The Best Whey Proteins

The OG, this quickly digested protein is derived from dairy and commonly used post-workout to provide muscles with the amino acids they need for repair and recovery. These three standouts delivered the goods in scoopfuls.

BEST ALL-ROUNDER Hermosa Whey Protein Powder, £30 for 420g

Score: 9/10 Created by the team behind the Barry’s UK fitness studios, this protein powder is made using milk sourced from grass-fed cows in the Lake District and is flavoured with the natural stevia sweetener, plus cocoa or vanilla, according to your taste (our testers loved the

former). Each 130-calorie serving provides about 21g

of protein, but what really commends this blend is its

creamy consistency and easy mixability, with none of the sandy residue that some other shakes leave behind.

BEST FOR DIGESTION Battle Ready Fuel Military Whey, £24.99 for 450g

Score: 8.6/10

The name’s not just for show – this protein brand is backed by special forces veteran (and TV personality) Ollie Ollerton. But even when stripped of its endorsements, our blind taste-testers rated it highly, describing it as both buttery and intensely creamy. As well as 24g of protein per scoop, it also contains a blend of helpful digestive enzymes to improve nutrient absorption and minimise bloating. One for the weekend warriors.

BEST BUDGET BUY PE Nutrition Performance Whey Protein Vanilla, £18 for 600g

Score: 8.7/10

An impressive performance for its price point, our testers particularly liked the vanilla blend. Made using three types of whey – concentrate, hydrolysate and isolate (see p87) – it offers a punchy 20.5g of protein with just 98 calories due to minimal carbs and fats, and it’s naturally lower in lactose than some other powders. Testers described the texture as ‘milkshake-like’. We’re going to call it the Stacked Donald’s shake.