TL;DR
Your Cart is Empty
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Your Cart is Empty
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Your Cart is Empty
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
August 08, 2025 8 min read
Choosing the best protein powder for weight loss doesn’t have to be confusing. Whether you're after a low-calorie protein powder, something vegan-friendly or lactose-free, or a collagen-rich formula, this guide covers the top 7 protein powders in Australia made specifically to help you achieve your weight loss goals.
We'll also break down how protein helps burn fat, when to take it, and what to avoid or be careful of. Whether you're just beginning your fitness journey or revisiting your fat loss strategy, this guide will help you find a protein powder that matches your needs and goals.
Product | Protein (per serve) | Calories (per serve) | Best For | Price/serve |
27g | 114 | Overall fat loss, easy digestion, and lactose intolerance | $1.80 | |
Best Low-Calorie Whey: Whey Protein Isolate (WPI) | 27g | 114 | Lean muscle retention while cutting, calorie-controlled diet | $1.80 |
24g | 124 | Budget-friendly, Beginners | $1.50 | |
28g | 160 | Lactose-intolerant individuals, vegans | $2.00 | |
28g | 216 | Meal replacement, quick breakfast option, post-workout snack | $2.80 | |
24g | 113 | Night-time use, slow-release, perfect for muscle recovery | $1.60 | |
11g | 47 | Skin elasticity + weight support | $2.60 |
We evaluated dozens of protein powders in Australia using strict yet relevant criteria to shortlist the best options for weight loss:
High protein-to-calorie ratio: Products that deliver at least 20g of protein for under 150 calories per serve.
Minimal sugar: Low or zero sugar to prevent blood sugar spikes and fat storage.
Clean ingredients: No artificial fillers, unnecessary thickeners, added flavours, or questionable sweeteners.
Real customer reviews: We checked hundreds of reviews to find products that real users consistently rated highly.
Trusted Aussie brands: Products that are manufactured under strict Australian standards and ideally batch-tested and tested by third parties.
We also accounted for flavour variety, digestibility, mixability, and the inclusion of bonus ingredients like fibre, digestive enzymes, or pre- and probiotics.
Protein helps with weight loss in several science-backed ways:
Satiety: It keeps you full longer, curbs snacking and reduces overall calorie intake.
Thermogenesis: Protein has a high thermic effect, meaning your body uses more energy to digest it than carbs or fats.
Muscle preservation: During calorie restriction, protein helps maintain lean muscle mass, which is crucial for maintaining a high metabolism.
Fat burning support: Some proteins, especially whey, have been shown to enhance fat oxidation and metabolic rate.
Studies consistently show that high-protein diets are more effective for fat loss and body recomposition than low-protein plans. Whether used as a supplement post-workout or a meal replacement, protein powders can make staying in a calorie deficit easier and more enjoyable.
Why it works: WPI is ultra-filtered for high protein (90% or more) and very low fat, carbs, and lactose. It’s a go-to for lean muscle retention and fat burning.
Protein: 27g/serve
Calories: ~90-100
Flavours: Vanilla, chocolate, salted caramel, rainbow ice cream
Why it’s excellent: High bioavailability and fast absorption. Ideal pre- or post-workout.
Best for: Overall weight loss, fitness goals
Bonus: Great for lactose-intolerant users
WPI is one of the most efficient whey proteins for weight loss options on the market. Due to its purity, it's absorbed quickly into your system, providing amino acids to your muscles when they need them most.
Why it works: Again, a winner for best fat-burning protein powder – with 100 kcal/serve while packing in 27g of protein.
Protein: 27g/serve
Calories: ~90-100
Best for: Low-calorie protein powder goals
Use case: Lean muscle retention while cutting
Flavour tip: Mix with unsweetened almond milk for a low-cal shake
Ideal for those who are closely tracking macros or following a strict calorie-controlled diet. WPI can be used multiple times a day without dramatically increasing your daily energy intake.
Why it works: WPC, with 70-80% protein and offering as low as 120 kcal/serve while packing in 24g of protein.
