Check out our expert’s pick of the best whey protein powders for post-workout muscle recovery…
Protein powders and protein bars are huge in the world of fitness. But, if you’re new to taking protein powder, the sheer number of brands and options can be overwhelming. So nutritionist Rob Hobson has done the hard work, so you don’t have to – testing eight of the best protein powders for texture, solubility, effectiveness and taste.
We’ve also taking into account availability, cost per serving and the variety of sizes and flavours available, as well as any recyclable packaging, which can all inform your buying decisions.
These are the best protein powders
- Hermosa Whey Protein Powder – livehermosa.com
- Elite All Blacks Ultimate Whey Protein – healthspanelite.co.uk (not available in the US)
- Innermost The Strong Protein – liveinnermost.com
- Foodspring Whey Protein – foodspring.co.uk (not available in the US)
- Protein Works Whey Protein 80 – theproteinworks.com (not available in the US)
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein – optimumnutrition.com
- Kinetica Whey Protein – uk.kineticasport.com (not available in the US)
- Myprotein Impact Whey Protein – myprotein.com (not available in the US)
Keep reading for our full reviews.
BEST WHEY PROTEIN POWDER
Hermosa Whey Protein Powder
$72 / £67 for 1kg (33 servings) / livehermosa.com
Texture: 5/5
Solubility: 5/5
Effectiveness: 5/5
OVERALL: 5/5
Protein per serving: 21g | Cost per serving: £2.03 | Sizes: 10 x 30g / 420g / 1kg | Flavours: Chocolate / Vanilla
Hermosa is a right-on brand that makes protein products which are ethically sourced, sustainable and with non-GMO ingredients. While it’s pretty costly, its whey protein powder is the purest, smoothest and tastiest on test. No cloying sweetness or bitter aftertaste; just a delicious chocolate or vanilla shake that you’ll find yourself doing extra sessions just to get another serving of. The best of the whey protein powders we tried.
Read our full Hermosa Protein Powder review
These are the best clear protein powders
Elite All Blacks Ultimate Whey Protein Blend
BUY IT NOW:
£32.99 for 750g (20 servings) / healthspanelite.co.uk (not available in the US)
Texture: 5/5
Solubility: 5/5
Effectiveness: 5/5
OVERALL: 5/5
Protein per serving: 24g | Cost per serving: £1.65 | Sizes: 750g | Flavours: Chocolate / Strawberry / Vanilla
Elite All Blacks Ultimate is the protein powder of the all-conquering All Blacks rugby team. That’s a team that takes both performance and recovery seriously, so you can be confident this powder is the business. Flavours are rich but nicely balanced, it’s made with digestive enzymes and is Informed Sport-approved so suitable for elite competition.
Read our full Elite All Blacks Ultimate Whey Protein review
Innermost The Strong Protein
BUY IT NOW:
$44.95 / £29.95 for 520g (13 servings) / liveinnermost.com
Texture: 4.5/5
Solubility: 4.5/5
Effectiveness: 4/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5
Protein per serving: 34g | Cost per serving: £2.30 | Sizes: 520g | Flavours: Chocolate / Vanilla
With a substantial 34g protein per serving, Innermost’s The Strong Protein will take care of your recovery needs. It’s a smooth and creamy shake too, and low in sugar, though the most expensive of the whey protein powders on test, so this may be one of the best to save for your hardest sessions.
Read our full Innermost The Strong Protein review
Foodspring Whey Protein
BUY IT NOW:
£29.99 for 750g (25 servings) / foodspring.co.uk (not available in the US)
Texture: 4.5/5
Solubility: 4.5/5
Effectiveness: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5
Protein per serving: 24g | Cost per serving: £1.20 | Sizes: 750g | Flavours: Chocolate / Vanilla / Strawberry / Cookies and Cream / Coconut Crisp
Foodspring’s protein powder is another great-tasting shake, which is low in sugar, fat and calories. It’s good value, too, with 25 servings per 750g bag, each delivering 24g protein. It’s available in five flavours but only one sized tub, but that’s fully recyclable for those look to lessen their environmental footprint.
Read our full Foodspring Whey Protein review
Protein Works Whey Protein 80 Concentrate
BUY IT NOW:
£24.99 for 500g (20 servings) / theproteinworks.com (not available in the US)
Texture: 4.5/5
Solubility: 5/5
Effectiveness: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5
Protein per serving: 20g | Cost per serving: £1.25 | Sizes: 500g / 1kg / 2kg / 4kg | Flavours: 14 flavours available
Protein Works’ shake has the fewest calories of any of the whey protein powders on test. It delivers 20g protein per 25g serving and is silky smooth once mixed. With four different sizes and 14 flavours to choose from, you’re bound to find an option to suit you.
Read our full Protein Works Whey Protein Concentrate review
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein
BUY IT NOW:
$44.99 for 2lb (29 servings) / £34.99 for 896g (28 servings) / optimumnutrition.com
Texture: 4/5
Solubility: 4/5
Effectiveness: 4/5
OVERALL: 4/5
Protein per serving: 24g | Cost per serving: £1.18 | Sizes: 300g / 310g / 450g / 465g / 896g / 908g / 2.27kg / 4.54kg | Flavours: 12 flavours plus unflavoured versions available
Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard shake is widely available in health food stores and in sizes from 300g to 4.54kg. You’ve got 12 delicious flavours plus an unflavoured variety to choose from and both pouch and tub versions are 100% recyclable.
Read our full Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein review
Kinetica Whey Protein
BUY IT NOW:
£38.99 for 1kg (33 servings) / uk.kineticasport.com (not available in the US)
Texture: 4/5
Solubility: 4.5/5
Effectiveness: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4/5
Protein per serving: 22g | Cost per serving: £1.18 | Sizes: 300g / 1kg / 2.27kg / 4kg | Flavours: Vanilla / Chocolate / Chocolate Mint / Banana / Strawberry
One of the best whey protein powders for elite athletes, Kinetica’s option is Informed Sport-approved. Its 1kg tubs are good value but you can bulk buy in 2.27kg or 4kg tubs for extra savings. The five flavours are gluten-free and suitable for vegetarians.
Read our full Kinetica Whey Protein review
Myprotein Impact Whey Powder
BUY IT NOW:
£39.99 for 1kg (40 servings) / myprotein.com
Texture: 4/5
Solubility: 3.5/5
Effectiveness: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4/5
Protein per serving: 21g | Cost per serving: £0.99 | Sizes: 250g / 500g / 1kg / 2.5kg / 5kg | Flavours: More than 40 flavours available
Myprotein’s Impact powder is the cheapest shake on test per serving. It’s low in calories, fats and sugars, and can be bought in a wide range of sizes. Myprotein’s USP here, though, is the sheer number of flavours available – with a dizzying array of more than 40 to choose from.
Read our full Myprotein Impact Whey Powder review
Rob Hobson is a registered nutritionist (AFN) and sports nutritionist (SENr), He works with private clients, including those looking to improve their health and body shape, and athletes looking to improve their performance. He also works with wellness brands, helping with product development, insight and marketing.
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