12 best protein powders; tried and tested by our fitness writers

PROTEIN powder is a convenient, tasty and low-calorie way to increase your protein intake, which is a quick fitness win.

Adding more protein to your diet has multiple benefits, whether you're trying to lose a few pounds, build muscle, get stronger, or recover faster from training sessions (or all of the above).

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Nutritionists recommend 0.75g - 1.5g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, depending on how active you are, so if you weigh 80kg, you'll need to consume between 60g - 120g.

If you don't eat many animal-based protein sources, protein powder can help you reach that target.

To help you find the best protein powder for your needs, we've scooped, shaken and sipped a variety of different brands and flavours and these are our favourites.

The best protein powders at a glance

• Best whey isolate protein powder:
• Best protein powder for fat loss:
• Best cheap protein powder:
• Best clear protein powder:
• Best vegan protein powder: Protein Works Vegan Extreme protein powder

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How we tested

To put each protein powder to the test, our talkSPORT Shopping writers individually spent two week using each product.

Each product was taken every day during this time period alongside regular workouts and in addition to a healthy and balanced diet.

Making note of the taste, flavour profile, ease-of use, how it mixed and how it made us feel, we've listed the pros and cons and given each product a possible rating out of five.

Best clear protein powder: Myvegan lemon & lime clear vegan protein powder

Myvegan lemon & lime clear vegan protein powder 20 servings, £16.89

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• Pros: Refreshing, easy to digest, low calorie
• Cons: Only 10g protein per serving
• Rating: 4/5

Protein powder flavours and texture have improved in the past few years.

I remember when chocolate, strawberry and vanilla were pretty much the only flavour options,  but now there are around 10 varieties of chocolate alone if you count chocolate brownie, chocolate orange, chocolate hazelnut and more.

The contains 10g of protein per serving, which is 50% less compared to standard whey protein powder, but is easy to drink and feels refreshing.

While a whey protein powder can be cloudy and sometimes heavy, this is as light as a fruit cordial.

After a sweaty workout, blend this with ice and it tastes like a slushie that's good for you.

I was impressed it had less than 1g of sugar per serving to eliminate sugar spikes and dips, and added B vitamins to help with mental focus.

I highly recommend this mid-afternoon, as I found it made me feel more awake, as well as contributing to my daily protein targets.

Best vegan protein powder: Protein Works Vegan Extreme protein powder

Protein Works vegan protein extreme 500g, £27.99

• Pros: 27g protein per serving, tasty variety of flavour, easy on the gut
• Cons: Requires vigorous shaking to dissolve
• Rating: 4/5

The contains 27g of protein per serving, which is more than any other vegan protein I've tried before.

I was intrigued to try it because the protein content comes from a blend of pumpkin seed protein, sunflower protein, brown rice protein, pea protein and soy protein isolate, which means it contains more nutrients than your average protein powder.

For example, pumpkin seed protein is a valuable source of magnesium while brown rice protein is high in B6, which is great for energy levels.

I'm not sure if I picked up on any of those health benefits in the few weeks I tested it, but it tasted a hundred times better than any other vegan protein product I'd tried before.

In my opinion, the pea protein has an unpleasant aftertaste but it's unnoticeable when combined with the other protein sources in the Protein Works shake.

Whether I mixed it with oat milk, almond milk or water, I did need to shake it for over 30 seconds for it to fully dissolve, which was a bit of a bicep workout.

But once it was fully smooth, it was an absolute joy to drink and a tasty and convenient way to help me hit my daily protein goals.

Best whey isolate protein powder: Myprotein whey isolate protein powder

Myprotein Impact whey isolate 1kg, £29.36

• Pros: High in protein, zero fat, gentle on the gut, impressive flavour variety
• Cons: More expensive than standard whey
• Rating: 4/5

Whey isolate is whey protein that has been filtered to help remove the lactose in the powder.

The filtering process creates a leaner and lower-fat protein source made up of around 85 - 90% protein and 10-15% sugars and fats.

The price of whey isolate tends to be more expensive than a regular whey powder - unless you get it from Myprotein.

This is because more work is needed to produce it and it has a higher concentration of protein.

is incredible value for money at under £1 per serving.

