Best Protein Powders UK 2025: Expert Review & Buyer's Guide

Overwhelmed by the endless options of protein powder? At Predator Nutrition, we understand the challenge. That's why we’ve reviewed the highest-rated protein powders to help you make the perfect choice for your fitness journey.

When you're looking for the ideal protein powder, you need to consider several factors: your budget, desired taste, overall quality, and specific dietary needs (like vegan or gluten-free). Below, we’ll guide you through the top choices in our store, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for your needs.

Protein powder comparison chart (top 9 highest rated products)

 

Our Top Protein Powder Choices Breakdown

We are confident that we stock some of the best protein powders available on the market. With so many fantastic options, we've narrowed it down to our top 9 to cover all goals and tastes, from muscle building to weight management.

1. Predator Whey

A protein blend often provides significant value and benefits. Our very own Predator Whey expertly combines whey protein isolate and concentrate with a high branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) content, making it our best overall protein powder for use at any time of day to contribute to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass.

What’s in it?

• Whey Protein Concentrate
• Whey Protein Isolate
• Artificial Sweeteners (Sucralose)

2. Gold Standard Whey

Gold Standard Whey by Optimum Nutrition is one of the most popular protein powders. It is one of the best-tasting protein powders​, and has quality, mixability and protein content. Gold Standard Whey also contains added digestive enzymes.

What’s in it?

• Whey protein isolate
• Whey protein concentrate
• Digestive enzymes

3. Isolyze

Isolyze by Species Nutrition is one of several whey isolates on this list. Although it may be a little more expensive than other products, it boasts one of the highest protein contents at 27g per scoop, with 0g fat. The phenomenal US flavours can be compared to other products like Dymatize Iso 100.

What’s in it?

• Whey protein isolate
• Hydrolyzed whey

4. Scitec 100% Whey Protein Professional

Scitec 100% Whey Protein Professional is a whey protein blend with added amino acids, including glutamine and a digestive enzyme blend. Whether you enjoy it in a shake or as part of a meal, WPP provides protein, which contributes to the maintenance and growth of muscle mass, supporting your goals after a workout.

What's in it?

• Whey protein concentrate
• Whey protein isolate

5. Impact Whey Protein

Impact Whey Protein by MyProtein is one of the most popular protein supplements for those on a budget who don't want to sacrifice taste. Impact Whey protein has 20g of protein per scoop, less than isolates on this list, but enough to help you hit your macro targets when building muscle mass is your goal. Impact Whey is also one of the few variations that comes in an unflavoured option, perfect for cooking or those who prefer simpler foods.

What's in it?

• Whey protein concentrate
• Sweetener (sucralose)

6. Elite Whey

Dymatize Elite Whey is a well-established protein powder, known for its excellent taste and diverse flavour selection, making it a popular choice for those looking to enjoy their protein intake. Each serving delivers 25g of high-quality protein, a blend of whey isolate, hydrolysate, and concentrate, designed to contribute to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass. With its low fat and zero added sugar content, Elite Whey helps you meet your protein targets while managing your nutritional goals. It's also Informed Sport Approved, providing assurance for athletes.

What's in it?

• Whey protein concentrate
• Whey protein isolate
• Hydrolysed whey protein

7. Isotope

Another entry from Redcon1 is their protein isolate, Isotope. This high-protein shake also contains essential amino acids. Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass. With 25 grams of protein per serving and no lactose, Isotope can be a suitable option for those seeking a protein source that may be well-tolerated before a workout, especially for individuals sensitive to lactose.

What's in it?

• Whey protein isolate
• Hydrolysed whey protein

8. Select Protein

Select Protein is probably one of the best-tasting wheys on the market, arguably being more enjoyable than a real milkshake! Select protein is a whey and casein protein blend infused with the essential amino acid leucine, with 24g of protein per scoop.

What's in it?

