If you plan on upping your training game in 2024, you’ll want to hit perform at your best in every session. The best pre-workout supplements help you do just that, by delivering active ingredients and stimulants to prime your body for the exercise ahead, increasing endurance capacity and alertness, delaying the onset of fatigue, and often providing carbs to help fuel your training.

A word of warning to the caffeine-sensitive: though there are some exceptions, caffeine is often the main active ingredient in pre-workouts, so they’re not recommended for anyone who gets jittery or feels sick after too much coffee.

This is the best pre-workout I tested

My favorite overall is the foodspring Energy Aminos pre-workout. This supplement contains a good mix of the basic ingredients you’ll want in a pre-workout (e.g. caffeine and branched-chain amino acids). I also thought it tasted good (which is not always a given with pre-workouts), making it a great all-rounder whether you’re pushing weights or sweating away in a spin class.

Other pre-workout recommendations

1. foodspring Energy Aminos

Rather than throwing dozens of natural ingredients into the mix, foodspring goes for a more selective approach with its Energy Aminos pre-workout. The ingredients list is simpler than most, but features the good stuff: including BCAAs, caffeine and B and C vitamins.

It’s one of the few pre-workouts I tested to include guarana, but that makes a lot of sense as it helps release its caffeine payload more slowly, avoiding spikes and jitters. At £1.50 per serving this represents solid value too.

• Read our full foodspring Energy Aminos review

2. Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train

At £2.50 a serving, Crazy Nutrition’s pre-workout is the priciest pre-workout I tested, but subscribing to regular deliveries with give you a substantial 30% off. I think it’s one of the tastiest, too, with three well-balanced flavors.

There’s a whopping 19 active ingredients here – more than any other pre-workout I tested – which should cover all your bases whatever discipline you’re preparing for. There’s a good dose of citrulline, especially, which helps deliver oxygen as your muscles start to fatigue.

• Read our full Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train review

3. Protein Works Raze Extreme

This Raze Extreme pre-workout is available in three fruity, caffeinated flavors and two caffeine-free versions. At £1.25 a serving it represents decent value, especially as it packs in 12 active ingredients and a useful 200mg caffeine.

In my opinion, Protein Works gets the flavors about right – I found there to be just a hint of a synthetic taste and no bitter aftertaste. There are B and C vitamins to look after your energy metabolism and immune system, too.

Read our full Protein Works Raze Extreme review

4. Healthspan Elite All Blacks Pre-Workout Fuel

If the All Blacks rugby team put their name to a product, it’s usually because it’s the business, and that’s just the case with Healthpan’s Elite pre-workout. I found it to be a good source of BCAAs, protein and particularly carbs, making this a useful way to fuel your cardio or strength sessions.

The inclusion of taurine will help give your endurance a boost, and it decreases the need for large doses of caffeine – making this a better choice for workouts later in the day. At £2.50 a serving it’s not cheap, but it is high-quality.

Read our full Healthspan Elite All Blacks Pre-Workout Fuel review

5. Innermost The Energy Booster

If you love pineapple, you’ll be onto a winner with The Energy Booster from Innermost. That’s mainly because that’s the only flavor it comes in, but also because I found the taste to be pretty moreish. A good dollop of BCAAs will see you right, as will the inclusion of guarana – meaning less caffeine.

There’s a healthy dose of vitamin B complex as well as maca to influence mood, but the main sell is the price – at just £1 per serving there’s only one other pre-workout powder I tested that works out cheaper.

Read our full Innermost The Energy Booster review

6. bulk Complete Pre-Workout

bulk’s Complete Pre-Workout comes in four delicious flavors (I recommend the Cola) and is loaded with 8.8g protein and 12g carbohydrates, as well as 12g of active ingredients per serving.

At £1.67 per serving, it’s not one of the cheapest powders but if you like a shot of caffeine in your pre-workout then it definitely delivers, with the recommended 200mg to improve alertness and concentration. And it’s certainly a winner on taste – I found no trace of any unpleasant aftertaste.

• Read our full Bulk Complete Pre-Workout review

7. Myprotein Alpha Pre-Workout

Myprotein eschews the carbs in favour of a caffeine kick for its pre-workout. There’s a hefty 300mg in here, so make sure you don’t exceed the serving recommendations. Still, it’s a good choice if you’re doing high-intensity workouts that require short bursts of activity.

For those who are prepping for training on a budget, Myprotein’s Alpha pre-workout works out the cheapest of any powder on test, at just 97p per serving. Not bad for the equivalent of two cups of coffee.

• Read our full Myprotein Alpha Pre-Workout review

How we test the best pre-workouts

There are lots of different pre-workouts on the market and the number of active ingredients differs substantially between brands. (However, the research to support their effectiveness in terms of performance is not always solid.) While I was testing, I judged each pre-workout on the following criteria.

Ingredients: I checked the ingredient list for high-quality ingredients and any performance-enhancing compounds, particularly:

1. Caffeine: Not essential for pre-workouts, but it can improve energy levels, mental focus, and exercise performance.
2. Beta-Alanine: Helps in reducing muscle fatigue and improving endurance by buffering lactic acid build-up.
3. Creatine: Aids in increasing strength, power, and muscle gains.
4. B-vitamins: Help in converting food into energy and support overall energy production.
5. L-arginine: Can enhance blood flow and improve nutrient delivery to muscles.
6. Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs): Help in reducing muscle fatigue and enhancing muscle recovery.
7. Electrolytes: Important for maintaining hydration and proper muscle function during exercise.

Energy boost: I assessed how quickly each pre-workout gave me a noticeable energy boost. I also wanted to find out whether that boost was sustained, or provided a less useful peak and trough effect.

Price: I considered the cost per serving to ensure you’re getting value for money, while also avoiding overly expensive products with unnecessary additives.

