Shop by Phase
All products below are curated for IPA compliance. Unrestricted items can be used up to twice daily. Restricted items are limited to once per day.
IPA Unrestricted Products
IPA Restricted Products
Required Supplements
IPA Protocol Calculator
Enter nutrition facts per serving. Add ingredients for a quick phase check.
What is the IPA protocol and how do you follow it?
The IPA (Ideal Protein Alternatives) protocol gives you a clear daily structure. Knowing which products fit your phase makes the plan easy to follow.
You're not doing this alone. We're here to help.
What is the Ideal Protein diet?
IPA is a high-protein eating plan with clear daily rules and portion control.
Many people choose IPA because they:
- Want set meal times
- Prefer protein-forward meals
- Do well with simple daily structure
- Like knowing exactly what fits
The plan keeps protein high and carbs low. The goal is to support fat loss while keeping lean muscle through enough protein.
What do unrestricted and restricted mean?
Unrestricted packets
These are lower in carbs, fats, and calories. You can have two per day.
Restricted packets
These are slightly higher in carbs, fats, or calories. You can have one per day.
This two-to-one structure keeps you on track without overthinking your choices.
What are packets?
A "packet" is one serving of a high-protein food made for structured plans.
Packets can come as:
- Boxes
- Cartons
- Pouches
- Wrappers
- Bottles
One serving equals one packet, no matter the form.
Many people use three packets per day: breakfast, lunch, and a snack.
What protein sources are allowed?
Good protein sources matter on IPA.
Protein sources that are allowed
- Whey protein isolate
- Soy protein
- Milk isolate or casein
- Pea protein
- Other plant protein isolates
These sources are easy for the body to use. The protein is pulled from the original food, which makes it cleaner and more direct.
Protein sources not allowed as the main ingredient
- Wheat or grain-based proteins
- Whole dairy as the main source
- Meat as the main protein source
- Nuts as the main protein source
These may appear in small amounts. But they cannot be the main protein in a compliant packet.
This keeps protein levels steady and carbs and fats in line with the plan.
What are the three phases of IPA?
Phase 1: weight loss phase
Carbs are limited. Protein comes first. Most people use two unrestricted and one restricted packet each day.
Phase 2: transition phase
Carbs come back in slowly. The structure stays, but there is more room to adjust.
Phase 3: maintenance phase
The focus moves to long-term habits. Portion control and protein-first eating continue.
Each phase varies by person. The key is staying structured while adjusting slowly.
How Nashua Nutrition can help
Not sure which products fit your phase? We've sorted them for you.
No label decoding needed. We've done that work for you.
A simple daily structure example
Many people find this routine helpful:
- Breakfast: 1 unrestricted packet
- Lunch: 1 unrestricted packet
- Snack: 1 restricted packet
- One lean protein and veggie meal as your provider outlines
Your routine may look different based on your provider's guidance.
Key takeaway
IPA is built on clarity, steady habits, and protein-first eating. Once you know how the restricted and unrestricted system works, the plan is easy to follow.
You're building habits that can last.
We're here to help you every step of the way.
This content is for general information, education, and encouragement only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. Nutrition, movement, medication, and lifestyle choices should always be discussed with your healthcare provider, surgeon, or registered dietitian. Individual needs vary, especially for those using GLP-1 medications, living with diabetes, or recovering from bariatric surgery. Always follow the guidance of your own care team. Nashua Nutrition does not employ medical professionals and does not provide clinical care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ideal Protein Alternatives
No. These are Ideal Protein Alternative (IPA) products — third-party options from brands like Proti-Thin, Healthwise, and others that meet the same nutritional guidelines as the official protocol. They are not manufactured by or affiliated with Ideal Protein. Many customers use them as a more affordable way to stay on-protocol without a clinic membership.
IPA products typically cost significantly less per packet than official clinic products. Combined with bulk discounts, Subscribe & Save, and free shipping on orders over $79, most customers see meaningful savings while staying fully compliant with the protocol.
Unrestricted products have fewer than 9g net carbs and under 160 calories — you can use up to 2 per day. Restricted products contain 9–16g net carbs and up to 200 calories, and are limited to 1 per day. Both must provide at least 12–15g of protein per serving. Use our IPA Calculator to check how many of each you need based on your current phase.
Phase 1 (Weight Loss) uses 3 packets daily — breakfast, lunch, and a snack — plus one whole-protein dinner. Phase 2 (Stabilization) reduces to 2 packets. Phase 3 (Maintenance) is 0–1 packets as you transition to whole foods. Our IPA Calculator gives you a personalized daily breakdown based on your phase and goals.
Yes. Unrestricted products work across all three phases. During Phase 2, you reduce from 3 to 2 packets per day. During Phase 3, packets become optional and are used as convenient meal replacements rather than protocol requirements. Check the IPA Calculator to see exactly how your daily structure changes by phase.
The protocol typically calls for a daily multi-vitamin, calcium-magnesium, potassium, omega-3, and electrolyte salt. Browse our Required Supplements section above for compliant options available without a clinic visit.