Help, I’m lactose intolerant – which protein powder can I use?

Exercising and proteins are like pre-workout and water (how do people manage to dry scoop?!), and chicken and rice (and broccoli). They just go together. And as most people know: the more you work out, the more protein your body can use. Protein shakes are often the perfect solution to meet your daily protein needs. But what if you're lactose intolerant and just looking at protein powder gives you stomach pain? Don’t worry – you too can enjoy the many benefits of our protein shakes. XXL Nutrition has a wide range of lactose-free protein powders, and in this blog, we’ll help you make the best choice!

In short: what is lactose intolerance?

Lactose is a sugar found in dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. To process this lactose, your body produces an enzyme called lactase. This process takes place in your small intestinal lining. In some cases, the body doesn’t produce enough lactase, meaning that lactose from food isn’t properly digested. You could aid this process with a lactase supplement. When you don’t produce enough lactase and the lactose remains undigested in the large intestine, it leads to symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, gas, and if you’re unlucky, diarrhea. This is known as lactose intolerance.

You don’t need an official diagnosis of lactose intolerance to experience these symptoms. Many people experience mild negative reactions: in fact, 65-75% of the world’s population deals with this at some point. So, if you often suffer from bloating or stomach pain after consuming dairy-based protein shakes, you’re in the right place, and we recommend trying one of the protein powders listed below.

What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?

In the large intestine, the symptoms of lactose intolerance include:

• Stomach rumbling
• Bloating
• Gas
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

These symptoms arise from the gases formed when naturally occurring bacteria break down the remaining lactose. Additionally, undigested lactose draws water into the intestines, leading to watery stools and diarrhea.

Which protein shake for lactose intolerance?

For dedicated athletes, lactose intolerance can be a real nightmare. How do you meet your daily protein needs without relying on dairy products or whey protein? Many people with lactose intolerance can still tolerate a small amount of lactose, spread throughout the day. We’ve listed our best lactose-free protein options so that you can confidently get your daily protein intake.

Whey Isolate Zero

Our ultimate favourite: Whey Isolate Zero. This product consists of the highest quality filtered instant whey isolate. The protein powder is purified to the point where it contains (almost) no lactose, fibres, or fats. Additionally, Whey Isolate Zero is free from unnecessary sugars and has an excellent taste. Whether you're gearing up for an intense training session or a light workout, this shake provides exactly what you need without the unpleasant side effects of lactose.

Conclusion: If you have lactose intolerance and are looking for a shake that guarantees no issues like stomach pain or nausea, we 100% recommend our Whey Isolate Zero. In our opinion, the best lactose-free protein shake on the market!

Natural Gold Whey

100% natural, 100% Natural Gold Whey. Our Natural Gold Whey protein shake is designed for athletes who settle for nothing but the best. This protein powder contains no artificial sweeteners, colourings, flavourings, or other additives and is very low in lactose. Ideal for athletes who value purity and quality.

Conclusion: Looking for the purest form of protein powder with minimal lactose content? Natural Gold Whey is your new lifelong companion!

Egg Protein

Our Egg Protein is made from 100% egg albumin, providing the highest quality amino acids. Egg Protein comes in two delicious, sweet flavours: vanilla and chocolate. This shake is ideal for athletes who want a high-quality protein source without any lactose. Moreover, its high amino acid profile ensures optimal muscle growth and recovery.

Conclusion: Have you tried products with minimal lactose, but your body still reacts badly? Then we recommend getting Egg Protein. If your stomach isn’t happy with this, we’re out of ideas!

Green Protein

For the vegan athletes among us, or for anyone who just wants to try something different, we offer our Green Protein. This shake contains a mix of high-quality plant-based proteins from sources like peas and rice. Green Protein provides a complete amino acid profile, ensuring you don’t miss out on essential nutrients, without causing bloating.

Conclusion: If you want to go lactose-free and plant-based, our Green Protein is the perfect choice.

Clear Whey Isolate

Clear Whey Isolate offers a refreshing way to get your protein intake. It’s a clear, refreshing drink with the benefits of whey protein but with a very low lactose content. This shake is perfect for those who need something lighter and more refreshing after an intense workout, without the drawbacks of lactose.

Conclusion: For a refreshing protein boost without the worry of lactose, Clear Whey Isolate is an excellent choice.

Whey Isolate

Our Whey Isolate has become a true classic. With a protein content of up to 93%, Whey Isolate is perfect for advanced and serious athletes who want to get the most out of their supplements. This product contains only 0.8% lactose and is available in various flavours to add variety to your diet.

Conclusion: Looking for a low-lactose protein shake with a high protein content and various flavour options? Then Whey Isolate is your best choice.

Protein-rich lactose-free snack

Vegalicious Protein Bar: Our Vegalicious Protein Bar is a tasty and convenient way to keep your protein intake in check without having to worry about lactose. This bar is completely plant-based and contains high-quality proteins from various plant sources.

Lactose Free Protein Drink: Looking for a ready-to-drink protein option you can take anywhere? Our Lactose Free Protein Drink offers the perfect solution. This drink is completely lactose-free and perfect for after your workout or as a snack.

So, which lactose-free protein powder should I buy?

Lactose intolerance doesn’t have to be an obstacle to achieving your fitness goals. With our wide range of lactose-free and low-lactose protein products, you can meet your protein needs without any worries. XXL Nutrition only offers high-quality products. No matter which one you choose, it’s the right choice. Still curious about our favourite lactose-free protein powder? We’ve mentioned it briefly, but our all-time favourite is Whey Isolate Zero. The perfect taste. The perfect effectiveness. The perfect texture. In our opinion, Whey Isolate Zero is the lactose-free protein powder you didn’t know you needed, whether you’re lactose intolerant or just want to reduce your lactose intake. 

Source

[1] Lactose Intolerance: MedlinePlus Genetics. (n.d.). Retrieved on 13 October 2022, from https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/lactose-intolerance/