With 26g of protein, 0.5g of sugar and 109 kcal per serving, you don't have to consume too many of these to hit your protein goals and it’s completely fat-free.

However, I could quite happily have consumed a few as I found the protein blended well, was smooth to the taste and the chocolate peanut butter flavour was heaven for a Reese's fan like me.

Best protein powder for fat loss: PhD Nutrition diet whey lean protein powder

PhD Nutrition diet whey lean protein powder 2kg, £38.65

• Pros: Rich chocolate taste, low calorie, great value
• Cons: Only 16g protein per serving
• Rating: 4/5

Low in carbs and low in calories at 96kcal per serving, the is a solid choice for anyone sticking to a calorie-controlled diet or going through a cutting phase.

I was pleasantly surprised by the taste, which is just as rich as eating Belgian chocolate that melts in the mouth.

My previous experience with diet protein powder was that it was watery or less flavoursome, but PhD nutritionists have cut down the calories without losing any taste.

It mixes effortlessly, meaning no clumps or gritty textures—just smooth, creamy goodness.

 Another bonus is that it contains other ingredients proven to burn fat and boost the metabolism such as flaxseeds, CLA, L-carnitine, and green tea extract.

The downside is that there's only 16g of protein per serving, so you'll need to consume other protein sources to get all the benefits of a high-protein diet.

Best cheap protein powder: Amfit whey protein

Amfit whey protein 1kg, £17.99

• Pros: Smooth texture, affordable, low in sugar and fats
• Cons: No micronutrients, higher in carbs than other options
• Rating: 4.5/5

An Amazon own-brand, AmFit whey protein powder is a game-changer in the world of budget-friendly protein supplements.

While many cheap options skimp on quality, delivers a punch with its premium whey protein blend, packed with essential amino acids to support muscle growth and recovery.

It boasts a smooth texture and delicious flavours so drinking it was a reward rather than a chore.

I enjoyed it guilt-free because it’s low in sugar and fats after the gym or when I just needed a snack.

Best meal replacement protein powder: Huel black edition

Huel black edition 1.53kg, £39.99

• Pros: Includes 27 vitamins and minerals, naturally sweetened, high in fibre
• Cons: Expensive
• Rating: 4.5/5

Plant-based and gluten-free, the packs a punch with 40g of protein per 400kcals.

What sets Huel apart is its impressive nutritional profile, each serving is loaded with 27 essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

It’s low in carbs and high in fibre, which helped me to feel full and satisfied, even on days when I'd trained and then had several meetings afterwards.

The Huel black edition is made from a blend of pea and brown rice protein, so it has a complete amino acid profile. It is ideal for muscle recovery and growth and is a great lunch on the go because you don't need to prep or cook.

I was impressed that organic coconut sugar and stevia give this a natural sweetness, as some flavoured powders use artificial sweeteners.

It also contains green tea extract, a source of antioxidants and an ingredient that's linked to reducing inflammation and maintaining stable blood sugar levels.

Best protein powder for recovery

Science In Sport REGO rapid recovery protein powder 1.6g, £52.85

• Pros: Ideal for endurance athletes, reduces inflammation, prevents muscle cramps
• Cons: High in calories, limited flavour options
• Rating: 4/5

If you do a lot of endurance sports such as cycling, long-distance running or triathlon training, this rapid recovery protein powder is a brilliant way to replenish your body's glycogen stores.

 The powder also helps your muscles recover from the exertion.

I first tried it when training for a marathon and found that it helped me refocus after burning thousands of calories on a 15 to 20-mile training run.

After running for hours, I found that I wasn't hungry when I got home but would feel faint and weak if I didn't eat something.

REGO combines high-quality whey protein isolate with carbohydrates, so you can drink the essential nutrients your body craves after a workout.

It also includes electrolytes, which are crucial for rehydration and maintaining fluid balance after sweating it out.

With my electrolyte levels replenished, I suffered fewer muscle cramps and soreness during the day, meaning that I was able to go for a run in the morning and have just about enough energy to walk around during the day.

Best protein powder for building muscle mass: Uperform active whey and collagen

Uperform active whey and collagen 900g, £39.95

• Pros: Tastes great, smooth, mixes well with water
• Cons: Only two flavours
• Rating: 4.5/5

If you want to build lean muscle mass, studies suggest that you have a better chance of making gains if you consume collagen alongside protein.

