The ultimate guide to protein powders (and which ones to avoid!)

You’ve probably seen the health food shop shelves stacked with protein powders - whey, plant-based, collagen, pea, hemp… and a million different brands promising to be the best. But here’s the thing: not all protein powders are created equal. Some are packed with dodgy fillers, artificial sweeteners, and random ingredients that sound like they belong in a chemistry experiment rather than your morning smoothie.

So, how do you pick one that actually supports your health, rather than making you feel like you’ve just downed a milkshake from a petrol station?

Let’s break it down...

Do You Even Need a Protein Powder?

First up, let’s get real: You don’t need a protein powder if your diet is already rich in high-quality protein sources (think eggs, meat, fish, beans, and tofu). But let’s be honest - life happens. You’re busy, you’re juggling a million things, and sometimes you just need an easy, fuss-free way to get in more protein without cooking an entire roast dinner.

Protein powders can be a total game-changer if:

✅ You struggle to hit your daily protein target.

✅ You’re always hungry and reaching for snacks.

✅ You want to support muscle recovery, energy levels, and hormonal balance.

(Yes, protein is essential for happy hormones! More on that later.)

The Absolute Worst Ingredients in Protein Powders

A lot of protein powders claim to be “healthy” but are actually stuffed with absolute junk. Here’s what to watch out for:

🚫 Artificial Sweeteners & Sugar Alcohols - Anything ending in ‘-ol’ (like sorbitol, maltitol, or erythritol) might leave you bloated, gassy, or sprinting to the loo.

🚫 Sucralose, Acesulfame K, Aspartame - Synthetic sweeteners that can disrupt your gut bacteria, mess with your tastebuds, increase cravings, and trigger headaches in some people.

🚫 Soy Protein Isolate - Highly processed and often genetically modified. It’s not the same as whole soy foods like tempeh, and may affect hormone balance.

🚫 Vegetable Oils & Thickeners - Used to make powders mix better, but can increase inflammation and upset your gut.

🚫 Maltodextrin - A sneaky filler that can spike blood sugar and leave you feeling tired and bloated.

🚫 Skimmed Milk Powder & Cheap Fillers - Common in low-quality whey powders, and harder to digest - especially if you’re sensitive to dairy.

🚫 Proprietary Blends - If the label is vague about what’s actually in it, that’s a red flag. You deserve transparency.

🚫 Added Vitamins (in questionable forms) - Some powders add cheap synthetic vitamins (like folic acid, magnesium oxide, calcium carbonate) just for marketing. These aren’t well absorbed and can even cause harm if you’re already taking supplements. More isn’t always better.

Sneaky Grey Areas to Watch For

⚠️ “Natural Flavours” - Sounds innocent, but it’s a vague umbrella term. If the brand is reputable and transparent (like Purition or Nuzest), no worries. But if the flavour is overpowering or mysterious, be cautious.

⚠️ Overdosing on Nutrients - If you’re already taking a multivitamin or targeted supplements, adding a fortified protein powder could tip you over the edge. Don’t play roulette with your nutrients - check with a professional if unsure.

⚠️ Allergen overload - Some powders that say “dairy-free” might still contain traces of milk proteins or use shared equipment. Always double-check if you’re sensitive.

Stevia Is Fine (Seriously!)

Let’s clear something up: not all sweeteners are bad. While I’d run a mile from sucralose or sugar alcohols, stevia is totally fine. It’s a naturally derived plant sweetener that doesn’t spike your blood sugar or cause gut drama. Some people find the taste slightly herbal or bitter, but it really depends on the brand and what it’s blended with. If you’re sweet-tooth sensitive or watching blood sugar, stevia is a much better bet than synthetic alternatives.

The Good Stuff: Best Protein Powder Options

You’re not just buying a protein powder - you’re investing in your energy, hormones, gut health, and sanity on those mornings when the school run and back-to-back Zooms leave zero time for breakfast.

Here’s what a good protein powder should have:

✅ Simple, recognisable ingredients – If you need a chemistry degree to understand the label, it’s a no.

✅ No artificial sweeteners – Especially if you’re prone to bloating, IBS, cravings, or sugar crashes.

✅ A decent protein content – Aim for at least 15–20g protein per serving (check the per 100g stats too).

✅ No cheap fillers or bulkers – Things like skimmed milk powder, maltodextrin, or mysterious thickeners.

✅ Bonus points if it’s organic, third-party tested, or comes from a company that doesn’t make you want to roll your eyes with their health claims.

Basically, you want a powder that adds to your health, not one that hijacks your gut, messes with your hormones, or leaves you with a weird aftertaste and regret.

My Favourite Protein Powders (Tried & Tested!)

You’re not alone if you’ve bought a protein powder and hated the taste. I’ve tested loads - and these are the ones I keep coming back to. Please note: some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to buy. I only ever recommend products from brands that I love, share the same values and have personally tested and trust with my own clients.

Vegan Protein Powder

• Nuzest Clean Lead Protein Smooth Vanilla – 79g protein per 100g

• Purition Vegan Wholefood Nutrition with Vanilla – 37.3g protein per 100g (use HAYLEY-10B for 10% off)

Whey Protein Powder

• The Organic Protein Company - Organic Whey Protein Unflavoured or Vanilla – 79g protein per 100g

  
  

  Lovely smooth taste – I also love adding the vanilla one to smoothies and porridge.

  
  

  Buy from Natural Dispensary or The Organic Protein Company for 25% off with discount code HAYLEY25 - ends in August (2025).

Plant-Based Protein Powder with Whey

• Purition Whole Nutrition Protein Powder – 39g protein per 100g. (use HAYLEY-10B for 10% off)

  
  

  Great for mixing into porridge, overnight oats, or yoghurt – it has a slightly grainy taste but it’s worth it.

Collagen Powder

• Plant Paleo - Pure Collagen – 91g protein per 100g

• Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Unflavoured – 90g protein per 100g

  
  

  Perfect for adding to hot drinks like tea or coffee, as well as smoothies.

Marine Collagen

• Skinful Pure Marine Collagen Powder by Bare Biology – 95g protein per 100g

  
  

  High protein. Excellent for hot drinks such as tea, coffee, or smoothies - great alternative if you don't want Bovine collagen.

  
  

Pea Protein

• VivoLife Perform Plant Protein– 70g protein per 100g

  
  

  This protein is a great option for vegans and vegetarians looking for a more neutral-flavoured powder. It’s high in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which are essential for muscle recovery.

How to Actually Use Protein Powder (Without It Tasting Like Chalk)

Let’s be real: Some protein powders taste like sadness. But here are some simple ways to make them work in your diet:

🥤 Smoothies: Blend with almond milk, a frozen banana, and some nut butter for a creamy, satisfying drink.

🥞 Pancakes: Add a scoop to your pancake or waffle batter for an easy protein boost.

🍫 Homemade Protein Bars: Mix with nut butter and oats for a grab-and-go snack.

🍦 “Nice Cream”: Blend frozen bananas with a scoop of protein for a healthy dessert.

🍓 Yoghurt & Fruit: Stir a scoop into your yoghurt with some berries for a delicious, protein-packed breakfast or snack. Bonus points if you top it with some granola or nuts!

Final Thoughts

Protein powder can be a super useful tool - but only if you choose the right one. Think of it as a supplement to your lifestyle, not a magic solution. Avoid the gut-wrecking stuff. Go for real, clean ingredients. And if in doubt? Keep it simple. 💬 Got questions or want a personalised recommendation? Send me a message over on instagram or join my email list for exclusive discounts and nutrition tips.