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The best protein powders to support overall wellbeing, rated by nutritionists
These tried and tested blends help build muscle strength, support bone health and boost energy
Tested by Kim HawleySenior Health & Fitness Tester
Proteins are compounds formed of essential amino acids that do all sorts of vital jobs in the body, helping with muscle growth and repair, improving bone health, boosting the immune system and supporting brain function.
While you should be able to get enough protein through your diet alone, for those who are exercising regularly, going through menopause, or just aren't getting enough from what they eat, supplementing with one of the best protein powders for women can help.
Not all powders are created equal, though, so how do you know which one is right for you? That’s where the Good Housekeeping Institute comes in. Our experts tested the best whey on the market to help you find the ones that will help you hit your health and fitness goals.
Here are our winners at a glance, but scroll on for our in-depth reviews and to learn more about this essential macronutrient.
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How we test protein powders
We asked leading nutritionists and dieticians – including Megan Foulsham, Ruby Chuahan and Nicola Ludlham-Raine – to help us find the best whey protein powders on the market.
We analyse the following key elements in our testing.
- Taste and texture: We ask our testers to assess how well the powder mixes into their chosen format, whether that’s milk, water, a smoothie or food. Because no one wants any powdery lumps!
- Nutritional makeup: Our nutritionists assessed each blend, looking at how much additional protein, they offer, as well as other key macros such as sugar, fat, and calories per serving.
- Quality of ingredients: They assess the quality of each powder, including whether there is any known stomach irritants included, such as certain sweeteners.
Back at the Good Housekeeping Institute, our panel of fitness experts and food testers rated the protein powders on flavour, texture, aroma and ease of use. Each product was then awarded a final score.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey: Chocolate
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey: Chocolate
Score: 94/100
Per 31g serving: 116kcals, 24g protein, 1.6g carbs, 1.4g fat
If you’ve ever dabbled in the world of protein powders, you may recognise this hefty tub of Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey. It lines many gym-goers’ shelves, so of course we had to test it, and it didn’t disappoint.
Each serving contains an impressive 24g of protein and our panellists were big fans of the silky smooth texture. They also said it had a nice level of sweetness, which masked the whey flavour, without tasting artificial. It's a gold star from us.
MyProtein Clear Whey: Cranberry & Raspberry
MyProtein Clear Whey: Cranberry & Raspberry
Score: 94/100
Per 20g serving: 85kcals, 20g protein, 0.9g carbs, 0g fat
Another lighter, clear whey option, this one scored highly for its refreshing, fruity flavours. It contains a decent 20g of protein, as well as branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which are shown to prevent muscle damage; however, it's important to note that most people will get this through their diet without the need for additional intake.
Most of our panel enjoyed the “fruity and sharp” berry notes - it is a sweet one, so it will come down to personal taste. The texture is slightly thick, but “very drinkable”.
Protein Works Whey 360 Extreme
Protein Works Whey 360 Extreme
Score: 93/100
Per serving: 113kcals, 26g protein, 4.9g carbs and 1.0g fat
Our panel loved the sweet, gingerbread-esque flavour of this Biscoff-inspired powder from Protein Works and raved about the crunchy biscuit pieces for added texture.
It wasn’t just the moreish flavour that earned this one its high score though – its nutritional value also impressed our experts. It has a decent 26g of protein per shake and is enriched with vitamins, including B5, which helps the body use and store energy from the protein.
The resealable packaging is convenient for keeping it fresh in your gym bag, too. Oh, and if Biscoff isn’t your cup of tea, there are also banoffee, strawberries and cream and chocolate orange flavours to choose from.
Score: 93/100
Per 25g serving: 91kcals, 17g protein, 2.8g carbs, 1.4g fat
This whey supports muscles with 17g of protein per serving, and contains three key ingredients that PHD claims support fat loss: L-carnitine, a chemical that helps the body turn fat into energy; CLA (or, conjugated linoleic acids), which is believed to help reduce body fat deposits and improve immune function; and green tea extract.
You also get 7mg of caffeine sprinkled into each serving to help maintain energy levels throughout the day. Although this means that if you tend to exercise at night and want to refuel post-workout, it may not be the powder for you.
Overall, though, our panel enjoyed the pronounced chocolate flavour and thick milkshake-like texture.
