It’s not uncommon for the worlds of fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals to intersect at the junction of protein powders. This is especially true for people managing conditions like diabetes, where choosing the right protein powder can make a huge difference.
One of the best is 100% Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate by Transparent Labs, but there are a lot of other good options for diabetics.
If you're looking for a high quality, clean protein powder, Transparent Labs' 100% Grass Fed Whey Isolate is an excellent choice.
With a slew of delicious flavors and a totally transparent, clean label, this is a premium product.
Discount code:
LV10 = 10% off at Transparent Labs
This is why we’ve created a guide on the best protein powder for diabetes, diving into their nutritional profiles, benefits, and – most importantly – how they can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Before making any change to your diet, be sure to consult with your doctor of physician. This is not medical advice.
Related:
- Best Low FODMAP Protein Powder
- Best Protein Powder for PCOS
- Best Protein Powder for Seniors
- Best Protein Powder for Men and Women Over 50
Table of Contents
The Best Protein Powders for Diabetes
- 100% Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate – Transparent Labs
- Organic Vegan Protein Powder – Transparent Labs
- Essential Protein Powder – Ritual
- Egg White Protein Powder – Naked Nutrition
- Vegan Protein Powder – Promix
- Rice Protein Powder – Naked Nutrition
1. 100% Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate – Transparent Labs
If you're looking for a high quality, clean protein powder, Transparent Labs' 100% Grass Fed Whey Isolate is an excellent choice.
With a slew of delicious flavors and a totally transparent, clean label, this is a premium product.
Discount code:
LV10 = 10% off at Transparent Labs
Whether you’re an athlete, have a lactose intolerance, or simply someone trying to manage their diabetes, 100% Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate by Transparent Labs is an excellent choice and probably one of the best grass-fed protein powders on the market.
This protein powder stands out for its commitment to purity and quality, which is why it’s our top pick as the best whey isolate protein powder for diabetics. It’s third-party tested, so you’re getting a product that’s free from contaminants and fillers. It also has no artificial ingredients, making it a clean choice for your health.
100% Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate is sweetened with a natural sweetener called stevia, which gives a pleasant taste without the need for added sugars. Lastly, its low-carb profile makes it ideal for those watching their carb intake. This protein powder is a reliable, health-conscious choice for managing diabetes.
Be sure to check out the best lactose-free protein powders, if you’d prefer a protein powder without dairy.
Key Ingredients & Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Protein source: Whey isolate
- Sweetener: Stevia leaf extract
2. Organic Vegan Protein Powder – Transparent Labs
Transparent Lab's Organic Vegan Rice & Pea Protein Powder is an excellent choice for vegans and anyone seeking a lactose-free protein powder.
Discount codes:
LV10 = 10% off at Transparent Labs
If you want the best organic protein powder for diabetics, then Transparent Labs has another great option for you to try: Organic Vegan Protein Powder. Like our top mention, this protein powder boasts no added sugar, so it’s perfect for keeping your blood sugar levels stable. It’s also low in fat and carbs, so it can be easily incorporated into your diet without upsetting the balance.
Like all Transparent Labs products, it’s third-party tested, for optimal purity and quality. Because it’s free from artificial sweeteners, it’s a natural choice for diabetics who want to avoid synthetic additives. Despite being free of artificial sweeteners, it still tastes great and is available in chocolate and vanilla flavors.
Trust us, this protein powder doesn’t disappoint. But, the downside with it is that it’s a little high in sodium, having 260 mg per serving – so be mindful of this.
Key Ingredients & Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 24 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Protein source: Organic rice protein, Organic pea protein isolate
- Sweetener: Stevia leaf extract
3. Essential Protein Powder – Ritual
Never forget to stock up on protein powder again with Essential Protein from Ritual! After subscribing, you'll receive your monthly supply of protein powder so you're always hitting your nutrition goals. Recognized as one of the best protein powders without artificial sweeteners.
Being a diabetic means having to plan your diet well, which is why many diabetics opt for protein powder subscription services. We chose Essential Protein Powder because of its clean, traceable ingredient supply chain, ensuring you know exactly what you’re consuming.
Each serving will give you the essential amino acids you need as well as 20 grams of protein, zero net carbs, and 0g of sugar, supporting lean muscle mass formation and recovery. It contains no added sugar and is sweetened with monk fruit and Reb-M, both of which are diabetic-friendly
Another thing we love about this high-quality protein powder is that it’s third-party tested to meet rigorous quality standards while still offering you a flavorful experience. It’s also vegan-friendly and free of soy, gluten, and artificial flavors.
Key Ingredients & Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 115
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Protein source: Organic pea protein
- Sweetener: Organic Monk fruit extract, Reb-M
4. Egg White Protein Powder – Naked Nutrition
Egg White Protein from Naked Nutrition is a top-shelf pick for anyone seeking a clean, lactose-free protein powder.
