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Whey protein powder for weight-loss.

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The Complete Guide to Lactose-Free Protein Powders and Their Benefits

11th November 2025

Health Nutrition

11th November 2025

By Zak Hillard

Protein powders are a super useful tool in any wellness-enthusiast’s arsenal, but unfortunately one size does not fit all here. You might have landed here because you can’t have lactose, don’t wish to for one reason or another, or maybe just because you’re always curious about different aspects of nutrition (and we love that). 

Whatever your motivation for finding out more about lactose-free protein powders, this guide will walk you through why some people choose to skip the lactose, what the main alternatives and benefits are (as well as how they differ), and how Innermost can help you find the perfect protein powder for your personal goals. 

Enough of the preamble, let’s get into it! 

Why choose a lactose-free protein powder?

Lactose intolerance, allergies or digestive sensitivity

Whether you’re lactose intolerant or not, many people can find they experience some discomfort when they consume lactose-based protein powders. Typical symptoms include bloating, gas, diarrhoea or just general stomach discomfort – in short, it’s not pleasant. 

This isn’t just for the minority either, as it’s estimated that around 68% of the world’s population have some form of sensitivity to lactose1. In the pursuit of better health, there’s no need to put yourself through discomfort to get the nutrition you need – especially with today’s wide range of alternative protein options. 

Lifestyle or ethical choices

Aside from physical issues, many people choose to avoid lactose for a variety of personal reasons. For those following a vegan diet, lactose is an obvious miss due to its dairy origins, with many others looking for ways to reduce their consumption of animal-derived products wherever possible. In addition, while lactose can be halal compliant, this isn’t always the case if it contains certain additives.  

Common alternatives to lactose-based protein powders

So, plenty of people are looking for lactose-free protein powders but what are the top options? Let’s break them down. 

The benchmark – lactose-based proteins 

We often hear the question, ‘is whey protein lactose-free?’ – unfortunately, the answer is no. Whey protein originates from milk and therefore contains lactose. 

However, whey protein is a very effective protein supplement and what many consider as the benchmark for protein powders. It’s high in essential amino acids and offers rapid absorption, making it a perfect option for post-workout refuelling. 

Saying that, as they are the most abundant on the market, there are also quite a few low-quality whey proteins out there. To drive the price down as much as possible, they can be chock-full of:

  • Artificial flavours
  • Fillers
  • Bulking agents
  • Artificial colours

But not ours. 

If lactose isn’t an issue for you, check out our Innermost range of whey protein powders – we think you’d like them. 

The alternatives - plant-based/lactose-free proteins

The most common lactose-free protein alternatives include soy, pea, brown rice and blended plant proteins. Here, we’ll cover each of those and look at how they differ from each other to help you pick out your best option. 

Protein Type

Key Science-Backed Benefits

Possible Limitations

 

 

 

Soy Protein Powder

• Complete amino acid profile.

• Can lower “bad” cholesterol, supporting heart health.

• Contains isoflavones which may support bone health, menopause symptom relief, and post-exercise recovery.

• Not the most perfectly balanced profile of amino acids.

• Absorption is a little slower than whey.

• Not suitable for those with soy allergies.

 

 

 

Pea & Brown Rice Protein Blend

• Their complementary amino acid profiles make a complete plant protein.

• Shown to stimulate muscle protein synthesis on par with whey protein after resistance training.

• Easily digestible, hypoallergenic, vegan and lactose-free.

• Can have a gritty texture or earthy taste if unflavoured (not a problem with our special Innermost blend).

 

Other Plant Proteins (Hemp, Pumpkin Seed, etc.)

• Provide extra nutrients such as omega-3s, magnesium and zinc.

• Offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties beyond protein.

• Typically lower total protein per serving than soy or pea/rice blends.

• May have a stronger, nutty flavour which doesn’t suit all palates.

 

Soy protein

Soy protein, made from soy beans, is one of the most high protein plant sources and is a ‘complete protein’ (meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids). 

It’s a great dairy and lactose-free protein option, although it isn’t quite as easily absorbed as whey and the amino acid profile isn’t as well balanced as some other options – for example, it contains a little less leucine. 

Soy protein’s flavour profile is smooth and pretty neutral, but some blends can have a mild nutty or ‘beany’ flavour to them. 

To summarise, the top benefits of soy protein powder are:

Pea and brown rice protein 

Laurel and Hardy, Batman and Robin, pea and brown rice protein… maybe a bit of a reach but who doesn’t love a quality double act? 

