7 Best Protein Powder for Diabetics That Actually Taste Good (2023)
By Evander Nelson | Updated on June 29, 2023
Optimum Nutrition
Evander’s Quick Summary 💭
For those with diabetes, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard is like the golden ticket to the protein powder world. Why? Because it’s the low-sugar superhero with only 1 gram. That’s like being able to enjoy a couple protein shakes a day without needing to become a sugar detective.
And what’s this? It tastes amazing too! Imagine sipping a creamy milkshake instead of your usual protein shake. That’s what we’re talking about. It’s a shake that could steal a spot on your favorite dessert list.
Plus, it comes in over 20 flavors! It’s like a smorgasbord of delicious choices. Bet you’re bound to find one that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
So if you’re searching for the ultimate diabetic-friendly protein powder, stop right there. This one’s a winner… and it’s as sweet as can be, minus the actual sugar!
I review products independently but I might earn affiliate commissions if you decide to buy items through links on this page.
Okay, so let’s face it: Eating healthy is about as exciting as watching paint dry. But if you happen to be living with diabetes, it’s even more important to keep things on the nutritious side.
The only catch is, finding a protein shake that won’t leave you in a sugar coma can be trickier than navigating a maze blindfolded. Don’t worry, though! as a certified personal trainer with over a decade of experience, I have got your back.
In this article, I am going to take a tour of the best protein powder for diabetics, so you can finally say goodbye to bland, boring meals.
Top things I look for when reviewing a Protein Powder for Diabetics
| Nutrition | Low sugar and healthy |
| Taste | Taste sweet but not overwhelming |
| Blend | Easy to mix and digest |
| Price/Value | Affordable |
What Is Protein Powder?
Protein powder is like the powdered version of Popeye’s spinach. It’s made from whey, soy, casein, or egg whites and is a quick and easy way to get more protein into your diet.
You can mix it with water, blend it into smoothies, or even sprinkle it on your cereal. It’s popular among gym-goers who want to get jacked, but it’s also great for anyone who needs more protein in their diet.
Whether you’re a meat-eater, a vegetarian, or a vegan, protein powder is beneficial for everyone.
So What is The Best Protein Powder for Diabetics?
My Top Rankings
#1 Optimum Nutrition – Best Overall
Nutrition
Taste
Blend
Price/Value
If you’re on the hunt for whey protein powders that won’t send your sugar levels soaring like a sugar rush on Halloween, then Optimum Nutrition’s Whey Protein powder is here to save the day.
Nutrition
This whey protein powder is the real deal, unlike other protein powders that use a cheap blend of whey protein isolate, this one is loaded with top-notch quality that’s easy on your gut. And if you’re watching your carbs, it’s got you covered with barely any added sugars or carbs which is a huge benefit if you have diabetics.
Plus, it won’t weigh you down since it’s as light as a feather with hardly any calories or fat to speak
Taste
This is where Optimum Nutrition really stands out. The blend is so good it will have you wondering if you can even consider it a protein shake and not a milkshake. Compare this taste to other protein powders which taste extremely dull and you will be left wondering how you lived this long without Optimum Nutrition.
I especially like the Delicious Strawberry which tastes like summer in your mouth. But if you don’t like strawberry, don’t sweat it. There are more than 20 different flavors to pick from.
Blend
The blend is good, it dissolves nicely and quickly. I even tried mixing 1 scoop (about 30 grams) with just a glass of water and it fully dissolved leaving no chunks in my glass.
price/Value
It is slightly more expensive than its competitors but considering the taste and top-notch quality it is a small price to pay. I would be shocked if they would sell a protein powder this good for cheap.
Tech Specs
| Calories | 120 |
| Sugars | 0-1g |
| Protein | 22g |
Evander’s take:
My go-to whey protein powder for daily use is Optimum Nutrition.
It’s a well-balanced whey protein powder that’s both healthy and affordable, without being too sweet.
Pros
Cons
bottom Line
If you are looking for a protein powder that is low in sugar, tastes like heaven, and will actually help you achieve your fitness goals, I highly recommend Optimum Nutrition.
