7 Best Protein Powder for sensitive stomach 2023

Finding the best protein powder can be overwhelming. But finding a protein powder that doesn’t upset your stomach is another task in itself. When I first started trying several different protein powders years ago, it would always leave me gassy, bloated, and not interested in another protein shake.

However, after many years of experimenting and understanding the reason behind my irritable stomach pains, I’ve come to learn which protein powders are the best for sensitive stomachs and the ones that can potentially cause more stomach pains.

In this article, I will cover the seven best protein powders for sensitive stomachs in 2023 and what to look for in the best protein powders that are great for sensitive stomachs, while maintain your muscle mass along your fitness journey.

Best Protein Powder For Sensitive Stomach

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Each product is thoroughly reviewed and I only recommend products I would use myself.

Best Choice

1. Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein

Available in chocolate, vanilla, vanilla chai, and unflavored, the Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Powder is perfect for those with a sensitive stomach and great to add to any protein shake

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Pros

All flavors taste great
High quality, plant-based ingredients
Mixes well, smooth texture
4g of BCAAs
Product Pro 5

Cons

Price increase
The vanilla flavour might be too sweet for some

Making its way as number one, the Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Powder is the best protein powder if you suffer from a sensitive stomach. This is easily number one because this vegan protein powder is made with 13 raw sprouted proteins and organic grains that are easy to digest, as well as 22 grams of dairy-free protein per serving such as pea protein, sprouted brown rice protein, and pumpkin seed protein powder, for a no bloat and no gas experience.

Not to mention, this is a great option for those with a sensitive stomach because it does not contain any common irritants such as gluten, soy, or dairy.

Each serving contains 4 grams of plant based branched chained amino acids (BCAAs) including leucine, isoleucine, and valine, which are important for muscle growth and repair.

Tip

Try adding Garden of Life Raw Protein Powder to your favourite breakfast recipe!

Best digestible

2. KOS Organic Superfood Protein Powder

Available in chocolate, and vanilla, this protein powder is great for sensitive stomachs because it does not contain any lactose, which is a known stomach irritant for sensitive or lactose intolerant stomachs.

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Pros

Enzyme blend to aid with digestion
High in fiber
Great taste
Great value
Free of artifical ingredients and additives

Cons

Slight aftertaste when mixed with various liquids
May experience mild clumping

This vegan protein powder contains a specially crafted digestive enzyme blend to aid digestion and maximize nutrient absorption.

Each serving contains 20 grams of a digestible plant-based protein blend, supporting muscle growth and repair, along with a high vitamin and mineral profile, such as vitamin B12 and Iron, which both play a role in cell development and adequate energy levels.

Not to mention, this vegan protein powder is USDA organic certified, gluten-free, soy-free, hormone-free, and free of artificial additives such as erythritol.

Best Hydrolyzed

3. Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder

One of the faster digesting whey proteins powder supplements on the market, Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed is delicious and very easy on the stomach.

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Pros

Easy to mix
Gentle for sensitive stomachs
Great tase
Can be mixed with any beverage or recipe
5.5 g of BCAAs

Cons

Expensive
Some reviews mentioned the container size as a problem

If you truly prefer animal-based, or milk protein supplements, then I suggest you go for Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder.

This protein powder is great for sensitive stomachs, as each serving contains 5.5 grams of branched chain amino acids and 25 grams of hydrolyzed whey protein isolate. Hydrolyzed whey protein is whey protein broken down into smaller particles, where most, if not all, the lactose sugar is removed through a process called hydrolysis.

This process makes Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder a fast and easy-digesting protein supplement that is easier on the stomach and great for muscle growth and repair. In addition, this supplement is low in carbs and fats if you are looking for a delicious low-fat protein shake.

Tip

Drink one scoop of Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder right after your workout to maximize protein absorption for optimal muscle recovery.

Best Single Ingredient

4. NAKED Pea

Another quality protein powder that’s great for sensitive stomachs is Naked Nutrition’s Pea Protein. Naked Pea Protein is a simple, one-ingredient protein powder that aids in muscle growth and recovery while being super easy on the stomach.

