Guidance on Selecting Protein Powders, Shakes, and Bars

Jan 25, 2021 | Tara Schmidt | @taraschmidt | Comments (16)

Protein Powder

Written by Abby McWaters, RDN, LD. Abby is a registered dietitian at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. 

Protein is an essential macronutrient that is vital after bariatric surgery for healing. Due to the restriction of food volume after surgery, protein supplements are used to reach optimal protein intake. Protein supplements can also be used prior to surgery for a meal replacement as part of weight management program.

There are many different kinds of protein supplements to choose from. The type of protein in each product can vary. Whey comes from dairy, but is low in lactose content and is very popular in protein products. There are also plant-based protein products that use pea, hemp, brown rice or soy which are now becoming more popular.  Either a whey or a plant-based product is fine, and usually comes down to what tastes the best to you! There are a few points you'll want to look at when choosing a product, all of which can be found on the products nutrition label.

Look for these three points when choosing a protein powder or pre-made protein shake:

  • At least 15 grams of protein per serving
  • 100-200 calories per serving
  • Less than 15 grams of total carbohydrate per serving

Look for these points when choosing a protein bar:

  • At least 10 grams of protein per serving
  • 150-250 calories per serving
  • Less than 5 grams of added sugar per serving

Interested in more newsfeed posts like this? Go to the Weight Management blog.

@fiesty76

@taraschmidt, Yes, the dietitian I saw earlier was a great help in providing me with a combined diabetes/ckd meal plan. It took four requests to my nephrologist and pcp to get the referral but it would have been worth the out-of-pocket cost had I not eventually received the referral. I am so glad I persisted in requesting the referral because trying to come up with a plan on my own was both very time consuming and confusing... foods good for one condition not good for the other.

I have a referral scheduled for my first endocrinologist appt. for help with osteoporosis and will seek her advice for wt gain as well and a possible dietitian referral. Most specialists and dietitians in my locale require dr. referrals and some of my docs aren't as quick to refer as others and I would like. Thanks for your reply.

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I'm so happy that you got to see a registered dietitian and found it helpful! Multiple conditions is certainly a lot to manage. Keep advocating for yourself!

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Have achalasia and have lost quite a bit of weight. Most protein powders have awful taste even if flavored. Does anyone have suggestions
for powders that are tasteless and can be added to foods? Dietician only gave me flavored powders. Suggestions appreciated.

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@petuniamom567

Have achalasia and have lost quite a bit of weight. Most protein powders have awful taste even if flavored. Does anyone have suggestions
for powders that are tasteless and can be added to foods? Dietician only gave me flavored powders. Suggestions appreciated.

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Great question! Orgain, Isopure, and Unjury are all popular protein powder brands that have an unflavored variety. Beneprotein and Benecalorie are also items you can add to foods or beverages, but would need to be ordered online. Are these types of products items you’re interested in using, or would you prefer to add protein and calories to your diet through foods?

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Appreciate swfit reply. Trying to add calories through food. Not working. Not much dietetic help here so I think making a flavored smoothie with the powder will work best for me. Will check out your suggestions today.Mayo Is On The Mark.

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@taraschmidt

Great question! Orgain, Isopure, and Unjury are all popular protein powder brands that have an unflavored variety. Beneprotein and Benecalorie are also items you can add to foods or beverages, but would need to be ordered online. Are these types of products items you’re interested in using, or would you prefer to add protein and calories to your diet through foods?

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I LOVE LadyBoss!!! Best tasting protein powder, hands down!!

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Ma’am,
I am 5’9” tall. I’m between 126-130 pounds. My doctor says get more protein yet doesn’t think taking Biotrust (which is NOT CHEAP) is a worthy supplement. What is your response to thus

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