Many new moms find it difficult to consume enough protein, despite knowing it’s importance for breast milk production and postpartum recovery. BEcause of this, many turn to protein powders to help fill in the gaps.
In our article – Protein Powder and Breastfeeding – I discuss whether or not protein powder is safe (and what to look for). In this article, I’m sharing my top recommendations for protein powders. Spoiler – you don’t need something specifically targeted toward breastfeeding moms. Generally, the cleaner the ingredients, the better of you are.
At the end of the day, it’s important to find something that you can use easily, tastes good, and has clean ingredients. I hope that you’ll find these recommendations helpful!
✅ In a hurry? Just Ingredients is our number one choice due to its quality, taste, and clean ingredients.
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Best Protein Shakes for Breastfeeding
There are tons of different protein powders available, but, as we’ve already mentioned, not all of them are great for pregnant moms or breastfeeding moms. The proteins listed below are some options that would be an excellent choice for a protein powder while breastfeeding. Some of these have a unique lactation blend, but honestly, I would focus more on natural protein powders than anything.
Remember – be careful about using a protein shake or powder for meal replacements. You need to make sure you are getting enough calories and nutrition in your regular diet! Protein requirements are increased with breastfeeding, though, so a protein shake during the day can be a good option for meeting those goals.
I tried to find dairy-based ones and had plant proteins, so there should be an option for everyone. I’m not too fond of vegan-based protein powders, but I know that many people need that kind, either because of a dairy allergy for them or their child OR for personal preference.
However, I believe all these options are high quality. All of them have adequate protein levels, though some have more than others.
I recommend mixing these with fresh fruit, chia seeds, nut butter, or whatever sounds good. I’m personally a fan of using Silk Protein Almond Milk, which boosts protein.
✅ Winner: Just Ingredients
Just Ingredients is a company run by a woman named Karalynne. She runs a very popular Instagram page called Just. Ingredients and she has such a passion for bringing clean products to families and individuals in an accessible way.
She set out on a mission to create a clean protein powder, and she was accomplished that. Her protein powder is the only protein powder I’ve had that hasn’t upset my stomach at all.
It is not lactation-specific, however, you can eat it knowing that it doesn’t have anything that will harm you or your baby. There aren’t a lot of flavors right now – just chocolate and chocolate coconut – but they are so tasty and easy to eat. They are a great protein powder to incorporate into your day!
Here is the nutrition profile:
- Protein from Five Sources
- Non-denatured 100% Grass-fed Whey Protein Isolate from New Zealand
- Organic Pea Protein
- Organic Pumpkin Seed
- Organic Chia Seed
- Collagen
- Free of sugar, gluten, and artificial sweeteners
- Depending on the flavor, it has between 140 and 160 calories per serving
- 4 grams of fat
- 3 carbs
- 3 grams of dietary fiber
- 24 grams of protein
It is more expensive than many protein powders, but this is it if you want the best. They have tons of delicious flavors and keep releasing more! My personal favorites are the chocolate coconut and strawberries and cream.
You can save 10% on any products on Just Ingredients with the code TBM. Her face serum is a miracle worker – it was one of the only things that helped my son’s cradle cap!
Make our DELICIOUS protein-packed lactation cookies!
Runner Up: Clean Simple Eats
Clean Simple Eats is my personal FAVORITE when it comes to protein powder for a few reasons:
- They have a wide variety of flavors, and they are always coming out with new ones.
- They use clean ingredients
- It is not high in sugar
- It tastes really good!
- I also love all their recipes, and they also have products like a super berry mix, collagen (which is fantastic for postpartum recovery), and delicious nut butter.
It has 20 grams of protein per serving, which could vary depending on your flavor. They always seem to have Brownie Batter and Simply Vanilla (I’ve heard this is the best vanilla protein powder, which is hard to find) along with seasonal flavors.
Their protein powder has artificial colors, dyes, sweeteners, or added sugar, and it contains grass-fed whey.
Clean Simple Eats also has a line of fantastic cookbooks that often incorporate their protein powders, so that’s also something to consider. They have some of my favorite recipes for protein shakes in their cookbooks!
There are no special galactagogues in this, but this is a protein powder I can personally vouch for the quality and consistency. I have three bags in my cupboard right now!
They aren’t specifically for breastfeeding moms, but you can use them and feel confident in them. This is the brand I primarily have used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. You can get 10% off with the code KATIE. Check out everything they have here.
Best Lactation Specific – Majka Nourishing Lactation Protein Powder
- BREASTFEEDING PROTEIN POWDER: Majka lactation supplement for breastfeeding boosts milk supply and supports energy levels. Our plant based protein powder is the only postnatal protein powder that serves as a complete bioavailable postnatal vitamin and contains a high quantity of galactagogue (breast milk boosting) herbs, meaning, it can substitute your pre/postnatal vitamin, unlike any other powder on the market!
