Best Low Sodium Protein Powder | Top 7 Recommended by a Nutritionist

This is our review of the best low sodium protein powder in . 

When browsing for the perfect protein powder, we usually just check the protein content to ensure we get the maximum protein out of a single serving. A more vigilant observer looks for how many carbs and fats are present. But how often do we look at the sodium content?

While we logically do not expect (or keep a watch for) sodium in protein powders, many manufacturers add excessive amounts to enhance the taste and shelf-life of the product. But excess sodium spells terrible news. 

Sodium is an electrolyte essential for many of the body’s healthy functions. But when consumed in excess, it can lead to anything from puffiness and bloating to serious health issues like high blood pressure and heart disease. That’s why it is essential to always check for sodium levels on the protein powder you intend to buy. 

As a nutritionist, my primary objective is overall health and fitness for clients. Therefore, dishing out supplements indiscriminately can be highly counterproductive, especially if nutrient parameters are skewed. 

That’s why Promix Whey Protein Powder (Peanut Butter) gets my vote as the best low sodium protein powder. It has the edge over its competitors because it uses premium ingredients and has low sodium content per serving. 

There are 6 other fantastic sodium-free protein powders you can consider, depending on your fitness goals. 

Best Low Sodium Protein Powder	Promix Whey Protein Powder (Peanut Butter)
Best Low Sodium Protein Powder for Weight Loss	NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate
Best Sodium Free Protein Powder	Nutiva Organic Raw Hemp Seed Protein Powder
Best Low Sodium Vegan Protein Powder	Sprout Living Simple Sunflower Seed Protein Powder
Best Zero-Fat Low Sodium Protein Powder	Genepro Unflavored Protein Powder
Best Tasting Low Sodium Protein Powder	Isopure Infusions Whey Protein Isolate Powder
Best Budget Low Sodium Protein Powder	Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate

We have noticed that many sites recommend low sodium protein powders with over 200mg sodium per serving. Please stay away from these options. Do read the whole article to know what to look for when evaluating and buying a low sodium protein supplement. 

Top 7 Low Sodium Protein Powders Reviewed

Note: All nutritional facts mentioned below are for a single serving as mentioned on the product label.

Promix Whey Protein Powder (Peanut Butter) – Best Low Sodium Protein Powder

Promix Whey Protein Powder (Peanut Butter) is an excellent supplement for anyone looking to increase their daily protein intake without overloading on sodium. They use premium whey derived from grass-fed cows’ milk, so there are no chances of artificial additives in the form of hormones or antibiotics. 

Each serving contains 5.1g of BCAAs (Branched Chain Amino Acids) essential for muscle building, endurance, and recovery. 

A big bonus for me is the inclusion of the amounts of each amino acid. The makers have maintained transparency in their ingredients, and you know exactly what you are getting.

Although this product is available in different flavors, I strongly recommend the peanut butter version since the sodium content in the other versions shoots up to double the dosage (120 mg).

You can add this powder to smoothies or use it when baking or cooking healthy dishes. Using clean, third-party tested, and premium ingredients make this an ideal supplement for professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

Why do we love it	What you need to consider
Made with organically derived whey	Not suitable for lactose-intolerant people
Third-party tested	High on calories
Great balance of protein and sodium
Soy-free and gluten-free

What Customers Say:

Most users love the Promix Whey Protein Powder for its clean formula and transparent sourcing of ingredients, with some claiming it to be the best protein powder on the market. However, many customers are unhappy with the packaging, calling it messy and inconvenient.

NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate – Best Low Sodium Protein Powder for Weight Loss

NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate is packed with good protein content and is low in sodium. But what sets it apart from most competitors is how (and how much) they have included carbs and fat in their product.

This product contains less than 1g of carbs per serving and no added sugars. Also, with just 0.5g of fat, this formula is ideal for people who want to lose weight while giving their muscles enough fuel to develop well.

It has also been tested and cleared for banned substances, although not from a third-party source.

