If you are suffering from lactose intolerance, you need to pay more attention to the product’s specifications when choosing protein powders.
Lactose is a type of sugar available in milk and other milk-related products. The lactose intolerant finds it hard to digest lactose or have some symptoms like bloating, gassiness, nausea, or cramps.
Luckily, there are many lactose-free protein powders for people with this health condition. It is a must-have supplement to improve health for those who cannot tolerate lactose.
These products will help you to boost your muscle training or support weight loss.
Have you found a suitable product yet? If not, let’s look at the best lactose free protein powder below. Then, you may find what you need.
Do protein powders contain lactose?
The answer depends on the ingredients that make the protein powder. Clearly, the protein powder made with ingredients that naturally include lactose will be still likely to have it even after the process.
So, to make sure if the protein powder contains lactose or not, look at the label to find the “lactose-free” mark.
What type of protein powder is best for lactose intolerant?
If you are suffering from lactose intolerance but want to take protein supplements, you need to pay attention to the suitable type of protein powders for you. There is a variety of lactose-free powders for you to choose from.
Whey Protein Isolate
Maybe you already know: there is a large amount of lactose in most whey protein products. Because whey is a by-product of the cheese-making. Of course, it is not a wise choice for people with an intolerance.
But the whey protein we recommend for you is not in its basic form. Some varieties of whey protein have decreased lactose and fat and increased protein concentration.
- Whey protein concentrate has the highest amount of lactose. The protein accounts for around 29 to 89 percent.
- Whey protein isolate contains less lactose and has a protein concentration of more than 90 percent.
- Hydrolyzed whey protein has the lowest amount of lactose and contains around 95 percent of protein.
So, if you have lactose intolerance, whey isolate and hydrolyzed whey are great choices. They contain small bioactive peptides to enrich its nutritional value so that you still get all the benefits of standard whey protein. Also, they are easy to digest and have good taste.
Brown Rice Protein
Brown rice is a natural lactose-free source that you can get protein.
But contrary to whey, brown rice is not a complete protein. So, you should use a product that is mixed with another protein form to have the full essential amino acid profile. It is necessary for building or repair muscle.
Soy Protein
Soy protein is included in soybeans, so it is natural and lactose-free. Like whey isolate protein, it contains a full essential amino acid profile.
Soy protein will bring you many benefits: improving bone and heart health, lowering cholesterol levels, or preventing menopause systems.
Pea Protein
Another plant-based source to take in protein, and it is perfect for vegetarians.
Pea protein is included in yellow peas and is naturally lactose-free. One benefit of pea protein is that it contains a complete spectrum of essential amino acids.
Hemp Protein
Another option for vegans or vegetarians to choose from. Hemp protein is from the cannabis plant.
Egg Protein
If you have an allergy to milk, you can go with this option instead. You have already known that egg is a rich source of protein.
Best lactose free protein powder review
#1: Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder
If you are seeking a healthy organic protein powder, here is your choice.
It is a 100% plant-based blend of protein from organic chia seeds, peas, and brown rice. This product meets the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) standard, which means there are no artificial ingredients added to this mixture.
One bottle like that contains 21 grams of protein, 5 grams of organic fiber, 3 grams of net carbs, 150 calories each serving, and very little fat.
You will have a “headache” when you choose a favorite flavor because there are eight flavors available: vanilla bean, vanilla almond, cookies and cream, creamy chocolate fudge, chocolate peanut butter cup, iced matcha tea, peanut butter, and natural unsweetened.
You can mix this protein shake powder with water or milk to enhance the flavors. It is so convenient, especially when you have busy days.
The Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder will give you all the benefits of protein. And if you want to manage your weight, this product will help you without losing the nutrition your body needs. Because there is no sugar included, this protein powder is a simple way to lose weight.
However, if you are sensitive, you may deal with nausea or bloating. The ingredients included in the creamer (erythritol, Acadia gum, and guar gum) are the leading cause of those side effects.
Pros:
- Plant-based and high-quality ingredients
- A variety of flavors
- Dairy-free, gluten-free, lactose-free, soy-free, non-GMO
- Can be used daily
Cons:
- Potential stomach bloating and nausea
Overall, the Orgain Organic Protein Powder is an excellent choice for vegans along with workout. It will be your great partner to help you get fit and healthy.