Taste: The most effective pre-workout in the world is fairly useless if you can’t stomach the taste. Although flavor is subjective, I rated each product on how nice they were to consume.

Benefits of pre-workouts

If you struggle to get yourself pumped up before a training session, pre-workout could offer a helping hand. Usually taken 30-60 minutes before exercising, pre-workouts are designed to provide energy to fuel workouts and improve athletic performance. While the energy boost is usually provided by caffeine and carbohydrates, additional ingredients can offer specific benefits for different sports and training methods.

What to look for when buying pre-workout

When shopping for pre-workouts, the main ingredients you’re likely to see are carbohydrates and caffeine. Alongside these energy boosters, pre-workouts often contain other compounds such as beta-alanine, creatine and branched-chain amino acids (check out the benefits of BCAAs).

While you may be tempted to go for a product containing everything, only some of these ingredients necessarily suit every type of sport. In some cases, certain compounds may have a negative impact. For instance, beta-alanine may be suitable for a middle-distance runner. However, taking creatine could cause unwanted weight gain, affecting their power-to-weight ratio.

Choosing the best pre-workout for you will depend on the type of training you’re doing. Different active ingredients will support different elements of your workout – such as citrulline delaying muscle fatigue or taurine decreasing lactate accumulation. Check out our what is pre-workout guide for more details on choosing the right option for you.

The post As a nutritionist I think these are the best pre-workouts for boosting your training appeared first on Men's Fitness.

Electrolyte drinks help replenish the naturally occurring salts and minerals that help balance our bodies’ fluids. Our electrolytes get depleted through exercise, most notably through sweating. The best electrolyte drinks often also contain carbohydrates and other nutrients to help you stay hydrated and to improve recovery.

But not all electrolyte drinks are created equal. It pays to consider the amount of the electrolytes potassium, chloride and particularly sodium in each drink, which help with preventing cramping, aiding muscle contraction and supporting hydration respectively.

If you’re not a heavy sweater, or need to reduce your intake of sodium for health reasons, you might want an electrolyte drink with lower sodium levels (say, less than 250mg per serving).

What’s the best electrolyte drink?

After my extensive tests, I’d recommend the Nuun Hydration Sport as the best electrolyte drink. That’s down to a number of factors, including its reasonable price, how well it dissolves in water, its natural ingredients list – and, of course, its taste. Plus those mini tubes make it really easy to stick in a bag or pocket for electrolyte-boosted hydration on the go. Of course, the well-established SiS Go Hydro and High 5 Zero tablets aren’t far behind.

Other electrolyte drink recommendations

1. Nuun Hydration Sport

With a good range of flavors, and available with or without caffeine, these mini tubes from Nuun are ideal for hydrating on the go. I found they dissolved well in water and didn’t require any shaking. I also liked how they have the most natural ingredients list of any product I tested, including natural sweeteners and coloring.

• Read more: Nuun Hydration Sport review

2. SIS Go Hydro

We all know Science In Sport is a brand driven by scientific data, so it knows a thing or two about optimal hydration. Its Go Hydro range has the highest sodium content per serving of any electrolyte drink I tested and it’s also one of the most reasonably priced. I tried the strawberry and lime flavor, which was light and refreshing with a slight tang. The tablets also dissolved quickly in water without the need for any additional shaking.

• Read more: SIS Go Hydro review

3. High5 Zero

Another trusted player in the sports nutrition market, High 5 is the go-to brand for many endurance runners, including many members of the Men’s Fitness team. It’s a good choice if you’re training for extended periods as one tablet is enough for a 750ml water bottle. They may be free of sugar, but these tabs are full of flavor – I tried the citrus flavor, which offered a nice balance of sweetness and tanginess.

• Read more: High5 Zero review

4. Skratch Labs Hydration Sport Drink Mix

One of the best-tasting electrolyte drinks I had the pleasure of testing. Each serving contains a hefty 800mg of sodium, so it’s perfect for heavy, salty sweaters. I found this drink to not only be refreshing but also effective at increasing energy, making it beneficial as both an intra-workout and recovery drink. There are also an impressive eight flavors available, with each one providing a nice, hydrating option at the end of a tough workout.

• Read more: Skratch Labs Hydration Sport Drink Mix review

5. GU Hydration Tablets

Ideal for larger bottles and longer sessions, GU tablets will see you through intense or prolonged training. I found the tablet combined well in water and didn’t require any additional shaking to combine. There’s a good amount of electrolytes in the mix, especially sodium, and I enjoyed the punchy flavors, but they may be a bit too intense for some people.

• Read more: GU Hydration Tablets review

6. Punchy Hydration

Punchy Hydration cans are lightly carbonated drinks made from natural ingredients with essential electrolytes, vitamins and minerals to boost hydration, aid muscle function and support your immune system. Available in mango and blueberry flavor, and in boxes of from 4 to 48 cans, they are deliciously refreshing with flavors that are indeed ‘punchy’, without being overpowering.

Buying in larger boxes will drop the price a bit – and subscribing to a regular deliver will give you a further 15% discount. Caffeine-free and low calories, they’re a tasty alternative to electrolyte tabs and with their balanced favors are enjoyable as part of a regular hydration regime, with meals or as a perfect pick-me-up for the morning after the night before

7. Cadence Electrolyte Drink

They’re not cheap, but for those who are serious about their rehydration Cadence drinks are a sensible choice. These carbonated beverages are only beaten by SIS Go Hydro and Skratch Labs for sodium quantity, so are a great choice for heavy sweaters. There’s key amounts of potassium and magnesium, too, and not a sniff of sugar or calories anywhere. They’re also vegan-friendly and caffeine-free, with a pleasant, understated citrus flavor.

