How to choose the right protein powder for you
New to the world of protein shakes? Find out all you need to know and discover the full range of whey and plant-based powders available with Protein Works
If you're looking to super-charge your health this summer, checking you’re eating enough protein is a good place to start. Protein is a nutrient that's essential to our bodies for lots of reasons: it helps with the growth and repair of our muscles, supports the immune system, and helps to maintain blood sugar levels, too.
Usually associated with body building, protein shakes have grown in popularity over the past few years – and not just in the fitness world. Protein powders are so convenient that they're now consumed by many people who simply want to boost their daily protein intake. They're also particularly useful to those recovering from injury or illness, when eating may be more difficult, as they can contribute to muscle growth, maintenance and repair, as well as bone health.
In fact, a recent survey by Protein Works found that, of 1,000 people surveyed, 63 per cent of 18 to 34-year-olds include protein shakes as part of their daily routine, incorporating shakes into their breakfast or lunch.
But if you're new to the world of protein shakes, where do you start? How many types are there and which protein powder is best for your diet and lifestyle?
Protein Works is a brand you may already be familiar with – having launched in 2012, it's become renowned for its wide range of protein products made from 100% pure, premium-grade ingredients, with whey and plant-based options available.
The team is particularly passionate about making its products taste great, as well as helping people feel good without compromising on quality. This means there's a wide range of flavours to choose from, including classics like banana and vanilla, plus salted caramel, millionaire's shortbread, speculoos and strawberries and cream.
Here, in collaboration with Protein Works, we give an insight into what protein powders do, how they work and how to introduce them into your daily routine – plus the best Protein Works powders to buy.
As a special deal for Good Food readers, Protein Works is also offering 10% off all protein powders (excluding vouchers and bundles) for a limited time. Simply use the code GF10 at checkout – offer ends 31 August 2024.
Get 10% off at Protein Works
Simply use the code GF10 at checkout for 10% off all protein powders (excluding vouchers and bundles) at Protein Works – offer ends 31 August 2024.
What is protein powder made of?
Generally speaking, there are two types of protein powder available – animal (whey, derived from cow's milk) and plant-based (soy and pea).
Traditional whey protein powders, like Protein Works' Whey 80 (up to 23g of protein per serving) and Whey Protein 360 Extreme (up to 26g of protein per serving) are made up of milk and plant-based proteins like soy protein, whey protein and milk protein concentrate.
When consumed, they deliver slow- and fast-release proteins, and an amino acid called glutamine, as well as essential nutrients like vitamin B12, calcium and ascorbic acid. While they aren't suitable for vegans, you can enjoy them as part of a vegetarian diet.
Whey 80 is a great starting point for those new to protein shakes, while Whey 360 Extreme is more of a premium offering, available in fun flavours like cheesecake riot. Due to the rising cost of whey production, Protein Works has also developed a more affordable option – 100% Protein – which contains up to 21g of protein and comes in a variety of flavours.
For those seeking plant-based options, there are vegan versions of the bestselling whey protein powders, including Vegan Protein and Vegan Extreme. However, one of the most popular plant-based products in the range is the Vegan Wondershake, which combines four types of protein sources: premium pea protein, brown rice protein, soy protein and pumpkin protein, made using the brand's own QuadPlant™ technology. Of the vegan options available, it's also most akin to a dairy shake in texture and taste.
You may also be after a protein powder that helps you achieve specific goals. Diet Meal Replacement Extreme protein powder contains up to 25g of multi-phased protein per serving, as well as 4.5g of fibre, 23 essential vitamins and minerals, and low GI oats that provide slow-release energy.
If you're after something similar to juice rather than a traditional milky protein shake, Clear Diet Whey Protein and Clear Vegan Protein are lighter alternatives and contain fewer calories and carbohydrates compared to regular protein shakes. Clear Diet Whey Protein is made with hydrolysed whey protein isolate and up to 20g of protein, while Clear Vegan Protein uses hydrolysed pea protein and contains up to 10g of protein per serving.
What could protein powder do for you?
If you're looking to boost your daily protein intake, protein powders – like those from Protein Works – offer a fuss-free solution that can easily be slotted into your routine, regardless of the goals you're hoping to achieve.
As well as contributing to muscle mass growth, protein can also contribute to the maintenance of bone health.
Plant-based proteins in particular also have high-protein content and contain all nine essential amino acids. Made from green and yellow split peas, pea protein is high in iron and effective at building muscle, while soy protein – derived from soy beans – has been associated with some impressive health benefits, including maintaining body composition.
How to use protein powder in your routine
Weaving Protein Works into your lifestyle couldn't be simpler – all that's needed is a scoop of powder and some liquid (water or milk). Then, give it a shake for around 10 seconds.
100 Protein, Vegan Wondershake, Whey Protein 360 Extreme, and Diet Meal Replacement Extreme protein powder can all be combined with water or milk, while Clear Diet Whey Protein and Clear Vegan Protein are similar to juice, so best served with chilled water.
You can adjust how much liquid you add to suit your taste – the less liquid you use, the thicker your shake will be. Make sure to check the label to find out how much powder to use, as the quantities do vary depending on which product you buy.
Where to buy Protein Works protein powders
Protein Works' protein powders are available to buy online. You can also get 10% off all Protein Works powders (excluding bundles and vouchers) with the code GF10 until 31 August 2024.
Discover the full range of products at TheProteinWorks.com.
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