Innermost The Strong Protein
Innermost The Strong Protein
Score: 91/100
Per 40g serving: 147kcals, 34g protein, 2g carbs, 1.1g fat
This powder contains two types of protein: whey, which is loaded with the essential amino acids that are key to building muscle mass; and casein, a slower-digesting protein that aids recovery. It’s also packed with Montmorency cherry and bilberry extracts, two anti-inflammatory antioxidants that are designed to support the body’s recovery process.
Impressive nutritional values and high-quality ingredients aside, this protein powder was also a hit on the flavour front. Our panel liked the mellow chocolate and caramel flavour, noting that it didn’t taste too sweet or artificial. It wasn’t overpowering and there wasn’t any unpleasant aftertaste, either.
PhD Nutrition Synergy All-in-One Protein Powder
PhD Nutrition Synergy All-in-One Protein Powder
Score: 90/100
Per 30g serving: 246kcals, 35g protein, 18g carbs, 3.9g fat
Our testing panel described this one as “pleasantly sweet” with a “milkshake-esque thickness”. Five Guys, who?
As well as a high 35g of protein per serving, it’s also full of other workout-boosting ingredients, including creatine to aid recovery and build muscle mass, plus vitamins C and B6 to help reduce fatigue.
Then there’s zinc and magnesium to further boost post-workout recovery and support a healthy metabolism. Note, this one's formulated for those who want to maintain a lean physique, rather than significantly increasing muscle mass.
MaxiNutrition Max Whey
Score: 90/100
Per serving: 112kcals, 22g protein, 2.1g carbs and 1.5g fat
Another top choice for chocolate lovers, MaxiNutrition’s signature whey powder has a smooth, silky cocoa flavour. Our testers were fans, saying it tasted more natural than many chocolate protein powders on the market. They also rated the light consistency and lack of aftertaste.
It has a good 22g hit of protein for your post-workout smoothie but if you want some extra carbs to supercharge your recovery, we suggest whizzing it up with a frozen banana and a dollop of peanut butter.
Holland & Barrett Performance Whey
Holland & Barrett Performance Whey
Score: 89/100
Per 31g serving: 106kcals, 21g protein, 3.2g carbs, 1.7g fat
Holland & Barrett’s latest protein powder went down well with our panel, quite literally in some cases, as one tester told us it was “very smooth and easy to drink”. When asked about taste, another person likened it to a berry smoothie, which makes a refreshing change to classic chocolate or vanilla.
Weight training and running can be taxing on your joints and ligaments, so as well as providing a large protein hit, this supplement has been formulated to help the mind and body too. It contains magnesium to replenish electrolytes lost in those extra sweaty workouts and help reduce fatigue. There’s also added zinc, which contributes to regular cognitive function.
ESN Designer Whey Powder
ESN Designer Whey Powder
Score: 89/100
Per serving: 144kcals, 22g protein, 2.1g carbs, 1.7g fat
Sports brand Elite Sports Nutrition (ESN) is all about creating supplements that support athletes’ goals. With weight loss, endurance, and muscle building in mind, this blend contains an impressive 22g of protein per serving, alongside just 1.7g of sugar.
Despite the low sugar content, it has a pleasant, sweet flavour, which our panel said genuinely tasted like cookies and cream. “It feels like a treat at the end of the day,” said one, so it's perfect for an after-dinner snack.
More Protein Iced Coffee
More Protein Iced Coffee
Score: 87/100
Per serving: 157kcals, 18g protein, 4g carbs, 6.8g fat
Get your caffeine hit and protein fix in one neat scoop with More’s protein powder, which our testers compared to sipping on an iced coffee instead of a bog-standard protein shake. Alongside 18g of protein per serving, it’s blended with instant coffee (33mg caffeine per 100ml, which is equivalent to your standard cappuccino) for an energy boost to get you through those early morning sessions.
This nutritious brew combines fast-digesting whey, which helps with rapid muscle protein synthesis, with slower-digesting casein to prevent muscle fatigue.
When it comes to taste, the coffee flavour comes through strong, as well as a slight hint of chocolate brownie, so you can hold your usual two sugars. Compared to the average shake, it’s also a bit thinner in texture, making it easier to drink.