8. Hux Hydration Tablets

Hux tablets are a good low-sodium option and are more suited to general hydration and wellness than intense workout sessions. They have a good mix of electrolytes as well as a pleasantly sweet and tangy flavor. The tablets also dissolved quickly in water. I reckon you could dilute them further if you needed more fluid and they would still retain the flavor.

• Read more: Hux Hydration Tablets review

9. Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Powder

In powder rather than tablet form, this vitamin C-rich drink is ideal for everyday hydration and wellness. There’s a good mix of electrolytes and a range of nine moreish flavors to choose from (I loved the raspberry and pink lemonade flavors). However, as they are sugar-free, I found the flavors to be milder than other options I tested, so these may not be popular with those who prefer a stronger, more flavorsome electrolyte.

• Read our full Ultima Replenisher review

10. MyEndurance Hydr8

Hydr8 tablets are packed with vitamins and minerals with good sodium levels to suit endurance athletes. They’re fortified with B vitamins too and work out to be the cheapest electrolyte drink per serving on test. The orange flavor is nice and tangy but a little on the sweet side. Also, I found the tablets didn’t mix quite as well as others I tested, meaning I had to shake to get the end residues to combine.

• Read more: MyEndurance Hydr8 review

11. Powerbar 5 Electrolytes

Powerbar’s hydration tabs have an intense yet refreshing flavor (I tested the pink grapefruit flavor) and a caffeine kick for a pre-workout pick-me-up. They’re sugar-free, too, and come in tiny tubes that we could just slip into a pocket – perfect for hydrating on the go. I also found that the tablets dissolved quickly, with no need for shaking.

• Read more: Powerbar 5 Electrolytes review

12. Humantra Hack #1

Humanatra is a new player in the electrolyte drinks game, and it’s ticking all the right boxes. Its sachets contain all six essential electrolytes as well as antioxidants and are made from entirely natural ingredients. Electrolyte amounts are greater than many of the big name brands too.

Its three sugar-free flavors are punchy without being overwhelming and there’s your daily dose of vitamins C and B12 in each sachet too. If you can stomach the price, you can’t certainly stomach these pleasant flavored and exercise-supporting hydration hits.

What are electrolyte drinks?

Put simply, electrolyte drinks are specifically designed to help replenish the body’s electrolytes – naturally occurring salts and minerals that help balance our bodies’ fluids. The best electrolyte drinks typically contain a blend of electrolytes, carbohydrates and other nutrients that work together to help support hydration and recovery. These drinks generally come as a powder or tablet that you dissolve in water.

Electrolytes are minerals that have an electrical charge when dissolved in water, meaning they can conduct an electrical current. The role of electrolytes is to help regulate the body’s fluid balance, nerve function and muscle contraction while also assisting with the passage of nutrients in and out of cells.

The electrolytes sodium, potassium and chloride are found in the highest concentrations in bodily fluids such as sweat, blood and urine. The most important one concerning exercise performance is sodium.

What is the role of electrolytes?

Sodium: The most vital electrolyte that helps to maintain body fluid volume. Sodium is often added to sports drinks alongside glucose; glucose increases sodium absorption, in turn facilitating water absorption.

Potassium: This mineral helps to keep your body in a steady state of equilibrium and helps to prevent muscle cramping and weakness.

Chloride: During exercise, we require chloride for proper muscle contraction and transmission of nerve impulses.

When should you take electrolyte drinks?

Hydration is paramount during exercise, and fluid losses of more than 2% body weight can impair coordination, decision-making and overall athletic performance, and even more so in hot climates. The rate at which you sweat can influence how dehydrated you get during exercise, and with this comes the loss of sodium, which is even more significant in ‘salty sweaters’.

Straight after a workout is the time that electrolyte drinks are most helpful. After an intense, lengthy training session or event, most people will undoubtedly finish with a fluid deficit. They will need to rehydrate during the recovery period.

If you are competing, having a good hydration strategy in place is advisable, and this includes rehydration during recovery. Consuming fluids alongside sodium in the form of electrolytes and foods can help with fluid retention. Electrolytes during this period can also help replace losses during exercise and are especially useful when you need rapid rehydration due to short periods between competing or training.

Benefits of electrolyte drinks:

The role of electrolyte drinks during and after exercise is not to replace electrolytes lost through sweat but for several other purposes:

• Increasing the palatability of drinks
• Promoting drinking by maintaining thirst
• Preventing hyponatremia (low sodium levels resulting from excessive fluid consumption)
• Increasing the update of water in the body
• Increasing fluid retention

Should I take electrolytes before working out?

Starting intense exercise in a state of optimal total body water is important. In some cases, adding electrolytes (sodium) to fluids to promote fluid retention can achieve this. This is especially relevant if you’re about to start a long race, competition or hardcore training session.

Should I take electrolytes while exercising?

There is only a benefit to taking electrolyte drinks (sodium) if you lose significant amounts of sweat or are training/competing for an extended period. The rate you sweat can vary and many factors can influence it such as exercise duration and intensity, fitness levels and climate. A sweat rate above 2L/hr would be considered high.

According to the Academy of Sports Nutrition and Medicine, circumstances requiring electrolytes (sodium) during exercise may include a sweat rate greater than 1.2L/h, exercise lasting more than 2 hours or having very salty sweat (your sweat may leave white marks on your kit). Experts suggest that electrolyte (sodium) consumption during exercise is 500-700mg per hour, which is highly variable and dependent on the individual. If someone is unconditioned, training in the heat and humidity, a salty sweater or exercising for several hours, they may need more.

Getting adequate sodium during an endurance or ultra-endurance event can also help prevent hyponatremia, when sodium levels in the blood are abnormally low. The symptoms of hyponatremia include fatigue, dehydration, confusion, slurred speech and vomiting, and if not treated can be life-threatening.

Is it OK to drink electrolytes every day?