#2 Garden of Life – Best Organic
Nutrition
Taste
Blend
Price/Value
Nutrition
Looking for a straightforward vegan protein powder without any added nonsense? Check out Garden of Life’s Raw Organic Protein Powders.
With a whopping 21 grams of protein per serving, this powder will have you feeling like the king or queen of the vegan jungle in no time.
And not only is it loaded with protein, but it’s also packed with iron and calcium, which are essential for muscle growth and give you a well-rounded dose of the good stuff.
This organic protein powder is also sugar-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free, so even if you’ve got some pesky allergies or sensitivities (like lactose intolerance), you can still get your protein fix without any drama.
Taste
The taste of this protein powder is ok. I wouldn’t say it is as good as Optimum Nutrition (I mean, that would be hard to beat), but for an unflavored vegan protein powder, it does a good job of not tasting chalky.
Blend
It dissolves nicely and quickly everything you expect from a high-quality protein powder. 👌🏻
price/Value
The price is where this one really shines. Most vegan protein powders charge you an arm and a leg, just because it has got the word “vegan” in their name but this one is pretty affordable. Curious? Click the link 😀
Tech Specs
| Calories | 120 |
| Sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 22g |
Evander’s take:
Some clients of mine are vegan and always praise this protein powder, that’s why I HAD to try it myself, and let me tell you: It actually tastes good. 😂
Most vegan protein powders taste boring ad chalky but this one has a good neutral taste. Still, I would prefer regular protein powder but if you are a vegan who happens to be diabetic this is the best option for you.
Pros
Cons
bottom Line
This is the best protein powder for diabetics who are vegan. it is low in sugar, high-quality, and has a flavorful taste.
#3 Nature’s Best – Best for Allergies
Nutrition
Taste
Blend
Price/Value
Nutrition
Did you say you rather wanted something very low in carbs, calories and that’s a sugar-free protein powder? I got you! Nature’s Best Whey Protein Powder is the best protein powder for you!
With 25 grams of high-quality whey protein per serving, you’ll feel like The Hulk after a solid workout. 🏋️♀️
And here’s the kicker – it’s a sugar-free unsweetened protein powder, so you won’t be left feeling like you’re on a sugar-coated rollercoaster.
This whey protein powder is also gluten-free and dairy-free, so even the most sensitive of stomachs can enjoy it without fear of retaliation.
Taste
I personally tried the creamy vanilla and I was surprised at how good it actually was. It truly lived up to its name tasting Creamy, unlike other protein powders which just taste artificial and sweet.
Blend
The blend is pretty good, it didn’t blend as quickly as other protein powders like the Organic Vegan or the Evolve’s Keto and I had to stir it a couple of times more. Nevertheless, It is a small price to pay.
price/Value
I am not going to make this any prettier than it is. This protein powder is not cheap. The founders of Isopure spend a lot of 💰 on researching the best blend of protein powder and we as customers can see that in the price tag.
However, this is one of the most high-quality protein powders I have ever tried with just 100kcal and 50% pure protein which is a lot since most have around 30%.
Tech Specs
| Calories | 100 |
| Sugars | 0 |
| Protein | 25 |
Evander’s take:
I highly recommened Isopure for people with diabetes because it is clean and tasty. Yes the price is higher than it’s competitors but the quality makes up for it. Trust me.
Pros
Cons
bottom Line
Isopure is one of the most high-quality protein powders on the market and you would be wise to buy it, especially if you have allergies and/or dietary restrictions. The fact that it is extremely clean makes it ideal.
Imagine don’t have to check the nutrition label each time you want a protein shake because you know Isopure has got you covered. ✅
#4 Evolve Keto – Best Keto
Nutrition
Taste
Blend
Price/Value
Nutrition
If you’re a diabetic that want to try a ketogenic lifestyle, then you’ve got to check out Evolve Keto Protein Powder.
This stuff is made from 100% grass-fed protein, so you can feel like a true caveman chowing down on the good stuff.