Why do we love it	What you need to consider
Low-carb and low-fat – ideal for weight loss	Off-putting taste (although it is unflavored)
No artificial sweeteners
Non-GMO

What Customers Say:

Users love the versatility of the NOW Sports Protein Powder because it can be added to shakes or smoothies. However, they did complain that it does not mix well.

Nutiva Organic Raw Hemp Seed Protein Powder – Best Sodium Free Protein Powder

Nutiva Organic Hemp Seed Protein Powder caught my attention the moment I read its sodium content – it is ZERO! For someone with high blood pressure, this formula is excellent news. 

It is made with certified organic raw hemp seeds. They are the source of protein and also the sole ingredient. Besides being vegan-friendly, one of the biggest advantages of this powder is that you get a good 6g of fiber and 2g of Omega 3 & 6 (good fat).

However, there are two minor blips here. Firstly, some competitors offer more protein per serving than this product does. And second, because it is sodium-free, the product does not have much to offer in terms of taste, though it does mix well in smoothies.

Why do we love it	What you need to consider
Zero-sodium content	Protein content is lower than most competitors
Vegan and non-GMO	Low on taste
Made with certified organic ingredient

What Customers Say:

Most customers love Nutiva Organic Protein Powder as it has no fillers and is entirely vegan. However, they would like it to taste better.

Sprout Living Simple Sunflower Seed Protein Powder – Best Low Sodium Vegan Protein Powder

If you read through the Nutrition Table of most of the vegan protein powders in the market, you will see that they contain a high amount of sodium. Sprout Living Simple Sunflower Seed Protein Powder is one of the few products with a low sodium content and vegan formula.

This formula has just one ingredient, but they make it count. The sunflower seeds used to make this product are organically derived, and their oil is removed by cold-pressing. This keeps the integrity of the seeds intact without destroying any nutrients through the traditional heating process.

Their manufacturing technique also makes this product easy to digest and absorb in the body.

Why do we love it	What you need to consider
Vegan	Protein content is lower than most competitors
Easy to digest and high absorption rate in the body
Blends well in smoothies and shakes
Made with certified organic ingredient

What Customers Say:

More than 80% of customers love the Sprout Living Sunflower Seed Protein Powder because it is easy on the stomach and mixes well with shakes. 

Genepro Unflavored Protein Powder – Best Zero-Fat Low Sodium Protein Powder

When we think of supplements, we assume that a supplement that works for professional athletes may not necessarily suit someone with more modest needs. This may be true for most products, but not for Genepro Unflavored Protein Powder. It has quite a versatile formula that complements most fitness goals. 

The best quality of this formula is that it is completely fat and carb free. Therefore, it works very well for anyone conscious of piling on unhealthy weight.

This supplement also contains ImmunoLin, an antibody that helps remove bacterial toxins and improve immunity. This, combined with its low-calorie output, makes it an ideal supplement for people recovering from bariatric or any other major surgery.

Clean ingredients and a gentle blend make Genepro Unflavored Protein Powder one of the highest-absorbing products so far.

Why do we love it	What you need to consider
Gentle formula that is easy to digest and fast-absorbing	Poor packaging
Absolutely no fat content	Unsuited for lactose-intolerant people
Great for people recovering from surgery

What Customers Say:

Customers love the Genepro Protein Powder for its fat-free and light formula. However, many were unhappy with its poor and inconvenient packaging.

Isopure Infusions Whey Protein Isolate – Best Tasting Low Sodium Protein Powder

Isopure Infusions Protein Powder is very unique in blending. Instead of mixing to form a thickish drink, it dissolves completely to give a clear drink that is light, like a transparent juice.

Despite being one of the lowest sodium-containing powders (15mg per serving), it is the best-tasting protein powder I have found so far. And it does not wring on the protein either. With a healthy protein load (20g), this product works exceptionally well both pre-and post-workout.

The “juicy” taste comes from the addition of citric acid, while the sweetness is naturally derived from stevia leaf extract. It has fun, fruity flavors and a uniquely refreshing taste (for a protein powder) that sets it apart from its competitors. 