More Clear Protein - 30g
More Clear Protein - 30g
Score: 86/100
Per serving: 104kcals, 24g protein, 2.3g carbs, 0g fat
Our in-house taste testers likened this one to a refreshing mango juice, without the artificial taste that some protein powders can have. If mango isn’t your thing, then there are lots of other thirst-quenching options, including Green Apple, Lemonade Style Virgin Mojito, and Iced Tea Style Peach.
It also dissolved well and there was no powdery texture. It’s best served with water like a squash, or you can stir it into yoghurt for a lovely sweet treat, minus the sugar.
PhD Nutrition Smart Protein Powder
PhD Nutrition Smart Protein Powder
Score: 86/100
Per 30g serving: 116kcals, 19g protein, 4.1g carbs, 2.6g fat
You may be asking, what’s so smart about this protein from PhD? Well, it’s extremely versatile – sure, you could mix it with water and drink it as a standard protein shake, but it also works extremely well in your bakes (we love protein pancakes and cookies), mixed in with porridge or stirred into yoghurt.
It delivers on taste (the classic chocolate flavour is hard to fault), the consistency isn’t creamy but it’s not too thick, and it offers a decent 19g of protein per serving to boost your daily intake. We have it on good authority that the chocolate peanut and salted caramel powders are worth trying, too.
Grenade Strawberries and Cream Protein Shake
Score: 85/100
Per 300ml serving: 184kcals, 26g protein, 11g carbs, 4g fat
Sick of carting tubs or suspicious-looking sandwich bags of powder to and from the gym? Then this pre-mixed, ready-to-drink protein shake is a convenient and hassle-free option. It will also go down easily, as our expert said it was smooth to drink, without that overwhelming protein taste that some supplements have.
In fact, it resembles a strawberry milkshake without the high sugar content. It’s the ultimate sweet treat with a whopping 26g of protein to boot.
Innermost The Lean Protein: Vanilla
Innermost The Lean Protein: Vanilla
Score: 84/100
Per 40g serving: 148kcals, 31g protein, 2g carbs, 1g fat
Formulated in collaboration with leading nutritionists, this blend is designed to help maintain high energy levels and encourage healthy fat burning. It includes energy-boosting ingredients such as acetyl l-carnitine, which increases endurance and reduces fatigue, as well as inulin, a prebiotic that aids digestion by increasing good bacteria in the gut.
It also boasts antioxidants such as yerba mate, said to enhance physical performance through its energy boosting properties, and bilberries, which are shown to help cardiovascular health.
Each 40g serving contains an impressive 31g of protein and our panel enjoyed the strong vanilla flavour, which they said helped to mask the protein taste. As a gluten, soy and allergen-free option that’s suitable for those on halal or kosher diets, Innermost has created a really versatile powder in The Lean.
Freesoul Sculpt Hybrid Protein Vanilla
Freesoul Sculpt Hybrid Protein Vanilla
Score: 82/100
Per 25g serving: 99kcals, 20g protein, 1.12g carbs, 1.12g fat
This protein powder mixed with added vitamins is a great choice before or after a workout. The blend provides a healthy dose of whey and pea protein isolate (20g per serving) along with iron and B vitamins, which can help reduce tiredness and fatigue. It also contains maca root, a plant that’s been associated with hormone balancing and energy.
Available in chocolate and vanilla flavours, our in-house taste tester raved about the vanilla option, saying it smelt and tasted like vanilla ice cream. However, they weren’t as keen on the texture, finding it slightly gritty. So, we suggest whizzing it into a smoothie or blending it into milk, rather than mixing it with just water.
The combination of fast and slow-digesting proteins in this powder will help to support muscle recovery over time. However, the blend does contain several additives, so it may not be the best choice for those with sensitive stomachs.
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
Here at the Good Housekeeping Institute, we’ve been testing products for over 100 years, from the best mattress to the best fitness watches.
Kim Hawley, who led our protein powder test, has years of industry experience to draw on. She's a level 4 qualified personal trainer, has a nutrition qualification and spent 20 years working in the leading health clubs across the UK.
Our lifestyle writer Madeleine Evans has written about hundreds of products and is an avid gym-goer herself, so she knows what to look for in a good protein powder. For her, the Phd Smart Protein wins every time, especially when stirred into overnight oats.
What are the different types of protein powders??
Protein powders are derived from different sources. The ones on this list are animal-derived – we also have a dedicated piece for the best vegan protein powders.