#2: Vega Protein & Greens Chocolate Flavored
Ready to add more nutrition to your day with Vega Protein & Greens! Like the Orgain Organic Protein Powder, it is a real plant-based protein powder. But the ingredients are a little different: brown rice protein, pea protein, and sacha inchi protein.
Besides the protein, the veggies and greens will help to power your day with ingredients like broccoli powder, spinach powder, organic alfalfa powder, and organic kale powder.
Rest assured that the Vega Protein & Greens is non-GMO and vegan verified, low glycemic, without gluten, dairy, or soy. No artificial colors or preservatives, either.
What about flavors? You can choose among chocolate, berry, tropical, vanilla, and natural flavor. You will get 20 grams of protein and 110 – 120 calories per serving.
There is no or only one gram of sugar, depending on the flavor you choose. The product is sweetened with Stevia leaf extract, a natural calorie-free sweetener.
However, not everyone likes the taste of Stevia. If you are that type, you can choose Vega One instead – it is a Stevia-free unsweetened version.
It is easy to blend or shake so that you can enjoy a delicious but effortless recipe. Mix it with water or non-diary milk to have a complete breakfast or afternoon snack.
The downside is the consistency of the Vega shake – it seems grainier than other normal protein shakes. The cause may be plant products that create a thicker consistency level. Technically, it is more like a mix between a nutritional shake and protein shake.
Pros:
- Dairy-free, gluten-free, lactose-free, soy-free, non-GMO
- Vegan
- 0 – 1 gram of sugar
Cons:
- Overwhelming Stevia taste
- Grain and thick shake
The Vega Protein & Greens is quite good in nutrition, mixability, and taste- but everything is just above average. It does not do great in any single category. Especially, not everyone is a fan of Stevia!
#3: Biochem 100% Whey Isolate Protein
Let’s come to the USA-made whey isolate protein. Each serving includes 20 grams of protein and only 90 calories in each scoop.
You will get the highest quality thanks to the protein coming from grass-fed cows. It is 100% soy-free and 99% lactose-free and contains no artificial sweeteners, colors, and preservatives.
Not only is the whey protein free of fat, but it also tastes delicious too. Each flavor is naturally created with pure ingredients like cocoa powder or vanilla. It is slightly sweetened with Stevia leaf extract and natural cane juice.
The product allows for fast absorbing the whole protein with three essential branched-chain amino acids.
That is why the Biochem whey protein is an effective solution for supplementing protein to your diet. It will support your muscles after intense workouts or help you to reach your weight-management goal.
So, have a yummy and creamy shake to enhance the protein concentration of your meals. You can serve it to complete your morning oatmeal, replace a healthy meal replacement, or even add it to your smoothies.
If you are pregnant, taking medication, or have a special physical condition, you should ask a doctor for advice before using it.
Pros:
- 100% Whey protein isolate
- Free of gluten, sugars, soy
- No artificial colors and preservatives
- Non-GMO
- Maximum performance
Cons:
- Not found yet
Biochem has applied modern technology, a chemical-free micro-filtration method, to extract the best from natural ingredients. We highly recommend this product.
#4: Syntrax Nectar Whey Protein Isolate
The next product is Nectar, a whey protein powder produced by Syntrax. Just like other protein products, it supplements additional protein to support and recover your muscle, as well as losing fat.
It has 23 grams of protein each scoop without carbs, fat, aspartame, lactose, and gluten. The critical ingredient is Promina, as well as the whey protein isolate with the highest quality ever developed.
But what Nectar does really good is the flavoring system it offers you to choose from. We have to say that it stands out from other products because it easily wins the taste competition. They do not just have a single fruit flavor like strawberry.
So, we have Fuzzy Navel, Carribean Cooler, Crystal Sky, Pink Grapefruit, Roadside Lemonade, Strawberry Kiwi, and Wild Grape.
You will enjoy the refreshing taste of fruit juice and want to drink it every day. We also love how they name the flavors – those dainty names can stimulate curiosity and interest.
However, we do not like how foamy it gets from mixing it – it seems not easy to dissolve in water. Moreover, having extra flavors can take away from the absorption so that the stomach can process those extra chemicals.
The best time to supplement protein is after waking up in the morning, after an intense workout, or before sleeping.
