IBS Nutrition

Helping people with IBS

How to choose a low FODMAP protein powder

Wall of protein powder  
There is an overwhelming number of protein powders on the shelves, but finding one that is low FODMAP can be tricky!  Protein powders all the buzz these days but don’t feel pressured to partake! Most people can get all of their protein needs from food alone, without resorting to a supplement.

 
 
 
As a dietitian, I advise everyone to get their nutrition from food first and to minimize processed foods. This is especially important for people with IBS following a low FODMAP diet because we know that certain ingredients and additives can trigger digestive symptoms. Despite the plethora of health claims on the labels, I still consider most protein powders to be ultra processed foods and many contain a long list of additives that may or may not be healthy. So, keep that in mind as you browse the store shelves.
 

How much protein do we really need?

It is surprisingly easy to figure out your daily protein requirement. The average person requires about 0.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight.  Therefore, if you weigh 150 pounds, you need about 75 grams of protein.  It really is that simple.   There are times when your protein requirements may be higher, but this is the average for men and women.

High protein, low FODMAP foods

For a comparison, here’s how food stacks up against protein powder. The average serving of protein powder contains about 22 g of protein per 100 calories. This is what 100 calories of food looks like:

  • 1.25 cups lactose free skim milk = 16 g protein
  • 3/4 cup lactose free 0% greek yogurt = 18 g protein
  • 3/4 cup liquid egg white = 23 g protein
  • 3.5 oz chicken = 23 g protein

Low FODMAP Smoothies Your Gut will Love!

In my Smoothie E-Book, I have lovingly created 15 high protein, low FODMAP and delicious smoothies as well as 2 refreshing agua frescas.  Each recipe has vegan variations and they are reliably low FODMAP.  They are naturally high in protein but if you want a little more, there are protein powder recommendations included.  As an IBS specialist dietitian, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to include the right type of fibre to keep your gut bacteria happy as well.   I think that you and your gut will really love these smoothies!

 

$4.99 CAD

Tips for choosing a low FODMAP protein powder:

If you find it challenging to get enough protein from food, a low FODMAP protein powder can be very convenient. It takes a very skilled eye to comb the nutrition labels for one that fits with the low FODMAP diet. Here are a few tips that can help you find a good one. Look for a protein powder that:

  • Does not contain high FODMAP or untested ingredients
  • Does not contain gut irritants or stimulants like capsaicin (hot chilies), caffeine, or senna
  • Minimizes other unknown additives

Low FODMAP ingredients

Here is a list of low FODMAP ingredients that are commonly found in protein powder. 

  • Brown rice sprouted protein
  • Whey protein isolate
  • Soy protein isolate
  • Egg protein 
  • Spirulina
  • Sweeteners: sugar, dextrose, stevia, sucralose (Splenda), aspartame

High FODMAP or untested ingredients

The following ingredients which are commonly found in protein powders, are either high in FODMAPs or have not yet been tested by Monash or FODMAP Friendly. Either way, you should avoid them during the elimination phase. You can test your tolerance during the reintroduction phase and see how you do. For a good overview of the low FODMAP diet, read my blog article titled, An Overview of the Low FODMAP Diet. Here are those ingredients to watch for. Keep in mind, this is not a complete list.

  • Inulin, chicory root
  • Sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol
  • Lactose: Whey protein concentrate, whey protein hydrolysate, milk protein concentrate (in higher amounts), nonfat dry milk
  • Fructose, FOS, fructo-oligosaccharides, dried fruit, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), glucose-fructose
  • Untested ingredients:  herbals, roots or extracts

Looking at labels

Here are a few protein powders that appear to be low FODMAP from looking at the ingredient list. Please keep in mind that other products made by the same company, but of a different flavour, may not be low FODMAP. Product ingredients change, so always check the label to make sure that no high FODMAP ingredients have been added.
  • Heartland Gold Brown Rice Protein
  • Naked Nutrition Naked Rice
  • Naked Nutrition Naked Egg White Protein 
  • Sunwarrior Classic Protein 

So, keep in mind that you should aim to get most of your protein from food.  However, if you need a little boost, do your best to read your labels and avoid products with high FODMAP ingredients. 

~Audrey

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