• Milk protein isolate
• Whey protein concentrate
• Leucine peptides

9. ISO 100

Dymatize ISO 100 stands out as a premium whey isolate protein, highly regarded for its exceptional taste and texture, along with a wide array of flavours. This product boasts a high protein content, delivering 25g of protein per serving from a blend of hydrolysed whey protein isolate and whey protein isolate. This contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass, supporting your fitness goals. ISO 100 is also notable for its very low fat and sugar content, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a lean protein source. Its meticulous formulation has earned it a strong reputation in the market.

What's in it?

• Hydrolysed whey protein isolate (Milk)
• Whey protein isolate (milk)

 

What is protein powder & what does it do?

What is protein powder good for?

Protein powder is a convenient way for us to hit our daily protein targets. Whey gives us a break from savoury protein sources such as meat and eggs while still supplying a complete spectrum of amino acids, so we can enjoy something sweet without sacrificing food quality.

How to use protein powder

We can drink protein powder in a shake or use it as part of a meal or recipe. For example, protein powder can be mixed into yoghurt, oats and more. Whey blends can also work well for healthy recipes, like homemade protein bakes. To support a varied diet and personal comfort, we suggest diversifying your protein sources throughout the day, especially if you consume multiple servings of whey concentrate, as it has a higher lactose content.

What are the different types of protein powder ingredients?

There are several different types of protein powder and ingredients to look for, namely:

• Whey protein concentrate
• Whey protein isolate or hydrolysate
• Weight / mass gainer shakes
• Pea protein
• Hemp protein
• Protein blend
• Casein protein powder

Whey Proteins

Within the category of whey, there are several types: whey hydrolysate or isolate, whey concentrate, and whey casein. Whey hydrolysate or isolate is the fastest to digest, followed by concentrate, and then casein is the slowest. You often find that, per scoop, an isolate will have the highest yield of protein and the least carbohydrates/added sugar, making it a great choice for anyone on a diet.

Some whey proteins, like all-in-ones, meal replacements and mass gainers, come with added ingredients such as creatine, maltodextrin and MCTs. These protein products come in at higher calories per serving but are great for individuals with a small appetite or those who struggle to find time to prepare meals to eat while at work or running errands.

Plant Protein Powders

Vegan proteins use protein from numerous sources, including soy, pea, hemp and brown rice. These offer a way to get your protein from plant-based sources. And these proteins aren't just for those following a vegan diet! For those seeking dairy-free alternatives, plant-based protein powders offer a suitable option. They also have a taste and texture unique from whey, often being thicker and more dessert-like.

Which is the best form of protein powder?

We suggest trying several different proteins to find one that suits your taste, price, and quality preferences. If you can only buy one tub at a time and want to get the most 'bang for your buck', we'd probably opt for a protein blend from a reputable company and avoid cheap brands.

Some products may claim additional benefits for their whey, such as 'non-GMO', 'organic protein', or 'grass-fed whey'. While these are great to see, we wouldn't let it put you off other wheys. When it comes to whey, the deciding factor here is mostly ethical.

When should I drink protein shakes?

Wondering whether you should drink your protein shake before or after your workout? There isn't really a 'best' time to use protein powder; it's simply a matter of convenience and digestion. Whey protein isolate can be great to use pre-workout as it digests quickly and easily, being low in carbs and fat. Casein protein is often consumed before bed because it is a slower-digesting protein, allowing for a sustained release of amino acids throughout the night.

Learn more in our guide on when to drink protein shakes.

Which protein powder is best for me? Key takeaways

We hope this comprehensive comparison has shed light on the diverse world of protein powders, helping you identify what truly aligns with your dietary needs and fitness objectives. Remember, the 'best' protein powder is the one that fits you. Individual results vary, and consultation with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian is advised for personalised advice, especially concerning medical conditions or specific dietary needs.

At Predator Nutrition, we pride ourselves on offering a curated selection of high-quality proteins coupled with the expertise to guide you. We're here to ensure your choices are informed and effective, supporting you every step of the way.

Discover the difference that quality and expert guidance can make. Shop our extensive range of protein powders at Predator Nutrition, and let us help you fuel your potential.

 

Further reading

• 10 Best Protein Bars of 2024 UK
• Best Cheap Protein Sources {35 Easy High Protein Foods}
• Top 12 Best Pre-Workout Comparison (2023)