The best protein powders 2024, tried and tested

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Best protein powders at a glance

• Best tasting protein powder: The Organic Protein Co organic whey protein banana and lucama flavour, £26 for 600g
• Best overall protein shake: MyProtein Impact chocolate brownie whey protein, £24.99 for 500g
• Best low-calorie protein powder: Protein Works vanilla crème diet whey isolate 90, £16.99 for 500g
• Best protein powder with added benefits: Foodspring x Davina McCall Protein + Relax honey and spice, £32.99 for 480g

• Best protein powder for bulking: Maxi Nutrition Cyclone Strength banoffee flavour, £43.99 for 1260g
• Best protein powder for women: Free Soul vegan protein blend chocolate flavour £19.99 for 600g
• Best blend of fast-acting and slow-release protein: Grenade Hydra 6 protein vanilla flavour, £37.99 for 1816g
• 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

Jump to section:

• Best protein powders to buy in 2024
• How to use protein powders safely
• Who could benefit from using a protein supplement?
• Who shouldn't take protein supplements?
• Is it possible to take too much protein?
• How to choose a protein powder
• How we tested protein powders

Best protein powders to buy in 2024

The Organic Protein Co organic whey protein banana and lucama flavour

Available from The Organic Protein Co (£26), Amazon (£26), Planet Organic (£26)

Best tasting protein powder

Rating: 5/5

• Grams of protein per serving: 16.16 per 37.5g serving
• Calories per serving: 139.12 kcals
• Type of protein: whey protein concentrate
• Fat per serving: 0.9g
• Carbohydrates per serving: 15.71g

If you’re not a fan of hyper-processed, artificially sweetened protein powder, this one might be for you. Made with whey from organic milk and dried banana, this supplement is really a cut above when it comes to quality. Testers commented that it tasted just like banana bread – so obviously it got full marks from us.

The powder whizzed into water to create a nice, smooth, creamy texture that’s very pleasant to drink, similar to a milkshake.

Another added benefit is the lucama powder that’s added to a natural hit of sweetness. It’s also certified organic by the Organic Food Federation, and for every pack the company donates 25p to Compassion in World Farming.

The brand offers a range of flavours, another favourite of ours was the raw cacao and maca.

A 600g pack contains roughly 16 servings, coming in at £1.63 per serving.

Available from:

The Organic Protein Co (£26)
Amazon (£26)
Planet Organic (£26)

MyProtein Impact chocolate brownie whey protein

Available from MyProtein (£24.99), Amazon (£16.24)

Best overall protein shake

Rating: 4.5 / 5

• Grams of protein per serving: 23g per 30g serving
• Calories per serving: 114 kcals
• Type of protein: whey protein concentrate
• Fat per serving: 2g
• Carbohydrates per serving: 2.2g

There are more than 40 flavours of this popular powder. While we haven't tested any others, the chocolate brownie was definitely a winner. The powder mixed beautifully, forming a milkshake-like consistency that would be ideal for those who like a thicker shake.

We were worried the chocolate brownie flavour might be too intense, especially for those wanting to take their protein in the morning, but we were pleasantly surprised to find it's more subtle than overpowering. It has a milk chocolate aftertaste, making it easy to drink and very filling.

The ingredients list is also reassuringly short, which isn't always the case when it comes to protein supplements, and it's also suitable for vegetarians.

With 15 servings per 500g packet, it's around £1.50 per scoop.

Nutritional information based on the unflavoured version.

Available from:

MyProtein (£24.99)
Amazon (£16.24)

Protein Works vanilla crème diet whey isolate 90

Available from Protein Works (£16.99)

Best low-calorie protein powder

Rating: 4/5

• Grams of protein per serving: 23g per 25g serving
• Calories per serving: 92 kcals
• Type of protein: whey protein isolate
• Fat per serving: 0g
• Carbohydrates per serving: 0.6g

Protein Works vanilla crème diet whey isolate 90 is a good option if you're looking to increase your protein intake without boosting your calories and fat.

