Are protein shakes low carb?

Whether protein shakes are low-carb depends on the specific product and formulation. Protein shakes can be designed to fit various dietary needs, including low-carb diets, but it's essential to check the product label for detailed nutritional information.

Types of Protein Shakes and Their Carb Content

• Whey Protein Isolates: Often lower in carbs, often contain as little as 1 gram of carbohydrates per serving. These are ideal for those on strict low-carb or ketogenic diets¹.
• Casein Protein: Similar to whey, casein protein shakes are generally low in carbs, although the content can vary slightly depending on the brand and flavor².
• Plant-Based Proteins: Proteins derived from sources like pea, hemp, or rice may have higher carb content due to the natural carbohydrates found in plants. However, some plant-based protein powders are specially formulated to be low in carbs³.
• Meal Replacement Shakes: These often contain more carbohydrates because they are designed to replace a full meal and provide balanced nutrition, including energy from carbs⁴.

Choosing a Low-Carb Protein Shake

• Read Labels Carefully: Always check the nutrition facts panel to see the exact carbohydrate content per serving.
• Consider Your Dietary Goals: If you're following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, look for shakes that are specifically marketed as low-carb. These products typically contain additional fats and minimal carbs to align with ketogenic nutritional needs.
• Avoid Added Sugars: Some protein shakes might include added sugars or high-carb ingredients like fruits, which can increase carbohydrate content. Opt for shakes with natural sweeteners or no added sugars.

Our protein powder reviews and protein comparisons provide a percentage of the total carb content of a product. Low-carb protein powders typically have less than 5% carb content, though can have as little as zero carbs.