The 7 Best Protein Powders for People With Diabetes, Handpicked by RDs, to Support Your Health Journey
So, what does “chosen carefully” mean here? Well, you’re going to want to look for a protein powder that has low sugar and carb content because of your diabetes. To help you find the best protein powder, we reviewed a variety of popular options, considered current research, and consulted with three registered dietitians — Ana Reisdorf, RD, Sydney Lappe, RDN, and Melissa Mitri, RD. Here are our top picks, carefully chosen to help you take the guesswork out of finding the best protein powder to support your health journey.
Our Top Picks for the Best Protein Powder for People With Diabetes
- Best protein powder for muscle recovery: Legion Whey+ Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
- Best budget protein powder: NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate
- Best plant-based protein powder: Naked Pea
- Best whey protein powder: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
- Best protein powder for athletes: Klean Athlete Klean Isolate Whey Protein Isolate
- Best organic protein powder: Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein
- Best protein powder with flavor options: Truvani Plant Based Protein
When to Consult Your Doctor
When you have an underlying health condition like diabetes, it’s always best to consult with your diabetes educator before adding a protein powder to your routine. Protein powders can affect blood sugar levels differently depending on their ingredients, and some may contain hidden sugars or carbohydrates that could impact your blood sugar control. Your diabetes educator can help you choose a protein powder that aligns with your health goals and fits into your overall meal plan.
It’s also important to talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing changes in your blood sugar levels, energy, or weight and are considering using protein powder as part of your routine. Your healthcare provider can evaluate your needs and recommend the right type of protein and serving size. Additionally, if you have any kidney issues, your doctor will provide guidance on the best protein powder and the safest protein intake to avoid placing additional stress on your kidneys.

Best Muscle Recovery Protein Powder for People With Diabetes
Legion Whey+ Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
Pros
- No added sugars
- Non-GMO, gluten-free, lactose-free
- Third-party tested
Cons
- Formulated with BCAAs
- Sweetened with stevia, which may leave an aftertaste
- Best for: Muscle recovery
- Type of protein: Whey protein isolate
- Protein per serving: 22 grams
- Sweetener: Stevia
- Price: $52.64 for 30.5 ounces
Legion Whey+ Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate made our list because it delivers 22 grams of high-quality whey protein with no added sugar, making it a great choice for supporting healthy blood sugar control. We love that Legion Whey+ is non-GMO, gluten-free, lactose-free, and third-party tested, meaning the product is free of contaminants and meets label claims. Plus, it comes in a variety of unique flavors, like Birthday Cake and Cinnamon Cereal, so you can enjoy a sweet treat that won’t impact your blood sugar control.

Best Budget Protein Powder for People With Diabetes
NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- No artificial sweeteners, flavors, or additives
- Third-party tested
- Informed Sport certified
Cons
- Not ideal if you want a flavorful option
- Not suitable for people with sunflower allergies
- Best for: Budget
- Type of protein: Whey protein isolate
- Protein per serving: 25 grams
- Sweetener: None
- Price: $23.57 for 19.2 ounces
NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate offers quality nutrition at an affordable price. We love that the product is made with just whey protein isolate, keeping it simple and straightforward. With 25 grams of protein per serving, it supports muscle recovery and growth, and it has no added sugars, fillers, or artificial ingredients, making it ideal for blood sugar management.
We also appreciate that NOW’s protein powder is third-party tested and Informed Sport certified, which means it’s checked for banned substances and contaminants — so you can feel confident that it meets high standards for quality and safety.
However, the product is unflavored, so you might want to mix it into a shake or another flavored drink to make it more enjoyable. Additionally, those with sunflower allergies should be aware that it includes sunflower lecithin (for easier mixing).

Best Plant-Based Protein Powder for People With Diabetes
Naked Pea
Pros
- No added sugars or artificial sweeteners
- Provides 27 grams of protein
- Vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free
- Third-party tested
Cons
- Users report clumpy texture when mixed
- Not ideal if you want a flavorful option
- Best for: Plant-based
- Type of protein: Pea
- Protein per serving: 27 grams
- Sweetener: None
- Price: $57.99 for 80 ounces
We love Naked Pea protein powder because of its simple plant-based formula. The product contains only 100 percent yellow pea protein, with no added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or flavors.
“Each serving has 2 grams of carbs and 2 grams of sugar (with zero grams of added sugars), making it a lower-carb option that can help support healthy blood sugar levels,” says Reisdorf. “Naked Pea also packs 27 grams of protein per serving, which is higher than many protein powders on the market that average around 20 grams.”
We also love that Naked Pea is vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and third-party tested, meaning that the product is free of contaminants and meets label claims, giving you extra confidence in what you’re putting into your body. However, our research has found that the texture can sometimes be clumpy, which isn’t ideal if you’re looking for a smooth, easy-to-mix option. Plus, since it’s unflavored, it might not be the best choice if you enjoy a protein powder with a bit more taste on its own.

