Druggenius.com is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our editorial process here.

Navigating the protein supplement landscape can prove to be a challenging endeavor, especially when searching for the ideal low-sodium protein powder. While sodium plays a vital role in muscle function, it can counteract the benefits of your workout regimen when consumed excessively.

It’s crucial, therefore, to choose a protein supplement that provides high-quality protein with minimal sodium. This article aims to guide you through this selection process by presenting the best low-sodium protein powders available in the market.

In order to align with your specific health requirements and fitness objectives, we’ve carefully curated these top options. This comprehensive list will facilitate your decision-making process and ensure that you select the most suitable low-sodium protein powder for your needs.

The Role Of Sodium In The Body

Sodium is an important mineral and electrolyte found in the food we eat, and the body needs salt for optimal health. The body needs about 500 milligrams of sodium to function properly to maintain fluid balance. conduct nerve impulses, contract and relax muscles, maintain the proper balance of water and minerals, and has a Recommended Dietary Amount (RDA) of less than 2,300 milligrams (mg) as part of a healthy eating pattern.

However, consuming too much sodium can negatively affect your health and cause problems like:

• Fluid retention 
• Weight gain 
• Kidney diseases
• Raised blood pressure
• Higher risk of heart disease and stroke

To check the serving size and the number of servings you eat or drink to determine how much sodium you are consuming, always check the Nutrition Facts label for the food product’s sodium content. (Note that the nutrition information listed there is based on one serving)

Presence Of Sodium In Protein Powders

Most people drink protein shakes for many reasons like muscle gain, weight loss, and injury recovery. Daily protein intake creates a huge difference in your overall health, with the following health benefits:

• Promotes growth and development 
• Provides energy 
• Carries oxygen throughout the body
• Speeds up recovery from injuries 
• Regulates hormones.
• Builds muscle mass 
• Reduces appetite and hunger levels 
• Helps maintain a healthy weight 

But not all protein powders are created equal. Here’s why: 

The Truth About Sodium In Protein Powder Supplements

Sodium is a common ingredient in protein powder supplements. Some brands contain high amounts of sodium and most often assure quick and massive muscle growth. But in reality, high amounts of sodium can cause bloating and retain body fat, giving the illusion of gaining muscle mass. 

Others have ingredients that are naturally high in sodium. Pea protein powder supplements while being vegan, are often high in sodium, with products containing as much as 390 mg per serving, given the nature of their extraction process (the proteins are extracted through a salt solution). 

Supplements whose proteins are sourced from egg whites aren’t off the hook either. Egg whites also naturally contain a considerable amount of sodium, which does make its way into the protein powder, unless extracted mechanically or chemically.

Overall, opting for low-sodium protein powders and reducing the amount of sodium you consume may very well work wonders for your health.

Why Low Sodium Protein Powders Are Better

Low-sodium protein powder supplements are the best choice for anyone looking to increase muscle mass effectively without excess weight gain. It’s especially beneficial if you’re following a specific low-sodium diet. It can also help lower blood pressure, maintain cardiovascular health, and prevent fluid retention.

The Best Low Sodium Protein Powder Brands

Here are some of the more renowned low-sodium protein powder brands available in the market. Our selection is based 

1. Grow – XWERKS 

XWERKS’ 100% New Zealand grass-fed whey protein isolate supplement can help you bring about the growth you seek. With 25g of protein, 6g of BCAA’s per serving, low sodium content (only 80mg per serving), and zero sugar or total fats, XWERKS checks all of the boxes we were looking for to be featured on this list.

Grow also serves as an excellent alternative to thick and clumpy protein shakes – it’s easily mixable and digestible without the bloating feel. 

Key Features

XWERKS’ pure whey protein isolate is exclusively sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows in New Zealand. The whey then undergoes a rigorous microfiltration process to remove excess fats and carbohydrates, while retaining important biological nutrients.

XWERKS’ sodium content is comparatively low compared to leading protein supplement brands. This offers a lesser risk of water retention, which could lead to unnecessary weight gain.

Nutritional Content

Pros 

• Uses pure, grass-fed whey protein isolate
• Soy and gluten-free
• Easily mixable
• No bloating feel
• Offers free shipping
• Money-back guarantee

Cons

• Contains lactose (for the lactose intolerant) 

Customer Reviews

“After trying several other (less expensive) brands, I am now convinced that XWERKS is best. Mixes better for smoothies, and, most importantly, I feel more effective results from it.” – Mary D.

Product Price

• Single Purchase – $59.00
• Subscription Price – $56.05

2. Naked Whey Protein Powder – Naked Nutrition

Enjoy the best of clean, grass-fed whey protein with Naked Nutrition’s Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder. Not only does it promote muscle mass gains, but it can also boost the immune system and improve heart health thanks to its BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids)

Each serving of Naked Whey contains 25g of protein and branched-chain amino acids such as leucine, isoleucine, and valine help facilitate muscle-protein synthesis to promote greater muscle growth and recovery after workouts. It also has one of the lowest amounts of sodium found among protein powders in the market.

Key Features

Naked Whey’s sole ingredient, whey protein concentrate, is sourced from grass-fed, free-roaming cows, raised without growth hormones, and made completely free of additives and artificial sweeteners

Nutritional Background

Pros

• Has only one ingredient
• Non-GMO
• Keto-friendly
• No additives
• Zero sugar and artificial sweeteners

Cons

• Has a high price point
• Not suitable for vegans

Customer Reviews

“Oh, how good it feels to know that my body is taking in grass-fed whey protein without any unnecessary additives! I’ve been enjoying it with water, fermented cocoa powder, and honey post-workout for a few weeks now and it has quickly become a treat I look forward to every day. An added bonus is that it arrived at my doorstep in nearly a blink of an eye. Also, the affordability is very much appreciated over here. Admirable execution and integrity as a company!” – Angel

Product Price

• Single Purchase – $94.99

3. Whey Protein Isolate 90% – Bulk Supplements

Bulk Supplements’ Whey Protein Isolate Powder is the ideal workout companion to help boost physical performance, support healthy muscle growth and recovery, and promote overall wellness and immune health.