For those who prefer an egg-based protein powder, Egg White Protein Powder by Naked Nutrition is the best egg white protein powder for diabetics. Because it’s a sugar-free protein powder, it’s ideal for keeping blood sugar levels stable.
It offers a complete protein, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids your body needs. Plus, it’s low in fat and carbs, so it can be a great addition to a balanced diet.
With no artificial additives, it’s incredibly clean so you won’t have to worry about it ruining your diet. It’s only available unflavored, which can be a bonus for those who prefer to avoid added flavors or sweeteners. This allows you to customize your protein shake to your taste preferences, making it a more versatile option for your dietary needs.
Key Ingredients & Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Protein source: Egg white protein powder
- Sweetener: Unsweetened
5. Vegan Protein Powder – Promix
Squeaky clean vegan protein powder made from organic Canadian yellow peas.
Contains no hormones, GMOs, fillers, glyphosate, gums, glutes, soy, antibiotics, etc.
If you’re on a vegan diet, whey protein powders won’t cut it because of their dairy content. That’s where Vegan Protein Powder by Promix comes in as the best vegan protein powder for diabetics. It’s a dairy-free, vegan-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on quality or taste.
With no added sugar or artificial sweeteners, this plant-based protein powder is a great choice for managing your blood sugar levels. Plus, they sweeten it with monk fruit, which will give you a great taste while still being diabetes-friendly. That’s why it’s also recognized as one of the best protein powders without artificial sweeteners.
Like most of the options we’ve mentioned, this product is low in fat and carbs and is third-party tested for quality assurance. You’ll find it in unflavored, vanilla, and chocolate varieties, giving you the flexibility to suit your taste preferences while meeting your dietary needs.
Key Ingredients & Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 115
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Protein source: Pea protein powder and brown rice protein powder
- Sweetener: Monk fruit, Coconut sugar
6. Rice Protein Powder – Naked Nutrition
And to conclude our list, we have the best rice protein powder for diabetes: Rice Protein Powder by Naked Nutrition. This product is a fantastic choice for those who prefer plant-based protein sources. It contains no dairy or added sugar, which is mainly why it’s arguably the best rice-based and sugar-free protein powder for diabetics.
It’s also got a low fat and carb profile, which helps it fit seamlessly into a diet. Your body will be grateful for just how clean this plant-based protein powder is. Do note that it’s only available unflavored, which can be frustrating for some but is sometimes preferred by others.
You’ll be able to customize your protein shakes more and integrate the powder into other meals without it ruining the taste.
Key Ingredients & Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Protein source: Brown rice protein
- Sweetener: Unsweetened
What To Look For In A Protein Powder For Diabetes
No added sugar
When it comes to choosing a suitable protein powder for diabetes, the first thing to consider is how much sugar it has. Many protein powders on the market have added sugars to enhance their taste. But, these added sugars can cause blood sugar spikes, which is very harmful to diabetics. So, it’s important to opt for protein powders without added sugar.
This will help you with managing your blood sugar, while still allowing you to enjoy the benefits of increased protein intake. This is where checking the nutritional information becomes a must!
No artificial sweeteners like sucralose
Artificial sweeteners, like sucralose, are often used in protein powders to make them sweet without adding calories or impacting blood sugar levels. But, some research shows that artificial sweeteners may have negative effects on gut health and insulin response.
If you have diabetes, it’s best to avoid protein powders that have artificial sweeteners. Instead, look for protein powders that are sweetened with natural alternatives like stevia or monk fruit, or better yet, go for an unsweetened protein powder. Unsweetened ones are a lot more dynamic and you can add your own healthy flavorings like cinnamon or vanilla extract.
Low in sodium
Sodium is another ingredient for diabetics to keep an eye out for when choosing a protein powder. High sodium intake can increase blood pressure, which can further complicate health issues for people with diabetes. A lot of protein powders can be high in sodium, especially those designed for muscle growth and recovery. So, it’s important to check the nutritional label for sodium content.
We’d recommend going for protein powders with less than 200mg of sodium per serving. This will help you manage your sodium intake while still benefiting from the protein supplement.
Low in saturated and trans fats
Look, fats are an essential part of our diet, but not all fats are created the same. For example, saturated and trans fats can increase your risk of heart disease by raising your levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol. For people with diabetes, heart health is incredibly important, so they have to choose protein powders low in these harmful fats.
Opt for protein powders that have healthy fats, like those from chia seeds or flaxseeds. These fats can actually help regulate blood sugar levels and support overall health.
At least 20 grams of protein per serving
As you might expect, protein is the star of the show when it comes to protein powders. For those with diabetes, a higher protein intake can help regulate blood sugar levels and keep you feeling fuller for longer, which can help you manage your body weight.