Why do we love it	What you need to consider
Refreshing, fruit-based flavors	Expensive
Mixes well leaving no residue

What Customers Say:

Customers love the Isopure Infusions Protein Powder for its fresh taste and that it does not “sit heavily” in the stomach. However, some would like it to be less pricey.

Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate – Best Budget Low Sodium Protein Powder

Most protein powders with good protein content usually fall back in their capacity to mix well. However, Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate has an impressive protein delivery and mixes readily and effortlessly to make a lump-free shake.

The best part about this product though, is its value for money. For the amount of protein and low sodium levels it delivers, this product is a steal for anyone with a hawk’s-eye on budget. 

However, I do feel that although it has zero-added sugars, its calorie content could discourage fanatic weight-watchers from buying it. If they could adjust the formula to put the product in the under-100 calorie range, it could give some stiff competition to other brands.

Why do we love it	What you need to consider
Value for money	High on calorie
High mixability

What Customers Say:

Most of the consumers like Nutricost Whey Protein Powder as it mixes well, and the unflavored version is the most popular. It is definitely seen as value for money. However, some consumers find it too sweet.

What is Sodium? And why do we need it?

Sodium is a mineral, more specifically an electrolyte, that the human body needs for several essential functions.

Blood & Water Balance

Sodium is essential for maintaining the blood volume and hence the body’s water balance. It is present in a dissolved state in blood and fluid around cells. Therefore, sodium is crucial not just in maintaining optimum blood levels in the vessels but is also essential in how fluids are distributed all over the body.

Maintenance of Blood Pressure

Water is naturally attracted to sodium. Hence, when the sodium level in the blood is optimal, the volume of water within is also at ideal levels. This helps maintain blood pressure and circulation of blood all over the body.

Nerve & Muscle Function

Walking, running, driving, writing, smiling, blinking, etc., are some of the different movements our bodies perform every second of the day. This is possible only when the nerves in the body can effectively communicate with each other and with muscles to initiate and achieve these activities. Sodium is essential for nerves’ electric impulses to relay signals to each other and to muscles.

Which foods contain sodium?

Sodium is present in most natural foods, and that isn’t an issue. Fruits & veggies naturally contain small amounts of sodium, though it is present in slightly more amounts in beets and celery. The problem is the excess sodium that is added to processed foods. It most commonly comes as salt. 

Salt: many people equate sodium with salt. However, salt is made up of 40% sodium and 60% chloride. Because salt is added to almost all cooked and uncooked dishes, the amount of sodium consumed daily can be high.

Foods that are high in sodium whose consumption needs to be restricted:

• Processed meats: like sausages, bacon, and salami 
• Canned foods: such as canned purees and soups and tinned fish
• Frozen foods: such as frozen fritters, patties, and ready-to-cook meals
• Bread-based foods: such as pizza, burgers, calzones, burritos, etc.
• Snacks: such as chips, crackers, and salted nuts

The maximum recommended daily intake (RDA) of sodium for the average adult is within 2300mg [1], which is equivalent to roughly 1 teaspoon (5g) of salt. Consuming sodium in excess of the RDA puts your health at risk.

What happens when there is sodium imbalance?

While sodium is an integral part of the functions of the human body, an imbalance can be counterproductive to health. 

When the sodium level is lower than normal

This can happen in case of high water and sodium loss, seen typically in severe vomiting or diarrhea. It can also occur when there is severe water retention (but not sodium retention), as seen in kidney or liver disease. Also, sodium levels can decrease if a person is on a severely sodium-restricted diet.

The following can happen when the sodium content is lower than usual:

• Muscle cramps and weakness
• Headaches
• Feeling of tiredness and fatigue
• Confusion and disorientation in advanced cases

When the sodium level is higher than normal

This happens when the sodium content in the diet is high. Sodium levels tend to escalate when there is rapid body water loss, such as in cases of dehydration and uncontrolled diabetes. 

