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If you're committed to your fitness goals while following a gluten-free lifestyle, whether that’s due to intolerances or to avoid the dreaded bloat, choosing the right protein powder can feel like a challenge.
Once you find a suitable product, it can often come with the added mixers commonly found in gluten-free protein powders. However, with growing interest in gluten-free options within the health and fitness community, there are now more choices available.
Whether you're aiming for muscle gains, better recovery, or just a clean boost, selecting the perfect gluten-free protein is key to seeing results. The ES Best Shopping team looks at how to find the best options, what to avoid, and why choosing the right powder is more important than you think.
What is different about gluten-free protein?
Gluten-free protein powders are formulated without wheat, barley, or rye, making them suitable for those with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity. However, not all protein powders are inherently gluten-free. Some may contain hidden gluten from additives, thickeners, or cross-contamination during processing. It’s important to look for certifications or clear labelling to make sure that a product is truly gluten-free.
Why is gluten-free protein powder good for you?
Going for a gluten-free protein powder is essential if you have a gluten intolerance, but even if you don’t, it can be a cleaner option. Many high-quality gluten-free protein powders are made with fewer additives, focusing on whole food sources like peas, hemp, brown rice, or whey isolate. These options can be easier to digest and may reduce bloating or inflammation compared to powders with gluten-containing fillers.
What are the benefits of gluten-free protein powder?
A good gluten-free protein powder can support muscle repair, aid recovery after exercise, and help maintain balanced energy levels. Plant-based versions often contain additional fibre, while whey-based powders can offer complete proteins with all nine essential amino acids. Depending on your choice, they can also be a great source of vitamins, minerals, and digestive enzymes to support gut health.
What to look out for
When choosing a gluten-free protein powder, check the label for third-party certifications to ensure it has been tested for gluten. Avoid artificial sweeteners, excessive additives and unnecessary fillers as these can sometimes cause digestive discomfort. If you have dietary preferences beyond gluten-free, such as dairy-free or soy-free, double-check the ingredient list for potential allergens.
The best gluten-free protein powder for you will depend on your dietary needs and fitness goals. Whether you prefer a plant-based option or a high-quality whey isolate, choosing a clean, well-tested product can help you maximise your nutrition without unwanted ingredients.
How we tested
The ES Best Shopping team tested these gluten-free protein powders by considering a range of factors that are essential for both performance and digestibility. We focused on taste, making sure that the flavours were still pleasant and the consistency smooth, without any chalky or artificial aftertaste; something that can be common with some gluten-free brands.
We also paid close attention to how each powder mixed with liquid, noting whether it dissolved easily or left any clumps. Equally important was how our stomachs reacted to the ingredients; especially since gluten-free products can sometimes contain additives that cause discomfort. After trying each powder, we evaluated how well they supported our fitness goals and how gentle they were on our digestive systems, ensuring they were both effective and easy to digest.
Read on for more.
Hermosa Vegan Protein Powder
This bulk buy from Hermosa is perfect for those of us who need a steady supply of high-quality plant-based protein without the added gluten. With 20g of protein per serving, this blend of pea and hemp protein provides all nine essential amino acids to support muscle recovery and overall wellness.
The ingredients are sustainably sourced, which is a big plus for me too. Plus, it’s halal-certified making it suitable for more dietary preferences. If you’re looking for a clean, reliable protein source that’s kind to both your body and the planet, this is the one.
Buy now £67.00, Hermosa
The Organic Protein Co Organic Whey Protein Powder
The Organic Protein Co Organic Whey Protein Powder is a truly luxurious vanilla flavour using real Madagascan bourbon vanilla pods with no artificial flavouring included. It has been created through a cold-filtered process to preserve vital bioactive proteins - and is ultra-clean with no additives or UPFs.
Sourced from grass-fed cows, batch-tested, and easy to digest, it's premium quality perfection.
Buy now £24.00, Amazon
Purition Wholefood Plant Nutrition
Purition offers a wholefood protein powder and shake made from real ingredients, blending European golden pea protein and British fava bean protein. Designed as a natural alternative to traditional protein supplements and meal replacement shakes, it also includes added fibre and is suitable for keto diets.
Another major highlight for me is that it is naturally low in sugar and plays its part in supporting good gut health, unlike some traditional whey proteins I have used in the past.
Buy now £24.00, Amazon
Myprotein Impact Whey Isolate
Isolate protein powders are by far the best when choosing whey, as it’s simply a refined form. 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-around brilliant protein supplement. At the lower range price point, it’s good for those just starting out, and it mixes well so it’s nice to drink on its own too.
Buy now £18.49, MyProtein
Yfood Classic Drinks
If protein powder isn’t for you or you just fancy a pre-mixed protein fix then Yfood’s Drinks are a solid option. Balanced, healthy and tastes just like a refreshing shake, Yfood’s complete meal shakes are packed with up to 34g of protein as well as 26 essential vitamins and minerals – and they’re gluten-free.
They’re an ideal option for those looking for a high-protein ready-to-drink option and are perfect when time is tight. Try mixing up flavours with one of their bundle options.
Buy now £3.50, Yfood
Protein Works Vegan Wondershake
A creamy vegan protein shake sounds like an oxymoron, right? Protein Works wanted to devise a 100 per cent plant-based protein powder that has the silky texture of a dairy shake - and the brand has certainly managed it. The Vegan Wondershake does taste surprisingly creamy, especially when mixed with oat or coconut milk.
Inside this megamix, you’ll find four types of plant protein: pea, pumpkin, brown rice and soy, cramming in a decent 21g per serving. It’s definitely not as sweet as its counterparts, but it still boasts enough flavour to be easily drinkable. Downside? It’s more expensive than the others on this list and the packaging isn’t recyclable.
Buy now £21.89, Protein Works
Grenade Fudged Up Protein Powder
Since I love the brand’s protein bars, I tried out Grenade’s Protein Powder and it did not disappoint. Available in three flavours - Birthday Cake, Fudged Up and Strawberries and Cream - each serving contains under 150 calories. For me - Fudged Up is the one and will perk up my morning oats.
You get 30 grams of protein per two-scoop serving, so this provides a decent muscle recovery boost, making it ideal for intense training regimes.
Buy now £20.00, Amazon
Applied Nutrition Clear Whey Protein Premium Protein Powder Strawberry & Raspberry
Using ultra-hydrolysed whey protein isolate, the Applied Nutrition Clear Whey Protein Premium Protein Powder is a delicious, light and replenishing protein drink that's more like a fruit juice than a milkshake.
With all the key benefits of a normal protein shake, this clear whey protein is absorbed rapidly and contains only 90 calories per 25g serving. It's packed with over 21g of protein, has only 1g of carbs and has less than 0.25g of sugar and fat.
Buy now £36.20, Amazon
Nutravita Vegan Vanilla Protein Powder
This vegan protein powder from Nutravita combines pea, hemp and brown rice proteins, offering a balanced 21g of protein per serving. It’s rich in essential amino acids and enhanced with a blend of five digestive enzymes to support nutrient absorption, so your body gets the most out of each scoop.
Flavour-wise, it’s made with Madagascan vanilla seeds for a subtle, natural taste.
Buy now £16.99, Amazon
Huel Complete Protein
As the world’s first nutritionally-complete vegan protein powder, Huel is made from sustainably 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.
Buy now £22.50, Huel