- NOURISHING FOR NEW MOMS: Our lactation drink mix is formulated to restore and replenish your body after giving birth; It provides probiotics and digestive enzymes for nutrient absorption, nourishes your breastmilk, and keeps you feeling full and energized.
- LACTATIONAL SUPPLEMENT: Majka nursing protein powder is the best breastfeeding supplement with 15 grams of organic protein, active forms of B vitamins, organic galactagogues, fruits and vegetables, probiotics and enzymes. It is essentially 6 supplements in one! Making this a comprehensive, convenient, and delicious way for breastfeeding moms to get the nutrition they need!
- LACTATION SUPPORT YOU’LL LIKE: Our lactation supplements are non GMO, vegan, gluten free, soy free, sugar free, have no artificial sweeteners, are whole food based, and fenugreek free
- FOR BEST RESULTS: Add 2 scoops of our lactation blend to your favorite smoothie or mix with your favorite plant based milk; Our Lactation protein powder can be enjoyed at any time of the day as a breast milk supply boost and to promote your overall well being
This is the most expensive protein powder I have seen explicitly directed toward lactating mothers. Here are some of the claims made about this protein powder:
- It can help restore and replenish mothers after giving birth
- It provides a complete postnatal vitamin and has probiotics and digestive enzymes.
- It is specifically designed to help with milk supply.
It has an interesting profile of ingredients, including:
It comes in chocolate and green vanilla (that one sounds kind of weird and unappetizing to me, to be honest). It is also gluten-free, vegan, and sugar-free.
This one has more bad reviews than some of the lactation blends, though it’s mostly flavor and price. Many people say it is the best one they’ve used, and they felt it did increase their milk supply.
It does have clean ingredients, and it seems like they’ve been very thoughtful about how they’ve put it together. Read through the reviews – if you are more sensitive to the tastes of things, it might not be the best option for you.
Milk Dust
- NUTRITIONAL BOOST FOR NURSING MOMS: Milk Dust's protein powder is designed to give nursing mothers the energy boost & nutrition they need. Our lactation protein powder is packed with essential vitamins & minerals, including both folic acid & biotin. Our lactation powder also includes iron to help replenish the body’s stores which can be depleted while breastfeeding.
- PLANT-BASED PROTEIN: Our breastfeeding Protein Powder is the perfect solution for nursing mothers looking to increase milk supply. Our lactation protein powder for breastfeeding is made with a blend of all-natural, plant-based ingredients including pea protein, brown rice protein, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds & flax seeds.
- BALANCED DIET: Our protein powder for nursing moms is filled with lactation-supporting vitamins and minerals, our breastmilk supplement helps with a balanced diet. There are no artificial flavorings or chemicals, and lots of sweetness to satisfy the need for something sweet. Our breastfeeding protein powder blends creamy & smooth, & can even blend with plain water.
- PROMOTES MILK SUPPLY: Stop worrying about your milk supply! Milk Dust organic pea protein offers a unique combination of herbs and nutrients to produce milk. Working moms are obsessed with Milk Dust because of how easy it is to drink either as a breakfast smoothie or as a quick shake at work. Our delicious moms protein powder for lactation is available in a variety of flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.
- BREASTFEEDING ESSENTIAL: Our protein powder for breastfeeding moms is the perfect solution for mothers looking for a healthy and convenient way to increase their milk supply. You won’t find any dairy, soy, or gluten in our Milk Dust lactation protein powder, and it’s entirely free of GMOs, artificial sweeteners, & chemicals.
Milk Dust is explicitly marketed toward breastfeeding moms. It is a vegan protein powder with pea protein, brown rice protein, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and flax seeds.
This is a dairy, soy, and gluten-free protein powder, so this might be a good option if your child has any dairy issues.
It is a bit pricey at $49.99 for 20 servings. They claim it helps to calm sugar cravings and promotes a healthy milk supply. It does contain milk thistle, red raspberry leaf, brewer’s yeast, fenugreek, and fennel, which are all breast milk enhancing herbs – otherwise known as galactagogues.
It has some other exciting ingredients, and they all seem to be high-quality. It contains folate instead of folic acid, which stood out to me (I try to get folate rather than folic acid in my diet, personally).
It contains 100 calories, 4 grams of sugar, and 16 grams of protein, which is low. I would not recommend just making this shake for a complete meal without adding additional calories. I couldn’t tell what flavor it was – they say it’s a “unique flavor unlike any other protein powder,” which tastes like Dunkaroos. And no chalky after taste!
