Looking to increase your protein-intake? Healthista tried and tested the best protein powders and protein snacks the market has to offer – so you don’t have to
I have always been nervous about eating a large amount of protein, as I thought that it would make me look bulky or that I would gain weight. Since starting my new fitness journey, it has became clear that this is far from the truth.
Protein plays a key part in weight loss and muscle gain. On average, women should eat at least 45 grams of protein a day or more. Protein helps to keep you fuller for longer, speeds up muscle recovery after exercise, and helps to build lean muscle.
Now, I’m not saying you need to eat two steaks a day, as meat-heavy diets can lead to an increased risk of heart disease or diabetes according to the British Health Foundation.
For someone who likes easy, on-the go meals, protein shakes and snacks have cut my ‘meal prep’ routine in half. Trust me, if you try the below powders (and snacks) you will be looking forward to reaching for your blender every morning….
#1 Trimbella Protein Powder, £29.99
Protein: 25 grams | Calories: 203 kcal
Trimbella has been a favourite of mine since I started using protein powders. I like to mix the chocolate one with a shot of espresso in the morning as the texture is a bit thicker.
The banana protein powder can also be used with frozen strawberries for a perfect ‘strawberry-banana’ shake. It’s vegan but one of the highest in protein that I have tried and actually liked.
Trimbella also has a stylish pink stainless steel shaker which I love using as my on-the-go cup for all of my protein shakes as it keeps it cold and is extremely easy to clean.
#2 FoodSpring Vanilla Protein Powder, £29.99
Protein: 24 grams | Calories: 112 kcal
This protein powder is high in protein, yet low in calories. Which makes it easy to pair with frozen fruit, rolled oats, and use for baking your own protein sweet treats.
It smells like true vanilla and does not have the chalky taste of most protein powders. If you are new to protein powder, this vanilla one from FoodSpring is the perfect place to start.
#3 Crazy Nutrition Tri-Protein Chocolate Protein Powder, £54.99
Protein: 23.25 grams | Calories: 111.50 kcal
I find myself reaching for this protein powder almost daily.
The texture is very light, low calorie, and does not taste chalky – yet with a banana and some almond milk it takes just like a chocolate banana milkshake.
It’s called ‘tri-protein’ because the formula contains 6 high-powdered proteins that digest at 3 intervals.
This chocolate protein powder is also a good place to start if you are looking for a good base to mix with everything. Our rating? 10/10.
#4 Shreddy Vegan Salted Caramel Ice Cream Protein Powder, £20
Protein: 22 grams | Calories: 115 kcal
I know what you might be thinking – what could I mix a salted caramel flavour into a protein shake with?
Well let me tell you – this powder can be used in overnight oats for a breakfast treat or an evening post-workout snack.
It’s also made of 100% pea protein making it vegan-friendly approved.
#5 Huel Chocolate Fudge Brownie Protein Powder, £45
Protein: 20 grams | Calories: 105 kcal
Huel has a wide selection of vegan protein powders, however we particularly love the Huel Complete vegan protein powder.
It is the lowest in calorie that we have tried yet still tastes delicious on it’s own mixed with water. The best thing about this protein is that it contains vitamin C, D3, zinc, so every sip provides essential vitamins.
For £45 you get two tubs of protein powder that you can mix and match with other flavours. Perfect for our non-committal queens.
#6 Rejuvenated Strawberry Protein Powder, £21.50
Protein: 21 grams | Calories: 106kcal
Another vegan protein powder for the win – Rejuvenated is a family owned brand that sells many health and wellness products.
I like this powder specifically because it is affordable, yet adds a bit of extra flavour when I’m burnt out on a chocolate or vanilla powder.
Plus it is suitable for diabetics, so keep it mind that the flavour is not that sweet.
#7 Vitl Vitamin & Protein Bars, £29.95 (pack of 15)
Protein: 14 grams | Calories: 143 kcal
Craving something sweet during your afternoon slump?
These bars will satisfy your sweet tooth cravings whilst also providing key vitamins such as collagen peptides, vitamin B, zinc, and folic acid.
The best thing is it does not even taste like a protein bar – more like a guilt free Snickers.
#8 MyProtein Vegan Baked Cookie, £18.99 (pack of 12)
Protein: 14 grams | Calories: 283 kcal
MyProtein is a well-known brand for their various selection of protein powders, bars, and snacks that help supplement more protein into your diet.
With such variety, it can be hard to sift through what to buy. My favourite thing I have tried from them would have to be this vegan baked cookie – but you really can’t go wrong with any of their products.
#9 KIND Protein Bars, prices vary
Protein: 12 grams | Calories: from 253 kcal
Another snack that have been in my office snack drawer are these KIND protein bars that are gluten-free and full of healthy fats.
It is a bit higher in calories than most protein bars, yet is still low carb and high protein.
Plus there is a variety of flavours so you don’t have to get bored of snacking on them. You can find them in any local shop sold individually or in packs.
#10 BOL Power Shakes, £20.82 (pack of 6)
Protein: from 20 grams | Calories: 237 kcal
These smoothies are the perfect thing to grab straight out of the fridge when you are in a rush or need an easy option for post-gym workouts.
These shakes are super flavourful and can be found in any local shop to buy individually as well as on their site in a pack of six.
Completely vegan and 100% plant based nutrition on-the-go.
#11 Grenade High Protein Bars, from £22.00 (pack of 12)
Protein: varies from 21 grams | Calories: from 212
Another great brand for delicious protein bars is from Grenade. They have a wide range of flavours – like the viral Oreo Protein Bar – that are high in protein but low in sugar, which means they are also low in calorie.
These protein bars are something I make sure to always have in my lunch bag for when I’m feeling hungry but don’t want to overeat. You can buy a selection box which gives you all the flavours in one.
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