On their own, pea and brown rice proteins are good but they don’t offer the most balanced profiles. That’s why many modern lactose-free protein powders make use of a blend of the two, building a very balanced amino acid profile which rivals that of whey.

Pea protein provides lysine, brown rice protein adds methionine – together, they’re a dairy-free powerhouse. That’s why this is our go-to when it comes to lactose-free or vegan proteins.

We’ve spent a lot of time perfecting our blend to provide a smooth, tasty alternative protein option and we think we’ve cracked it. Check out our range of pea and brown rice vegan proteins to see for yourself.

To summarise, the top benefits of pea and brown rice protein powder are:

Other plant protein sources

Alongside these two front-runners, there are a host of other plant-sourced protein powders to choose from. These include hemp, pumpkin or sunflower seeds, and pea or rice alone. 

The biggest benefit to these other sources is their rich profile of nutrients, such as fibre and various minerals, however they do typically offer a lower protein concentration. 

Depending on which one you pick, the flavour profile will likely differ greatly and some of these offer a slightly grainy texture. If you’re looking to use one of these, we’d recommend mixing it into smoothies or other bases for a better flavour experience. 

To summarise, the top benefits of other plant-based protein powders are:

  • Hemp-seed and pumpkin-seed protein powders (for example) offer extra nutrients (like omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium or zinc) as well as protein6.
  • These extra nutrients offer antioxidant and bioactive properties beyond protein, which can offer a number of other benefits.
  • Keep in mind though, whilst they do offer a wider spectrum of nutrients, the concentration of protein found here is often lower. 

How Innermost can help – our lactose-free protein powders

At Innermost, our focus has always been on following the science and using the highest quality ingredients across every product we offer. 

Our lactose-free protein powders are free from artificial fillers, bulking agents, colours and major allergens, and are designed to give you all the benefits a protein supplement should, whether or not you consume lactose. 

With this in mind, let us give you a whistlestop tour of our top lactose-free protein options. 

Some of our favourites

  • The Health Protein: Vegan, dairy and lactose-free with 31g protein per serving – powered by pea and brown rice protein. Designed to give you the protein you need whilst also supporting your immune system.
  • The Fit Protein: Also vegan, dairy and lactose-free with 31g protein per serving – no compromises. Formulated for hydration and energy, this is the ideal protein pick for people looking to push themselves further than most.

How to choose the right lactose-free protein for you

Choosing the right protein powder for you is a case of asking yourself a few simple questions:

  • What are my dietary restrictions? Lactose-free? Dairy-free? Vegan? This will help you narrow down your options pretty quickly
  • What are my goals? Do you want to build muscle? Recover from gruelling workouts? Manage your weight? Boost your immunity? Find a protein powder which is suited to your goals, whatever they are
  • Do I have any sensitivities to ingredients and would rather avoid them? Even some plant proteins can have ingredients you might react to – make sure to read the full ingredients list before you put anything in your body
  • What are the recommended servings? Some plant proteins can need larger serving sizes to achieve your desired amount of protein. Make sure this fits within your budget and taste preferences. If in doubt, try a trial pack first!

Whatever your reason, we made it easy

Whether lactose makes you blow up like a balloon or you’re looking to avoid animal products, there is more than one option out there to give you the nutrition you need.

At Innermost, our goal is to bring high-quality, feel-good nutrition to all, and our special pea and brown rice protein blend is a big part of that. Combined with other active ingredients, our lactose-free proteins can help you match your dietary needs with your wellness goals – no more compromising. 

Lacking in lactose, not goodness.  

References

  • Definition & Facts for Lactose Intolerance, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, February 2018. Click here. 
  • L. van den Berg, J. Mes, M. Mensink, A. Wanders, Protein quality of soy and the effect of processing: a quantitative review, Nutrition and Food Science Technology, Vol. 9, 2022. Click here.
  • Straight Talk About Soy, The Nutrition Source, Harvard T.H. Chan, Jan 2022. Click here. 
  • M. Messina et. al, The health effects of soy: A reference guide for health professionals, Clinical Nutrition, Volume 9, 2022. Click here. 
  • VAN DER Heijden I, Monteyne AJ, West S, Morton JP, Langan-Evans C, Hearris MA, Abdelrahman DR, Murton AJ, Stephens FB, Wall BT. Plant Protein Blend Ingestion Stimulates Postexercise Myofibrillar Protein Synthesis Rates Equivalently to Whey in Resistance-Trained Adults. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2024 Aug 1;56(8):1467-1479. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000003432. Epub 2024 Mar 23. PMID: 38537270; PMCID: PMC11810040. Click here.
  • Imashi Fernando, 6 Super Healthy Seeds You Should Eat, Healthline, August 2025. Click here.
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The Health Protein
Innermost's The Health Protein offers 31g of protein and only 149 calories per serving. Created to support optimal function of your immune system and health.
Vegan Protein

