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Best Low-Salt Protein Powders

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Are you searching for a heart-healthy low-sodium protein powder?

I get it, it can be overwhelming to choose a protein powder that is tasty and also fits your dietary and health goals. That’s why I’ve done the research for you and am excited to share the results of the best low-sodium protein powders! naked

What Is Sodium?

Sodium is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in body functions such as nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and maintaining proper fluid balance. However, excessive intake can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues, making it important to regulate daily consumption.

Overconsumption Of Sodium And Heart Health Effects

Sodium in excess amounts can be damaging to one’s health and can be particularly harmful to heart health.

The risk of cardiovascular disease has been found to be correlated with excess sodium intake.  

As an increase in sodium can increase blood pressure, which can strain and tear blood vessels, leading to plaque buildup. With a buildup of plaque, the risk of cardiovascular disease increases dramatically.

As a result, it is very important to regulate sodium levels in the body to maintain good overall and heart health.

Why Eat A Low Sodium Diet

The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends a daily sodium intake of less than 2,300 mg, yet it has been found that Americans typically consumed 3450 mg or more per day. 

Excess sodium is a common cause of heart and cardiovascular-related health problems. Here are the statistics:

  • Cardiovascular-related disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. 
  • Hypertension or high blood pressure is the primary cause of cardiovascular-related deaths in the United States.
  • Nearly 47% of the United States adult population has hypertension.

The recommended daily sodium intake amount is less than 2,300 mg, however, reducing this amount down to 1,500 mg per day is estimated to potentially result in a 25.6% decrease in high blood pressure among the United States population according to the American Heart Association.

Reducing your sodium levels can result in lower blood pressure levels and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

What Are Protein Powders?

Protein powders are dietary protein supplements in the form of powder.

Additional ingredients are added for flavor enhancement like salt, sugar, flavoring, thickening agents, minerals, and vitamins may also be added.

Protein powders can be beneficial in supplementing or helping you meet your daily protein requirements; they should not replace the main diet.

Because of the addition of salt, it is important to look for low sodium protein drinks. 

Protein Powders In A Heart Healthy Diet

Protein powders, especially plant protein powder, like hemp protein and pea protein, can be part of a heart healthy diet, not only increasing protein intake, but minerals too!  

But, we need to choose brands that have made a low sodium protein powder to keep our heart and blood vessels healthy.

What Is A Low Sodium Protein Powder?

For reference in this blog post, I will be using the USDA’s definition of a low sodium protein which means the product has less than 140 mg of sodium per serving.

You can determine the amount of sodium in a product by reading the nutritional label on the packaging.  

An example of popular protein powders that are high in sodium is the Sport Whey Protein Powder by Cellucor and the Super Advanced Whey Protein Powder by Body Fortress, both of which are listed to have 190 mg of sodium per serving size.

Comparably, an example of a popular whey protein powder that is low in sodium is the Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder product by Naked Nutrition which only has 45 mg of sodium per serving size.

While both are popular products, one has four times the amount of sodium than the other, which can make a great difference in one’s diet when following a low sodium way of eating. 

As a result, it is important to consider reading the nutritional label to choose low sodium or sodium-free protein powder to incorporate into your heart healthy diet.

Top 5 Low Salt Protein Powders 

Are you ready for my list of the best low-sodium protein powder to purchase? I break it down to discuss low-sodium whey protein, low-sodium pea protein, and sodium-free protein powder alternatives.

RankBrandSodium per serving
1.NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate Protein Powder45 mg
2.Naked Whey Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder75 mg
3.GeneproWhey Protein Powder20 mg
4.Vital Proteins Bovine Collagen Peptides Protein Powder55 mg
5.Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder55 mg

2. NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate Protein Powder

NOW Sports’ Whey Protein Isolate Protein Powder is one of the best low sodium whey protein powders out there. With its simple and natural formula, it is not only good for overall protein intake and repairing as well as building muscle.

This product has a formula that is innovative, nutrient-rich, while also simple and natural. With only two main natural ingredients, NOW Sports crafted a product that would pave the way to help create protein powders that are not only effective but natural as well.

NOW Sports’ Whey Protein Isolate Protein Powder is made from whey protein isolate and sunflower lecithin, and also contains milk. It comes in unflavored, chocolate, and vanilla options as well.