If you don’t need an electrolyte, then there is no point in taking one. It is also worth remembering that these drinks are high in sodium. While athletes may need more in their diet during training and competition, people generally consume too much sodium, which can harm your health and increase your risk of high blood pressure.

You can get all the necessary electrolytes from your food, and most people get more than enough sodium. Eating plenty of plant-based foods such as vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds will ensure a good intake of other minerals from your diet.

Can electrolyte drinks help hangovers?

Some people swear by electrolyte drinks to help with the electrolyte imbalances caused by fluid losses during a drinking session. However, there is a lack of research to prove that the severity of a hangover is correlated with a disruption in electrolyte balance or that adding electrolytes to your diet will help lessen the severity of a hangover. In most cases, your body will quickly restore the balance of electrolytes once the effect of alcohol wears off.

Electrolytes are most effective in helping with rehydration during recovery from intense, lengthy exercise, heavy or salty sweaters and those involved in endurance sports. For everyone else, you should be able to get what you need from the food you eat.

Related content:

• How to measure sweat rate
• What are the health benefits of magnesium?
• Can electrolyte drinks cure a hangover?

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When hunger knocks post-workout, it’s easy to reach for handy snack bars. These can be loaded with unhealthy fats and sugars, however, which are often high in calories and lead to energy peaks and troughs. The best protein bars, on the other hand, pack in more of the good stuff – namely, protein.

Snacking on protein bars allows you to reach your daily protein goals and deliver a much-needed supply to damaged muscles. They also provide a simple on-the-go alternative to more cumbersome protein shakes or time-intensive meals. Plus, they usually taste pretty good, so it’s a win-win-win situation.

What is the best protein bar?

There are plenty of protein bar brands out there now, most of which offer a high-quality protein dose around the magic 20g mark. But it takes great taste and texture to make the best protein bars too, together with low cost and other factors. Ultimately, I’d recommend using Grenade protein bars. The texture is chewy and the taste is sweet without being too sickly. There are also a load of flavours to choose from and, crucially, a solid 20g of good-quality protein per bar.

Other protein bar recommendations

1. Grenade Protein Bar

An obvious choice, perhaps, but the UK’s best-selling protein bars (previously called Carb Killas) is so for a reason. Loaded with 21g protein and just 1.4g sugar, it’s the best-tasting, least-sickly sweet bar I’ve tested.

The Salted Caramel flavor gets my vote, although there are no less than 14 others to choose from. The only downside is restricting yourself to one a day (but who are we to tell you how to live your life).

• Read our full Grenade Bar review

2. Healthspan Elite All Blacks HiLO Protein Bar

As you’d expect from any sports nutrition product endorsed by the All Blacks rugby team, the Healthspan Elite protein bars uses quality ingredients. Low in sugar and high in fiber, they also pack 20g of protein into each of their delicious flavors – black forest gateau, chocolate and salted caramel, and white chocolate. Plus, they’re Informed Sport approved, too, making them suitable for elite competition.

• Read our full Healthspan Elite All Blacks HiLO Protein Bar review

3. Kinetika Deluxe Protein Bar

Kinetika makes its bars with quality batch-tested ingredients. So, it’s no surprise they get the thumbs-up from WADA and Informed Sport. It uses milk protein from grass-fed, hormone-free cow’s milk and its bars have the best taste and texture of any on test.

It’s a shame there’s only 14g of protein in every serving, but they are small 45g bars, so why not have one and a half, or even two at a time?

• Read our full Kinetika Deluxe Protein Bar review

4. Barebells Bar

One of the less synthetic-tasting protein snacks, Barebells bars combine a variety of rich flavors with simple, natural ingredients. Of the 11 different versions, four vegan or soft protein options don’t make the 20g mark, but the rest hit the spot and are tasty too.

They all have a pleasant, rich taste, are low in sugar and don’t have the claggy or powdery texture that many of the best protein bars do.

• Read our full Barebells Bar review

5. Fulfil Vitamin and Protein Bar

Suitable for anyone with an eye for boosting more than just protein intake, Fulfil bars are fortified with vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C and E, as well as folic acid.

They hit the 20g protein benchmark, have half the calories of most protein bars and are available in 11 mouth-watering flavours, which sounds like a win-win to us.

• Read our full Fulfil Vitamin and Protein Bar review

6. Vow Nutrition Protein Bar

If Team GB think Vow Nutrition Protein Bars are good enough for them, then we reckon they’re good enough for us too. Its three flavors – cookies and cream, peanut crunch and salted caramel – are all remarkably tasty, and the nutrition numbers look good too.

There’s 16g of protein in each bar and an microscopic 0.4g of sugar. These bars are Informed Sport approved so we know the pea protein isolate and soya protein isolate come from good quality sources.

• Read our full Vow Nutrition Protein Bar review

7. PhD Smart Bar

With 20g plant-based protein per bar, you don’t need a doctorate to know PhD bars will meet your post-workout recovery needs. Some of the best protein bars on the market, there are eight rich flavors to choose from – though keep an eye on a calorie count that can reach 261kcal per 65g bar.

The texture might not be to everyone’s liking, but those recovery credentials make a bit of perseverance worth your while. Plus, they’re available in half-size and vegan versions.

• Read our full PhD Smart Bar review

8. USN Trust Crunch

Sweet-toothed gym-goers will enjoy the dessert flavors (fudge brownie or raspberry cheesecake, anyone?), and 20g protein is optimal post-workout fuel.

It’s worth noting the sugar content: 2.5g sugar is slightly more than some of the other best protein bars in this list. However, 213 calories is about par.

