Best Whey Protein
Find the best whey protein supplements on the market, and why they are so popular.
Last Updated: 26 November 2024
Protein is one of the key macronutrients our bodies need to help promote muscle growth and repair. So if you are looking to build or even maintain muscle, you should at the very least have a good idea of how much protein you are fuelling your body with on a daily basis.
One of the easiest ways to keep on top of your protein intake is through the supplementation of whey protein.
We are going to be highlighting the best whey protein UK consumers can buy. But before we do, let’s take a quick look at why we need protein and why most people consider whey protein powder to be a good option.
Our Top Rated Whey Protein
Why Buy Whey Protein?
Unlike other nutrients, the human body is unable to store protein deposits. So it is vital we provide our bodies with protein consistently throughout the day. If you want to build lean muscle, you’re going to need to really increase your protein intake.
Eating protein-rich food – poultry, red meat, fish, shellfish, nuts and seeds – is the best and most obvious way to get more protein into your body, but it’s not always the easiest.
Alongside a balanced diet, a whey protein supplement will give your body a constant source of protein, and it’s simple and cost-effective too. You can also easily boost your intake when it is most needed, such as immediately after a workout.
Adding a whey protein supplement to your regime is a surefire way to get all the protein your body needs, and there are lots of supplements out there for you to choose from.
Best Whey Proteins UK
Now we know why why proteins are a good investment, take a look at 12 of the best whey protein powders available to buy in the UK. We ranked these products and their position based on value for money, quality of protein, taste, texture, and overall effectiveness as our main concerns.
Our number one might not necessarily be your number one, so be sure to read through the reviews before deciding.
1. Crazy Nutrition Tri-Protein
Crazy Nutrition are fast becoming one of our go-to brands for high-quality supplementation, and their Tri-Protein is one of their flagship products that is full to the brim of the ‘good stuff’.
When it comes to high-quality whey protein, their Tri-Protein mix punches above the weight of pretty much all its rivals.
It’s certainly not the cheapest, but that’s because it’s high-quality.
It delivers on everything we’d want from a decent whey protein powder, without using fillers that give us unwanted chemicals and calories.
With a natural ingredient profile, 21g of protein and just 96 calories per serving, their 3-pronged approach to whey protein is a cut above the rest.
Crazy Nutrition are part of the Crazy Bulk family, who have an excellent reputation for producing supplements that have multiple benefits. With Tri-Protein, it has a quick-acting absorption rate, the blend acts as muscle repairing fuel, and there is also an element of appetite suppressant for good measure.
For anyone looking to grow or maintain muscle whilst cutting or work a calorie deficit, these are all seriously helpful benefits.
This whey works by using four different quality proteins in three different phases: 1) absorption (whey protein isolate); 2) fuel (milk protein concentrate); and 3) appetite suppression (micellar casein and calcium caseinate).
This means you’ll have Tri-Protein working in three different ways to help you achieve muscle gain and fat loss, and keep your muscles recovering fast so you can keep up the work in the gym.
You also have some added digestive enzymes in the fuel phase, which prevent bloating and gas – a common problem with protein powders.
It’s one of the kinder wheys on your stomach, despite how effective it is, and you’ll feel fuller for longer on it too.
At the time of writing, we have tested the chocolate and vanilla flavours – both being incredibly tasty when mixed with milk or water.
They also have a great consistency – we used it as a standalone shake as well as for overnight oats, and it works brilliantly for both.
Originally when we wrote this review they only had one flavour available, but they’ve since expanded to FOUR decent flavours: strawberry, chocolate, vanilla and banana.
Yes, the price is higher than some other brands – but you often get what you pay for. Tri-Protein is seriously high quality, is easy to stick to, and genuinely helps achieve obvious results alongside a healthy diet and fitness programme.
Once you try this, you will likely not look back!
Is Your Shaker As Good As Your Protein?
We’ve never really thought about the difference a good quality protein shaker makes before – that is until we tried Beyond Shakers.
They literally specialise in making the highest-quality protein shakers on the market – and they cost less than you might think!
They have a range of designs (with something to suit everyone) and the shaker is made from odour resistant stainless steel – crucial if you wish to use it for water after your shake.
It’s double-insulated too – which means it will keep your shake at the perfect temperature for hours.
