13 Best Protein Powders UK 2025

“Whey, in particular, has long been considered the gold standard of protein powders,” says Ehsani. “Made from milk, it’s absorbed quickly by your body, making it an excellent option for post-workout recovery,” adds Johnson.

“By contrast, Casein protein, though also derived from milk, is a slow-digesting protein, which means it can be a solid pick for people who want a steady release of protein over a long period — perhaps between meals or before bed,” Johnson details. “Egg protein powders are made from egg whites and are a solid option for folks who want a complete protein source without consuming dairy products. This type is also low in carbohydrates.”

Collagen is another animal-based option. It’s typically made from cow or fish sources, but it’s not a complete protein, meaning it doesn’t offer all nine essential amino acids that our bodies need to get from foods. “Collagen proteins are not your best bet for muscle building,” suggests Jampolis, “but FWIW, some people swear by them for improving skin and hair health.”

On the plant-based front, folks following a vegetarian or vegan diet, or those with dairy or egg allergies, might prefer options like soy, pea, rice, or hemp. Soy protein powder, derived from soybeans, “is an excellent option for vegetarians or people who are lactose intolerant,” Johnson continues. It’s a complete protein — meaning, it contains those nine essential amino acids — but it’s not absorbed as quickly in the body as whey protein.

“Both pea and rice proteins are good choices for people with allergies or sensitivities to dairy or soy,” Johnson notes. “Hemp protein powder, made from hemp seeds, is another good plant-based option, plus a solid source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.”

Other options include pumpkin-seed protein and chia-seed protein. When reaching for a plant-based powder, Dr. Jampolis suggests those that combine proteins from multiple sources – like pea, brown rice, and chia, for example – as that ensures you get a variety of amino acids.

Amount of protein per serving

Johnson recommends powders with at least 20 to 30 grams per serving. “Just make sure to scope the nutrition label since some don’t provide many servings per container, or several scoops are needed to make one serving,” advises Titchenal.

Ingredient list

The best protein powders are made with “high-quality ingredients and have minimal added artificial colours, flavours and sugar alcohols — like sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol — which can cause GI distress for some people,” Johnson explains. “Aim for five grams or less of sugar alcohols per serving,” recommends Brondo. Instead, opt for products made with natural sweeteners – like stevia, monk fruit, or coconut sugar.

Third-party tested

Protein powders, along with all other dietary supplements, aren’t vetted by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) prior to hitting the market, so it’s wise to go with products that are tested by third-party entities to ensure purity, efficacy, safety, and potency.

Taste and texture

Arguably, the best protein powders dissolve well, have a palatable texture, and actually taste good, or don’t taste like much at all, if you’re planning to mix them with other ingredients. Read customer reviews before purchasing a product, and know you may need to try several different brands to find one that jives with your taste buds.

Price

“Ultimately, the cost of protein powders can vary significantly depending on factors such as the brand, the size of the container, and the retailer, so it’s always a good idea to compare prices and shop around to find the best deal,” advises Johnson.

Should you take protein powder?

Though protein powders offer tons of benefits, “they’re certainly not essential,” says Jampolis. “If you’re able to easily get all the protein you need through whole foods, that’s fantastic,” adds Titchenal. “Anyone can take protein powders, but they may be most helpful for specific people,” explains Brondo.

“For example, folks who struggle to consume enough protein in the morning could benefit from them — throwing together a protein shake is a quick, easy option — as could people with certain food allergies and those following specific diets, like veganism or vegetarianism,” suggests Ehsani. Athletes looking to maintain and build muscle may also find them helpful, as could older adults wanting to minimise muscle loss.