will typically last a month or two. 

Even if you have a tight budget, you can usually find decent lactose-free protein powders that aren’t full of unwanted fillers.

Brand

Look for protein powder brands that have a good reputation for producing high-quality, effective products. Read reviews from other users to get an idea of the effectiveness and overall quality of the product.

Lactose: What It Is and How To Know If You Are Lactose Intolerant

What is Lactose?

Lactose is a type of sugar found in milk and other dairy products. It is made up of two smaller sugar molecules — glucose and galactose — and is a key source of energy for humans.

For the body to digest lactose, it must first break down an enzyme called lactase, which is produced in the small intestine. Lactase breaks lactose down into its two smaller sugar components, which can then be absorbed into the bloodstream and used as a source of energy by the body.

How Can You Tell if You Are Lactose Intolerant?

Lactose intolerance is a digestive disorder where people have difficulty digesting lactose. This occurs when the body does not produce enough lactase.

Possible problems such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea can occur within 30 minutes to 2 hours after lactose-intolerant individuals consume lactose-containing foods.

Lactose intolerance affects up to 70% of the world's population, particularly people of Asian, African, and Hispanic descent. However, you usually can’t diagnose yourself as having lactose intolerance without speaking to a doctor.

You may need to take lactose intolerance tests, which could involve measuring the amount of hydrogen in your breath after drinking a lactose solution. You may also need to take a stool acidity test, or reducing or eliminating lactose-containing foods to see if your symptoms disappear.

Does Whey Protein Have Lactose?

Because it comes from milk, whey protein is not non-dairy. Depending on what type of milk it comes from, it will contain lactose. However, whey isolate protein is mostly lactose-free because it is filtered to remove almost all of the lactose content.

Knowing that whey protein can cause digestive issues, some companies have also started including digestive enzymes in their powders to counteract the issue.

The levels of lactose in other whey protein powders may differ, but in general, it is best to assume that whey protein contains lactose. 

The best protein powders that are lactose-free do not come from milk, so anyone who is lactose intolerant can consume them. Even for people that can consume lactose, lactose-free protein powders are often easier for the body to digest and cause fewer digestive issues in general.

If your aversion to animal-based protein is due to a moral or ethical reason, then lactose free protein powders provide the benefit of high-quality protein to fuel your needs without compromising your values.

Benefits of Lactose-Free Protein Powder

Protein is one of the most important nutrients in our bodies. There is plenty of research to support supplementation with protein powder.

Supports Muscle Growth 

Protein powder is one of the quickest and easiest ways to add extra protein into your diet. It allows for quick absorption of amino acids into your bloodstream to trigger a response to build muscle.

According to Harvard University, consuming 20-40 grams of protein at once will support muscle development. Rice and pea protein powders, in particular, have been shown to stimulate muscle growth similarly to whey protein. Most of the lactose-free protein powders I included on this list are in the range of 20-40 grams per serving. 

If you’re looking for another effective supplement to add to your diet, consider creatine. Learn more about the benefits of creatine and the optimal times to take it in Should I Take Creatine on Rest Days?

Can Help With Weight Loss and Meeting Protein Goals

To lose weight, you need to burn more calories than you eat. It’s also recommended to eat high-protein diet to maintain your muscle size and strength while prioritizing fat loss.

People who don’t consume animal products typically have a hard time eating adequate amounts of protein. Lactose-free protein powders can help those individuals reach their protein goals, making it easier for them to maintain muscle mass as they try to lose fat.

Easy to Digest

Like I stated earlier, pea protein is very easy to digest. It’s free of common allergens, including dairy, and is filtered to remove most of the fiber content. Therefore, it’s gentle on the stomach.

Whey protein isolate, which has much lower levels of lactose than other forms of whey, is also easily digestible. It is filtered to remove fat and lactose, leaving pretty much only protein. This leftover protein is usually safe if you’re lactose intolerant, though you should try it in small quantities first to see how well you tolerate it.

Because they’re easy to digest, pea protein powder and whey isolate are excellent ways to consume some protein during powerlifting meets. Learn more about how to eat at a powerlifting competition in What To Eat During a Powerlifting Meet.

Best Ways to Mix Lactose-Free Protein Powder

The two best ways to mix lactose-free protein powder are with a shaker bottle or a blender. 

Just throw in your scoop of protein into a shaker bottle with your choice of liquid, and give it a shake. You will get a thicker, creamier shake if you use milk and a thinner, more watered-down shake if you use water. The stainless steel mixing ball inside the cup can help break up the powder and mix it with the liquid. As long as you shake hard enough, it will mix. 

Alternatively, add a scoop of protein to your blender with your favorite fruits or vegetables, and let the blades do the work. This is a quick way to ensure your protein gets blended well with other food.

Side Effects of Lactose-Free Protein Powder

Though lactose-free powders don’t cause the typical side effects some people experience with dairy-based protein powders, there are still some things you need to watch out for.

Like other powders, they can cause digestive discomforts such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea, especially when consumed in large amounts or if an individual has a sensitivity to one of the ingredients in the protein powder.

Some people may experience dehydration, but that is more a result of the person not consuming a proper diet and drinking enough water than the protein powder itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

The Vega Sport premium plant-based protein powder is the best lactose-free protein powder. Due to its high protein content per serving and abundance of flavors, it is very easy for anyone to try. The fact it is NSF-certified is another bonus, especially for athletes in drug-tested sports.

It’s important to remember that being lactose-free doesn’t mean you have to avoid animal-based protein. MuscleMeds Carnivor product is an interesting protein powder sourced from beef. It has a high concentration of protein and is very effective for muscle recovery and growth.