Best Whey Protein Powder for People With Diabetes
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
Pros
- No artificial sweeteners or added sugars
- Provides 28 grams of protein
- Non-GMO, gluten-free
- Informed Choice certified
Cons
- Sweetened with stevia, which may leave an aftertaste
- Not as widely available as others on our list
- Best for: Whey
- Type of protein: Whey protein isolate
- Protein per serving: 28 grams
- Sweetener: Stevia
- Price: $53.99 for 39.16 ounces
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate offers high-quality protein without the extras that can interfere with blood sugar control. Each serving provides an impressive 28 grams of protein, with no added sugar. This makes it a great choice for managing blood sugar while still getting the protein you need, especially if you’re focused on muscle recovery or maintaining energy levels.
We also like the range of flavors, including Chocolate Peanut Butter and Oatmeal Chocolate Chip, all sweetened with stevia to keep the products diabetes-friendly without artificial additives. Transparent Labs also goes above and beyond with its Informed Choice certification, meaning every batch is tested for banned substances, quality, and purity.
This protein powder is sweetened with stevia, so you might notice an aftertaste if you’re not used to that flavor. Also, it’s not as widely available as some other options on our list and can only be purchased through Amazon or the Transparent Labs website.

Best Protein Powder for Athletes With Diabetes
Klean Athlete Klean Isolate Whey Protein Isolate
Pros
- No added sugar or artificial sweeteners
- Provides branched-chain amino acids to support muscle recovery
- NSF Certified for Sport
- Gluten-free, non-GMO
Cons
- Can be foamy when mixed
- Formulated with BCAAs
- Best for: Athletes
- Type of protein: Whey protein isolate
- Protein per serving: 20 grams
- Sweetener: Stevia
- Price: $53.64 for 15.73 ounces
Klean Athlete Klean Isolate is our top pick for athletes with diabetes because it’s made with just whey protein isolate, without added sugar, which helps keep blood sugar steady while still providing high-quality protein.
“Klean Athlete’s NSF Certified for Sport protein powder is a solid choice for athletes with diabetes, providing verified purity and safety from banned substances,” explains Lappe. “The unflavored option offers 20 grams of protein with only 1 gram of carbs, minimizing the impact on blood sugar.”
It’s also worth noting that this protein powder is sweetened with stevia, which can leave an unpleasant aftertaste. And it’s on the pricier side compared to others we’ve reviewed, but many may find the quality worth the extra cost.

Best Organic Protein Powder for People With Diabetes
Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein
Pros
- No added sugars
- Non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free
- Formulated with vitamin D, which may support healthy blood sugar control
- Includes probiotics and digestive enzymes to support digestion
- Third-party tested
Cons
- Sweetened with erythritol, which may increase the risk of blood clots
- Provides BCAAs
- Best for: Organic
- Type of protein: Pea
- Protein per serving: 22 grams
- Sweetener: Erythritol
- Price: $34.85 for 19.75 ounces
Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein earns its spot as the best organic protein powder for people with diabetes thanks to its organic, plant-based formula that delivers 22 grams of protein per serving, without any added sugar.

Best Protein Powder With Flavor Options for People With Diabetes
Truvani Plant Based Protein
Pros
- Organic, non-GMO, and vegan
- Gluten-free
- Rich, delicious flavor
- Contains monk fruit with no aftertaste
Cons
- Higher sodium may not suit those with high blood pressure
- Made in a facility that handles common allergens
- Best for: Flavor options
- Type of protein: Pea
- Protein per serving: 20 grams
- Sweetener: Monk fruit extract
- Price: $40.49 for 23.63 ounces
Truvani Plant Based Protein is a great option for people with diabetes who love variety. It’s not only free of sugar but also comes in an impressive range of flavors, including Chocolate Peanut Butter, Lemon Cookie, Mint Chocolate, Pumpkin Spice, Vanilla Chai, and more.
Truvani also prioritizes quality with a formula that’s organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan, making it perfect for a wide range of dietary needs. For people with diabetes who are looking for taste, variety, and clean ingredients, Truvani checks all the boxes.
Comparison Table
How We Tested the Best Protein Powders for People With Diabetes
To bring you the best protein powders for people with diabetes, we reviewed various products and dug deep into each one to ensure that our recommendations are accurate, safe, and trustworthy. We evaluated these products based on the quality of their ingredients, their sugar content, and how well they align with the latest research on blood sugar management and overall health. To help guide our review, we also consulted with three registered dietitians — Ana Reisdorf, RD, Sydney Lappe, RDN, and Melissa Mitri, RD — to get their expert insights on diabetes-friendly protein powders and find out their top picks for clients managing diabetes.
With over 18 years as a registered dietitian, I’ve worked with many clients to help them achieve their health goals, especially when it comes to managing diabetes and maintaining healthy blood sugar control. This experience, along with my focus on evidence-based advice, helped us create a reliable and easy-to-use list. Each protein powder here has been carefully evaluated to meet our high standards, so you can trust these picks to support your health journey.
What to Look for When Buying the Best Protein Powder for People With Diabetes
If you have diabetes and are searching for a quality protein powder, it’s important to look for options that help you meet your protein needs without impacting your blood sugar. You’ll want to focus on products with no added sugars and high-quality ingredients that align with your health goals. Here are a few key factors to consider:
- Low or no added sugar: Check the nutrition label to ensure that the product is low in added sugars — or, ideally, has none at all — to avoid unwanted blood sugar spikes.
- Artificial sweeteners: “When choosing a diabetes-friendly protein powder, steer clear of artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, saccharin, and acesulfame K, which may still raise blood sugar in some people,” advises Mitri. “Instead, seek products with natural calorie-free sweeteners, such as monk fruit or pure stevia extract.”
- High-quality protein sources: Look for protein sources like whey protein isolate or pea protein, which tend to be well absorbed and provide complete proteins.
- Ingredient quality: Choose products without artificial additives, and look for organic or non-GMO labels, which often indicate that the product is made with higher-quality, carefully sourced ingredients.
- Third-party testing: “Certifications from organizations like NSF Certified for Sport, Informed Choice, or USP ensure the that product contains what it says on the label and is free of contaminants, heavy metals, and undesirable ingredients,” says Reisdorf. “This is particularly important for people with diabetes, as third-party testing confirms the exact amount of protein and carbs in the product.”
Are Protein Supplements Okay for People With Diabetes?
How Much Protein Should You Have Per Day With Type 2 Diabetes?
However, it’s important to note that individual needs can vary depending on your activity level, muscle mass, and other health factors. Always talk to your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to determine your ideal protein intake based on your specific needs and lifestyle.
FAQ
Why Trust Everyday Health