The rationale behind this is that when you take part in the strenuous resistance training needed to build muscles, it creates an enormous amount of inflammation and muscle damage.

The contains collagen that's been proven to help with the recovery of connective tissue, while protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of lean muscle mass.

This was the first protein powder that I've tested that contains bioactive collagen peptides (15g per serving) and I was slightly concerned about how this would impact the mixed drink's flavour and texture.

However, the chocolate recipe tasted rich, smooth and more-ish, whether blended with milk or just shaken up with water.

After sipping it immediately after a gym workout for several sessions and then accidentally forgetting it once, I really noticed the difference in energy levels and muscle soreness in the time that I was without it - a good sign that it's actively helping with muscle repair.

Lots of Olympic athletes and elite sportspeople share this view, with the Uperform website featuring testimonials from ultrarunners, modern pentathletes and judo champions.

As each bag contains 30 servings, it's a decent value per money, too. Each scoop works out to just over £1, which I think is a small price to pay for something I was actively able to feel working.

Best-tasting protein powder: Protein Works Whey Protein 360 Extreme

Protein Works Whey Protein 360 Extreme, £14.99

• Pros: Delicious taste, mixes very easily, several premium flavours
• Cons: Slightly expensive
• Rating: 5/5

Great-tasting protein shakes are few and far between. But there's one company that makes them consistently: .

Delivering what they call the "best shakes on the planet," Protein Works offers several distinctive and effective blends, with the said to be the golden standard.

While 26g of protein per serving alone is nothing to turn your nose up at, this shake also boasts several benefits including digestive enzymes, essential vitamins and minerals and glutamine.

This protein shake might just be the best I've ever tasted, with many premium flavours, crafted with maximum taste in mind.

If the price puts you off, you could always opt for Protein Works' budget-friendly 100% Protein blend too.

With none of the fancy stuff and slightly less protein, the 100% Protein is perfect for those simply looking for a quick fix,

Review by Jack Strong

Best protein powder for muscle growth: Form Vegan Protein Powder

 Form Vegan Protein Powder, £26.00

• Pros: Vegan, dairy and gluten-free, 30g of protein per serving, award-winning
• Cons: Expensive, limited flavours 
• Rating: 4.5/5

Before you go ahead and judge this protein by its fancy packaging alone, we urge you to give 's a try for yourself.

Completely vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, GMO and soy-free, this post-workout powder cuts all garbage ingredients out, meaning it didn’t once upset my digestion.

On top of that, this powder boasts great taste and a respectable 30g protein per serving with a complete amino acid profile.

The only downside to this particular product is it only offers 13 servings per bag. With the price firmly set at £26, you'll be looking at spending £2 per shake.

It's not the cheapest, but you know what they say: you can't put a price on your health.

Most healthy protein powder: The Organic Protein Company Organic Whey

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The Organic Protein Company Organic Whey, £26.00

• Pros: Full of nutrients, no additives, organic, easy to digest
• Cons: Expensive
• Rating: 4.5/5

When it comes to healthier protein powders, few alternatives have quite the accolades of .

Made without chemicals, all of The Organic Protein Company's powders are free from nasties, and the flavour I tried contains only three ingredients.

With a high-quality blend, this particular flavour offered tasty notes of vanilla without the sickly and artificial twang that some similar flavours from other brands have.

After a few shakes, this protein powder delivered a lump-free consistency and felt more like drinking a smoothie than a typical protein shake.

While 17.9g of protein per serving might seem somewhat low, this powder boasts a 71.4% protein content, meaning you're getting more of the good stuff per serving compared to many alternatives on the market.

Priced at £26 per 400g, this flavour isn't cheap, but it delivers on both quality and taste, making it a worthwhile purchase in our eyes.

Review by Jack Strong

Best protein powder for range of flavours: Myprotein Impact Whey Protein

Myprotein Impact Whey Protein, £13.49

• Pros: Huge range of flavours, mixes well, affordable, 23g of protein per serving
• Cons: Some flavours taste artificial, contains artificial sweeteners
• Rating: 4/5

With a humble price tag and a solid nutritional profile, 's is a real staple.

Available in over 40 flavours - from chocolate brownie to mango - there’s something to suit everyone's palate.

