This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our teamof licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

But just because using protein powder is convenient doesn’t mean that it’s free of drawbacks.

Scoop of protein powder with weight loss measuring tape

Shutterstock

If you’re making these protein powder mistakes, you may even gain weight.

What does that mean?

Oftentimes, brands will provide you with smaller scoopers (hey, it saves money!

High protein foods include chicken beef eggs salmon beans cheese protein powder tofu and cottage cheese

Shutterstock

And that even applies to active people whose caloric and protein needs are higher than their sedentary peers.

So those post-workout protein shakes and bars?

Take a look at their nutrition labels.

Holding scoop white plain protein powder from bag

Shutterstock

Anything over 25 grams, and your body won’t be able to utilize it all.

(Otherstudieshave found it can be as little as 10 grams.)

In other words: the average person probably doesn’t need to scarf down that 30-gram protein bar.

protein powder drink hand weight

Shutterstock

(Although, there are26 Best Vegetarian Sources of Protein.)

During this transition period, you may decide to supplement your diet with a protein powderno problem.

But it can become a problem if you’re only relying on plant protein powder.

Vegan pea protein powder in white ramekin next to whole pea pod

Shutterstock

Think: beans, quinoa, nuts, and seeds.

You’d be missing out on fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more.

Beans, in particular, are one of the foods highest in protein for vegans and vegetarians.

NorCal organic classic whey protein concentrate no lecithin unsweetened unflavored

NorCal Organic

They also happen to be high in fiber.

If you don’t get that fiber, you’re more likely to gain weight.

You’re buying a whey protein concentrate.

Now there’s nothing wrong with whey protein concentrate.

You could be building up inflammation in your body by consuming a food your body can’t process.

If you must stick to dairy-based protein powder, at least consider a whey protein isolate.

In an ideal world, you should probably switch toThe Best Vegan Protein Powders for Your Muscle-Building Needs.