One serving of NOW Sports’ Whey Protein Isolate Protein Powder provides the body with the following nutrients:

NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate Protein Powder Nutrition Facts
CaloriesFat (g)Cholesterol (mg)Sodium (mg)Carbohydrates (g)Protein (g)Calcium (mg)Potassium (mg)
1100.5 g10 mg45 mg1 g25 g121 mg155 mg

NOW Sports’ Whey Protein Isolate Protein Powder is unique in that it is very limited in ingredients, making it one of the healthier protein powder options out there. This is a low sodium whey protein powder that does not have added sugar, sweeteners, thickeners, or artificial ingredients according to the manufacturer.

In addition, this product is soy free, halal, keto, and kosher friendly, made without gluten, and non-GMO. It is also reported by users to be good for those who are lactose intolerant.

NOW Sports’ Whey Protein Isolate Protein Powder is also rich in Branch Chain Amino Acids (BRAAs), which actively work to build muscles and maintain the body. BRAAS is also important in maintaining good heart function and have been shown to help benefit cardiovascular health.

In my experience, this protein powder mixes almost instantly and forms a light and consistent mixture that has a light milky scent to it. I enjoy adding this low-sodium whey protein powder to a variety of beverages from milk to smoothies.

According to the reviews some users have however reported this product to have a slightly unpleasant taste, which is due to the fact that there are no added sweeteners or additives.  

In addition, this product is somewhat higher in calories and is a little more expensive compared to other protein powders, and its pricing can vary depending on the vendor. Nonetheless with its simple and natural formula, NOW Sports’ Whey Protein Isolate Protein Powder is a unique, clean, low sodium protein powder.

2. Naked Whey Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder

Naked’s Whey Grass-Fed Protein Powder is another notable low sodium whey protein powder for its naturally derived ingredients and its philosophy to only obtain its product from grass-fed and free roaming cows raised without growth hormones from their farms in California and Idaho.

With its three main ingredients, Naked’s Whey Grass-Fed Protein Powder has a simple yet effective formula that works to boost protein levels in the body and benefit health. In addition to muscle and cell repair and building, this protein powder also works to help heart health with its contents.

Naked’s Whey Grass-Fed Protein Powder is made from whey protein concentrate, organic coconut sugar, and organic natural flavors, and contains milk and tree nuts. It comes in unflavored, chocolate, and vanilla options as well.

One serving of Naked’s Whey Grass-Fed Protein Powder provides the body with the following nutrients: 

Naked Whey Grass-Fed Protein Powder Nutrition Facts
CaloriesFat (g)Cholesterol (mg)Sodium (mg)Carbohydrates (g)Protein (g)Calcium (mg)Potassium (mg)
1502 g50 mg75 mg8 g25 g99 mg 120 mg

Naked’s Whey Grass-Fed Protein Powder is fairly limited in ingredients as well as in sodium, making it a healthy protein powder to consider. What makes this product special is in its more natural manufacturing process.

This protein powder is soy free, gluten free, is non-GMO, and it while has added sugars it does not have any additive and artificial sweeteners, giving it a pleasant mild sweet scent and taste.

Naked’s Whey Grass-Fed Protein Powder is also rich in BRAAS which are important in body and heart health, and contains more omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), both of which are very important in heart health and overall wellness.

In addition, Naked’s Whey Grass-Fed Protein Powder is manufactured through cold pressing its ingredients, which prevents denaturation of the contents and maximizes absorption and bioavailability. With cold pressing, all the important nutrients such as amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and CLAs remain intact ready for absorption by the body.

Because of the added sugar I find this protein with low sodium has a pleasant and mild taste which may be due to the added natural sugars. However, the added sugar may not be a preference for users looking for a protein powder with little to no sugar. Some users may also note the taste to be too mild and even slightly unpleasant and less sweet due to not including artificial sweeteners compared to other protein powders.

In addition, some users also report this product to have difficulty dissolving and mixing compared to other protein powders which tend to dissolve in all beverages more readily.

Naked’s Whey Grass-Fed Protein Powder is also overall somewhat higher in calories, fat, cholesterol, sodium, and carbohydrates compared to other protein powders, which may be attributed to its added natural sugars, natural flavoring, as well as its small added amounts of coconut milk, and tree nuts.

It has no added salt, which means that it is not a sodium free protein powder, but a no salt added protein powder. 

Nonetheless, this product is one of the more natural, earth-friendly protein powders out there. For its overall pricing, ingredients and formula, manufacturing process, nutrients, and well-rounded health benefits, this product may be highly preferred for those looking for a protein powder that is eco and health conscious.

