When it comes to protein powders, most people tend to think of whey. Tis easily digested form of protein is often the first choice of athletes and fitness fanatics. However, as a milk byproduct, whey can cause problems for sufferers of lactose intolerance.
The good news is that there are plenty of options are out there if you want help meeting your fitness goals. In this post I’m going to look at some choices for the best protein powder for lactose intolerant people and how to use them.
What is Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose is a form of sugar found in milk products. It follows that lactose intolerance is a condition in which your body is unable to digest lactose. In practical terms, you experience a dietary sensitivity to milk and milk products.
Many people are affected by the uncomfortable symptoms of intolerance within a matter of hours after consuming lactose. These include bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
The only treatment for lactose intolerance is to avoid lactose entirely. This means cutting foods which contain the ingredient out of your diet.
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Lactose Intolerance and Protein Powder
As I’ve mentioned, whey protein is the most popular form of protein powder. Whey is a very high-quality protein source, it contains all of the essential amino acids and is absorbed quickly after you drink it. However, as whey is comes from milk, it often has a high lactose content, making it unsuitable for anyone with a sensitivity. However, there are a number of protein powder options which are suitable for sufferers of lactose intolerance.
Whey Protein Isolate
As mentioned, you find whey protein in milk. However, whey protein isolate is processed to such a high level that it contains minimal amounts of carbohydrates and is lower in lactose. The National Strength and Conditioning Association states that whey protein isolate is safe for people with lactose intolerance.
Soy Protein
According to the Linus Pauling Institute, soy protein is not only an excellent source of protein but also contains components called isoflavones which promote heart and bone health.
As soy protein (or soy protein isolate) does not contain any milk products it’s safe for anyone who is lactose intolerant.
Pea Protein
Pea protein is sourced from dried yellow split peas (yes, I am talking about the kind you put in soup). As a plant-based protein like soy, there are no milk products involved and it’s naturally lactose free.
Hemp Protein
As the name suggests, hemp protein comes from the superfood hemp seeds. Hemp protein is a vegan friendly plant-based protein that naturally contains no lactose. This makes it an excellent option for anyone who is looking for an alternative to milk-based protein.
Brown Rice Protein
Made from whole grain brown rice, this form of protein offers an excellent amino acid profile. Brown rice protein is a favorite among vegans and is of course, lactose free naturally.
Wheat Protein
Gluten is found in wheat can be isolated in order to create a lactose-free protein powder. The only downfall of this popular plant-based protein option is that it’s not suitable for anyone with a gluten or wheat sensitivity.
Beef Protein
Beef protein is derived from the lean beef of grass-fed cows rather than milk. As long as you don’t follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, it’s completely fine for anyone looking for a lactose free option.
Egg Protein
Most people are aware that eggs are a great source of protein. Therefore, it’s no surprised that an egg protein powder is available. Egg protein has been touted as the optimum source of protein due to its incredible bioavailability.
Best Protein Powder for Lactose Intolerance
I have looked at a number of protein powders suitable for anyone who is in search of a lactose-free protein supplement. I’m going to share my top five picks for the best protein powder for lactose intolerant people.
I’ve included as much information as possible to help you make an informed decision as well as pros and cons for each product.
BulkSupplements
Bulksupplements Pure Soy Protein Isolate Powder This is a soy protein isolate powder, in fact, soy is the only ingredient! No allergens, no additives, flavors or colors. Each serving offers 27 grams of protein plus naturally occurring essential and nonessential amino acids. This product is a great price, made in the USA and lab tested to guarantee purity.
Viva Labs
Viva Labs - 15g Organic Hemp Protein Powder This is an unflavored hemp protein powder grown in Canada. It’s certified organic and non GMO. It is reasonably priced but only offers 15 grams of protein per serving which may not be enough for some people. It’s free from allergens and includes amino acids. Another unique selling point is that it’s an excellent source of fiber. Unlike other protein powders, this can be used in baking rather than just shakes.
Optimum Nutrition
Optimum Nutrition 100% Egg Protein Optimum Nutrition is a popular supplement manufacturer among hard core gym experts and bodybuilders. It’s no wonder they’ve brought out an option which is suitable for their lactose intolerant fans. All Optimum Nutrition products are made in the USA and registered under the NSF International, The Public Health and Safety Company, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) program. This pure egg protein offers 24 grams of protein per serving. The only negative is the enormous price tag. This product may be the ‘gold standard’ of protein, but it has a gold karat price to match.
Source Naturals
Source Naturals Pea Protein Power This protein powder is made from yellow split peas and comes in at an unbelievably low price. It is non GMO, gluten free and hypoallergenic. The downside is it offers a very low dose of protein and has a salty taste which many people find unappealing.
Opportuniteas
Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder Isolate This protein powder is a whey isolate protein. It comes from the milk of grass-fed cows and offers 30 grams of protein per serving. This product is unflavored, so can be added to anything. As for price, it’s pretty middle of the road but offers very few servings per pouch which is a bit of a let down.
our #1 rated
Pros
100% soy protein
27 grams of protein per serving
All essential and nonessential amino acids
Lactose, gluten, dairy, sugar, yeast and corn free
No additives or preservatives
Excellent price
Made in the USA
Lab tested and guaranteed for purity
Cons
The taste doesn’t suit everyone
our #2 rated
Pros
Organic hemp protein
Includes amino acids
Non GMO
Grown in canada
Reasonable price
Free from allergens
Unflavored
Cons
Low dose of protein per serving
our #3 rated
Pros
Quality brand supplement
100% egg protein
24 grams of protein per serving
Lactose free
Gluten free
Made in the USA
Is NSF certified
Follows GMP
Cons
Contains Soy
Incredibly expensive
our #4 rated
Pros
Pea protein
Very low price
Non GMO
Gluten free
Hypoallergenic
Cons
Only 14 grams of protein per serving
Very salty taste
our #5 rated
Pros
Whey protein isolate
30 grams of protein per serving
Comes from grass-fed cows in the USA
Gluten free
GMO free
Hormone free
Cons
Some find the unflavored taste difficult to stomach
Less than 20 servings per pouch
Our Choice
I have to be honest, after a lot of research into protein powders for different uses and dietary needs, I have become a big fan of the Bulksupplements brand. Mainly because they are very ‘do what they say on the tin.’
Everything about their products is simple from the pure ingredients to the no nonsense packaging. I think their soy protein would be an excellent choice for anyone looking for the best protein powder for lactose intolerant folks.
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