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Feature Marine collagen Bovine collagen Source Fish or other marine sources, often skin, scales or bones Cattle, usually hides or bones Common collagen types Mainly Type I collagen Type I and Type III collagen Often chosen for Skin hydration, elasticity and beauty-focused routines General collagen support, including skin and connective tissue Digestibility Usually hydrolysed into collagen peptides for easier digestion and mixing Also commonly hydrolysed into collagen peptides Taste and texture Can have a mild marine taste if not well formulated Usually more neutral, though this depends on the product Dietary considerations Not suitable for fish allergies, vegans or vegetarians Not suitable for people avoiding beef, vegans or vegetarians Main thing to check Source, collagen dose, peptide format and taste Source, collagen dose, peptide format and quality Is marine collagen worth taking?  For most people interested in skin health, marine collagen is a reasonable, low-risk supplement to try, as long as your expectations are realistic. The evidence for gradual gains in skin hydration and elasticity is reasonably solid. The case for hair, nails and joints is softer, but it's building. It also works best as one piece of a bigger picture and should be consumed alongside a protein-rich, varied diet, decent sleep, sun protection and staying hydrated. If you do give it a go, choose a hydrolysed product with a sensible dose and supporting nutrients like vitamin C, commit to a consistent 8 to 12 weeks, and judge the results for yourself. Whatever source you land on, quality and consistency are what turn a supplement from a hopeful purchase into a habit worth keeping. That is the standard we hold every formula to at Innermost: science over hype, quality ingredients and nothing you do not need. Whether you are looking at collagen, protein or everyday wellness support, the same rule applies: choose what fits your body, your goals and the routine you can actually stick to. If you're not sure where to start, our free nutritionist consultation can help you work out what actually fits your goals. Frequently asked questions  Is marine collagen better than bovine collagen?  Neither is outright better. Marine is primarily Type I and may appeal to those looking for a fish-derived source, while bovine offers Types I and III and is often cheaper. Can vegans take marine collagen?  Marine collagen comes from fish, so it isn't suitable for vegans or vegetarians. Vegan "collagen support" products work differently, supplying nutrients such as vitamin C that contribute to normal collagen formation rather than collagen itself. Does marine collagen taste fishy?  A good-quality hydrolysed marine collagen should be virtually flavourless. A noticeable fishy taste is usually a sign of a lower-quality product. How much Marine Collagen should I take? Most research points to an effective daily intake of somewhere between 2.5g and 15g of collagen peptides, with many of the skin studies sitting in the middle of that range. References Czajka, A., Kania, E., Genovese, L., Corbo, A., Merone, G., Luci, C., Sibilla, S., Siciliano, C. (2018). Daily oral supplementation with collagen peptides combined with vitamins and other bioactive compounds improves skin elasticity and has a beneficial effect on joint and general wellbeing. Nutr Res. 57. Click here. Farooq, S., Ahmad, M., Zheng, S., Ali, U., Li, Y., Shixiu, C., Zhang, H. (2024). A review on marine collagen: sources, extraction methods, colloids properties, and food applications. Collagen Leather. 6(11). Click here. Myung, S., Kim, J., Lee, Y., Choi, Y. (2025). Effects of collagen supplements on skin aging. Am J Med. Click here. Pu, S., Huang, Y., Pu, C., Kang, Y., Hoang, K., Chen, K., Chen, C. (2023). Effects of oral collagen for skin anti-aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients. 15(9). Click here Evans, M., Lewis, E., Zakaria, N., Pelipyagina, T., Guthrie, N. (2021). A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study to evaluate the efficacy of a freshwater marine collagen on skin wrinkles and elasticity. J Cosmet Dermatol. 20(3), 825–834. Click here. Hexsel, D., Zague, V., Schunck, M., Siega, C., Camozzato, F., Oesser, S. (2017). Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails. J Cosmet Dermatol. 16(4), 520–526. Click here. EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA). (2010). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to biotin. EFSA Journal. 8(10), 1728. Click here.
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