Commendably mixable and with 23g of protein per shake, Myprotein Impact Whey Protein is a really convenient way to aid recovery after a workout or supplement your protein intake.

Boasting over 20,000 5-star reviews, it’s clear I’m not alone in my fondness for this hero product.

It’s also super accessible for those on a budget because Myprotein frequently offers discounts and promotions.

Whether you’re new to protein supplements or a seasoned user, Myprotein Impact Whey Protein is a reliable choice.

Review by Maxim Hancock

How we test protein powders

We test what's trending to help you make an informed purchase.

Every protein powder in this guide was tested for at least two weeks so we could try it at different times of the day.

We noted how it made us feel post-workout and also looked to see if there was any impact on our energy levels, mental focus and calorie cravings when sipped in the afternoon.

Aside from the clear protein powder, which we only mixed with water, we shook up each recipe with both milk and water to see how well they blended and made sure there were no clumps at the bottom of the shaker.

Each review shows the name of the tester and if you can't see a name it's been tested by me, Zoe Nicol, a fitness writer with five years experience in all things health and wellness.

FAQs

Is protein powder good for weight loss?

Protein powder can help with weight management in several ways, starting with its ability to increase satiety.

By making you feel full, protein can help reduce overall calorie intake, curbing the temptation to snack on less healthy options throughout the day.

For those engaging in regular exercise, particularly strength training, protein powder can be an efficient way to ensure adequate protein intake, supporting muscle recovery and growth.

This is crucial because muscle tissue burns more calories than fat, even at rest.

Therefore, by incorporating protein powder into your diet, you can potentially enhance your metabolism and increase the number of calories your body burns naturally.

Does protein powder help build muscle?

When you engage in resistance training, your muscles undergo stress, leading to small tears in the muscle fibres.

Consuming protein helps repair these tears, resulting in stronger and larger muscles over time.

Protein powder supplements make it easier to meet daily protein requirements, especially for those with busy lifestyles.

How much does protein powder cost

The cost of protein powder in the UK can vary widely depending on the brand, type, and size of the container.

On average, you might find prices ranging from about £15 to £50 for a 1kg tub.

Budget options can be as low as £10, while premium or specialised formulas (like vegan or organic) can go higher.

It's also worth checking for bulk buying options or looking in the Black Friday or Prime Day sales for better deals.

How can you buy protein powder cheaply?

Buying protein powder in larger quantities usually translates to a lower cost per serving.

Many brands and retailers offer exclusive discounts to subscribers of their newsletters or loyalty programs, so it's worth registering with different retailers to make sure you don't miss a deal.

Keep an eye out for seasonal sales, such as Black Friday or New Year promotions.

What is protein powder made of?

Protein powder is made from either protein extracted from plants or animal products.

For example, whey protein is a byproduct of cheese making, made by removing all the carbohydrates, fats, and water from whey.

Another popular type of protein, casein, is made by extracting the protein from cow's milk.

And, of course, plant proteins derive directly from plants, such as nuts, seeds, grains, beans, and soy.

To form protein powders as we know them, additional ingredients are required.

Because of this, most brands will usually add a selection of additives, vitamins and minerals, thickeners and fillers.

Does protein powder expire?

Yes, protein powder does have an expiry date.

Protein powders will typically last for months on end when stored in the correct conditions, however, they have been known to go off in odd cases.

If you're based in the UK, your protein powder should have a "best before" date located on its packaging, so it's always advisable to pay attention to that.

If you're unsure whether or not your protein powder has expired, pay specific attention to any possible clumping of the powder or rancid smells that might not have been there before.

If your protein smells , is discoloured or has developed clumps, it's best to chuck it out to avoid risking any possible illnesses.

Can you mix protein powder with creatine?

Yes, it is perfectly fine and safe to mix protein powder with creatine.

There is no evidence to suggest that mixing protein and creatine together is detrimental or dangerous in any form.

By mixing the two together, a lot of people find it much easier and convenient to consume them both in one go.

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Both ideal for building muscle, and enhancing your exercise performance, these two supplements go hand-in-hand.

If you are planning on mixing creatine directly with your protein shakes, we would recommend using creatine monohydrate powder because it will dissolve a lot easier than and a lot quicker than any tablet.