It has pretty good reviews, though some feel it’s way too sweet (someone framed it as “the most expensive, offensive flavor.” Others commented on the priciness of it. However, most of the comments seemed to think it helped increase their milk supply – or at least, helped them get enough calories to maintain their pool.
I did read one comment that said their supply decreased with it. I’m not sure if this is because they relied solely on just these drinks for their calories, or perhaps they had a reaction to the fenugreek (while I haven’t seen any studies on this, a lot of moms report fenugreek hurts their supply rather than helps – if you have a sensitive supply, you will want to be careful).
We have a Blendtec Blender, which has served our family well – but you can use whatever you want! Overall, it is expensive, but it is an exciting blend. If you are especially sensitive to sweetness, it may not be the best option for you.
BEST FOR POSTPARTUM RECOVERY – Ritual Protein Powder
Ritual is a brand that I’ve liked for their daily multivitamin, so I was excited to see that they created a protein powder specifically for pregnant and postpartum women. It has 20 grams of protein and 0 grams of sugar. It also has 250mg of choline, which is really important.
It is a vegan protein powder made from pea protein, and it’s available in a vanilla-caramel flavor that gets rave reviews. No specific lactogenic ingredients in this one, but it seems like a decent option!
You do have to signup fr a subscription, but you can cancel at any time and skip months. If you’re like me and always seem to forget to order things, a subscription can be helpful.
Ora Organics
- USDA Organic & Complete Amino Acid Profile Plant-based Protein Powder: We blend a variety of protein sources to ensure a balanced and complete amino acid profile for optimal lean muscle building. It includes 22 grams of protein and 3 grams of net carbs, all the while being completely vegan. We include 19 superfoods for added micronutrients and all essential amino acids to ensure you get the most out of your post-workout routine.
- No Erythritol & Safe for Pregnant Mothers: No added sugars and no sugar alcohols. We use stevia and monk fruit extracts that are made purely from stevia leaf and monk fruit, with no erythritol added. Better yet, our product is pregnancy safe and great for people of all ages and walks of life whether that be toddlers, children, teens, adults, or seniors looking for protein.
- Award Winning Taste & Texture: Our protein blends easily and come in flavors that are delicious on their own or effortlessly complement many food recipes and smoothies. Kids protein friendly - parents like to add a banana, one scoop of nut butter (peanut or almond typically), along with 1.5 cups of plant based milk for a delicious, nutritious smoothie.
- Bloat Free Protein Powder for Sensitive Stomachs: Our inclusive plant-based protein formula uses the highest quality organic pea protein, organic rice protein and organic superfoods like sacha inchi, acai, pomegranate, kale, and turmeric. We’ve also added comprehensive digestive enzymes including cellulase which helps break down hard to digest plant cell walls. Our thoughtful and meticulously sourced formulation helps eliminate bloating while maximizing protein absorption.
- Formulated to Cater to Both Men and Women: This protein powder serves as an effective mass gainer, supporting muscle development and recovery. This product offers a convenient and delicious way to incorporate high-quality, plant-based protein into your daily routine, supporting your fitness and nutritional goals.
This is another clean, vegan protein option. It is not explicitly made of breastfeeding mothers, but it is a great option. It comes in chocolate, vanilla, and vanilla chai.
Ora Organics:
- Has 21g of protein
- Gluten-free, paleo, dairy-free, and soy-free.
- It costs $37.99 for 20 servings, though you can subscribe and save with Amazon to get it for a little bit less.
Its blend of ingredients doesn’t have any stand-out galactagogues, but it doesn’t appear to have anything known to decrease supply.
It did have coconut milk and quinoa, which sometimes are thought to be galactagogues. It has a bunch of superfoods in it, which seems appealing.
Overall has excellent reviews. Many people liked its flavor and consistency, but it was noted that this could depend on the base you put it in (whole fat coconut milk and avocados seemed like popular choices!).
Someone even claimed that it’s the best plant-based protein on the planet. I saw one comment from a mom who used it through her pregnancy and post-pregnancy. I’m not going to lie – as I read the comments, I almost ordered some. It does seem like a very high-quality protein powder that doesn’t have any weird chemicals or ingredients.
Boobie Body
- Your Daily Dose of Boobie-Approved Superfoods: Supermoms, get ready for a super boost! Our vegan protein powder comes loaded with 19g of plant based protein, nine organic superfoods, only 1 net carb, zero sugar, and 1000 IUs of Vitamin D—everything busy moms need in one delicious protein shake!
