12 Best Lactose Free Protein Powders (No Gums or Junk!)

Not all protein powders are created equal, especially for those who need it to be 100000% dairy-free. This round-up will highlight the best lactose-free protein powders I, a plant-based registered dietitian, could find. 

The catch is that not only did I find these protein powders, but I taste-tested every single one. You can be rest assured that no chalky, awful ones made the list. 

Additionally, if you like one that isn't on the list, please leave a comment so we can collectively help all our dairy-free friends find tried-and-true protein powders. 

What is Lactose, and Who Avoids It?

Lactose is the sugar found in milk. In the United States, 36% of people are lactose intolerant, so avoiding dairy is rather common. As we age, our production of the enzyme lactase decreases, making it harder for our bodies to digest lactose. 

Not only do those with lactose intolerance avoid dairy, but those with dairy allergies and vegans avoid all forms of dairy and milk proteins.

Non-vegan protein powders are made of whey, a milk protein. The amount of lactose in whey protein can vary depending on the manufacturing process. Whereas vegan proteins will never contain any lactose or milk ingredients.

How Much Protein Do You Need Per Day

Probably less than you think. Our society in the United States is protein-obsessed. Here's the science and calculation to find your protein needs and the macronutrient distribution. 

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein for vegans is  .9g per kilogram of body weight for an average person not looking to build or gain muscle.

To find your weight in kilograms, divide your weight in pounds by 2.2. 

Example 200lbs/2.2 = 90.90kg

Now, with your weight in kilograms, multiply by the RDA to get your daily needs.

90.90kg * .9 = ~82 grams of protein per day. 

Additionally, you can ensure that your protein goals are within the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR), which means that 10-35% of your daily calories come from protein. 

The Role of Lactose Free Protein Powder

Protein powder can serve many functions in your lifestyle, from a quick, easy breakfast to building muscle to helping you meet your needs during stressful times. 

The role of protein powder isn't to replace foods but to supplement or help effortlessly enhance your protein intake. It is important to pick a high-quality lactose free protein powder, especially if you consume it frequently.

Choosing the Right Protein Powder

There are so many powders in existence! It can all be overwhelming when deciding which is best for you. When choosing a protein powder, there are a few non-negotiables for protein powders you consume on a daily basis.

3rd Party Tested 

This means that an independent company outside the producer has reviewed how the product was manufactured and determined that it's safe and complies with all standards and regulations. It also confirms that what's inside matches the label. 

Consumer Reports recently tested protein powders for heavy metals, and the results are especially relevant for anyone using them daily. Their report focused on lead buildup and compared products to the California Prop 65 limit of 0.5 mcg per day.

The FDA doesn't set a specific lead limit for protein powders but references 8.8 mcg per day as the level that prevents toxicity in adults. That wide range  0.5 to 8.8 can make it hard to know what's safe.

Daily use is the key concern. If you rely on dairy-free, plant-based powders, be aware that pea and other plant proteins showed the highest lead levels in CR testing. This is because plant ingredients grow in soil, which naturally contains lead and other heavy metals. These powders aren't inherently unsafe, but consuming them daily can increase exposure, so it's important to choose products that are third-party tested and even better if the results are available or published.

Higher Protein 

A protein powder should be a good source of protein! Look for at least 15-20 grams of protein per serving. This maximizes the amount of protein you're getting in for a serving and helps build and repair muscle. 

You may only need only 1 scoop or a lower protein option if you meet your protein needs.

No Sugar Alcohol 

When choosing lactose free protein powders, avoid sugar alcohols, especially if you have gut issues. These act as zero-calorie sweeteners in protein powders. They help with the overall flavor of powders, which is why so many contain them,  but they may cause stomach issues like constipation, diarrhea, or bloating.

This list has protein powders without artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols that still offer a great protein source and taste great.

No Gums 

Gums like carrageenan, xantham gum, and locust bean gum are common emulsifiers used in food production. Human and animal studies have found that large amounts of gum can cause changes in bowel habits, such as gas, increased bowel frequency, soft stool, and a negative change in gut bacteria(1)(2)(3).