Look for protein powders that’ll give you at least 20 grams of protein per serving. This ensures you’re getting a significant protein boost with each of your protein shakes, this will help you meet your daily protein needs relatively easily.
Protein sources
Another very important factor to consider is where your protein powder comes from. Whey protein powder, available as whey protein concentrate and isolate, is quickly absorbed. Because it has a low lactose content, whey protein isolate may be the preferred choice for some diabetics and we’ve also extensively covered the top whey isolate powders on the market.
Casein protein gives you a slower release of amino acids. Plant-based protein powder like pea protein is ideal for keeping your glycemic response in check and are well-tolerated by diabetics. Egg white protein is another good protein source, offering all the essential amino acids you n.
Benefits Of Protein For Diabetics
Managing blood sugar levels
Protein plays a big role in managing blood sugar levels, making it a key dietary component for diabetics.
Unlike carbohydrates, which can cause blood sugar levels to spike and then crash, protein has very little impact on blood glucose levels. This is because protein is digested at a slower rate than carbs, so you’re getting a steady source of energy and preventing sudden changes in blood sugar levels.
Adding protein powders to your diet can help you keep your blood sugar levels stable throughout the day. For example, putting protein powder in your morning smoothie or oatmeal can help prevent the mid-morning blood sugar drop that happens to many diabetics.
Also, studies have shown that having protein can stimulate the secretion of insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. This can be very helpful for people with type 2 diabetes, as they often struggle with insulin resistance.
Bear in mind that while protein is beneficial for blood sugar management, it needs to be consumed as part of a balanced diet. Consuming too much protein and forgetting about other essential nutrients can result in an unbalanced diet and potential health issues.
Convenience
With the way life can get busy nowadays, convenience is key, and this is where protein powders really come in handy. They’re a quick and easy way to increase your protein intake without having to prepare or cook extra food. This can be particularly helpful for diabetics, as they usually need to carefully plan their meals to manage their blood sugar levels.
Protein powders can be easily mixed into many different foods and drinks, from smoothies and shakes to oatmeal and yogurt. This makes it simple to give your meals and snacks a protein boost, no matter how busy your schedule is.
To add to this, protein powders are very portable and don’t need to be refrigerated, making them a great option for those who are always on the move. You can easily take a protein shake to work, the gym, or on trips, ensuring you keep your protein intake consistent.
Helping you feel full
Protein is known for having a “satiating” effect, meaning it can help you feel fuller for longer. This is because protein takes longer to digest compared to carbs, giving a steady release of energy, and keeping hunger at bay. This is very useful if you have diabetes.
When you feel full, you’re less likely to seek out unhealthy snacks or overeat, which can result in blood sugar spikes and weight gain. If you add a scoop of protein powder to your meals, you can increase your feeling of fullness, helping you manage your overall calorie and carb intake.
Managing your weight is an important part of managing type 2 diabetes. If you’re overweight or obese, your insulin resistance can increase, making it harder to control blood sugar levels. By helping you feel full and satisfied, protein powders can make weight management efforts much easier, contributing to better blood sugar control.
FAQs
Is protein powder good for people with diabetes?
Absolutely! Protein powder is more than okay for people with diabetes. It can be very useful for managing blood sugar levels and promoting feelings of fullness. But, it’s important to choose the right protein powder. Look for options with no added sugars, low in sodium and fats, and high in protein content. Always consult a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your diet.
Whether you’re an athlete, on a FODMAP diet, or a teen looking to add more protein to your diet, there’s a protein powder out there for you.
What should I look for in a protein powder for diabetics?
When choosing a protein powder, diabetics should go for ones with no added sugars or artificial sweeteners. The protein content should be high, ideally offering at least 20 grams per serving. It’s also better to choose powders that are low in sodium, saturated, and trans fats.
Lastly, choose high-quality protein sources like whey isolate, plant-based proteins, or egg white protein. Always check the nutritional facts and ingredient list before buying.
What types of protein powder are best for diabetes?
Pea, rice, soy, egg white, casein, and whey protein powders are all typically fine for diabetics. Whey protein isolate is a great choice as it’s high in protein and low in carbs and fats. Plant-based protein powders, like pea protein or brown rice protein, are also excellent as they’re usually naturally low in sugars. Remember to always choose options with no added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
Conclusion
Managing diabetes doesn’t mean sacrificing your fitness or body goals. With the right protein powder, you can make your health and fitness journey a lot easier.
As we said earlier, our top pick is easily 100% Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate by Transparent Labs, which offers a clean, high-quality protein source for diabetics.
Close runner-ups include the Organic Vegan Protein Powder by Transparent Labs and the Rice Protein Powder by Naked Nutrition. But always remember, that the best protein powder for everyone isn’t always the best one for you.
