The keto diet has grown increasingly popular over the past few years — and for a lot of good reasons.
So we asked fitness experts to recommend some of the best keto protein powders out there, to help support your low-carb, high-fat diet.
Table of Contents
Pick a protein powder that has a low glycemic index for proper blood sugar control. It should provide a balance of protein, carbs and fat and contain a natural source of amino acids & vitamins, made from whey, pea & rice, contain 640 IU of Omega 3 per serving, should be low in sodium, carbohydrates, and sugar.
The whey protein should be Grass-fed, Casein-free and low lactose, Gluten-free and contain natural antioxidants, naturally flavored with no added sugar or salt.
Although protein should be the main ingredient, carbs and fats should be included for the appropriate macronutrient balance.
The following is an example of a breakdown of nutrients for an ideal Keto protein powder:
- High Protein – 11 grams
- High Fiber – 4 grams
- Low Carb – 5 grams
- Low Sugar – 1 gram
- Low Fat – 2 grams
- Low Calorie – 80 calories
- 60% Protein 30% Carbs and 10% Fat
- Non-GMO, rBGH-Free, Whey Protein Concentrate
- Pea Protein, Non-GMO
- Rice Bran and Germ
- L-Lysine (plant-based)
- Prebiotic Fiber – Tapioca
- Omega 3 Complex (Flaxseed, DHA/ Docosahexaenoic Acid, Micro-Algae Oil – Kosher and Halal approved)
- Organic Acerola Powder
- Silica
- Natural Vanilla Flavor
- RebA (Stevia Extract)
- Cinnamon Extract (Cinnamomum cassia bark)
Related: Best Tasting Protein Powders
Christina Towle

Clinical Nutritionist | Founder, Hudson Valley Nutrition
Paleo Pro Protein Powder
Whey? No whey! Most paleo protein powder products claiming to be “paleo” are derived from whey… but whey protein is dairy and not paleo!
No soy! The protein in our mix is minimally processed and not instantized with soy like most other protein mixes. We use Grass-Fed and Pastured Beef & Eggs that are air-dried then ground into a fine powder.
Available unsweetened and unflavored or naturally flavored and sweetened with monk fruit extract – there is nothing artificial in this mix. Feed your muscles properly with this all-natural protein featuring paleo ingredients and packing 26g protein per serving.
True Nutrition proudly presents the signature Paleo Lean Formula, a unique blend of lean proteins for the paleo athlete! When combined with a rounded diet and exercise routine, it is intended to help support lean muscle-building! The Paleo Lean Formula provides 29g of protein to help support muscle-building.
- Uses: Supports Muscle Building: Provides 29g of protein to help support muscle building!
- Mix-ability: Shake or stir thoroughly for best results. Some clumping may occur.
- Taste: Strong salty and savory taste that goes best with chocolate, vanilla, mocha, and caramel flavors!
- Notes: Paleo, Dairy-free, Soy-free, Gluten-free, Keto-friendly.

Registered Dietitian | Certified Sports Nutritionist | Fellow, International Society of Sports Nutrition
A pure whey protein isolate would be a great choice as would a collagen protein powder. Collagen makes up 1/3 of the protein in our body yet we don’t eat enough tendon, skin, joint, bone and nose-to-tail way of eating like we used to.
This would be a good choice for someone following a keto diet. It contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which are digested more quickly than regular fats, and are beneficial for those following keto because it allows for the quicker breakdown of fats to provide energy in the absence of carbs for fuel.
The protein in Perfect Keto protein powder is from collagen peptides, which have been shown to be beneficial for skin health and may also have other benefits, such as joint and gut support.
It uses stevia instead of artificial sweeteners, and even contains a small amount of fiber, which is an important nutrient that could potentially be lacking on a keto diet.
While most keto diets aren’t lacking in protein, keto protein powders are convenient for making keto smoothies and other drinks, or for a quick on-the-go keto-friendly snack that is also filling.
The added boost of MCTs in this particular protein powder help promote the metabolic state of ketosis, which is the ultimate goal of those following a keto diet.
All pure protein powder is keto, as long as it doesn’t contain any carbs. Some people think that too much protein can kick you out of ketosis, but that’s a misconception. The process of creating glucose from non-carb sources (gluconeogenesis) is demand-driven rather than supply-driven.
