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Best protein powders at a glance
- Best value protein shake: MyProtein Impact chocolate brownie whey protein, £20.45 for 1kg
- Best low-calorie, low-fat protein powder: Protein Works vanilla crème diet whey isolate 90, £16.99 for 1kg
- Best blend of fast-acting & slow-release protein: Grenade Hydra 6 protein Killa vanilla flavour, £37.99 for 1816g
- Best organic whey protein option: The Organic Protein Co organic whey protein raw cacao & maca flavour, £22.80 for 400g
- Best protein powder for women: Free Soul vegan protein blend chocolate flavour, £18.74 for 600g
- Highest protein option per serving: Innermost The Strong Protein smooth chocolate flavour, £29.95 for 520g
- Best protein powder for athletes: Crazy Nutrition 100% Tri-protein chocolate flavour, £54.99 for 1kg
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Best protein powders 2024
MyProtein Impact chocolate brownie whey protein
Available from MyProtein (£20.45)
More like this
Best overall protein shake
- Grams of protein per serving: 21g per 25g serving
- Calories per serving: 103 kcals
- Type of protein: whey protein concentrate
- Fat per serving: 1.9g (1.3g sat fat)
- Carbohydrates per serving: 1g (1g sugar)
The ingredients list is reassuringly short, and although the flavour we tested was sweetened with sucralose, there are stevia-sweetened options available if you prefer (there’s also an unflavoured option if you’d rather avoid any unnecessary extra ingredients). It’s also suitable for vegetarians.
Impressively, this powder is available in more than 40 different flavours – we tested the chocolate brownie one, which was a winner. The powder mixed beautifully, forming a milkshake-like consistency that would be ideal for those who like a thicker shake. The flavour was like a lovely, just-baked brownie with a rich milk chocolate aftertaste, making it easy to drink and very filling.
With 40 servings per 1kg packet, it’s also good value for money at around 90p per scoop.
Nutritional information based on the unflavoured version.
Protein Works vanilla crème diet whey isolate 90
Available from Protein Works (£16.99)
Best low-calorie, low-fat protein powder
- Grams of protein per serving: 23g per 25g serving
- Calories per serving: 92 kcals
- Type of protein: whey protein isolate
- Fat per serving: 0g (0g sat fat)
- Carbohydrates per serving: 0.6g (0.6g sugar)
We tried the vanilla crème flavour, which is lovely – it’s quite custardy in flavour, and sweet enough without being overly so, despite being sweetened with stevia. The powder foams up quite a lot after shaking, so you might like to let it settle before drinking. Made with 150ml water, it was on the thinner side – try mixing with milk if you prefer a thicker shake.
Protein Works vanilla crème diet whey isolate 90 is a good option if you’re looking to increase your protein intake without bumping up your other macronutrients, when consumed as part of a balanced meal plan.
A 1kg packet provides around 33 servings, so each scoop costs roughly £1.80.
Grenade Hydra 6 protein Killa vanilla flavour
Available from Grenade (£37.99)
Best blend of fast-acting & slow-release protein
- Grams of protein per serving: 25g per 35g serving
- Calories per serving: 130 kcals
- Type of protein: whey protein isolate and micellar casin (50/50 split)
- Fat per serving: 1.8g (0.9g sat fat)
- Carbohydrates per serving: 2.4g (0.8g sugar)
This shake has an almost biscuity vanilla flavour which is quite moreish, and is pleasantly sweet without being sickly. Given a vigorous shake, it mixes well to create a smooth drink, but it is on the thinner side when combined with water – try using milk as your base liquid if you prefer a thicker consistency.
This product is designed to provide a 50/50 ratio of protein sources, half from fast-acting whey protein isolate and half from slower-release micellar casein, with the aim of supporting muscle recovery for an extended period after exercise.
A 1816g packet contains approximately 52 servings, working out at £1.25 per serving.
The Organic Protein Co organic whey protein raw cacao & maca flavour
Available from Amazon (£22.80)
Best organic whey protein powder
- Grams of protein per serving: 15g per 25g serving
- Calories per serving: 96 kcals
- Type of protein: whey protein concentrate
- Fat per serving: 2g (1.2g sat fat)
- Carbohydrates per serving: 3.7g (1.23g sugar)
If you’re not a fan of hyper-processed, artificially sweetened protein powders, this one might just be for you. It has a very nice, natural-tasting cocoa flavour and isn’t too sweet, as we’d expect from a blend that uses unrefined coconut sugar as the only sweetener.
One tip from testing – the powder does take some time (and arm power) to mix up in a shaker, but once it’s combined it creates a nice, smooth, creamy texture that’s very pleasant to drink.
Another added benefit is the 5% maca powder that’s thrown in for good measure. It’s also certified organic by the Organic Food Federation, and for every pack the company donates 25p to Compassion in World Farming.
A 1.2kg packet contains roughly 48 servings, coming in at £1.23 per serving.
Available from:
Amazon (£22.80)
Free Soul vegan protein blend chocolate flavour
Available from Free Soul (£18.74)
Best protein powder for women
- Grams of protein per serving: 20g per 30g serving
- Calories per serving: 96 kcals
- Type of protein: plant based
- Fat per serving: 2g (1.2g sat fat)
- Carbohydrates per serving: 3.7g (1.23g sugar)
If you’re after a one-stop shop for protein, key vitamins and minerals, you might want to give this powder a whirl. With a natural-tasting, plain cocoa flavour, it was very palatable and not too sweet, despite using steviol glycosides in the ingredients. This is another option that takes a little time and effort to mix, although it fared better whizzed up in a blender, and eventually did create a smooth, satisfying shake.
