We Tried Dozens of Protein Powders — These Are the Ones Dietitians Recommend for People With Diabetes

Editor and writer Katie Tuttle tested this product. She says it has a mild flavor that isn’t overly sweet like some other powders. “It’s not as dessert-like as some, but it’s very drinkable, and the flavor is mild, chocolaty, and does not taste overly artificial,” she says.

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. That means every batch is tested for banned substances, quality, and purity. According to the brand, its whey is sourced from grass-fed cattle that are raised humanely and without the use of growth hormones.

Since this protein powder is sweetened with stevia, 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.

Chike High Protein Coffee earns our pick in this category because it combines high-quality protein with the flavor and kick of iced coffee. It contains 20 g of protein and provides an energy boost from 150 milligrams (mg) of caffeine.

Tuttle also tested this product. She felt that it stood out from other options for both taste and texture. “This protein powder is, in a word, delicious,” she says. “It comes as close as anything I’ve tried to an iced coffee.”

Chike High Protein Coffee is available in flavors like mocha, vanilla, and caramel. It has a smooth, slightly thin consistency that blends easily with water, milk, or almond milk without clumps or a chalky finish. Tuttle used it as a replacement for her usual iced coffee and says it felt “more like a treat than a supplement,” while still helping her meet her daily protein needs.

That said, the caffeine content may not be ideal for everyone. But it’s perfect for coffee lovers looking for a convenient way to get more protein without added sugar.

We love that Legion Whey+ is non-GMO, gluten-free, and lactose-free. It’s also 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. Our tester, health and science writer El Wilson, loved the chocolate flavor: “It’s strong, but not overly so. ... Tastes sort of like hot cocoa.”

This formula is also NSF Certified for Sport. During testing, writer Amy Sowder Van Erk found the powder easy to mix, with “zero flavor.” It dissolved completely into everything from water to kefir to milk, with no clumps or texture.

Still, if you’re looking for a neutral, easy-to-use collagen protein option that won’t interfere with blood sugar, Bubs Naturals Collagen Peptides is a strong choice.

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 g of protein per serving, it supports muscle recovery and growth. Plus, it has no added sugars, fillers, or artificial ingredients, making it ideal for blood sugar management.

Caitlin Beale, RDN, was shocked at how easy this was to mix in and how it left virtually no flavor, even in water. 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.

This product is perfect for those who don’t want to taste their protein powder. But it may not be the best choice if you prefer a sweeter, more-flavorful shake on its own. Also, those with sunflower allergies should be aware that it includes sunflower lecithin (for easier mixing). But overall, it’s a simple, high-quality option that blends easily into a variety of foods and drinks without impacting flavor or blood sugar.

Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein earns its spot as the Best Organic Protein Powder for people with diabetes thanks to its plant-based, USDA Certified Organic formula. It delivers 22 g of protein per serving, without any added sugar. Garden of Life’s protein powder is non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free. Plus, it’s third party–tested, ensuring that the product is free of contaminants and meets its label claims.

While we consider these ingredients a plus, some may prefer a simpler ingredient list. Also, this is an unflavored product. If you prefer a sweet protein shake, you may want to look for one of the flavored options.

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 g of carbs and 2 g 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 g of protein per serving, which is higher than many protein powders on the market that average around 20 g.”

We also love that Naked Pea is vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and third party–tested. So, 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. And 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.

For athletes with diabetes, finding a protein powder that supports your fitness goals without impacting blood sugar can be challenging. Klean Isolate keeps it simple and effective. Klean Athlete Klean Isolate is our top pick for athletes with diabetes because it’s made with just whey protein isolate, without added sugar. That means it won’t spike your blood sugar.

“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,” says Lappe. “The unflavored option offers 20 g of protein with only 1 g of carbs, minimizing the impact on blood sugar.”

That said, this protein powder has fewer flavor options, and the flavored products contain stevia; that can leave an unpleasant aftertaste for some people. However, Klean Athlete Klean Isolate still delivers high-quality protein.

Truvani Plant Based Protein is a great option for people with diabetes who love variety. It’s not only free of sugar, but it also comes in an impressive range of flavors, 13 total. These include 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, flavor variety, and clean ingredients, Truvani checks all the boxes.

Seeq Clear Protein earns our pick for this category because it offers a lighter alternative to traditional protein shakes. With 22 g of protein and no added sugar, this protein powder has a juice-like consistency and flavor profile. And instead of the typical chocolate or vanilla shake, Seeq comes in fruity flavors like fruit punch, mango pineapple, and blue razz freeze.

Writer and tester Raki Swanson found that the fruit punch flavor tasted very similar to a classic sports drink, making it easier to sip throughout the day. She also felt that it’s a good option when you want to drink something lighter: “When it’s hot outside, you don’t want a thick drink. This mixes with water and tastes good on its own.”

The powder dissolved easily in water with no clumps, though it produced foam when shaken. Swanson also says it had a slightly chalky finish, which worth noting if you’re sensitive to texture or aftertaste. Still, if you’re looking for a protein powder that feels more like a sports drink than a shake, Seeq Clear Protein is a strong option to consider.