Best protein powders for shakes that taste great
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Statistically, January is the month that most people join gyms for the first time.
Alongside the desire to get fit and shed some of the Christmas weight comes the need to refine and hone what we put into our bodies too. Amid buzzwords like ‘Veganuary’, and the onslaught of information out there that practically deters you from eating anything, making healthy nutritional choices has become a minefield. But three words put it all into perspective– everything in moderation.
While this mantra is true, it’s up to you to determine what you’re looking to fuel yourself with. Thankfully, there‘s an amazing range of products on the market to help, and the marked rise in high-quality protein supplements means that, as a post workout recovery boost, protein powders are now for the masses, not the few.
Below you’ll find our favourite protein supplements, from vitamin-rich Huel to MyProtein which covers all the basics, so we’re sure you’ll find something to suit your taste and budget, and will deliver the post-workout-recovery you deserve.
Do protein powders work?
In order to keep our muscles healthy (especially if you’re a frequent gym-goer) you should regularly include protein in your diet to help rebuild and strengthen muscle.
In fact, you should aim to get 10-35 per cent of your calories from protein sources: think white meat like chicken, eggs, fish, pulses and tofu. This equates to around 50 - 170g of protein in your diet, depending on your weight and how active you are.However, it’s not always possible to cram that much protein into your diet every day, so protein shakes and muscle recovery snacks are a great way to add extra into your diet - helping your recover quicker post-workout.
Best protein powders at a glance
- Best for maximum gains: Bulk Pure Whey Isolate, from £14.40 for 500g, Bulk
- Best for quality all-rounder: MyProtein Impact Whey Isolate, from £16.60 for 500g, MyProtein
- Best for extra vitamins, minerals, and amino acids: Huel Complete Protein, from £50 for 2 x 750g tubs, Huel
- Best for the celeb protein: HERMOSA Whey Protein, from £32 for 420g, HERMOSA
- Best for vegans or dairy free: Gorilla Juice, £31.99 for 750g, Gorilla Juice
- Best for low protein and calorie content: Battle Ready Fuel, £24.99 for 240g, Battle Ready Fuel
- Best for helping the immune system as well as your muscles: Innermost The Health Protein, £29.95 for 520g, Innermost
- Best for delicious flavour: Norvia Active Performance, £48 for 10 portions, Norvia
- Best for probiotics to support healthy digestion: JS Health Protein + Probiotics, £31.99 for 450g, JS Health
- Best for a plant based formula with pre and probiotics and essential amino acids: WelleCo’s Nourishing Protein, £55 for 300g, Cult Beauty
- Best for peanut butter junkies: Motion Nutrition Peanut Butter Vegan Protein Powder, £24.99 for 400g, Planet Organic
Bulk Pure Whey Isolate
Best for: maximum gains
Per 30g serving:
Protein 24g
Carbohydrates 0.6g
Fat 0.2g
Calories 108kcal
Bulk is one of the leaders in supplementation in the U.K. With athlete ambassadors such as Anthony Joshua on its roster, you know its products are going to work.
For maximum gains, this one’s for you. Firstly, the mammoth 24g of protein in each serving is not only staggering, but it comes from grass-fed cows too, which means it’s 100 per cent free from hormone and genetic modifications - now that is clean. It also mixes well, but, for us, we preferred it with less water for a consistency that’s just right.
From £14.40 for 500g
MyProtein Impact Whey Isolate
Best for: quality all-rounder
Per 25g serving:
Protein 22g
Carbohydrates 1.4g
Fat 0g
Calories 92kcal
Isolate protein powders are by far the best when choosing whey, as it’s simply a refined form of the latter. Naturally, it only suits those who aren’t dairy-intolerant or vegan as it’s derived from milk, but the protein content is next level.
MyProtein’s Impact Whey Isolate comes in with a massive 90 per cent protein content, with almost zero carbs or fats, which means it’s an all-round brilliant protein supplement. At the lower range price point, it’s good for those just starting out, and it mixes well so is nice to drink on its own, too.
From £16.60 for 500g
Huel Complete Protein 2 x 750g tubs
Best for: vitamins, minerals, and amino acids
Per 29g serving:
Protein 20g
Carbohydrates 3g
Fat 1.4g
Calories 105kcal
As the world’s first nutritionally-complete vegan protein powder, Huel is made from sustainable sourced, high-quality hemp, faba, and pea protein - and it’s naturally gluten free, too. The positives don’t end there, it contains more essential amino acids (EAAs) than whey protein, 26 vitamins and minerals, and works out at only 87p per serving.
Available in six natural flavours, all you need to do is add a scoop (29g) to 300ml of water, shake for 10 seconds, and your post-workout drink is ready to give you the protein kick you need.
From £50 for 2 x 750g tubs
Innermost The Health Protein
Best for: helping the immune system as well as your muscles
Per 40g serving:
Protein 31g
Carbohydrates 2.5g
Fat 1.4g
Calories 149kcal
Innermost is quickly becoming one of the go-to brands for tasty protein. This is the health version, which helps to support the immune system, as well as build up muscles. The vegan protein is high in protein and low in calories, helping you stay more satisfied and for longer.
Available in vanilla and chocolate flavours you can add it to your fave plant-based milk, along with some tasty fruit or vegetables or even your morning porridge.
£29.95 for 520g
HERMOSA Whey protein
Best for: the celeb protein
Per 30g serving:
Protein 22g
Carbohydrates 3.9g
Fat 3g
Calories 131kcal
If you’ve ever had a protein shake after a session at Barry’s Bootcamp then you’ll know the hype is real about HERMOSA. Beloved by the A-list (think Harry Styles and David Beckham) as well as fitness fanatics, founder Erika Tamayo decided to launch HERMOSA after Barry’s made the powder such a sensation.
