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 was always worried about eating large amounts of protein, because I thought it would make me look bloated or I would gain weight. Since starting my new fitness journey, it’s clear this is distant from the truth.
Protein plays an important role in weight loss and muscle gain. On average, women should eat at least 45 grams of protein per day Or more. Protein keeps you fuller for longerSpeeds up muscle recovery after workouts and helps build lean muscle.
Now, I’m not saying you need to eat two steaks a day, because a high-meat diet can lead to an increased risk of heart disease or diabetes. according to the British Health Organization.
For those who like easy, take-away meals, protein shakes and snacks have cut my ‘meal prep’ routine in half. Trust me, if you try the powders (and snacks) below, you’ll look forward to holding your blender every morning….
#1 Trimbella Protein Powder, £29.99
Protein: 25 grams | Calories: 203 kcal
Trimbella has been my favorite since I started using protein powder. I like to mix chocolate with an espresso in the morning because the texture is a bit thicker.
Banana protein powder can also be used with frozen strawberries to make the perfect ‘strawberry-banana’ smoothie. It’s vegan but one of the highest protein varieties I’ve tried and really enjoyed.
Trimbella also has a stylish pink stainless steel shaker that I love to use as a carry-on cup for all my protein drinks because it stays cold and is incredibly easy to clean.
#2 FoodSpring vanilla protein powder, £29.99
Protein: 24 grams | Calories: 112 kcal
This protein powder is high in protein but low in calories. This makes it easy to combine with frozen fruit, rolled oats and use to bake your own protein-rich sweet treats.
It smells like real vanilla and doesn’t have a chalky taste like most protein powders. If you’re new to protein powder, this vanilla from FoodSpring is the perfect place to start.
#3 Tri-Protein Crazy Nutrition Chocolate Protein Powder, £54.99
Protein: 23.25 grams | Calories: 111.50 kcal
I find myself using this protein powder almost daily.
The texture is very light, low in calories and not chalky – yet with a banana and some almond milk, it’s like a chocolate banana milkshake.
It’s called ‘tri-protein’ because the formula contains 6 high-powder proteins that help digest over 3 time periods.
This chocolate protein powder is also a good place to start if you’re looking for a good base to mix with everything. Our rating? 10/10.
#4 Shreddy Vegan Salted Caramel Protein Powder, £20
Protein: 22 grams | Calories: 115 kcal
I know what you’re probably thinking – what can I mix salted caramel flavor into a protein shake with?
Let me tell you – this powder can be used in overnight oats for breakfast or an evening post-workout snack.
It’s also made from 100% pea protein so it’s approved vegan-friendly.
#5 Huel Chocolate Fudge Brownie Protein Powder, £45
Protein: 20 grams | Calories: 105 kcal
Huel has a wide selection of whey and vegan protein powders, but we especially love Huel Complete vegan protein powder.
It’s the lowest calorie we’ve tried but still tastes delicious when mixed with water. The best thing about this protein is that it contains vitamins C, D3, zinc, so every sip provides essential vitamins.
For £45 you get two jars of protein powder that you can mix and match with other flavors. Perfect for our no-commit queens.
#6 Rejuvenating Strawberry Protein Powder, £21.50
Protein: 21 grams | Calories: 106kcal
Another vegan protein powder will win – Rejuvenated is a family-owned brand that sells a variety of health and beauty products.
I especially like this powder because it’s affordable, which adds a bit of flavor when I eat too much chocolate or vanilla powder.
Also, it is suitable for diabetics, so be aware that the taste is not too sweet.
#7 Vitl Vitamin & Protein Bar, £29.95 (pack of 15)
Protein: 14 grams | Calories: 143 kcal
Craving something sweet in your lazy afternoon?
These bars will satisfy your sweet tooth while providing important vitamins like collagen peptides, B vitamins, zinc and folic acid.
Best of all, it doesn’t even taste like a protein bar – more like a guilt-free Snickers.
#8 MyProtein Vegan Pie, £18.99 (pack of 12)
Protein: 14 grams | Calories: 283 kcal
MyProtein is a well-known brand with a wide selection of protein powders, bars and snacks that help add more protein to your diet.
With such variety, it’s hard to be selective about what to buy. My favorite that I’ve tried from them would be this vegan baked cookie – but you really can’t go wrong with any of their products.
#9 KIND Protein Bars, different prices
Protein: 12 grams | calories: from 253 kcal
Another snack that has been in my office snack drawer is these TYPE protein bars that are gluten-free and filled with healthy fats.
It is slightly higher in calories than most protein bars, but still low in carbs and high in protein.
Plus, there are so many different flavors that you don’t have to get bored with snacking. You can find them at any local store 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 right out of the fridge when you’re in a hurry or need an easy option for your post-gym workout.
These shakes are incredibly delicious and can be found at any local store for individual purchase as well as on their website in packs of six.
Completely vegan and 100% plant-based nutrition on the go.
#11 Protein-rich Pomegranate Bar, from £22.00 (12-bar pack)
Protein: varies from 21 grams | Calories: from 212
Another great brand for delicious protein bars is from Grenade. They come in a variety of flavors – such as Oreo Protein Bar – that are high in protein but low in sugar, which means they are also low in calories.
These protein bars are something I make sure to always have in my lunch bag when I’m feeling hungry but don’t want to overeat. You can buy a selection box that gives you all the flavors in one.
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