Emily Hirsch, MS, RD, LDN
Author
Emily Hirsch is a registered dietitian, expert health writer, and speaker with over 18 years of experience in the health and wellness space. She is the founder and owner of South Charlotte Nutrition, a private practice dedicated to various nutrition services including counseling, medical nutrition therapy, and corporate wellness.
Beyond her clinical practice, Emily is a professional writer covering a wide variety of health and wellness topics. She remains dedicated to bringing lackluster research to life by translating main research points into language that resonates with diverse audiences. Emily has been a trusted contributor for renowned companies like Nature Made, Garden of Life, and That Clean Life, among others.
Emily's goal is to continue to consistently deliver sound nutrition guidance to help people improve the quality of their lives.
When not working, Emily can be found outdoors picnicking and hiking while taking in all of the vitamin O (oxygen) she can get with her husband and two children.
- Lesgards JF. Benefits of Whey Proteins on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Parameters and Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases. Nutrients. March 6, 2023.
- Martinho DV et al. Oral Branched-Chain Amino Acids Supplementation in Athletes: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. September 27, 2022.
- Cuomo P et al. Role of Branched-Chain Amino Acid Metabolism in Type 2 Diabetes, Obesity, Cardiovascular Disease and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. April 13, 2022.
- VanDusseldorp TA et al. Effect of Branched-Chain Amino Acid Supplementation on Recovery Following Acute Eccentric Exercise. Nutrients. October 1, 2018.
- Wu J et al. Vitamin D in Diabetes: Uncovering the Sunshine Hormone’s Role in Glucose Metabolism and Beyond. Nutrients. April 21, 2023.
- Muscella A et al. Sex-Based Effects of Branched-Chain Amino Acids on Strength Training Performance and Body Composition. Sports. October 11, 2024.
- Maftei N et al. The Potential Impact of Probiotics on Human Health: An Update on Their Health-Promoting Properties. Microorganisms. January 23, 2024.
- Ianiro G et al. Digestive Enzyme Supplementation in Gastrointestinal Diseases. Current Drug Metabolism. February 2016.
- Witkowski M et al. The Artificial Sweetener Erythritol and Cardiovascular Event Risk. Nature Medicine. February 27, 2023.
- Yeung AWK. Bibliometric Analysis on the Literature of Monk Fruit Extract and Mogrosides as Sweeteners. Frontiers in Nutrition. August 28, 2023.
- Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels: Questions and Answers. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. June 2021.
- Gupta DK et al. Effect of Dietary Sodium on Blood Pressure. JAMA. November 11, 2023.
- Iizuka K. Is the Use of Artificial Sweeteners Beneficial for Patients With Diabetes Mellitus? The Advantages and Disadvantages of Artificial Sweeteners. Nutrients. October 22, 2022.
- Connolly G et al. Whey Protein Supplementation and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Risk Factors: An Umbrella Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Current Developments in Nutrition. October 14, 2023.
- Palmnäs-Bédard MS et al. The Human Gut Microbiota and Glucose Metabolism: A Scoping Review of Key Bacteria and the Potential Role of SCFAs. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. August 26, 2022.
- Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020–2025. U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- Beaudry KM et al. Nutritional Strategies to Combat Type 2 Diabetes in Aging Adults: The Importance of Protein. Frontiers in Nutrition. August 27, 2019.
- Evert AB et al. Nutrition Therapy for Adults With Diabetes or Prediabetes: A Consensus Report. Diabetes Care. 2019.
- Ko GJ et al. The Effects of High-Protein Diets on Kidney Health and Longevity. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. August 2020.