How we test the best protein bars

Our expert nutritionist Rob Hobson conducted this test, reviewing the best protein bars on the market in 2024. “There are plenty of different protein bars on the market,” says Hobson, “and they differ greatly in terms of taste and texture. To narrow the field down – and to provide consistency of review – I only tested chocolate-flavored bars. I tested and judged the best protein bars on their taste, texture, and nutritional effectiveness. I also took other factors into account, including the cost and availability, but also the amount of polyols: a type of sweetener which can upset the gut in high amounts.”

What to look for when buying protein bars

Protein bar preference is very individual – especially when it comes down to taste and texture. However, when shopping for the best protein bars, it’s crucial to glance over their ingredient lists to check how much protein they pack. You should also be mindful of any additives, such as sugars, artificial flavors and fillers, which can limit the nutritional effectiveness – it’s all about balance. And of course, if you’re looking for the best vegan protein bars, be sure to check what protein source is included.

It’s also a good idea to set your budget and be aware of costs, as they can certainly stack up if you’re chomping on protein bars every day. Lots of brands now offer subscription services, which help you save money while also ensuring you never run out. And, there are other options for getting your daily protein fix, like the best protein cereals and the best protein powers – be sure to shop around!

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If you’re new to taking protein powder, the sheer number of brands and options can be overwhelming. So I’ve done the hard work you: testing a wide selection of the latest options on the market right now.

The products that made this list ranked highly for texture, solubility, effectiveness and taste. I also took into account bioavailability (how easily the ingredients are absorbed into the body), cost per serving and the variety of sizes and flavors available, as well as any recyclable packaging, which can all inform your buying decisions. 

What is the best protein powder?

Hermosa Whey Protein Powder is the best protein powder I have tried. It’s a premium protein powder that’s made from non-GMO, ethically sourced ingredients, with a focus on sustainability. It’s made from an impressive 85% protein concentrate from grass-fed cows, with each serving containing 21g of protein. 

Other protein powder recommendations

1. Hermosa Whey Protein Powder

Hermosa stands out for its perfect taste balance and ethically sourced ingredients. A 30g serving mixed with water contains just 125 calories, up to 3g of fats, and up to 4.5g of carbs. I really liked its smooth texture, bit it is expensive at just over $2 per serving, albeit with a 15% discount via subscription. Hermosa is exclusively sold online with next-day delivery. Overall, it’s a top-notch, albeit pricey, choice.

• Read more: Hermosa Whey Protein full review

2. Vivo Life Perform Plant Protein

Plant-based protein powders of old suffered from grainy texture and strange taste, but products like Vivo Life’s Perform have changed the game. Despite unappetizing ingredient names like ‘bio-fermented yellow pea protein’, the end result is delicious, offering 25g of protein, 6g of plant-based BCAA and a hint of pink Himalayan salt. Flavors like Salted Maca Caramel and Banana & Cinnamon are not only tasty, but also low in calories, with each scoop containing less than 140kcals. Vivo Life leads the pack in creating genuinely enjoyable plant-based protein options that rival whey-based alternatives in both taste and nutritional content.

3. Healthspan Elite Ultimate Whey Protein Blend

I’ve long been a fan of Healthspan, and its Ultimate Whey Protein Blend delivers on taste and texture, ensuring a smooth drink whether mixed with milk or water. Enhanced with Actizan enzyme, it mitigates digestive issues often associated with whey protein consumption. While free from added sugars, I could detect a faint bitter note from stevia, but it’s generally tolerable. Plus, being soy-free and Informed Sports approved, it’s a solid choice for athletes. Conveniently packaged in recyclable pouches, it’s an eco-friendly option. Though limited to online purchase, bulk buying saves £6 on two packs for British customers, but Healthspan doesn’t currently ship products to the USA. Size options could be expanded, but the blend’s rich flavors and athlete-friendly formula make it one of my top picks.

• Read more: Healthspan Elite Ultimate Whey Protein full review

4. Innermost The Strong Protein

Innermost’s The Strong Protein is tailored for lean muscle building and fat loss, featuring acetyl L-carnitine for fat metabolism. With 148 calories per serving (mixed with water), it’s ideal for the calorie-conscious, although options with fewer calories do exist. Sweetened with sucralose, it boasts a rich flavor and low sugar content. Natural additives such as pomegranate and yerba mate support its lean concept – although I do think the fat loss claims are slightly exaggerated. The shake is available in recyclable packaging, is soy-free and has a smooth texture thanks to the inclusion of guar bean gum. At $44.95 for 520g it doesn’t come cheap, though.

• Read more: Innermost The Strong Protein full review

5. Podium Whey Protein

At last, a high quality protein powder that’s available in shops and online. Podium is a new brand that you can find on the high street in Holland and Barrett health food shops. While it’s pretty pricey at £50 per 780g tub, there are discounts to be found online. Available in three flavors, Podium packs a decent protein punch with 25g per 33.6g scoop. Fats, sugars and salt are minimal and it’s Informed Sport approved, making it suitable for elite competition. Fortunately the three flavors aren’t as sweet as they sound, and it mixes to form a pleasantly smooth shake.

6. foodspring Whey Protein

With 112 calories per serving, mixing foodspring Whey Protein with water will suit anyone’s lean muscle goals. It is low in sugar and fat, using sucralose and stevia to add sweetness, and I enjoyed its smooth texture with either milk or water. The 750g tub provides 25 servings, costs just over £1 each, and I appreciated the recyclable packaging. It doesn’t have a scoop, but I found three tablespoons with 300ml water sufficed. Available in five appealing flavors, it’s currently only sold in the UK and Europe, not the US.

• Read more: foodspring Whey Protein full review

7. Protein Works Whey Protein 80

Each serving of Protein Works’ Whey Protein 80 provides 20g protein and 99 calories (mixed with water). It’s sweetened with sucralose, so it’s low in fat and sugar. I found the texture super smooth, although the chocolate silk version might be a tad too silky for some. It’s got just 2.1g of carbs per serving, perfect for anyone watching their intake, and the ingredient list is refreshingly short. The packaging isn’t fully recyclable yet, but Protein Works says it’s working on that. With 14 flavors to choose from, including Millionaire’s Shortbread, and Strawberry with White Chocolate, there’s something for everyone.

