We've compiled a comprehensive list of the best whey protein products money can buy
Navigating the immense world of training supplements is no mean feat. Choosing the right supplement for your routine is dependent on a range of variables: budget, goals, taste, mixability, safety, ingredients and more. And with so many products to choose from, it's easy to get lost in the confusing world that is sports nutrition, especially when you're trying to find the best whey protein.
Which is why MH got to grips with five of the most popular – and wallet-friendly – best whey protein products out there.
What to look for
Before you part with your hard-earned cash, it's important to understand what it is you are buying, and, most importantly, what to look for when you're looking for the best whey protein. When it comes to whey and recovery, these are the things you need to know about.
Why whey?
Milk contains two main types of protein: whey and casein. Whey is found in the watery portion of milk. Whey protein is a mixture of proteins isolate from whey and is considered a complete protein. In other words, it contains all 9 essential amino acids. As you know, the body can't produce these amino acids, which is why a well-rounded diet (or supplement) is so important for muscle gain. Whey protein generally contains low levels of fat and carbohydrates (lactose) which helps minimise gut distress. Research has even shown it can play a pivotal role in weight-loss.
How much whey do I need?
Your age, goals and weight are just a few factors that'll determine how much protein you will need to build muscle. Not sure how much is enough? Our complete guide to protein will help. It's worth noting here, however, that the majority of your protein intake, and macronutrients in general, should come from your diet. Supplements are there to do just that: supplement. Real foods, for example, contain more nutrients, fibre and minerals and are far easier to digest.
When to whey?
Your muscles' ability to absorb nutrients are most receptive in the hour immediately after your workout. That's not to say chugging down a shake a couple of hours later won't work, far from it, but if you can, get that shake down as soon as possible and then get on with your life and real foods.
MY PROTEIN – IMPACT WHEY PROTEIN
Per 25g serving: 103kcal, 21g protein, 1g carbohydrates, 1.9g fat
MH opted for the chocolate flavouring of MP’s Impact Whey Protein. Naturally, there are other flavours – from ‘Birthday cake’ to Rocky Road – but we went with the likely choice. Packing 21g of protein per 25g serving, it mixes well with no signs of remaining lumps but, once slurped down, the sweetness of the chocolate flavour is a little over-powering. The 4.5g of BCAAs per serving are a welcome boost, which will aid muscle repair.
VERDICT: Good choice of flavours and an easy to mix, versatile and good value-for-money supplement.
SCORE: 7.5/10
PRICE: £15.79 (1kg)
OPTIMUM NUTRITION – GOLD STANDARD WHEY PROTEIN
Per 30.4g serving: 113kcal, 23.9g protein, 1.8g carbohydrates, 1.1g fat
As the go-to supplement for many, Optimum Nutrition’s Whey Protein could be considered as a safe bet. But, how does it stack up? The varieties are all fairly predictable – strawberry, vanilla and chocolate – so no easy win there. However, the taste of each is as close as you’ll get without actually slurping a post-gym milkshake (or cake). Be careful with your water though, anything more than 250ml per 30g serving (which packs around 24g of protein) will rapidly diminish flavour – quicker than most.
VERDICT: There's a reason why this is one of the world's most-favoured wheys and is an ideal all-rounder, especially for those looking for something simple and effective for a reasonable price.
SCORE: 7/10
PRICE: £39.99 (1kg)
SiS – ADVANCED ISOLATE
Per 40g serving: 145kcal, 33g protein, 1.1g carbohydrates, 1.1g fat
Containing 100% pure whey protein isolate with added leucine, the most important of all the amino acids for building muscle, this product is ideal for those who take their post-workout recovery seriously. Its strawberry taste is sweet, but not sickly, and it mixes well with both water and milk. It packs a punch too, containing 31g of protein per 40g serving and just 1g of fat, helping support lean muscle growth.
VERDICT: High in protein, high in BCAAs and low in both carbohydrates and fat, this Informed Sport Registered product – triple tested to ensure user confidence – is a sure-fire way to help promote protein synthesis.
SCORE: 8/10
PRICE: £39.99 (1kg)
MAXI NUTRITION PROMAX SUSTAIN & REBUILD
Per 42g serving: 154kcal, 30g protein, 2.5g carbohydrate, 2.4g fat
Sustain & Rebuild is perfect for anyone after a no-frills whey powder. The inclusion of multiple BCAAs helps build muscle more efficiently than leucine on its own, while the packaging has clear and simple guidelines making this powder perfect for first-timers. The chocolate taste is sweet without being cloying, but benefits from mixing with milk instead of the suggested water.
THE VERDICT: A high protein count, a more complete BCAA profile and a great taste makes this product a solid first-time buy without restricting itself to gym newbies. A quality powder ideal for general use.
SCORE: 9/10
PRICE: £44.99 (1kg)
BIO SYNERGY – WHEY HEY: 8.5/10
Per 35g serving: 108kcal, 21.45g protein, 7.22g carbohydrates, 1.75g fat
Offering up a solid 21.4g of protein per 35g serving, Bio Synergy Whey Hey offers a decent extra dose of protein to any diet. The flavour is for coffee lovers; think coffee cake. Straight off the bat, it tastes great with water, but add some milk or even coconut water and you get an extra shot of creaminess without a sickly flavour. It mixes well too, even when stirred into yoghurt of porridge.
THE VERDICT: Enriched with BCAAs, gluten-free and only 108 calories per serving, this well balanced powder from Bio Synergy mixes will and tastes great, if you like coffee. It’s caffeine-free though…
SCORE: 8.5/10
PRICE: £49.99 (2kg)