Key Features

Why 90%? Bulk Supplements standardized this particular product’s protein isolate content to at least 90%, making it a purer form of whey protein than whey concentrate and allowing for easier digestion. Its low sodium content carries a lesser risk of bloating and unexpected weight gain. 

Nutritional Background

Customer Reviews

“Tried many many many brands of protein, from vegan, pea, organic, and other whey but never could tolerate them – always had stomach issues and/or bloating, to say the least. Tried one bag of this first and shortly after ended up getting 5 more and been using it for the last couple of months with absolutely no issues. Love that it has no additives or flavor or colors or extra sugars or other stuff that many brands add making it difficult to figure out what causes stomach problems – this one is pure, no additives and just great!” – Dmitri S.

Pros

• Uses whey protein isolate from grass-fed, hormone-free cows
• No sugar
• Keto-friendly
• Free from allergens like soy, yeast, and gluten
• Zero additives

Cons

• Contains dairy

Product Price

• Single Purchase – $33.96

4. NOW Whey Protein Isolate – NOW Foods

Cap your workout sessions with NOW Whey Protein Isolate, which promotes muscle synthesis and recovery, thanks to 25 grams worth of pure whey isolate powder per serving and tastefully flavored to make supplementation easier and more enjoyable. 

Key Features

This protein supplement uses both whey protein isolate and casein protein, the latter being a protein found in milk (which gives it its white color). This combination of proteins has both anabolic (whey protein) and anti-catabolic (casein) effects, which various studies prove can significantly enhance muscle growth.

At 85mg, NOW’s protein powder’s sodium content is also considerably lower than most leading brands.

Nutritional Background

Pros

• Keto-friendly
• Certified kosher and halal
• Gluten-free
• Non-GMO
• Zero sugar

Cons

• Not suitable for vegans
• Contains dairy

Customer Reviews

“A good product that does not contain any unnecessary additives, has no chemical taste. To those who wonder what the taste is like – dried milk if you have ever had any unflavored, unscented whey protein products – smell and taste are completely the same. I do not understand the reviews stating that there is a strange taste or smell, there isn’t unless you are used to some other different products with additives. This is the best for adding to any kind of liquid food, making pancakes, smoothies, etc.” – Ani

Product Price

• Single Purchase – $54.99

5. 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate – Transparent Labs

Achieve maximum muscle growth and recovery with Transparent Lab’s 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate exclusively sourced from 100% naturally-fed, hormone-free American dairy cattle. It’s also formulated to be zero fat and sugars and low in sodium for better gains and results.

Key Features

True to its name, Transparent Labs’s whey protein isolate supplement is considered one of the cleanest proteins on the market being manufactured from grass-fed, hormone-free whey, containing one of the highest protein-by-weight ratios at 82% (per 34g scoop)

Each batch is made free from any artificial sweetener, food coloring, allergens like gluten, soy, eggs, tree nuts, and other additives or preservatives.

Nutritional Background

Pros

• Uses whey protein isolate from grass-fed, hormone-free cows
• Keto-friendly
• No sugar
• Free from allergens like soy, yeast, and gluten
• Zero additives

Cons

• Contains dairy
• Not suitable for vegans

Customer Reviews

“It is hard to find a protein powder that finds a really good balance between taste and quality. Transparent Labs has done that with the Protein Series Whey Protein. The taste is great and not too sweet. And the ingredients are high quality. It is my new go-to protein!” – Steve D.

Product Price

• Single Purchase – $59.99
• Subscription Price -$53.99

Sodium Content Comparison

Here’s the breakdown of our protein powder roster’s individual sodium content.

Naked Whey has the lowest sodium content at 45mg, while Transparent Labs has the highest at 115mg. XWERKS is at the median with 80mg.

How to Incorporate Low Sodium Protein Powder into Your Diet

Low-sodium protein powders, like regular protein powders, are best enjoyed as a pre or post-workout shake/drink. It can be taken on its own and shaken/stirred thoroughly, while others often use them as a smoothie base and blend them with oats, eggs, or bananas. 

Delicious Protein Powder Snack Ideas

If you’re tired of protein shakes and smoothies, you can also use protein powders as a blended ingredient for any snack of your choice:

• Overnight protein oats
• Protein oatmeals
• Protein yogurt bowl
• Protein cookies
• Protein pancakes
• Protein waffles
• Protein brownies
• Protein muffins
• No-bake protein bars

To make things more consistent and to see better results, pair your low-sodium protein powders with a low-sodium diet.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Recap

• Sodium is an important mineral and electrolyte found in the food we eat, and the body needs salt for optimal health, but consuming too much of it can cause health problems.
• Sodium is a common ingredient in protein powders. While a mitigated amount is harmless, having a high sodium content may reverse the desired effect and result in fluid retention and unwanted weight gain. 
• Low-sodium protein powders are an excellent choice for those who would want decreased amounts of sodium, either to avoid its side effects or if they’re opting to fast from it. 

Conclusion

When choosing a protein powder of your choice, consider a particular product’s nutritional label – how much protein it has, how high the sodium content is, or if it’s low on total sugars, carbs, calories, and fats. Choosing the best protein supplement helps you achieve your fitness goals and health needs better. 

Opting for low-sodium protein powders can make a huge, positive difference to your regular protein intake. You’ll be more set for optimal results, without the risks and side effects. 

Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.