The Best Lactose Free Protein Powders

Here are some of the best lactose-free protein powders that meet the criteria. Note that I've only reviewed the specific powders listed, even if a brand offers others. All listed powders meet the criteria.

Without further ado, here's the full list alphabetically;

BEAM

While they have many fun flavors, the natural vanilla flavor is gum-free. It's a protein powder without artificial sweetener, as they use monk fruit instead. The flavor and texture of this one is very smooth, and it has the highest amount of calcium on this list. 

Buff Chicks Vegan

No doubt, when you open any of these, the smell and flavor will be delightful. Iced Cappuccino flavor is a protein powder without gums and sugar alcohol. Their other vegan flavors contain gums; note that there are non-vegan products.

Drink Wholesome 

A simple protein powder made for sensitive stomachs. Drink Wholesome is focused on creating products for people with gut issues. Made with everyday ingredients (almonds, coconut, vanilla, and monk fruit) that aren't likely to cause GI upset. Plus, they say if it upsets your stomach, they say it's free! This is also a low-sodium protein powder with 0mg. It's also great for an every day powder even without tummy trouble. 

Earth Chimp

An all-encompassing vegan protein that includes fiber, calcium, iron, and zinc. Certified vegan and provides gut health benefits from probiotics. An added sustainability perk is they plant a tree for every purchase, and they can order with or without a scoop. 

Form

Straight from the UK, this pea protein-based powder comes in 3  flavors: Chocolate Peanut, Tiramisu, and Vanilla. Their focus is not only on great taste but also on offering a safe option for athletes and a perfect pick for eco-friendly shoppers. 

Further Food

A pea-based protein powder made without artificial sweetener with unique and nutrient-dense ingredients like mushrooms and kelp powder. Option for vanilla and unflavored: I like the vanilla!

Get 18% off for EVERY Further Food purchase, not just first-time purchases.

Nufyx

A pea protein that comes in three simple flavors: chocolate, vanilla, and plain. Although they are flavored, the ingredient lists are short, and Simply Plain has only two ingredients. This is the second highest in calcium on this list, too!

Ora Organic 

A sleek looking "clean girl aesthetic" protein powder without artificial sweetener. It is one of the only Certified Kosher protein powders on this list. Ora has created a new standard called the Five Nation Standard meaning they have tested their products against five nations' regulations (Japan, Switzerland, United States, New Zealand, and Germany). Each container has a QR code that lets you view the batch testing results. You can also use HSA/FSA funds to purchase!

Orgain Simple

Orgain has many plant-based protein options, but this one is the best! It's made with a blend of pea, nut, and seed protein and is sweetened without artificial sweeteners and instead with coconut sugar. It comes in three delicious flavors: vanilla, creamy chocolate, and peanut butter. 

OWYN

OWYN is an excellent pea, pumpkin, and chia seed protein powder free of the top 8 allergens: dairy, soy, gluten/wheat, egg, peanuts, and tree nuts. Note that the chocolate flavor does contain xantham gum.

Truvani

Truvani has the most flavor options to choose from, including vanilla, chocolate, chocolate and peanut butter, banana cinnamon, vanilla chai, matcha, and peanut butter. They pride themselves on "no weird ingredients," which we can all get behind!

Wholier

Made with simple ingredients and the environment in mind, this Wholier protein powder is perfect for the lactose free eco gal. It comes in two tasty flavors: cocoa and vanilla bean. It is flavored with real cocoa and vanilla and does not include natural flavors. You'll need a measuring cup, no scoop included to scoop this out! 

Last Thoughts

Of course, the taste of protein is very subjective, depending on our taste buds. However, all of these are made of higher-quality ingredients and are worth a try if you're looking for something specific. 

Which one of these do you want to try the most? Comment below to let me know!

*indicates an affiliate link, through which I earn a small percentage from your purchase at no charge to you! This helps support this page and allows me to keep posting free education for you.