And here is the best part – there are no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors, so you can trust that this protein powder is as pure as a baby’s smile. It does have a bit of sugar, but as long as you don’t go all-in I think you should be alright.
Another noteworthy thing is that this protein powder has insoluble and insoluble fiber, which plays a big role in keeping your sugar levels in check and making it even more convenient for folks with diabetics.
Plus, it’s got loads of fat and hardly any carbs, which is music to any keto-lover’s ears.
Taste
Vanilla? ✅ Creamy? ✅ This is hands down one of the tastiest vanilla protein powders I have ever tried. It even beats the Vanilla flavor from Optimum Nutrition. And trust me, that coming from the #1 Optimum Nutrition cheerleader says something.
Blend
Blend? What if I say you don’t have to worry about the blend at all? Evolve’s protein powder comes in prepacked bottles. This makes it the best protein powder for diabetics that want something easy to grab and go.
If you don’t fancy pre-packed bottles it also has a regular jar. I tried mixing it with water and it dissolved nicely.
price/Value
Again, this protein powder is not the cheapest. But it is clean, tasty, and convenient so it definitely makes up for the price.
The way I see it, you can try a cheaper alternative and chug it as your life depends on it, or buy this one and have something you and your taste buds look forward to every day. 😌
Tech Specs
| Calories | 100-120 |
| Sugars | 0-1g |
| Protein | 20-25g |
Evander’s take:
Here’s a secret about me! As a personal trainer, you’d think I’m always ready for a workout drill. But even Evander (that’s me!) needs a break sometimes. Now, what’s my secret weapon? Evolve’s protein powder pre-packed bottles!
Yeah, yeah, I hear you – “But Evander, aren’t you supposed to be the poster child for non-laziness?” Well, folks, let me tell you – there’s a difference between being lazy and being smart! 🤓
Life has me zipping from one place to another faster than a kangaroo on a caffeine rush. And lugging my shaker bottle everywhere is about as practical as carrying a disco ball to a yoga session.
So, what’s my lifesaver? Those handy-dandy, pre-packed bottles from Evolve. I stash them like secret treasures – at work, at home, in the car – you name it! Convenience is the name of the game here.
Pros
Cons
bottom Line
At the end of the day, This is a great protein powder for diabetics since it is low in sugar, fat, and all the other nonsense you don’t want. It has pre-packed bottles which is great for busy bees like me who are always on the road. Just buy it and try it for yourself.#5 Orgain Grass-Fed – Best Cheap
Nutrition
Taste
Blend
Price/Value
Nutrition
Orgain Grass-Fed protein powder is an excellent choice for people with diabetes because of its low-carb and high-protein formula.
Use it after a workout to recover like a champ, or swap out a meal for a whey protein-packed punch.
And here’s the real kicker – this plant-based protein powder is made from organic, grass-fed cow’s milk, so you can feel like a true farm-to-table foodie.
No artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners here, folks. And if you’re worried about GMOs or gluten, fear not – this powder is free of ’em.
Taste
The taste is good. It tastes a little bit artificial if you ask me but I strongly believe this is because my taste buds are comparing it to other, more expensive protein powders.
Blend
It blended well when I tried mixing it with yogurt. It took me a couple more times to steer compared to the one from Evolve or Isopure.
price/Value
This is what I am talking about when I tell people healthy stuff doesn’t have to be expensive. Orgain is truly a bargain especially considering the quality of the protein you get. Click the link to find out more. 👌🏻
Tech Specs
| Calories | 120 |
| Sugars | 1 |
| Protein | 20 |
Evander’s take:
Not everyone is ready to invest a lot of money in their health and that’s okay. If you are on a tight budget this is the best protein powder for diabetics you can get without compromising on quality.
I personally asked around and many fitness trainers agree with me.
Pros
Cons
bottom Line
If you are on a budget but still want the highest quality you can get, this is the best protein powder for you. Orgain makes one of the most top-notch protein powders I have ever tried without charging me an arm and a leg.