The vanilla crème flavour is quite custardy – making this a great option for those who want a sweeter protein shake, although it is made using stevia instead of added sugars. The powder foams up quite a lot after mixing, giving it a velvety, frothy consistency that we enjoyed. Made with 150ml water, it was on the thinner side – try mixing with milk if you prefer a thicker shake.

A 1kg packet provides around 33 servings, so each scoop costs roughly £1.80.

Available from:

Protein Works (£16.99)

Foodspring x Davina McCall Protein + Relax honey and spice

Available from Holland and Barrett (£33), Foodspring (£32.99), Amazon (£32.99)

Best protein powder with added benefits

Rating: 4/5

• Grams of protein per serving: 22 per 30g serving
• Calories per serving: 108 kcals
• Type of protein: Calcium caseinate, milk protein concentrate
• Fat per serving: 0.3g
• Carbohydrates per serving: 4.2g

As the name suggests, this powder has been created not only to help you hit protein goals but has added ashwagandha root powder to help you unwind and relax. There's also a pinch of turmeric, ginger and black pepper, all of which have benefits to your health, as well as vitamins B12, C, magnesium, calcium and iron. So get you a lot of nutritional bang for your buck.

The honey is a nice touch and testers felt the flavour really came through. It makes this easy to drink with water, although if blended with your milk of choice, could be similar to a turmeric latte.

A 480g pack contains roughly 16 servings, coming in at £1.25 per serving.

Available from:

Holland and Barrett (£33)
Foodspring (£32.99)
Amazon (£32.99)

Maxi Nutrition Cyclone Strength banoffee flavour

Available from Maxi Nutrition (£43.99), Amazon (£40.94)

Best protein powder for bulking

Rating 4/5

• Grams of protein per serving: 31 per 60g serving
• Calories per serving: 204 kcals
• Type of protein: Whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, creatine monohydrate
• Fat per serving: 1.2g
• Carbohydrates per serving: 12g

The taste of this powder was quite nostalgic, one taster compared it to foam banana sweets, but if you're into bananas and you like your protein sweet, this is a good choice.

This powder stood out from the rest as it contains creatine, a substance which sends energy to the muscles, meaning it may be useful if you're bulking or working hard to gain muscle mass.

Although it does note an impressive 31g of protein per scoop, that's for a whopping 60g serving – almost twice that of other powders. So, while you do get a lot of protein, you have to take a lot of powder to get it. That means the tub it comes in is pretty huge (maybe an issue for those with a small kitchen) and you'll need to drink a lot to get it down. However, it might the right choice for anyone looking to really ramp up protein. We should also note that the portion size means this has slightly more calories per serve.

A 1.26kg pack contains roughly 21 servings, coming in at £2 per serving.

Available from:

Maxi Nutrition (£43.99)
Amazon (£40.94)

Free Soul vegan protein blend chocolate flavour

Available from Free Soul (£24.99)

Best protein powder for women

Rating: 4.5/5

• Grams of protein per serving: 20g per 30g serving
• Calories per serving: 101 kcals
• Type of protein: pea, hemp
• Fat per serving: 2.2g
• Carbohydrates per serving: 3.8g

If you’re vegan and after a one-stop shop for protein, key vitamins and minerals, you might want to give this powder a whirl. With a malty, nutty flavour, it was very palatable and not too sweet, despite using steviol glycosides in the ingredients. This whizzed up to create a smooth, satisfying shake that would be drinkable enough on it's own or added to a smoothie.

There’s an array of added nutrients 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.

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 1kg pot contains around 33 servings, coming in at £1.66 per serving.

Available from:

Crazy Nutrition (£54.99 for 1kg)

Grenade Hydra 6 protein vanilla flavour

Available from Grenade (£37.99)

Best blend of fast-acting and 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 1.816kg pack contains approximately 52 servings, working out 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.

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 packet instructions using cold water, and mixed with a small electric milk frother. We 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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