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