If you want the perfect shaker to go with your perfect whey protein, check out their collection today.
2. MyProtein Impact Whey Protein
MyProtein has fast become one of the most respected and best value-for-money fitness supplement companies in the UK.
In comparison to other leading companies, their products are generally more towards the budget end of the market, but they also maintain a strict focus on high-quality supplements.
Over the last few years their product range has become even more extensive, and they now boast one of the largest ranges of whey protein flavours in the UK.
With no less than 50 different flavours to choose from – from Peach Tea to Cereal Milk, Blueberry, White Gold and many others, there’s no way you won’t find something you like.
Each flavour has slightly different nutritional values, but generally speaking you will get 23g of protein per serving, and 5g of BCAAs in each scoop.
We have always found the consistency of the MyProtein range to be pretty smooth and you can mix it either with milk (for added healthy fats and protein) or water for a non-lumpy protein shake.
Chocolate Brownie is one of our favourite flavours with 21g of protein per scoop and just 2g of fat and 1.4g of carbs (which are sugar). We mix it with water, and after trialling it we found our muscles felt good post-workout and recovery was as quick as with any other brand.
In terms of value for money, quality of product and nutritional values, we consider it to be one of the best whey proteins UK-based consumers can purchase.
3. FoodSpring Whey Protein
FoodSpring was one of the brands that was lesser known to us, but upon testing it simply had to make our top protein powder list.
It is a little more costly than MyProtein, but it actually excels in many other regards thanks to its great taste and excellent nutritional profile, and it’s one of the best consistencies we have seen when mixed with water.
Their protein shaker is also brilliant, so we’d suggest nabbing one of those too when you place your order.
At the time of writing they have four flavours available: Chocolate, Vanilla, Cookies & Cream and Coconut Crisp.
We tested the standard Chocolate flavour, and we have to say it is one of the best tasting chocolate protein powders we have sampled.
There is no nasty after-taste, it tastes great with water and milk (although we preferred to mix it with water), and it works really well with oats for a breakfast treat when mixed with oat milk or semi-skimmed milk.
Available in 750g packages, the tub itself is pretty impressive and is certainly a step up on the packaging you see with the likes of MyProtein and Bulk Powders – but it is what’s inside that really counts, and it delivers on taste and nutrition.
Each 30g serving contains 21g of protein, just 1.4g of carbs and just 1.4g of fat, and all in just 114 calories. It is hard to find a better macro breakdown than that in any of the products we tested and the provenance is good too – with the whey coming from New Zealand grass fed cows that spend 90% of their time grazing.
This is full of the good stuff, and with each serving you get 5.4g of BCAAs and other essential amino acids – all designed to aid muscle fatigue and recovery.
All in all, this is a great protein powder and if you can afford the higher cost and want something that is made with quality in mind then you can’t go wrong with FoodSpring. (Edit: This is currently unavailable and we are seeking further information on this.)
4. Bulk Powders Pure Whey Protein
Bulk Powders is another fairly budget-friendly brand of pure whey protein and is available in a range of flavours (not quite as many as our number one choice though – but 24 is plenty, plus an Unflavoured option).
With up to 22g of protein per serving (depending on flavour), 5g BCAAs and less than 1.5g of sugar per serving, this award-winning protein shake is going to help you see big gains when coupled with a consistent strength building program.
All of the Bulk Powder protein is sourced from the milk of grass fed cows in Europe, and it shows in the quality of their powders.
Of the four flavours we have tested (Chocolate Cookies, Vanilla, Strawberry and Unflavoured) we found all were easy to mix with water or milk, had an excellent consistency, and did not upset our stomachs.
Incidentally, our favourite flavour was the Chocolate Cookie flavour.
5. USN Whey Protein Premium
USN is probably the most household name on this list and has a strong history of producing top-quality whey protein powder.
The 100% premium version mixes whey protein concentrate and isolate to produce a potent mix that gives results.
24g of protein mixed with 150ml of water is classed as one serving, and a double scoop with just 300ml of water gives a muscle boosting 48g of protein – easy to drink post-workout or even once you arrive at work.
There are 8 flavours in total to choose from, with Vanilla and Chocolate being our top picks for taste.
You also get 5.6g of BCAAs per serving and tastes amazing. It is a little pricier than some of the other options and the fat content is slightly higher, but overall this is a great option if you are looking to build muscle and need the extra protein.
