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The right natural protein powder should fuel your body, not fill it with unnecessary additives.
But finding a natural protein powder can be a challenge, with countless options claiming to be the cleanest and most effective. Whether you’re looking to support muscle recovery, boost daily nutrition, or simply add more protein to your diet, quality matters. The best protein powders are free from artificial additives, sourced from high-quality ingredients, and easy to digest. But with so much choice, how do you know which one is right for you?
We spoke to Lisa Blane, nutritionist for natural protein brand Hermosa, which is stocked by the likes of Barry's Bootcamp in its healthy refuel bars, for her advice to help us choose the best natural protein powders on the market.
Focus on quality ingredients
A good protein powder should be made with minimal, high-quality ingredients. Look for options with a short ingredient list where protein is the star, rather than artificial sweeteners, fillers, or preservatives. Whey protein from grass-fed cows is a great choice for those who tolerate dairy, offering a complete amino acid profile and superior absorption. For plant-based options, pea, hemp, and brown rice protein provide excellent alternatives, with many blends combining different sources to ensure all essential amino acids are covered.
Check for digestibility and absorption
Not all protein powders are created equal when it comes to how well your body can absorb and use them. Whey protein is highly bioavailable, making it one of the most efficient options, while plant-based proteins can sometimes be harder to digest. Choosing a powder with added digestive enzymes can help improve absorption and reduce bloating. If you have sensitivities, avoid powders with soy or dairy-based ingredients, and opt for hypoallergenic choices like pea or pumpkin seed protein.
Look for third-party testing and sustainability
With so many protein powders on the market, it’s important to choose a brand that is transparent about its sourcing and quality standards. Third-party testing ensures that the product is free from contaminants like heavy metals and unwanted additives. Certifications such as organic, non-GMO, and fair trade also indicate a commitment to both quality and sustainability. Ethical sourcing, sustainable packaging, and responsible farming practices not only benefit personal health but also support environmental well-being.
A good natural protein powder should fit well into your lifestyle, providing clean, effective nutrition without unnecessary ingredients. By focusing on quality, digestibility and sustainability, you can find a protein powder that supports your health goals while aligning with your values.
How we tested
As well as consulting our expert nutritionist for advice, the ES Best Shopping team carefully selected the best protein powders by considering a balance of taste, texture, nutrition, and how they make us feel. There’s a lot to think about; whether you’re looking for a low-calorie option, a plant-based blend, or one designed for serious muscle growth. A key factor is digestion, as many protein powders packed with artificial additives can lead to bloating. As a professional bodybuilding athlete, my training partners and I rely on protein shakes daily, so they must tick all the boxes, delivering clean, effective nutrition without discomfort.
Read on for more
Hermosa Vegan Protein Powder
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I came across this protein brand following a HIIT workout session at Barry’s, where the refuel bar team served this up in a blended protein shake which I loved. So I knew I had to try and recreate this blend at home.
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
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
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
Wild Nutrition Food-Grown Organic Protein + Superfood Powder
Enrich your diet with superfoods and get the muscle-growing benefits of protein at the same time with the female-founded label Wild Nutrition. It has earned the title of one of the ES Best top supplement brands on the market and this powder is a testament to why.
The blend is made up of seven adaptogenic mushrooms, including the buzzy reishi, shiitake, Lion's Mane and cordyceps that have earned hype in the wellness community for their mood and immunity-boosting properties. There are also super greens; chlorella, spirulina, wheatgrass and barley grass that are rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants.
Last but certainly not least, pea and rice protein service the muscles to repair, while providing energy.
Buy now £37.80, Healf
The Healthy Tree Company Organic Whey Protein Powder
If eating organic is important to you, then this protein powder from The Healthy Tree Company is right up your street. It’s made with whey from grass-fed cows, which means it’s higher in essential omega-3 fatty acids. It’s also been given certified organic status by the Soil Association, so you can rest assured that you’re not damaging the planet while upping your protein intake.
On top of that, the brand has teamed up with UK charity Trees For Life to plant a grove within the Caledonian Forest, helping preserve natural woodland for decades to come. Added bonus: it’s unflavoured, which is great if chocolate caramel concoctions aren’t your thing.
Buy now £17.94, Amazon
Bulk Pure Whey Isolate
Sometimes with protein shakes, I knock them back because the consistency can be lumpy or gritty. However, I always come back to Bulk for the brand’s super moreish gourmet-style protein bars and the chocolate malted honeycomb protein powder.
The texture is smooth and easy to drink, and the taste is indulgent without feeling heavy. They have a variety of satisfying flavours to choose from, and the sample versions make it easy to try before committing to a full-size tub.
Bulk’s Pure Whey Isolate offers 26g of protein per serving with minimal fat, making it a solid choice.
Buy now £36.99, Bulk
Nutristrength Pea Protein Roasted Cocoa
The first thing I noticed about the Nutristrength Pea Protein Roasted Cocoa was the rich, natural chocolate taste - it’s indulgent without being overly sweet, making it perfect for everything from smoothies to morning porridge.
Unlike so many other pea proteins that are sandy or grainy, this powder mixes beautifully, leaving no unpleasant texture behind. Whether I combine it with coconut milk or water or even blend it into recipes, it’s consistently smooth. Plus, it’s made from natural ingredients, so I know I’m fuelling my body with something clean and healthy.
Buy now £19.99, Amazon
Vivo Life Perform Raw Cacao Flavour Vegan Protein Powder
Did you know that many protein powders contain heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, arsenic and lead? These come from pesticides and contaminated ingredients, which can be toxic if they accumulate in your body. Vivo Life is one of the few protein powder brands that test its products for heavy metals, so you can rest easy knowing that you’re ingesting the cleanest possible ingredients.
Alongside having just 0.23g sugar per serving, the brand’s vegan Perform Protein is gluten-free, vegan and soya-free and is packed with BCAA, turmeric and herbal enzymes. Flavours range from cocoa to strawberry.
Buy now £44.99, Amazon
Verdict
We chose Hermosa Vegan Protein Powder as our top pick because it delivers high-quality, plant-based protein without unnecessary additives. With 20g of protein per serving, its blend of pea and hemp protein provides all nine essential amino acids to support muscle recovery and overall wellness. The sustainably sourced ingredients are a big plus, and the halal certification makes it accessible to more dietary preferences. For those looking for a clean, reliable protein that’s easy on digestion and kind to the planet, Hermosa stands out as the best choice.