That said, there are some brands that add fat (usually via MCT oil powder) to their protein powder to make it “more keto.” Other brands tag their collagen peptides as keto protein. Peptides are the building blocks of protein molecules and they’re quickly digested and highly bioavailable.
My favorite protein powder (which is also keto) is PaleoPro’s beef/egg protein. As far as whey protein is concerned, I like Naked Whey from Naked Nutrition because it’s unflavored and doesn’t contain any undesirable ingredients (which are common in many supposedly healthy supplements). If you’re specifically looking for a combination of protein and fat, Perfect Keto has a good product containing MCT Oil and acacia fiber.
LevelUp Grass-fed Keto Protein Powder
It can be hard to find a protein powder that’s zero-sugar and low enough in carbohydrates to be suitable for a keto diet. LevelUp, a protein powder brand found on Amazon, has only 1g of carbs per serving and 0g sugar. It’s also sourced from grass-fed animals.
The other factor this brand has working for it is the natural ingredients in the “Other Ingredients” section. Many companies use harmful ingredients here, but LevelUp uses prebiotic fiber and cassava root powder as fillers which are both nutritious.
There are three main types of keto protein powders that are worth looking into when you’re on the keto diet. Those are collagen protein, whey protein isolate, and soy protein isolate.
The brand and flavor can often matter less than the actual ingredients inside, and that’s what anybody looking into protein powders needs to become comfortable with.
Knowing your way around ingredients labels can reduce your intake of unnecessary fillers and additives that are potentially harmful to your health.
Collagen Protein
This powder comes from 100% grass-fed cows and contains no artificial chemicals, flavors or ingredients. Collagen protein is an important protein to strengthen our bones and overall skin health.
Whey Protein Isolate
This protein powder uses non-GMO ingredients with whey derived from grass-fed cows. It helps you gain muscle, increase recovery and improves overall health.
Soy Protein Isolate
These legumes are naturally high in proteins and when ground into protein isolate makes up 90% protein by weight. Flavored products of this type of powder sometimes include added sugar so it’s best to go for the unflavored options.
Keto Collagen Protein Powder by Preferred Elements
This is the best Keto Protein Powder I’ve seen! Thanks to its combination of MCT Oil Powder and powerful electrolytes it can provide the punch needed for workout recovery in a totally gluten-free, non-GMO, keto-friendly package.
Both the vanilla and chocolate flavors are delicious and boast great texture and at 10 grams of protein per serving it’s powerful enough for even advanced fitness levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a keto protein powder, and why is it so popular?
Keto protein powder is a dietary supplement used to support the ketogenic diet. This high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet aims to put the body into a state of ketosis.
Ketosis is a metabolic state in which the body burns fat instead of carbohydrates for energy. This is achieved by reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing fat intake, forcing the body to use stored fat for energy.
Keto protein powder is popular among fitness enthusiasts and people following a ketogenic diet because it’s an easy way to increase protein intake without eating too many carbohydrates. It’s also a convenient option for people who are always on the go and need a quick source of protein.
Some of the benefits of keto protein powder are:
• Helps build and repair muscle tissue
• Promotes a feeling of fullness and helps control hunger
• Supports the goal of weight loss
• Enhances athletic performance
• Provides essential nutrients and vitamins
How should I use keto protein powder?
Keto protein powder can be used in various ways to support your health and fitness goals. Here are some suggestions on how you can use keto protein powder:
Shake or smoothie: Mix the powder with water or your favorite low-carb milk and blend with ice and other ingredients to make a delicious and filling shake or smoothie.
Baking: Use keto protein powder in recipes for low-carb baked goods like muffins, pancakes, and protein bars.
Cooking: Add keto protein powder to soups, stews, and other dishes to increase protein content and make the meal more filling.
Pre or post-workout: Drink a shake made with keto protein powder before or after a workout to support muscle recovery and growth.
Meal replacement: Replace a meal with a shake containing keto protein powder. This is a quick and easy way to get the necessary nutrients without consuming too many carbohydrates.
How should I store keto protein powder?
Keto protein powder should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Heat and humidity can cause the protein powder to clump and lose potency. Also, ensure the lid is tightly sealed to prevent moisture and air from entering. If you live in a humid climate or store the protein powder in a humid environment, use a desiccant or store the container in a sealed plastic bag to keep it dry.