#6 Nutrilite – Best for Athletes
Nutrition
Taste
Blend
Price/Value
Nutrition
This delicious protein shake is so plant-based, it’ll make you feel like a true nature-lover. And don’t worry about gluten – it’s nowhere to be found here.
This plant-based protein powder is specially designed for athletes. It gives your body all the juice you need for a quick energy boost before or during your workout, making it ideal for folks with diabetics who want to get some gains 💪🏼
But let’s not sugar-coat it – this protein powder does pack a couple of grams of sugar, a touch more than others on our list. So, for those who are counting their sugar intake like gold coins, tread lightly on your daily shake servings.
It also has 170 calories per serving, which might make those on a strict weight-loss mission do a double take. So if you’re trimming calories like a pro hair stylist, you might want to eye other options.
Taste
The taste is good, a little bit sweet for my personal preference but nothing your taste buds can’t handle. Vega also has multiple flavors, so you’ll be shaking up protein drinks like a pro.
Blend
Prepare for a thicker shake experience when you mix this protein powder into water or milk – think protein-packed milkshake! But, here’s the catch: it demands a bit more blending effort.
I’d suggest a blender for a smooth mix, but a spoon can work too if you’re ready to flex those stirring muscles. Just know, it might not blend as easily as other options, like the Optimum Nutrition one, but it’s totally worth the extra swirl!
price/Value
Looking at the price tag, you might think this protein powder is playing hardball. But remember, it’s bringing a whopping 30g of protein to the table, leaving some of its competitors, like Orgain’s 20g, in the dust.
So, on its own, the price might seem like it’s asking for your firstborn. But considering the protein payload you’re getting, it’s more like a steal. It’s all about that protein-per-penny value. 💰
Tech Specs
| Calories | 170 |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 30g |
Evander’s take:
In my view, Vega protein is harder to mix than its competitors. It’s also higher in calories so not my go-to protein for during the summer. However, the quality is top notch and it is so protein-packed that it really leaves its competitors in the dust.
Pros
Cons
bottom Line
If you have diabetics and are looking to bulk up or get some serious gains, this is one of the best protein powders you can possibly get. It has 30g of protein (which is extremely high) and is relatively low in sugar.
I recommend buying a jar of this on the side so you can switch things up in case you think it is too overwhelming.
#7 Vega Sport – Best Bulking
Nutrition
Taste
Blend
Price/Value
Nutrition
Muscle Milk is the gold standard when it comes to low sugar and high quality.
With these protein powders, it’s like a bodybuilder’s dream come true: 25 grams of muscle-building whey protein isolate and just the right amount of sugar to keep things interesting.
It has a few more calories than some of its protein pals, it’s the perfect wingman for anyone looking to bulk up or find a proper meal replacement.
Taste
Muscle Milk grabs the flavor spotlight here, trading that usual protein shake taste for a chocolate milk party in your mouth. It’s like sipping on a rich, creamy treat that also doubles as a protein powerhouse!
Blend
Say goodbye to blending headaches as this one’s pre-packed and ready to roll. How’s that for smooth sailing?
price/Value
This convenience does put it in the pricier bracket. But don’t let that initial sticker shock fool you. With top-tier ingredients and a filling factor that might just make your regular meal blush, it’s like a meal replacement with a protein punch.
So, you might just find the food savings balancing out that price tag. Now that’s what I call a bang for your buck!
Tech Specs
| Calories | 160 |
| Sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 25g |
Evander’s take:
Sure, some of my pals give Muscle Milk the side-eye due to its calorie-rich content compared to other protein shakes. But, I say bring on the winter chills! That’s when I’m looking to beef up, and Muscle Milk is my go-to.
Not only does it tickle my taste buds with its lip-smacking flavor, but the pre-packaged bottles are as convenient as a pocket on a shirt! No mixing, no mess, just pure protein power on the go.
Pros
Cons
bottom Line
At the end of the day, Muscle Milk is like your reliable buddy when it comes to bulking up or swapping out a meal. Just remember, while it’s flexing its muscles in the protein and convenience departments, it might not be the healthiest kid on the protein block.