• Read more: Protein Works Whey Protein 80 full review

8. Kinetica Whey Protein

Kinetica Whey Protein keeps it light on fat and sugar, using sucralose for sweetness. Taste-wise, some might find it a tad sweet and artificial, but that’s just personal preference. At 117 calories per serving mixed with water, it’s one of the leanest options out there. Plus, it’s made from whey protein sourced from grass-fed cows, and it won’t break the bank. Although I found it a bit on the thin side, it gets the job done. And for competing athletes, it’s Informed Sport approved. I’d suggest opting for smaller tubs first to find a flavor you like, then bulk buying for a significant saving. Overall, this is a solid option if you’re based in the UK or Europe. However Kinetica doesn’t currently ship to the US.

• Read more: Kinetica Whey Protein full review

9. Bio-Synergy Lean & Green

Bio-Synergy’s Lean & Green packs a decent punch with 22g protein per 30g serving, boasting no added sugar and only 2.3g fat. Made from top-tier natural ingredients such as pea protein isolate and brown rice protein, it’s a soy- and hemp-free formula. Enhanced with L-glutamine, it ensures a comprehensive array of amino acids for optimal muscle support. This unique blend offers a clean and effective protein source, perfect for those seeking to fuel their fitness goals without compromising on quality or taste.

How we tested the best protein powders

Men’s Fitness tasked Rob Hobson, a registered nutritionist (AFN) and sports nutritionist (SENr), with trying out each of these protein powders. To ensure a level playing field, Rob only tried the chocolate flavor of each powder. His overall ratings are based on taste, nutritional effectiveness, variety of flavors, texture and solubility. Rob also took into account factors such as the cost per serving and whether or not the packaging is recyclable.

What are the different types of protein powder?

“Whey protein is a massive category in the sports nutrition market,” explains nutrition and performance coach Matt Lovell. “An excellent source of protein as a by-product of cheese manufacture, whey has literally been around since the Greek times. An urban myth is that farmers noticed pigs fed whey gained more lean mass. Whether or not that’s true, whey protein offers a very high quality, high bioavailability source of protein with higher levels of glutamine and leucine – amino acids important for the muscle building process.

“Whey can come in a few forms, from whey protein concentrate, isolate and hydrosylate. Some companies will add soy protein to a whey protein blend. Many use a proprietary blend with a mix of concentrate, isolate and potentially hydrosylate. The more refined the source usually means the faster the release of the protein. Casein is often used as a ‘slow release’ protein and can be added to other protein blends.

“Usually, it’s good to use a faster release source close to training and combine sources for prolonged amino acid delivery. That can also be done by mixing shakes with food sources of protein. Shakes offer an excellent method to meet daily protein demands, especially with increase training load and the corresponding tissue damage which goes along with that.

“Within the whey protein category, we also now have clear whey, which mixes into a clearer, less milky type of drink but tends to foam. There’s also diet whey, which is whey protein plus various fat-burning ingredients like green tea extract, carnitine, CLA and caffeine sources. These can offer a lower calorie snack and various benefits for appetite suppression when fasting or dieting. 

“Isolates are good in and around training, higher casein and blends for snacks or later at night. Diet whey can be used before training for a sense of fullness and to assist with semi-fasted training sessions.

Vegan protein powder options

“There’s also been a big rise in vegan protein offerings in the last few years. Some will choose these as part of a vegan lifestyle or for digestion, intolerance or allergy reasons for them avoiding milk proteins from whey or casein. Whey protein is higher in key anabolic aminos like leucine and glutamine, and tends to be better for muscle building. Although both do a good job of providing addition protein in the diet to meet protein demands across a day or week. Vegan protein amino acid profile will differ slightly depending on the blend used. Pea protein isolate is higher in glutamine and BCAAs, like whey. Other companies use rice or hemp proteins, pumpkin seed protein and so on.

“Some companies will enhance the protein blend with BCAAs, to provide additional leucine and make the powder potentially more effective for muscle building. Others include an enzyme blend, which is a really good idea to assist protein digestion and absorption. Others will add vitamins and minerals or different types of functional ingredients like mushrooms or berry extracts. 

“Sweetener use across the range can be from natural sources such as stevia. Companies are still using sucralose and stevia combinations, while others use sucralose and acesulfame K.”

Related content:

• Do you need protein right after a workout?
• How to use protein powder
• Best blender for protein shakes

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Ideal for larger bottles and longer sessions, GU hydration tablets will see you through intense or prolonged training, writes nutritionist Rob Hobson.

GU Hydration tablets contain a basic mix of electrolytes, but all that’s essential. The sodium content of each tablet (320mg) is enough to support adequate hydration and ward off hyponatraemia during moderate to intense, prolonged exercise. It’s one of the best electrolyte drinks that’s suitable for all types of exercise, though probably not be required for sports that don’t include a significant degree of sweating.

What are the benefits of GU Hydration Tablets?

I enjoyed the flavor of these electrolyte tablets, which have a nice tang but may be a bit too intense for some people. You only need one tablet to mix with 750ml of water – that’s a large enough serving to get you through a moderate to intense training session. On test, I found the tablet combined well in water and didn’t require any additional shaking to combine.

The tablets are sweetened with a combination of sugar and stevia, although the sugar content is minimal. I also love the fact Vitamin B6 has been added to promote the transport of electrolytes in the body and for its role in energy metabolism and maintaining a healthy nervous system – although it’s worth noting, vitamin B6 is rarely lacking in our diet.