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Pros

Natural and simple ingredient
Versatile use
High quality pea protein
Easily digestible

Cons

Taste may not be suitable
Expensive

Made from only yellow pea protein isolate, Naked Pea is certified gluten-free, and soy-free, and contains no additives, artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors, thereby reducing the risk of any possible stomach discomfort.

With ingredients sourced directly from Canada and the US, Naked Pea contains 27 grams of protein per serving, along with 5.7 grams of BCAAs, 2 grams of sugar, and only 2 grams of carbs– making that much easier for those with digestive issues and a great addition to your protein shakes.

With simple and highly nutritious ingredients like that, this makes Naked Pea one of the best vegan protein powders for sensitive stomachs on the market today.

Hidden Gem

5. Orgain Organic Protein

Free of common allergens, artificial additives, and with enough protein in each serving to support muscle growth and repair, Orgain Organic is one of the best protein powders for sensitive stomachs.

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Pros

Great taste
Can be mixed with any beverage
Allergen free
Dairy-free
Available in 4 flavours

Cons

More expensive than other plant-based protein powders
May have slight after taste
Texture might be too thick for certain blender

This plant-based protein powder is a great choice if you have digestive troubles. Made with only USDA organic, plant-based ingredients, Orgain Organic Protein is gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free, with no sugars added, allowing for much easier digestion.

One serving size contains 21 grams of a quality plant-protein blend, such as pea, brown rice and chia seeds, and is available in vanilla, horchata, churro caramel swirl and chai latte. Orgain organic protein is a great option to add to any of your protein shakes for smooth and delicious taste.

BEst ARTIFICIALLY Free Whey Protein

6. NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate

NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate is one of the best protein supplements for those with a sensitive stomach because it only contains two ingredients, whey protein isolate and sunflower lecithin.

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Pros

Low in sugar and fat
High-quality whey protein isolate
4.2 g of BCAAs
No added ingredients
Product Pro 5

Cons

Expensive
Low fiber
Odd taste when mixed with only water

Yes! That means it’s soy free and safe to consume if you have a soy allergy or sensitivity. The fewer ingredients, the better for a sensitive stomach.

Each serving contains 25 grams of high-quality and easily digestible whey protein isolate, along with 4.2 grams of BCAAs for optimal performance and muscle recovery.

In addition, Now Sports Whey Protein Isolate contains no added ingredients such as artificial sweeteners and/or flavor, making it that much greater for those that experience stomach issues.

best price

7. Isopure Protein Powder (Unflavored)

Made with only two simple ingredients, and free of artificial sweeteners, flavors, and coloring, Isopure Protein Powder is an excellent option if you have digestive issues or stomach sensitivities.

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Pros

High quality whey protein
No strong smell or taste
Keeps you feeling full
Can be used in any drink or baked goods

Cons

Contains soy
Other flavors contain artificial ingredients

Each serving contains 25 grams of 100% whey protein isolate, and 0 grams of carbs, fats, and sugar, making it that much easier on the stomach and one of the better protein supplements on the market today.

Although Isopure is free of artificial ingredients and gluten-free, it does contain soy products, which may not be suitable for those that have a soy allergy or sensitivity.

In addition, be sure to stick with the unflavoured option as the flavoured options do contain artificial ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Continue reading to learn why certain protein powders cause a sensitive stomach.

Lactose Intolerance

One of the main reasons why protein powder may upset your stomach is because of the presence of dairy, more specifically, lactose. Lactose is a sugar found in most milk-derived whey protein powders. If you are lactose intolerant and consume whey, which is found in many protein supplements, you may have trouble digesting whey protein and experience gas, bloating, and maybe even diarrhea if your lactose intolerance is pretty severe.

Excessive Consumption

Another reason why protein powders may make your stomach upset is because of excessive protein powder consumption. Consuming too much protein at once may overwhelm your digestive system and may irritate your stomach. Be sure you are consuming your daily protein requirements according to your bodyweight and current activity levels.

Artificial Ingredients

Many protein powders on the market today contain many artificial ingredients such as artificial flavors, and sweeteners for added flavor and texture. However, consuming protein powders with these artificial ingredients can cause digestive issues, ultimately leading to discomfort.