6. The Protein Works 80
As one of the newer kids on the block, The Protein Works had its work cut out to take on the leading brands in a packed market place – but it has done so with aplomb and as a result has a pretty sizeable cult following.
It’s not just all about their snazzy branding either.
They offer 14 flavours of whey protein that packs up to 22g per serving and only around 111 calories, and just 2.1g of carbs per scoop.
There are other versions of their whey protein depending on what your goals are, but as pure whey protein goes we prefer the 80 concentrate version.
This whey concentrate has 80% protein overall which is not quite as much as we’d like in terms of pure protein content, but still ticks all the right boxes.
7. Optimum Nutrition 100% Gold Standard
Optimum Nutrition is one of the most respected whey protein producers on the planet and has been making and selling this supplement for over 30 years.
That doesn’t mean you are getting a product based on old science though, as they constantly refine their recipe to continue to deliver the genuine ‘gold standard’ of whey protein.
Considered by most as the best in the business, this whey protein isolate comes packed with 24g of blended protein, 5.5g of BCAAs, and is certified against any kind of banned substances which makes it the top choice for professionals.
You can choose from 12 flavours – plus and Unflavoured option – in total, and all of the flavours we tested (Chocolate Hazelnut, French Vanilla Crème and Cookies & Cream) tasted great and mixed really well.
The only downside of the this supplement is the price – but it’s worth the price tag and certainly one of the most solid, effective whey proteins out there.
8. MusclePharm Combat Powder
MusclePharm Combat whey protein powder is a little different to most on this list in that it has a combination of whey proteins in its blend.
It is marketed as ‘for athletes’, but the reality is that MusclePharm is suitable for anyone who is looking to maintain a high protein diet.
As it contains 5 different types of protein it is digested at different rates.
This means that some of the protein is absorbed almost immediately, while other sources take hours to break down – theoretically drip feeding the benefits into your body for longer.
There are pros and cons to this, but if you struggle to keep your protein intake up through the day it may be beneficial to try this supplement.
This blend contains whey protein concentrates, hydrolysates and isolates, egg albumin and micellar casein, and is available in a small range of flavours – again we tested the Chocolate flavour which was perfectly palatable.
With 25g of protein per scoop there is plenty to keep your muscles in tip top shape, but 6g of carbs per scoop might put some people off.
9. PHD Nutrition Diet Whey Isolate
PHD Nutrition is in the upper echelons of the whey protein market when it comes to quality, though is also reflected in the price.
That being said, some will attest that PHD is worth the investment thanks to its high-quality whey isolate protein, and can be used post-workout like any other whey protein powder or as part of a breakfast smoothie (with a fairly popular recipe available for this purpose).
PHD say their diet whey can be used for weight loss or lean muscle growth – but as we say, the reality is that it will be similar to the other products reviewed on this page.
There are over 10 flavours to choose from and we found the Vanilla Cream to be the pick of the bunch. When combined with water or milk, these shakes were smooth and tasty.
10. BSN Syntha-6 Edge
BSN Syntha-6 Edge is another whey protein that blends different types of whey protein together – with 6 different proteins in total.
Whey protein concentrate, whey isolate, hydrolysed whey protein isolate, milk protein isolate, micellar casein and calcium caseinate all make up the impressive blend.
Like the MusclePharm Combat Powder, this mix of proteins will give you an immediate hit and a longer-lasting digestion of the proteins.
It’s not the cheapest whey protein on the market and we’d say it is not the tastiest either – not that it is terrible, but the taste and texture was nothing to shout about.
In terms of the what it’s packing, you’ll find a massive 11g of BCAAs and just 1.6g of sugar per serving alongside the 24g of protein.
All in all, BSN Syntha-6 Edge is a good whey protein option, and if you can buy it at a similar price to its competitors it is worth the investment.
11. Maximuscle Cyclone – With Creatine
The Maximuscle Cyclone Whey has something that none of the other protein mixes on this page has – and that is 5g of creatine.
There aren’t many supplements that we recommend taking alongside whey protein, but if muscle mass is what you are looking for then creatine is one that is well worth the investment.
Generally, we are fans of being able to manage creatine intake separately to our protein.
But if you are taking 5g of creatine a day anyway with your protein and you don’t use your whey protein more than once during a day, then this MaxiMuscle mix is well worth considering.