The following can happen when the sodium content is higher than usual:

• Increased risk of high blood pressure
• Increased risk of heart and kidney disease
• Increased risk of stroke
• Muscle twitching and seizures in advanced cases

Why do protein powders contain sodium? And how much sodium do they contain?

Most protein powders contain sodium to enhance taste and counterbalance the excess sweetness. The addition of sodium also helps increase the protein powder’s shelf-life.

Many protein powders deliver more than 200mg of sodium per serving. Therefore, multiple servings of these powders can mess up the daily RDA since the diet also contributes to sodium intake.

While buying your protein supplement, please check the nutrition label for the exact amount of sodium in it. Sodium can be present with many different names, so look for salt, soda, or any sodium compound (sodium citrate, sodium benzoate, monosodium glutamate, etc.). 

Buying Guide: What to look for in a Low Sodium Protein Powder?

Below are some of the points you need to look out for while buying a low sodium protein powder:

Total sodium content

Naturally, the first question that arises is how much sodium should be in your protein powder. Here is what you need to know:

Calculate %DV (Daily Value): The percentage daily value shows how much of a nutrient is present in whatever you consume. As a guide, any food containing 5% or less of DV of sodium in a single serving is considered low-sodium, while any food containing 20% or more of DV is considered high-sodium [2]. We know that the DV of sodium is 2300mg. Hence, any protein powder with a sodium content of 115mg or less is considered low-sodium. 

Check protein content

Check the per serving load of protein and look for a protein type that suits you. The prime source in most protein powders is whey protein. Choose products containing whey protein isolate or hydrolyzed whey. They are pure forms of protein. Vegans can look for plant-based proteins such as hemp protein or sunflower protein. While pea protein is also a good source, pea protein-based products tend to have high sodium content.

Study other ingredients 

Closely look at the nutrition table for inclusion of other nutrients. Select supplements with lower carb and fat content if your focus is healthy muscle gain. Also, avoid products loaded with sweeteners, sugars, and artificial additives.

If you have other allergies, you can also consider having soy-free protein powders and lactose-free protein powders.

Consider taste

While we prefer a tasty supplement, many people choose unflavored powders deliberately because they blend well with a fruit smoothie or shake. Choose what suits your needs. If you are high on taste, go for a product with a natural taste profile.

Value for money

Though many good products are floating around in the market, select the one that fits well into your budget. A product that offers value for money is always worth re-buying and repeating, provided it delivers the nutrition it promises.

Verdict

While looking for a protein powder, go for a product that gives you the protein you need but contains less than 115mg per serving of sodium. 

For me, Promix Whey Protein Powder in the peanut butter flavor is the winner. This is because of its clean nutrition, organically derived ingredients, and sodium content of just 60mg per serving. However, if you have specific goals, there are 6 more products I have recommended for you to browse through.

FAQs

Are protein powders generally high in sodium?

If you look closely at the nutrition table of most protein powders, you will see a sodium content that exceeds 200mg. These are not recommended for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease. However, many products today take into account sodium’s health disadvantages and have successfully kept their sodium content well below the 5% daily value range (115mg).

Another common issue faced by people who consume protein powder is lactose intolerance as most whey protein powders contain a high amount of lactose. If you face digestive issues with whey protein powders, check out our review of the best lactose-free protein powders.

Why are protein powders high in sodium?

Many brands deliberately add sodium to enhance taste and shelf-life. However, the reason is different in some products, especially those containing pea protein. To make pea-protein, the peas are pre-soaked in a solution of salt. This causes peas to absorb the salt and hence can cause a higher sodium content.

Is sodium in protein powders bad?

An excess of sodium in any food, whether protein powder or not, is bad. Exceeding the 20% daily value is considered to be high-sodium. Although this does not increase sodium levels individually, clubbed with your daily food intake could lead to a higher sodium intake than recommended.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a doctor or nutritionist before starting the consumption of any supplements. Always check the label before purchasing a product for potential allergic reactions.