3. GeneproWhey Protein Powder

Genepro’s Whey Protein Powder has made my list of best low sodium protein shakes because of its simple, natural, and healthy formula. Not only does it provide an adequate amount of protein per serving while promoting overall wellness, but it does so without any excess added ingredients making it a great choice for the health-conscious user.

With only one main ingredient used in its manufacturing process, Genepro’s Whey Protein Powder is simple yet effective in its contents. This protein powder is suitable for individuals who value simplicity, natural health products, and improving health.

Genepro’s Whey Protein Powder is made from one simple ingredient – whey protein isolate, as well as milk, making its formula one of the most straightforward and minimal protein powders out there.

One serving of Genepro’s Whey Protein Powder provides the body with the following nutrients:

Genepro Whey Protein Powder Nutrition Facts
CaloriesFat (g)Cholesterol (mg)Sodium (mg)Carbohydrates (g)Protein (g)Calcium (mg)Potassium (mg)
440 g0mg20 mg0 g11 g130 mg94 mg

Again, even though it is not a sodium free protein powder, it is considered a low sodium protein powder because it only contains 20 mg of naturally occurring sodium.

Genepro’s Whey Protein Powder’s unique formula comprising of only one main ingredient makes it a low sodium protein worth considering when interested in increasing one’s daily protein intake. With only one ingredient, this product has no added sugars, sweeteners, additives, or artificial ingredients.

For these reasons, Genepro’s Whey Protein Powder is significantly lower in calories, fat, cholesterol, sodium, and carbohydrates compared to other protein powders. This low sodium protein drink is also high in calcium. With these nutritional facts in mind, Genepro’s Whey Protein Powder remains one of the healthiest low sodium protein shakes in the market today.

This protein with low sodium is also lactose free, gluten free, and non-GMO. 

I find that this product is mostly flavorless and have little aftertaste. Though with no flavored options, this protein powder is perfect for those who prefer to add an extra daily low sodium protein boost to any food or beverage without any altered taste.

I also noticed that this protein powder easily dissolves to form smooth and consistent mixtures with almost any beverage. However, in the reviews, some users also report clumping which has been prefaced by the manufacturer to be potentially avoided by adding it to warm or room temperature beverages rather than beverages that are too hot or cold which can shock the product into clumping.

This protein with low sodium comes in a re-sealing bag, which some users have reported to be messier compared to other protein powders which usually come in a tub and removable lid.

In addition, this product is somewhat more expensive, and with each serving offering less protein in grams than other protein powders, this product is overall more expensive and less ideal for those looking for cheaper daily low sodium protein drink options.

Overall, this product is one of the best options out there for those looking for a protein powder that is minimal and natural in its ingredients, is extremely low in sodium, and also works to boost protein levels in the body and benefit overall health and wellness.

4. Vital Proteins Bovine Collagen Peptides Protein Powder

Vital Proteins’ Bovine Collagen Peptides Protein Powder is one of the best and most recommended protein powders that help improve collagen levels in the body. While it does help increase protein intake, it’s main focus is on collagen which helps improve skin, bones, hair, nails, and other important cells in the body.

With a simple and natural formula, this low sodium protein is an excellent choice for those looking to improve their collagen levels while also increasing their daily protein intake levels.

Vital Proteins’ Bovine Collagen Peptides Protein Powder is made from hydrolyzed collagen, contains milk, and is infused with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. It comes in unflavored, chocolate, vanilla, and lemon options as well.

One serving of Vital Proteins’ Bovine Collagen Peptides Protein Powder provides the body with the following nutrients:

Vital Proteins Bovine Collagen Peptides Protein Powder Nutrition Facts
CaloriesFat (g)Cholesterol (mg)Sodium (mg)Carbohydrates (g)Protein (g)Calcium (mg)Potassium (mg)
400 g0 mg55 mg0 g10 g0 mg0 mg

Vital Proteins’ Bovine Collagen Peptides Protein Powder may have a specific focus on collagen but is also an excellent product that can indirectly enhance protein levels in the body as well. With limited ingredients, this protein powder is a great option for those looking for a natural boost of low sodium protein.

Vital Proteins’ Bovine Collagen Peptides Protein Powder is not only low in sodium but offers a good amount of protein as well as 20 grams of collagen per serving. In addition, this protein powder is rich in vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, both of which are important for good overall health.