Practicality and price

The packaging is convenient and can easily be thrown into your kit bag or pocket. However, they are only 12 tablets per tube so I’d recommend ordering in bulk. At 55p per serving for the multipacks, they are pretty good value, especially as you dissolve each tablet in 750ml. Plus, there are four varied flavors to choose from – lemon and lime, three berries, orange and strawberry lemonade, so there’s bound to be one you’ll enjoy.

What other electrolyte drinks should I consider?

If the GU hydration tablets do turn out to have a bit too much zing too them for you, I’d recommend trying Nuun Hydration Sport. Nuun is actually my top pick of electrolyte drinks, thanks to its sugar-free natural sweeteners and colors and a strong blend of electrolytes. But, while the 13 different flavors are certainly pleasant, they’re also not the strongest sensations either. Ultimately, taste is subjective, but people with pickier palettes are likely to fare better with Nuun than they are with GU.

Another five-star option you might like is SIS Go Hydro. It comes packed with a considerable 870g of sodium, so if you know that you tend to sweat a lot, this drink could be the one for you. Flavor-wise, I found them more or less as pleasant as the other two brands I mentioned; tangier than Nuun, but tamer than GU.

Related content:

• How much water to drink when working out
• How to measure sweat rate
• What are electrolyte drinks?

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Hermosa is a premium protein powder that’s made from non-GMO, ethically sourced ingredients and with a focus on sustainability. The shake is made from 85% protein concentrate from grass-fed cows, with each serving containing 21g of protein. It’s rich in essential amino acids, low in fat and sugar and uses the natural sweetener stevia. It’s an ideal alternative to protein bars and is one of the best protein powders.

Hermosa Whey Protein Powder benefits

Unlike many powders on test, Hermosa gets the taste balance just right. It’s not too sweet, and doesn’t have an unwelcome bitter aftertaste. In fact both chocolate and vanilla flavors are rich and pretty moreish.

The brand prides itself on using sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients. The ingredients list is minimal and contains what you’d expect from a good protein shake, using sunflower lecithin instead of soy as an emulsifier.

A 30g serving of the shake contains 125 calories when mixed with water. Depending on the flavor it also contains up to 3g of fats and up to 4.5g of carbs – of which 2g is sugars.

Price and availability

The shake mixes well with water to give a nice smooth texture. The downside of Hermosa’s powders is the price, which may be prohibitive if you regularly take protein powders. Each serving works out at about £2, though there’s a subscription available which offers a 15% discount.

As well as the 1kg pouch you can get Hermosa Whey Protein Powder in a 420g glass jar and in 10 x 30g on-the-go sachets, though these work our even more expensive. Whichever one you choose, you can only get Hermosa shakes online, though it’s a next-day delivery service.

Overall, this is one of the best-tasting shakes on test with quality ingredients and a lovely smooth texture. However, that quality does come at a price.

What other protein powders could I consider?

If the price tag is indeed a dealbreaker, fear not. There are certainly other more affordable options out there which also do the job to a high standard, albeit not quite to the same standard as Hermosa (in my opinion). Healthspan Elite Ultimate Whey Protein Blend actually offers more protein per serving for less money, and to help avoid the digestion issues that can come from protein consumption, it contains Actizan enzyme too. It’s not perfect though. Unlike the Hermosa powder, you do get a slight bitterness coming through the otherwise pleasant flavor. And, since it’s only available to purchase online, availability isn’t always a strong suit either.

Foodspring whey protein powder is worth considering too. Like the Healthspan option, it’s less costly than Hermosa whey, and you still get a solid 24g of protein per serving. The flavors are good too, though after you’ve drunk the shake, you will notice a not-so-welcome aftertaste. You’re also limited in regards to sizing options and bulk buying.

Related content:

• Best blender for smoothies
• What is casein protein?
• How to use protein powder

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As you’d expect from any sports nutrition product endorsed by the All Blacks rugby team, the Healthspan Elite protein bars uses quality ingredients. Some of the best protein bars I’ve tried, it’s also the only purely vegan bar to feature in our big group test (other vegan options on test are part of a larger regular range).

The protein in these HiLO bars is a blend of soy and pea protein, which helps ensure a good mix of essential amino acids, including leucine, which is required to trigger muscle protein synthesis. These protein bars hit the magic 20g protein mark, so it’s effective as a post-workout recovery option.

Healthspan Elite All Blacks HiLO Protein Bar benefits

The bar is low in sugar at just 1.1g and sweetened with maltitol and xylitol (polyols). It has the lowest levels of polyols of any other bar on test. It also has an impressive amount of fiber per serving at 7.5g, which helps slow down the digestion of carbohydrates to keep blood sugar levels balanced.

The black forest gateau flavor I tested is covered in a chocolate-flavored coating. It has a rich chocolate flavor followed by a berry taste which doesn’t taste overly synthetic. Given the fact it’s one of the best vegan protein bars, the texture’s quite pleasant. It’s chewy yet crispy and not gritty like some vegan bars. The taste is clean, but there’s a slightly bitter aftertaste due to the sweetener.

Flavors and availability

Its price is on a par with most other bars on test, although the only option is to buy them online in boxes of 12. There are only three flavors available – the black forest gateau, chocolate and salted caramel, and white chocolate, with the latter having three times the sugar of the other two.

Unsurprisingly for the All Blacks, the HiLO Protein Bars are Informed Sport approved, so they’ve been cleared for use in elite competition.

What other protein bars should I consider?

To be completely honest, HiLO Protein Bars are genuinely some of the best on the market. However, if you want a bar that’s actually available to buy in shops rather just online – that’s just as effective too – there’s really only one alternative, in my opinion. And that’s the Grenade bar.

These have that benchmark 20g of protein too, with just 1.4g of sugar. They taste great and have an equally enjoyable texture – the only major downside is the relatively high amount of polyols, which happens to be an area where the Healthspan alternative comparatively shines.