Pros:
- Diverse and excellent fruit juice flavors
- Highest quality ingredient
- No carbs, fat, or aspartame
- Lactose- and gluten-free
Cons:
- Foamy
If you are ready to try unique fruit juice taste, you can go with this source of high-quality protein.
#5: Pure Label Nutrition Origin 100% Whey Protein Isolate
Another 100% pure whey isolate protein powder made in the USA. It comes with no GMO, carbs, soy, gluten, lactose, and even sugar. So, it is suitable for those who are intolerant to these substances, on the low carb diet or Keto diet.
It is one of the most protein-concentrated gluten-free products, 90% without extra fillers or by-products. There are 31 servings in a bottle, and each serving contains 24 grams of protein.
Like how you do with other protein products, mix it with water or almond milk for the snack or after-workout meal. Not only are you fueling muscles with nutrition, but you also love how it tastes. Vanilla is the top highly rated flavor. Two other choices are chocolate and unflavored.
But not like some products contain 100% natural ingredients, this one still includes artificial flavors. And some people say that it can taste too sweet to them.
Pros:
- High protein concentration
- Free of GMO, carbs, soy, gluten, and lactose
- Does not cause bloating
Cons:
- Artificial flavors
- Too sweet
The artificial flavor is the biggest downside of this product. However, it still has an excellent level of bioavailability.
#6: Total Activation Whey Isolate Protein
The last position belongs to the Total Activation Whey Isolate Protein, but that does not mean you cannot get the top quality. Each serving includes 120 calories and 26 grams of non-denatured protein formulated through the microfiltration process.
This is a complete protein, offering all the branched-chain amino acids your body requires.
Besides, there are two grams of Stevia, monk fruit, carbohydrates, and sunflower lecithin.
A benefit from this special formula is that it includes a blend of antioxidants. They can regulate spikes in the blood sugar level, lower inflammation in the muscles, and build lean muscle mass after a workout. Also, the product supports weight loss and makes your skin, hair, and nails healthier.
Because it is suitable for people with lactose intolerant, this product is free of fat, soy, lactose, corn, aspartame, and GMO. It is sweetened with natural ingredients, including Stevia leaf and monk fruit, for more flavor and texture.
Here is a little warning: this protein powder includes dairy. So if you are allergic to dairy, do not use it. It is not suitable for nursing mothers and pregnant women, either. And if you prepare an intense weight loss plan, you should consult a doctor before using the product.
Pros:
- Antioxidants included
- Three flavors: vanilla cream, strawberry, and chocolate
- No soy, lactose, aspartame, fat, and GMO.
Cons:
- Dairy included
- Not suitable for nursing mothers and pregnant women
The Total Activation Whey Isolate Protein with an excellent blend of antioxidants can balance the metabolism and support weight loss for both men and women. However, you need to check if you are not allowed to use this product or not.
FAQs
Q1: What are the potential side effects of lactose-free protein?
Remember that not everyone deals with these problems. Some possible effects of lactose-free protein are bloating and gassiness.
Some users experience constipation when they take in some kinds of whey and egg powders because they are low in fiber.
Q2: Can lactose intolerant use whey protein isolate?
As we have explained above, whey in the concentrated form has a high amount of lactose, so you need to avoid it.
But with whey protein isolate, most or all of the lactose is removed from them. So, it is safe for you!
Q3: Is lactose bad for your health?
Lactose is only harmful to you if you have special medical conditions, like lactose intolerance.
If you are healthy now, you do not have to worry about it.
Best Choice
All of the options on the list bring benefits to you. But our recommended choice is the Biochem 100% Whey Isolate Protein.
Biochem is the first certified gluten-free supplement company. The whey isolates are 99% lactose-free.
Also, the natural protein comes from grass-fed cows, and this product is non-GMO tested.
The modern chemical-free micro-filtration method is applied to remove lactose or cholesterol and bring you pure whey protein isolate.
We have not found any downside yet. And it is easily our number one choice.
Conclusion
Whatever product you choose, make sure you read the label of the products carefully to know if the ingredients and functions are suitable for you or not. You should also ask a doctor for advice on taking a protein supplement to your diet if necessary.
Not everyone can find it easy to digest proteins. So, you can try a plant-based product first – it will be easier for your body to absorb.
We hope our best lactose free protein powder review will help you to select the product that suits you most.
Thank you for reading.