This protein powder is paleo and kosher friendly and also made without gluten or dairy. With no excess ingredients and additives, the formula is both simple and effective. For these reasons, this low sodium protein shake is also significantly lower in calories, fat, cholesterol, and carbohydrates than other protein powders.

In terms of dissolvability, I found that the new formula of this product has been recently reported by users to be oilier and dissolve less readily.  

In addition, while the protein powder itself is generally tasteless and unflavored, I found that it had a slightly unpleasant and more bitter taste,

Another disadvantage of Vital Proteins’ Bovine Collagen Peptides Protein Powder is that its main focus is on increasing collagen levels in the body as opposed to direct protein bulk which may not appeal to some individuals who are looking for a protein powder to increase protein levels.

While this product does increase protein levels in the body it overall has less protein per serving for these reasons compared to other protein powders. Its pricing is also generally higher than most protein powders.

Overall, this protein powder remains one of the best in the market for collagen and protein intake, with a specific focus on collagen. Its low sodium formula is simple and natural, yet also effective.

5. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder

Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder remains one of the best low sodium protein powders in the market. With its classic formula, this product works well to enhance protein levels in the body, which helps to build and repair muscles and cells in the body.

This product has the standard formula of most protein powders which is characterized by the use of many different ingredients, however, is significantly lower in sodium compared to other brands yet also works equally well to increase protein levels in the body.

Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder is made from a protein blend of whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and whey peptides, as well as cane sugar, natural flavoring, lecithin, xanthan gum, stevia leaf extract, and lactase. It comes in a vast 20 different flavors ranging from chocolate peanut butter to strawberry banana.

One serving of Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder provides the body with the following nutrients:

Optimum NutritionGold Standard Whey Protein Powder Nutrition Facts
CaloriesFat (g)Cholesterol (mg)Sodium (mg)Carbohydrates (g)Protein (g)Calcium (mg)Potassium (mg)
1301 g40 mg55 mg5 g24 g130 mg150 mg

Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder like most low sodium whey protein powders utilizes many ingredients to create a well-performing product. Although abundant in ingredients, all act as either a protein concentrate, flavoring or sweetening agent, or as thickeners, creating an overall simple formula.

Despite its abundance in ingredients, this protein powder remains one of the few extremely popular ones out there with a significantly low amount of sodium.  However, this product contains stevia, which results in a sweeter, more pleasant taste than others recommended. 

Even though it has stevia, it does not have any artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors, is also overall high in protein and calcium, and is gluten-free.

Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder is also rich in Branch Chain Amino Acids (BRAAs), which are important in building muscles as well as maintaining good body and heart function.

I found this protein powder dissolves readily according to users and can mix with a variety of beverages easily.

Because it is flavored with stevia, this low sodium whey protein has a good taste and excellent flavors which may be ideal for those looking for a protein powder that can be added to simple beverages for a delicious taste, such as milk or water. With its large array of flavors, users can find themselves overwhelmed with the number of choices!

Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder is sold at a great price for its value and quantity overall. As opposed to other low sodium protein powders, this product gives more for a lower price overall.

The drawback of this product is in that there are more ingredients, including added sugars, sweeteners, flavoring, and thickeners, and it is overall less naturally sourced. In addition, because of its abundance in ingredients, this product is overall higher in calories, cholesterol, and carbohydrates.

Overall, Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder is considered one of the “world’s bestselling whey protein powder” by many in the health community for all the right reasons with its formula, taste, and performance making it very beginner-friendly and appealing to most users.