Protein: 24-25g/serve
Calories: ~100-120
Best for: Beginners, weight loss in women, casual users
Use case: Muscle hypertrophy, muscle recovery
Flavour tip: Tastes creamy; mix with low-cal milk for a flavourful shake
WPC is the most easily available and budget-friendly whey protein. Since it retains most of the nutrients found in whole whey, it is well-balanced for both men and women.
Why it works: Ideal for those avoiding dairy, or those following vegan diets, this plant-based formula blends pea and rice protein with complete amino acid profiles.
Protein: 28g/serve
Calories: ~150-160
Benefits: Dairy-free, gut-friendly, rich in BCAAs
Best for: Plant protein vs whey users, vegans, lactose-intolerant, those with sensitive stomachs
Also supports: Sustainable and allergen-friendly diets
Premium Plant Vegan Protein is an excellent solution for vegans and those with dairy intolerances. Its well-rounded amino acid profile means you’re not compromising on muscle support and recovery, even if you choose plant protein over conventional whey options.
Why it works: Combines protein with fibre, vitamins, and prebiotics. Keeps you full for longer and curbs cravings.
Protein: 28g/serve
Calories: ~200
Key ingredients: WPC/WPI, Fibre, MCTs, Vitamins, Green Tea Extract
Best for: Replacing breakfast or lunch for those who don’t have time to prepare meals
Also suitable for: As a diet food supplement for weight loss that doesn’t feel like “diet food”
Lean Shake Plus meal replacement is a complete solution for busy mornings or calorie-controlled lunches. It's added fibre helps slow digestion, keeping cravings at bay, and helping you stay satisfied for longer.
Why it works: This slow-digesting Micellar Casein Protein Powder releases amino acids over several hours, perfect for overnight recovery and appetite control.
Protein: 24g/serve
Calories: ~100
Texture: Thick and satisfying
Best for: Evening use, hunger control while sleeping, overnight muscle recovery
Casein is ideal before bed to prevent overnight catabolism and aid muscle repair. It’s also a wise choice if you find yourself hungry late at night and usually crave midnight snacking.
Why it works: Combines Prebiotic Collagen Protein Powder with hydrolysed collagen peptides to support skin, joints, fat metabolism, and weight loss.
Protein: 11g/serve
Calories: ~50
Added benefits: Hair, skin and gut health
Best for: Best protein shake for weight loss and toning for females; women seeking skin and hair health.
Pair with: Low-impact strength training
Collagen is often overlooked in weight loss, but its role in improving skin elasticity during fat loss and supporting joints during training, so you recover well and perform at optimum, is invaluable.
Protein shakes shouldn’t replace real food, but they can bridge the gap when:
You’re on the go at work
Need quick recovery post-workout
Struggling to meet daily protein needs
Don’t have time for meal prep
Whole food protein sources include:
Eggs
Lean meats
Legumes
Tofu and tempeh
Greek yoghurt
Protein supplements are no magic pills. In the end, the goal is to supplement balanced meals – not substitute. Use shakes strategically to fill gaps, not replace full meals all day long.
While protein supplements are generally safe, watch for these:
Overconsumption: May burden kidneys in those with pre-existing conditions
Allergies: Avoid dairy-based options if lactose intolerant
Interactions: Check with a GP if on medication or with chronic illness
Those with kidney disease, children, or pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before using supplements. If you're eating a balanced diet, stick to the recommended dose on the label and avoid exceeding it.
Finding the best protein powder for weight loss in Australia means matching your needs:
Fat-burning protein powder? Go with WPI or WPC.
Meal replacement? Try Lean Shake Plus.
Vegan-friendly? Choose Premium Plant Vegan Protein.
Toning and skin support? Collagen Pro®.
Remember, no powder is a magic solution. Consistency, training, and whole-food nutrition still matter most. Choose a product that suits your lifestyle, dietary needs, taste, and personal preferences. And trust VPA to help you stay on track and hit your goals.