Made with super-clean ingredients including whey protein from grass-fed cows in the Lake District, the vanilla powder also features natural sweetener sourced from South America.
The gluten-free powder, which has tons of amino acids, 20g of protein, and only 4g of carbs, is also super soluble in powder - and tastes great. The powder comes in a glass bottle, which can be reused or recycled for more protein powder.
From £32 for 420g
Gorilla Juice
Best for: vegans or dairy free individuals
Per 25g serving:
Protein 18g
Carbohydrates 4.8g
Fat 1.3g
Calories 98kcal
Being vegan doesn’t mean you can’t get an ample source of tasty protein through supplementation. Fed up with weak alternatives, British supplement brand Gorilla Juice was born after working with leading nutritionists to develop a hyper-pure plant-based protein.
They use only natural flavourings and sweeteners, and are GMO, gluten and soy free. By using a host of superfoods brimming with vitamins, antioxidants and fibre, it’s not only easy to digest, but good for your general wellbeing too. When shaking, use plenty of water as it becomes incredibly thick easily.
£31.99 for 750g
Battle Ready Fuel Vegan Warrior Protein Powder
Best for: low protein and calorie content
Per 16g serving:
Protein 11g
Carbohydrates 2.5g
Fat 0.1g
Calories 57kcal
This Vegan Warrior protein powder is the brainchild of SAS: Who Dares Wins star Ollie Ollerton, formerly of The UK Special Forces. While we can’t guarantee this will give you his muscles (or steely stamina), it’s a no-frills, does-what-it-says-on-the-tin product that claims to hydrate your body, build muscle and repair damaged muscles and tissues. It includes 10.8g of hydrolysed pea protein per serving, which is designed to be easier for the body to break down and absorb. This is paired with B vitamins, biotin and folic acid to improve metabolism and reduce fatigue.
Though protein content is lower than some other powders we tested, this is a good option if you’re already eating a good diet and don’t want to take on excessive protein, or want to split protein intake over two shakes during the day. It also has one of the lowest calorie contents of all the tested powders at just 51.2 kcal per serving and comes in either lemon & lime flavour or tropical punch with pineapple and grapefruit. Both are flavoured using real fruit juice for a zesty alternative to the more common chocolate and caramel flavours often used in protein powders.
£24.99 for 240g
Norvia Active Performance
Best for: delicious flavour
Per 55g serving:
Protein 20.5g
Carbohydrates 17.5g
Fat 4.9g
Calories 203kcal
If there’s one thing we know about Scandinavians, it’s their love of the outdoors, and that’s where Norvia comes in. Those who lead active lifestyles often need supplementation while out and about, and more importantly need a product that can be used for both fuelling and recovery.
This soy-based shake is also full of vitamins and minerals to keep your body functioning at its best. It also actively lowers cholesterol too. Of all the proteins I’ve tried, this was the most pleasurable to drink. Taste and consistency are spot-on, and I found myself looking forward to finishing a session just to have it. For me, that’s a huge plus. In addition, each serving comes in its own sachet for maximum ease.
£48 for 10 portions
JS Health Protein + Probiotics
Best for: probiotics to support healthy digestion
Per 30g serving:
Protein 21g
Carbohydrates less than 1g
Fat less than 1g
Calories 110kcal
Gut health is just as important as healing those muscles after a workout. The two go hand in hand, so this protein formula is the perfect pairing.
Made with plant-based protein, with the addition of probiotics, it’s free from any nasties such as fillers, added sugars, chemicals and preservatives.
The gluten and dairy-free pea powder is perfect for an after-workout snack. Just add water or milk and whizz it up with some of your favourite fruits. Available in four flavours including Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Brownie and Cinnamon Scroll.
£31.99 for 450g
WelleCo's Nourishing Protein
Best for: a plant based formula with pre and probiotics and essential amino acids
Per 33g serving:
Protein 19g
Carbohydrates 5.5g
Fat 1.3g
Calories 123kcal
A protein powder created by Elle ‘The Body’ Macpherson, this baby is amongst the best and cleanest of its kind.
Part of her ingestible beauty and wellness brand the WelleCo, this Nourishing protein is made from a base blend of plant-based proteins including pea and sprouted brown rice, which includes all nine essential amino acids required for muscle recovery.
The chocolate or vanilla powder is perfect with cold coconut water and not only feels refreshing but will help you also feel fully recovered the next day.
It is pricey though, and one of the more expensive powders on the market.
£55 for 300g
Motion Nutrition Peanut Butter VEGAN Protein Powder
Best for: peanut butter junkies
Per 25g serving:
Protein 17g
Carbohydrates 3.75g
Fat 2.2g
Calories 97kcal
If you’re a peanut butter junkie like us then this is the healthy way to consume it. Made with organic high protein peanut flour Motion Nutrition has reduced some of the fat and added protein from four sources - including sunflower, pea and hemp.
If you’re not a fan of crunchy peanut butter then fear not, as this protein has a smooth texture and is great to add to smoothies, baking and even pancakes. With 14 servings per pack, they come in a sweet little reusable tin.
£24.99 for 400g
Based on protein content, taste, ease of use and quality ingredients, the Bulk Pure Whey Isolate takes the top spot. But remember, while this worked for us, everybody’s different, so make sure you trial a few to see what’s best for you.