- Power Mama Needs, Taste Mama Loves: Whether you're nurturing a pregnancy bump, breastfeeding your little one, or running after a toddler, our protein shakes are brimming with superfoods like Moringa and Turmeric to keep you energized and healthy. Protein powders help you love your BODY and can be a convinient Diet for breastfeeding mothers
- Clean & Trusted by Moms In Every Stage: Boobie Body protein drinks are organic, gluten-free, dairy-free, and made without GMOs, giving you peace of mind and the cleanest protein superfood powder for every stage of motherhood.
- Crafted by Experts: Our prenatal and postpartum care protein shake was crafted by Wendy Colson, registered nurse (RN), International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and mother of three, to make meal replacement for weight management and post-workout recovery even easier for every mama.
- Explore More Boobie-Approved Superfoods for Supermamas: From lactation supplement bars to daily vitamins, Boobie has much more superfood-powered goodness and mom postpartum essentials in store to support your journey through motherhood. Find your faves today so you can seize every moment with joy and vitality.
This is another plant-based protein powder that is designed specifically for breastfeeding and pregnant mothers. It costs $40 for 20 servings.
It has 19 grams of protein, 1000 IUs of Vitamin D, prebiotics and a custom probiotic strand, and all essential amino acids.
Its primary source of protein is pea protein, and it also includes a variety of other ingredients such as flaxseed, chia, and maca root. The main galactagogues I saw were moringa, maca root, and Shatavari. It is sweetened with monk fruit and stevia.
I saw more negative reviews on this one about the taste, though some loved it – so it’s hard to say whether or not it’s the best-tasting blend out there. They offer a variety of flavors – chocolate bliss, coffee caramel, vanilla chai, and vanilla cookie.
Orgain
- CLEANER INGREDIENTS: 21g plant protein and 1g sugar per serving. Our protein blend consists of Organic pea, brown rice, and chia seeds, to provide a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids. It also features 10g of Prebiotic + fiber* for gut support and our 50 Superfoods Blend.
- HIGHER STANDARDS: We believe it’s what’s on the inside that matters most, and that includes what we left out. This product is USDA Organic, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, made without soy, and Non-GMO. You also won't find any carrageenan, lactose or dairy ingredients, artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives. We also use third parties to verify that we are certified USDA Organic and plant based.
- ORGANIC 50 SUPERFOODS BLEND: Each serving contains 50 organic superfoods like chia, tumeric, kale, flax, broccoli, spinach, quinoa, beet, acai and is an excellent source of Vitamin B6, Vitamin C and iron to support your immune system.
- CUSTOMIZE ANY WAY YOU WANT: You can mix this with any liquid like water, almond milk, oat milk, or blend it to create a delicious shake or smoothie for a quick breakfast or snack drink. For even more creative ways to use this, you can add it to your overnight oats, cookies, brownies, and other baked goods for a protein and energy boost.
- PERFECT FOR ANY LIFESTYLE: This protein powder is perfect for men and women alike, whether you’re maintaining a healthy lifestyle, working out, looking to add more protein to your diet, following a diet regiment or an on the go meal replacement.
I like Orgain protein powders, and it’s widely available online and at Costco. I have tried their chocolate peanut butter, chocolate, and their limited edition hot cocoa, and I’ve enjoyed them all.
I recommend buying them from Orgain.com, as they often run different promotions and sales that you won’t find on Amazon.
They have plant and whey-based proteins, so they have an option for everyone. Not lactation-based, just a good, clean protein option.
They also have ready-made meal replacement shakes, which can be convenient for a lot of people. I know Premier Protein shakes are popular, but I think those are full of junk, so this is a good alternative if you are looking for something you can pop open and drink.
Mommy Knows Best Brewer’s Yeast
No products found.
This isn’t a protein powder. However, it’s something that you can easily make your protein smoothies with or add to your favorite protein powder to make it more of a “lactation smoothie.”
Brewer’s yeast tends to be pretty nasty and bitter tasting. However, the kind from Mommy Knows Best has been debittered, which makes it taste a bit better. They have a plain and chocolate flavor, so it might be fun to try out. You can get 15% off with the code BFMAMA15.
Vital Proteins
No products found.
Vital Proteins is a pretty popular company with tons of different products. Their protein powder is whey-based but lactose-free, and it is jam-packed with 25 grams of protein.
It is less expensive than many of these brands at $29.99. They have a few different flavors – chocolate, coffee, strawberry, and vanilla.
Although it isn’t a lactation blend, it does have sunflower lecithin, which can help with recurrent clogged ducts and mastitis, as well as MCT oil. It also contains collagen.
The reviews are great for this brand. If you are looking for a more affordable brand that tastes good and has a lot of protein, I will check them out!
All in all, there are a lot of great protein powders out there that are compatible with breastfeeding. Which one is your favorite? Be sure to let us know in the comments!
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