Yes, absolutely. Including a high-quality protein powder in your weight loss journey can be very effective. Protein plays several critical roles when you're trying to lose fat: it supports the maintenance of lean muscle mass, helps regulate appetite, boosts recovery, and boosts your metabolic rate. When you're in a calorie deficit, your body is more likely to break down muscle for energy unless you're consuming the right amount of protein.
Using a low-calorie protein powder is an easy, convenient way to increase your protein intake without consuming extra fats or carbs.
The best protein powder for weight loss is Whey Protein Isolate (WPI). It has a very high protein content per serve (typically over 90%), very low fat and carbohydrate content, and minimal lactose. It’s absorbed quickly by the body, making it ideal for post-workout recovery, hypertrophy, and appetite control.
Because VPA’s WPI is low in calories and carbs, it fits perfectly into a fat-loss diet.
However, if you prefer a plant-based diet or are lactose-intolerant, products like Premium Plant Vegan Protein offer an excellent alternative.
Generally, 1-2 shakes per day is plenty. Your total daily protein intake is more important than the number of shakes you have. For weight loss, 7 aim for about up to 1.6g of protein per kg of body weight per day. If you struggle to hit this target through whole foods alone, shakes are a simple, effective way to fill the gap. Plus, they are handy if you are struggling to cook proper meals.
One protein shake after your workout and another between meals or in place of a snack is an everyday routine. Also, remember that supplements for weight loss work best when combined with a nutritious diet and consistent exercise.
Both can be effective for fat loss, and your choice should depend on your dietary preferences, allergies, and digestion. Whey protein for weight loss has traditionally been preferred because of its high leucine content (essential for muscle protein synthesis), fast absorption, and complete amino acid profile. That said, many people experience bloating or digestive issues with whey.
Plant protein vs whey is a personal choice, especially if you're vegan, dairy-sensitive, have a sensitive stomach, or prefer a more sustainable option. Modern plant blends, such as Premium Plant Vegan Protein, a mix of pea and rice protein, are fortified with prebiotics, digestive enzymes, or superfoods. They are slightly lower in leucine, but with enough total protein, they’re just as effective for weight loss and toning.
Yes, but not all protein shakes are created equal. If you're replacing a full meal, you’ll want more than just protein – you’ll need healthy fats, carbohydrates, fibre, and essential vitamins and minerals to feel satisfied and maintain energy levels.
Basic Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) or Whey Protein Isolate (WPI) shakes are great as snacks or post-workout recovery. While they are the best protein shakes for weight loss and toning in females, they may not provide the complete nutrition you need from a meal. For this purpose, we recommend specialised products like Lean Shake Plus meal replacement, which are formulated with added fibre, healthy fats, green tea extract, slow-digesting carbs, and micronutrients to keep you fuller for longer.
VPA Australia. Whey protein isolate. VPA Australia. Accessed August 3, 2025. https://www.vpa.com.au/products/whey-isolate-protein-powder
VPA Australia. Premium whey (WPC). VPA Australia. Accessed August 3, 2025. https://www.vpa.com.au/products/premium-whey-wpc
VPA Australia. Premium plant vegan protein. VPA Australia. Accessed August 3, 2025. https://www.vpa.com.au/products/premium-plant-vegan-protein
VPA Australia. Lean Shake Plus (meal replacement). VPA Australia. Accessed August 3, 2025. https://www.vpa.com.au/products/lean-shake-plus-meal-replacement
VPA Australia. Micellar casein. VPA Australia. Accessed August 3, 2025. https://www.vpa.com.au/products/micellar-casein
VPA Australia. Collagen Pro® – prebiotic collagen protein powder. VPA Australia. Accessed August 3, 2025. https://www.vpa.com.au/products/collagen-pro
Spritzler F. A high-protein diet plan to lose weight and improve health. Healthline. Updated December 20, 2023. Accessed August 3, 2025. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/high-protein-diet-plan
August 08, 2025 7 min read
Read MoreJuly 04, 2025 7 min read
Read MoreJuly 29, 2024 5 min read