Protein powders have come a long way since they first came on the market.
No longer are they just for hardcore bodybuilders who spend hours lifting iron in the gym; they can work wonders for anyone trying to sculpt a little muscle into their phyisque too.
Most importantly they actually taste good too. With smooth textures, pea protein for vegans and a huge variety of flavours, they really are catering for everyone - from the yogis to the Crossfitters.
Do protein powders work?
In order to keep our muscles healthy (especially if you’re a frequent gym-goer) you should regularly include protein in your diet to help rebuild and strengthen muscle.
In fact, you should aim to get 10-35 per cent of your calories from protein sources: think white meat like chicken, eggs, fish, pulses and tofu. This equates to around 50 - 170g of protein in your diet, depending on your weight and how active you are.
However, it’s not always possible to cram that much protein into your diet every day, so protein shakes and muscle recovery snacks are a great way to add extra into your diet - helping your recover quicker post-workout.
We’ve rounded up the best tasting powders to help find the one that works for you a little easier. From vegan-friendly versions to protein powders with added probiotic punch, here’s our roundup of the best.
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HERMOSA Whey protein
If you’ve ever had a protein shake after a session at Barry’s Bootcamp then you’ll know the hype is real about HERMOSA. Beloved by the A-list (think Harry Styles and David Beckham) as well as fitness fanatics, founder Erika Tamayo decided to launch HERMOSA after Barry’s made the powder such a sensation.
Made with super-clean ingredients including whey protein from grass-fed cows in the Lake District, the vanilla powder also features natural sweetener sourced from South America.
The gluten-free powder, which has tons of amino acids, 20g of protein, and only 4g of carbs, is also super soluble in powder - and tastes great. The powder comes in a glass bottle, which can be reused or recycled for more protein powder.
Buy now £30.00, Oxygen Boutique
Innermost The Health Protein
Innermost is quickly becoming one of the go-to brands for tasty protein. This is the health version, which helps to support the immune system, as well as build up muscles. The vegan protein is high in protein and low in calories, helping you stay more satisfied and for longer.
Available in vanilla and chocolate flavours you can add it to your fave plant-based milk, along with some tasty fruit or vegetables or even your morning porridge.
Buy now £29.95, Innermost
Battle Ready Fuel Vegan warrior protein powder
Need a protein powder that will really pack a punch after your workout? This Plant powder has a whopping 23.17g of protein per scoop and only 1.7g of fat and 117kcal per serving.
Best of all it comes in delicious flavours such as lemon and lime and tropical punch - so if you’re bored of the classic flavours this is a great alternative.
Perfect for vegans, the powder also has five active digestive enzymes to help your muscles recover quicker after an intense workout. For non-vegans, they also have a Battle Ready Military Whey powder.
Buy now £24.99, Battle Ready Fuel
JS Health Protein + Probiotics
Gut health is just as important as healing those muscles after a workout. The two go hand in hand, so this protein formula is the perfect pairing.
Made with plant-based protein, with the addition of probiotics, it’s free from any nasties such as fillers, added sugars, chemicals and preservatives.
The gluten and dairy-free pea powder is perfect for an after-workout snack. Just add water or milk and whizz it up with some of your favourite fruits. Available in four flavours including Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Brownie and Cinnamon Scroll.
Buy now £31.99, JS Health
WelleCo's Nourishing Protein
A protein powder created by Elle ‘The Body’ Macpherson, this baby is amongst the best and cleanest of its kind.
Part of her ingestible beauty and wellness brand the WelleCo, this Nourishing protein is made from a base blend of plant-based proteins including pea and sprouted brown rice, which includes all nine essential amino acids required for muscle recovery.
The chocolate or vanilla powder is perfect with cold coconut water and not only feels refreshing but will help you also feel fully recovered the next day.
It is pricey though, and one of the more expensive powders on the market.
Buy now £55.00, Cult Beauty
Motion Nutrition Peanut Butter VEGAN Protein Powder
If you’re a peanut butter junkie like us then this is the healthy way to consume it. Made with organic high protein peanut flour Motion Nutrition has reduced some of the fat and added protein from four sources - including sunflower, pea and hemp.
If you’re not a fan of crunchy peanut butter then fear not, as this protein has a smooth texture and is great to add to smoothies, baking and even pancakes. With 14 servings per pack, they come in a sweet little reusable tin.
Buy now £24.99, Planet Organic
Huel Complete protein
You may have heard of Huel, a brand that packs its food into nutritional powdered forms. If you love your food too much and that seems like a step too far their complete protein is a great alternative. Tagged as the world’s first 100 per cent nutritionally complete plant-based protein powder, it has an impressive 26 vitamins and minerals, plus tons of amino acids packed in.
With 20g of protein and as little as 105 calories, you won’t have to worry about ruining your diet plan, while the protein, which is made up of hemp, faba, and pea protein also tastes great in smoothies.
With flavours such as Salted Caramel and Strawberries & Cream you’ll be looking forward to your next drink made with Huel.
Buy now £50.00, Huel
My Protein Impact Whey
With 21g of protein per serving (basically a third of your daily protein fix) My Protein’s Impact Whey powder will really hit that ‘post HIIT’ workout spot. Glug it on our way home from the gym in the knowledge that it’s not only made from cow’s milk but has also been ranked a Grade A from the experts.
Whether you lifting weights or boxing is more your thing this protein powder, with just 1.9g of fat, 1g of carbs and 103 calories, will help your muscles build and repair. The Whey comes in 50 flavours including chocolate peanut butter and even latte.
Buy now £15.59, My Protein
Verdict
The star-backed HERMOSA’s Whey protein is one of the nicest protien powders we’ve tried. Its smooth texture had us finishing every scrap of our porridge, and protein shakes became way more healthy.
Meanwhile Innermost’s Health protein powder is perfect for a great refueling drink post-exercise. The plus is that it also helps to boost your immune system, helping you steer away from any nasty colds - and meaning there are no excuses to skip that workout.