If you’ve tried many protein powders or protein shakes on the market and still experience stomach problems, try searching for a protein powder with no added artificial flavors or sweeteners. In addition, try looking for a plant-based protein powder. Plant-based protein powders are often a great alternative as many of them are made with no artificial ingredients, and sometimes have a small ingredient list. However, as with anything, be sure to read the ingredient label to know what you are consuming.

To reduce the risk of an upset stomach when consuming protein powder supplements, it is essential to choose the right type of protein powder.

If you suffer from lactose intolerance and prefer to stick to animal protein, it’s best to look for a whey protein isolate or a hydrolyzed whey protein isolate which both do not contain any lactose. The lack of lactose will guarantee a more enjoyable protein shake. Another option is to use lactose-free milk or water when mixing protein powder supplements.

However, I highly recommend opting for a plant-based protein powder, which will significantly reduce any possibility of experiencing digestive issues. Plant-based protein powders often have very few ingredients, with organic and natural sweeteners and sometimes digestive enzymes, to further aid with digestion.

When looking for the best protein powders for sensitive stomachs, it’s best to consider the following:

Low lactose content

Look for protein powders that are low in lactose or labeled as lactose-free. This is especially important for individuals with lactose intolerance or sensitivity.

Short Ingredient List and Minimal additives

Check the ingredient list of the protein powder. Ideally, it should have a short and recognizable list of ingredients. Avoid protein powders that contain artificial additives, sweeteners, or unnecessary fillers. Look for natural and wholesome ingredients to support your sensitive stomach.

High-quality protein sources

Opt for protein powders that use high-quality protein sources such as whey protein isolate, pea protein isolate, or rice protein. These sources are often easier to digest compared to lower-quality proteins.

Allergen-free

If you have known food allergies or sensitivities, select protein powders that are free from common allergens such as dairy, gluten, soy, or nuts. This can help minimize the risk of triggering an allergic reaction or digestive discomfort.

Third-party testing

Look for protein powders that undergo third-party testing to ensure quality, purity, and absence of contaminants. This ensures that the product meets high standards and is safe for consumption.

Taste/flavor

Opt for protein powders that have positive reviews for taste and flavor. Some protein powders may have a chalky or artificial taste, which can be unpleasant for some individuals.

Cost:

Consider the cost per serving when selecting a protein powder. Prices can vary significantly between brands and types of protein powders. Compare prices and determine which option provides good value for your budget while still meeting your dietary needs.

Understanding the difference between whey protein powder and a plant based protein powder is essential when selecting a protein supplement that will not cause an upset stomach.

Whey protein powder is derived from milk, while plant-based protein powder comes from various plants like peas, rice, soy, and hemp protein. Whey protein is a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids and high branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), while plant-based proteins can be complete or incomplete depending on the source. However, most plant-based protein powders contain more than one source of plant protein. to ensure a complete protein profile

In addition, whey protein is digested and absorbed much faster, whereas plant-based proteins are digested slower. Lastly, whey contains lactose which can be problematic for those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies; plant-based proteins are typically free from common allergens like dairy, soy, and gluten.

Final Thoughts

In my opinion, the best protein powder for sensitive stomachs are plant based protein powders as they pose the least amount of risk of causing an upset stomach. In addition, plant-based protein powders are typically free of artificial ingredients such as sweeteners and colors, as opposed to its counterpart whey protein.

However, if you simply prefer whey protein due to its bioavailability or the taste, opt to go for a whey protein isolate or a hydrolyzed whey protein isolate. If you are lactose intolerant, consuming whey protein isolates are the best protein powders or sensitive stomachs. In addition, try to go for whey protein isolates that also do not contain artificial ingredients or a long ingredient list, as those are also best for sensitive stomachs.

Whichever option you go with, it’s important to understand what upsets your sensitive stomach, then act accordingly. Look for protein powders that are easily digestible, gentle on the stomach, and free from common allergens or irritants. In addition, go for options with a complete amino acid profile, high-quality ingredients, and minimal additives.

By taking these factors into account, you’ll be able to select a protein powder that supports your fitness goals while being gentle on your sensitive stomach.