Top 5 Low Sodium Protein Powders Summary

Top 5 Low Sodium Protein Powders Summary Table
Low Sodium Protein PowderCost ($USD)Pros Cons
NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate Protein Powder– 1.2 lb $40 USD– Simple ingredients
– Significantly lower in sodium 
– No thickeners used
– No artificial ingredients
– Naturally flavored
– Soy free, Halal, keto, and kosher
friendly
– Made without gluten
– Non-GMO
– Good for lactose intolerant users
– Rich in BRAAs 
– Readily mixes for a smooth and consistent mixture
– No harsh scent, light and milky
– Comes in unflavored, chocolate, and vanilla options 
– Flavor/taste reported to be too light with faint unpleasant taste
– Can be bitter and unpleasant tasting
– Users report that taste can differ greatly depending on what it is added
– Can be expensive compared to other protein powders, price can vary by vendor
– Somewhat high in calories
Naked Whey Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder– 1 lb $24 USD– Naturally derived contents from grass-fed and free roaming cows
– Only 3 main ingredients
– Soy free, gluten free, GMO-free, free of additive and artificial sweeteners
– Rich in BRAAs
– Contains more omega-3 fatty acids and CLA
– Cold-pressed and undenatured nutrients for better absorption
– Pleasant and mild taste
– Less expensive than most protein powders
– Comes in unflavored, chocolate, and vanilla options 
– Added natural sugars
– Taste can be unpleasant due to less ingredients and sweeteners
– Less quantity compared to price
– Users report more difficulty in mixing compared to other protein powders
– Higher in calories, fat, cholesterol, sodium, and carbohydrates than other protein powders 
GeneproWhey Protein Powder–1.1 lbor 495 g– 1.1 lb$58 USD– Only 1 ingredient
– No added sweeteners, additives, or artificial ingredients
– Significantly lower in calories, fat, cholesterol, sodium, and carbohydrates than other protein powders
– High in calcium
– Lactose free, gluten free, sugar free
– Good for lactose intolerant users
– Keto friendly, non-GMO
– Dissolves readily
– Flavorless with no aftertaste 
– Manufacturer describes powder to potentially clump if added to beverages that are too hot or cold, warm or room temperature recommended
– More expensive than other protein powders
– Less protein per serving than other protein powders
– Messier re-sealing packaging rather than tub with lid
– No flavored options 
Vital Proteins Bovine Collagen Peptides Protein Powder– 1.25 lb $50 USD– Simple formula
– No artificial sweeteners
– Good for collagen (20g per serving)
– Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid rich
– Paleo and kosher friendly
– Made without gluten or dairy
– Significantly lower in calories, fat, cholesterol, and carbohydrates than other protein powders
– Tasteless and unflavored
– Comes in unflavored, chocolate, vanilla, and lemon options 
– Recent users report the new formula to be more oily, dissolve less readily, and taste more bitter
– Some users report unpleasant taste
– Less protein per serving than other protein powders
– More expensive than other protein powders
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder Vanilla Protein Powder – 1.9 lb $45 USD– One of the most popular and recommended protein powders in the market
– Considered one of the “world’s bestselling whey protein powder”
– Formula and taste make it beginner friendly and appealing to most users
– No artificial flavors, sweeteners or colors
– High in protein and calcium
– Gluten free, BCAAs
– Dissolves readily
– Good taste and flavors
– Great price for value and quantity
– Comes in 20 different unique flavors 
– Many added ingredients including added sugars, sweeteners, flavoring, and thickeners
– Less naturally sourced
– Higher in calories, cholesterol, and carbohydrates   

Frequently Asked Questions

Are All Protein Shakes High In Sodium?

No, all protein shakes are not high in sodium. The amount of sodium in each protein shake depends entirely on the ingredients used. If a protein powder that is high in sodium is used, then the protein shake can be high in sodium. Sodium can also be added separately as well by foods like table salt. 

To ensure that the protein shake is low in sodium check the nutrition for products with less than 140 mg of sodium per serving.

Does Whey Protein Have High Sodium?

The amount of sodium in whey protein depends entirely on how it was manufactured, and the ingredients used. To determine whether a protein powder is high in sodium check the nutrition label and ingredients. A protein powder is considered low in sodium if it contains less than 140 mg of sodium per serving.

Which Protein Powder Is Easiest On The Kidneys?

The protein powder that is the easiest on the kidneys is the one that has the least amount of sodium present in its contents.

The kidneys have the important role of removing sodium from the body and regulating blood pressure. Too much sodium can strain the work that the kidneys do in the body and can lead to high blood pressure and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

What Is The Best Low Sodium Vegan Protein Powder

The best low sodium vegan protein powder is Naked Pea 100% Premium Pea Protein by Naked Nutrition. This low-sodium pea protein powder is considered low in sodium as it has less than 140 mg of sodium in its contents. I think it is the best because it tastes great and mixes well compared to other vegan protein powders. 

Final Thoughts

It is always important to regulate your sodium intake levels. Doing so can significantly improve your overall wellbeing and improve heart health as well.

When searching for low sodium products, particularly low sodium protein powders it is recommended to consult the nutrition label and ingredients list to ensure the products you’re consuming are low in sodium.

There are always pros and cons to every low sodium protein drink, hence it is important to choose a product that will best suit your health and dietary goals and help improve your overall wellbeing.

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