In addition to the creatine, you get a whopping 31g of protein, 23.5g of BCAAs (per 100g) and 10g of glutamine. MaxiMuscle also screen their whey protein so it is 100% safe for athletes who might be subject to substance screening.
You’ve got five flavours to choose from here. It’s a little heavy on the carbs for those looking for weight loss, but it’s not designed for that. It’s for those looking to really bulk up on muscle, and it is a top choice for it too.
12. Reflex Nutrition 100%
If you want a more natural whey protein then Reflex Nutrition 100%, is for you.
Made with no artificial sweeteners and including a range of muscle popping additions such as BCAAs, 9 essential amino acids and a unique mix of digestive enzymes, it has 21g of protein for a good post-workout boost.
Amazingly, all of this comes in at just 110 calories per serving and has less than 1g of sugar per scoop.
This is a high-quality blend of concentrate and isolate whey protein, and although it is not the greatest tasting powder we have tried, it certainly isn’t horrific and we are pretty sure that this is the most natural whey protein in the UK – it is even made here!
How Much Protein Do I Need?
The amount of protein your body needs is relative to your goals and you should seek advice from a GP or qualified personal trainer if you are looking to radically alter your diet.
However, as a rule of thumb, anyone looking to build muscle should be aiming for between 1.5g and 2g of protein per KG of body weight. Using this calculation, a 75kg male would be aiming for between 112.5g and 150g of protein per day.
For those looking to build muscle, you would expect protein to make up around 30% of your macronutrients, with 30% reserved for healthy fats and 40% to be made up of complex carbohydrates – both of which are also key for promoting healthy muscle growth.
Types of Whey Protein
Although most whey protein brands have multiple types of protein powder available, there are actually just three main types of whey protein:
Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC)
Whey protein concentrate is often found in protein bars, confectionary, and sometimes in powders. It is the least processed type of whey protein and as such it contains between 1 and 9% fat content.
The quality of this type of protein varies widely, so always check the label for protein content with anything from 25% to 89% protein content being typical.
Whey Protein Isolate (WPI)
This is an excellent source of protein and is very low in lactose which usually means less stomach upsets than other forms of whey protein.
This is the most common type of whey protein for supplements, and protein content is usually between 90-95%. This is generally considered to be the best for reviving those aching muscles straight after a workout.
Hydrolised Whey Protein
Hydrolised whey has been broken down into peptides which makes it even easier for the body to absorb. The quality of protein here is high and is generally around 80-90%. Fat content can be a little higher than isolate (up to 10%).
Why Use Whey Protein?
There are two main reasons why using whey protein is a good idea. The first is that it is convenient. A single scoop of whey protein can deliver 24g of protein and 5.5g of BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) which are also proven supplements that aid muscle growth and prevent muscle fatigue.
They have relatively low carbs and fats and can be kept in a protein shaker until needed and then consumed on the go – even at your desk or on the train – which makes whey protein incredibly convenient and certainly more socially acceptable than just pulling out a chicken breast whilst on the tube.
Vegan protein can be just as effective and can also deliver a good dose of BCAAs as well as other key nutrients.
Another key benefit of whey protein is that it is very cost-effective and provides excellent value per gram of protein.
Take our number one pick – MyProtein Impact Whey Protein for example, at just £22 for 1kg. That provides 40 servings of 21g of protein – a total of 840g of protein for £22 (at full price).
To get 840g from chicken breasts we would need 48x100g chicken breasts – even at £1 per chicken breast it is less than half the price to consume the whey protein.
A side benefit of whey protein powder is that it is quickly digested into the body. This is why most people tend to take it either directly before or immediately after a workout – basically, when your body needs it most.
Some people might choose to take a pre-workout supplement prior to their workout and then protein afterwards.
To be clear, we are not looking at meal replacement shakes here. Instead, we are looking at shakes that are designed to give you a protein boost alongside your regular food intake.
Latest Update – 26/11/2024: All links checked. Buttons amended. Nutritional value of each product checked and amended where required. Images renewed where packaging has changed. Flavours updated. Awaiting updated link for MaxiMuscle Cyclone, which has since been rebranded to MaxiNutrition (information on this product is correct, but awaiting new link for visitors). Improved readability. Reformatted text.