Animal-based protein powders are usually made from the following:
Whey: This is a popular option as it’s a complete protein, derived from milk. Whey is split into three further sub-categories: Isolate, which is filtered to remove excess fats and lactose, offering a higher percentage of pure protein; Concentrate, which retains those fats and carbs; and clear whey, which filters out even more fat and carbs than the isolate, making it thinner in texture, more like a juice.
Casein: Is also a milk-derived protein but has a slower digestion rate than whey, which is said to be good for overnight muscle repair.
Is protein powder good for you?
If you’re looking to hit specific health and wellness goals protein powders can be a good addition to your diet. Though it’s important to decide on the best one for you, as for example, some powders (such as whey and casein) would be unsuited to those on a lactose free diet – while these ingredients can also cause stomach issues for some.
Watch out for added sugars or powders high in calories, as these can spike blood sugar levels or raise your daily calorie intake. Anyone suffering with kidney conditions should also talk to their doctor – as studies show that high amounts of protein can further strain kidneys.
If you’re unsure if a protein powder is right for you, it’s always worth talking to a nutritionist or your GP.
How much protein do women need?
Protein intake is important for everyone, but it's particularly essential for women.“Protein supports muscle growth and repair, especially after exercise,” explains dietician Nichola Ludlam-Raine.
Individual requirements vary from person to person. But research shows that on average, women require 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight – so, for example, if you weigh 70kg, you should be eating around 56g of protein each day. However, if you're exercising on top of this, experts recommend upping your intake.
Women who are more active or engage in strength training exercises may need “1-2g of protein per kilogram of body weight,” says Ludlam-Raine. Menopause can also affect how our bodies process protein.
Holland & Barrett retail health lead, Anojan Arulananthan, cites research, which indicates that post-menopausal women tend to display “diminished levels of lean muscle mass in contrast to pre-menopausal women.”
“It helps in the production of enzymes and hormones and in maintaining bone health, which is particularly important for post-menopausal women who are at a higher risk of osteoporosis.“It also supports the production of collagen and keratin, two proteins key to healthy hair, skin and nails.”
This, combined with an increased risk of developing osteoporosis due to a drop in oestrogen levels, means it’s important to make sure you’re getting sufficient protein at this life stage. You should be able to reach the recommended protein intake through a balanced diet, including beef, chicken, salmon, nuts, eggs, lentils and tofu. However, if you're struggling or would like to increase your protein levels, then a supplement could help.
Are some protein powders better than others?
Quality, nutritional value, flavour and price are all key elements to consider before you make your choice, and some will come down to personal preference.Experts also advise avoiding powders with too many artificial sweeteners and flavours in the ingredients lists, as excessive consumption could lead to adverse health risks.
Those supplementing with vegan protein should also ensure the blend includes sufficient complete protein. This is a protein that contains all nine of the essential amino acids that the body isn't able to make on its own.
What are the benefits of protein powders?
When taken as part of a healthy, balanced diet and lifestyle, these are some of the key benefits of protein powders. They can help to tone by increasing muscle mass and reducing fat when combined with a regular exercise routine.
They can help with muscle recovery post-workout.They are a quick and convenient way to increase protein levels and remain fuller for longer.
The verdict on protein powders
We couldn't separate our joint winners, Optimum Nutrition's Gold Standard Whey and MyProtein's Clear Whey Isolate. The former contains an extra 4g of protein per serving, while the latter has a sweeter, fruity flavour and lighter finish, so it will come down to personal preference.
Alternatively, if you’re after a big hit of protein, Innermost's The Strong Protein has 34g of it, the highest on our list.
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and Health & Wellness products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
Kim Hawley is the Senior Health & Fitness Tester at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she leads the independent testing of health, fitness, wellness and sleep products using evidence-led protocols and her extensive industry expertise.
With more than 30 years' experience in the health and fitness industry, Kim has worked as a lead personal trainer, fitness instructor and health writer, teaching at some of London's leading health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Kim has a particular interest in women's health, especially pre-, peri- and post-menopause, and combines hands-on industry experience with rigorous product evaluation. From fitness trackers and smartwatches to home gym equipment, recovery devices, wellness tech, supplements and sleep solutions, she oversees comprehensive testing to help consumers make confident, informed purchasing decisions they can trust.