There’s an array of added nutrients, vitamins and minerals that have been formulated with the nutritional needs of women in mind. These include iron, calcium, magnesium, biotin (B7), thiamine (B1), vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and pantothenic acid (B5). It’s worth taking a careful look at the packet before you purchase, and bear in mind whether you already take any nutritional supplements or have any specific nutritional needs.
A 600g packet contains roughly 20 servings, coming in at £1.25 per serving.
Innermost The Strong Protein smooth chocolate flavour
Available from Naturisimo (£28.45), Innermost (£29.95), Debenhams (£29.95)
Highest protein option per serving
- Grams of protein per serving: 34g per 40g serving
- Calories per serving: 147 kcals
- Type of protein: whey protein concentrate, whey isolate and casein
- Fat per serving: 1.1g (0.3g sat fat)
- Carbohydrates per serving: 0.8g (0.8g sugar)
At last – a protein shake that mixed super easily in the shaker! This one blended up like a dream into a smooth, highly sippable shake. We enjoyed the chocolate flavour, which was quite delicate and not overpowering when it came to sweetness.
Although it sits at a higher price point than some of the competitors, you do get quite a nutritional bang for your buck with this powder. This blend also includes creatine monohydrate, Montmorency cherries, bilberries and magnesium, with the aim of increasing muscle mass, reducing inflammation and boosting exercise performance.
A 600g packet contains roughly 15 servings, coming in at around £1.99 per serving.
Crazy Nutrition 100% Tri-protein chocolate flavour
Available from Crazy Nutrition (£54.99 for 1kg)
Best protein powder for athletes
- Grams of protein per serving: 23.25g per 30g serving
- Calories per serving: 111.5 kcals
- Type of protein: amylase, protease, cellulase, lactase, lipase
- Fat per serving: 0.92g (0.55g sat fat)
- Carbohydrates per serving: 1.92g (1.58g sugar)
Made with a unique blend of proteins, this powder is designed to be absorbed in three phases so that you’ll feel energised and build strength over a longer period of time. There’s no whey, hemp or soy protein included, so it would be a good option for those looking to take their supplements to the next level.
The flavour is smooth and chocolatey without being too artificial, which is always a plus when it comes to the world of protein powders. For anyone looking to reduce their fat intake, this powder has a low amount of fat per serving. It was one of the most expensive products that we tried. However, we feel this comes across in the quality and nutritional composition of the powder.
A 1000g pot contains around 33 servings, coming in at £1.66 per serving.
Available from:
Crazy Nutrition (£54.99 for 1kg)
How to use protein powders safely
Supplements such as protein shakes need to be consumed as part of a healthy, balanced diet, and not used as a substitute for whole food. Nutritionist Kerry Torrens explains: ‘Protein powders are highly processed and lack the micronutrients and other beneficial nutrients of whole, natural food.
We should all aim to achieve our protein from a well-balanced diet, but for short-term use or in certain circumstances, protein supplementation may be considered.’
Discover how to eat a balanced diet and the best protein sources, including options for vegetarians and vegans.
Who could benefit from using a protein supplement?
If you’re regularly getting enough protein from your diet, adding a supplement might not make a noticeable difference to your health.
However, those who are either unable to regularly eat enough protein due to decreased appetite or illness, or who have increased protein needs as a result of high-intensity exercise might benefit from taking a supplement.
Kerry explains: ‘One example, which is probably not an obvious one, is the elderly. This group often has a greater need for protein, but a lower appetite. Increasing protein intake in a form that is palatable and suits their lowered appetite may be effective in protecting against muscle loss.”
“That said, in this group other aspects, such as kidney health and osteoporosis, need to be considered and monitored – it’s worth checking with a GP that protein supplements are safe and suitable for each individual.’
Who shouldn’t take protein supplements?
Children shouldn’t take protein supplements unless directed by a dietitian. The NHS advises that consuming too much protein in the long term is linked to an increased risk of osteoporosis, and may worsen existing kidney problems.
Some people find protein powders difficult to digest – it’s best to include them gradually into your diet, and see how you get on.
Although allergens should be stated on the label, anyone with allergies should be cautious about using a new supplement as there is an obvious risk of cross-contamination in factories. Those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for existing medical conditions should consult their GP before starting new supplements.
Is it possible to take too much protein?
Yes. The Department of Health advises adults to avoid consuming more than twice the recommended daily intake of protein (55g for men and 45g for women). Always read the label of any protein supplement carefully, stick to the recommended serving size, and be mindful of other protein sources in your diet. If you’re concerned that you might be consuming too much protein, speak to your GP.
How to choose a protein powder
Choosing a suitable protein powder will depend on your personal requirements and goals. For example, if you’re looking to gain weight or build muscle, you might want to consider a ‘mass gainer’ product that is higher in calories and carbohydrates. Look for a product to fit your dietary requirements and double-check allergen labelling on the packet.
When choosing a protein powder, make sure that you buy from a reputable company, ideally based in the EU, as those that are based outside of Europe may not pass the same safety standards as those within. If you’re in any doubt about the safety of a product, speak to your pharmacist or GP.
How we tested protein powders
All powders were prepared as per the instructions on the packet using cold water as the liquid, and mixed thoroughly by hand in a shaker before being served in a glass. We included 16 samples from a range of retailers with differing nutritional information, protein types and price points in this review, and considered the following factors:
- Taste and texture: is the flavour pleasant to drink? Does it dissolve well?
- Type of protein: whey or plant-based? Concentrate, isolate or hydrolysate?
- Nutrient profile: how much protein per serving? What about calories, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrates and sugars?
- Type of sweetener: does it contain sugars, artificial sweeteners or neither?
- Dietary requirements: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free?
- Value for money: how does it compare to others on a cost-per-serving basis?
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