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Probably one of the most recognizable brands for the best protein bars, Grenade Protein Bars feature a protein blend of calcium caseinate, bovine collagen hydrolysate and whey protein isolate and contain soy. But what you need to know is this: there isn’t another bar on the market that I’d rather add to my diet. Here’s why.

Grenade Bar benefits

Each bar’s 20g of protein is a good amount to take care of your post-workout recovery needs and there are more than 15 flavors to choose from, including vegan options. Fortunately there’s a 12-flavor selection box if you can’t make your mind up.

If you’re wondering whether protein bars are healthy, this bar is low in sugar with just 1.4g and sweetened with mannitol (polyol). It contains 15g of polyols, which is relatively high, so stick to just one bar, as it can act as a laxative in higher quantities.

Flavor and texture

The salted caramel flavored bar I tested is milk chocolate covered (some flavors have white chocolate). It’s rich tasting and chewy, though it could be too sweet for some. As you’d expect from a brand like Grenade, you certainly get an explosion for flavor. It has a pleasant mouth feel without any off-putting aftertaste like you can get with other sweetened bars.

Worth noting for professional athletes, Grenade bars are Informed Sport approved, so they’re cleared for use in elite competition.

Still going strong, Grenade Protein Bars are one of the best on test with a great taste, a pleasant chewy texture and all the protein you need to get your recovery fix. They are not plant-based though, so you’ll have to look elsewhere for the best vegan protein bars.

What other protein bars are a worthy rival?

If Grenade bars just simply aren’t for you, there are fortunately some other options which can go toe to toe with the market leader. One such bar is the Healthspan Elite All Blacks HiLO. The name might be a bit of a mouthful, but you’ll be enjoying every bite. Not only does it taste good, but this bar from Healthspan also packs in plenty of fiber as well as the threshold 20g of protein. There is, after all, a reason why professional athletes use these protein bars.

Another strong contender is the Fulfil Vitamin and Protein Bar. As the name suggests, this bar also supplies you with a helpful dose of vitamins and minerals in addition to your 20g of protein. It’s low in polyols too. The only areas in which it falls down are size and texture. Compared to other bars, it is quite small and I found it to be too chewy for my own personal taste.

So, either of those could be worth a try too, but if I were you, I’d test out a Grenade bar first.

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Life is expensive – seemingly increasingly so these days. So, when budgeting for food and nutrition, it’s understandable that the more expensive protein bars on the market may be hard to justify. Thankfully, bars like this one from PE Nutrition are there to cater for those of us who want a decent protein hit while operating on a slightly tighter budget. The question which I want to help answer in this review though, is are they worthy of a spot among the best protein bars on the market? Well, here’s how PE Nutrition’s The Bar stacks up against the rest.

PE Nutrition’s The Bar range comprises of three regular flavors and three vegan varieties. Its protein is a blend of soy protein and whey protein isolate. I tested the chocolate orange flavored bar, which has the most extensive ingredients list of any bar in our overall group test. So, not ideal if you’re somebody who champions a natural recipe above all else.

PE Nutrition The Bar: what ingredients does it contain?

Of all those ingredients though, protein is top of the list, with a whopping 21g (the highest of any bar on test) packed into a single 60g serving. For that reason, the PE Nutrition bar is unquestionably a good post-workout option to keep in your kit bag – and at 193kcal it’s fairly low in calories too.

Another positive is that PE Nutrition protein bars are low in sugar, containing only 1.3g. Unfortunately, to make up for that, the bar is sweetened with maltitol (polyol) and contains a relatively high 16g of polyols.

What is it like to eat?

Whenever I conduct this sort of review, I always make sure to acknowledge that taste and texture can be subjective. However, I’d be surprised if anyone reading this would truly enjoy eating the PE Nutrition bar – at least the variant I tried. The Chocolate Orange bar was too sweet, with a slightly sickly, synthetic flavor, and the texture only made things worse. Chewy, but also fairly powdery too, the feel in the mouth is rather unusual.

It’s possible that the Cookies & Cream or Salted Caramel options may fare better on your palette, but having experienced the Chocolate Orange one, I wouldn’t put money on it. As such, if you buy one of these PE Nutrition bars, the consumption process will be one of toleration for the good of the protein that you’re taking onboard, and nothing more than that.

Still, at £1.45 it’s the cheapest bar on test, and as I mentioned before, it really does pack a lot of protein into a single bar. If the sickly sweet taste and powdery consistency aren’t a concern, this could be a good budget option, as it can deliver a substantial slice of your protein requirements. However, if you’re after a more pleasant eating experience, or do indeed have a bit more money to play with, you might want to consider some of the other protein bars I’ve tested instead. Find out more about those below:

What rival protein bars should I consider?

For me, it’s hard to look beyond Grenade protein bars. These equal the 21g of good stuff that you get in the PE Nutrition bars, but unlike the PE bars, they actually taste good and have inoffensive textures too. So, if you want to get a big hit of protein and enjoy the taste while doing so, Grenade is your friend.

Alternatively, if you want your protein bar to do more than just offer protein, consider the Fulfill Protein & Vitamin bar. Impressively, if you opt for one of these, you’ll not only get 20g of protein, but also benefit from some vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C and E, as well as folic acid. Nice.

If you live on a vegan diet though, fear not. I’ve also tested a bunch of the best vegan protein bars around, highlighting which ones are worth your time, and which ones perhaps aren’t. Or, if you prefer to consume your protein as a liquid, have a gander at my compilation of the best whey protein powders.

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Runners’ favourite High 5’s electrolyte tablets are free of sugar but full of flavor.

High 5 is one of the best electrolyte drinks brands that’s been around for a long time and is particularly popular with runners. So Zero hydration tablets are a product from a trusted player in the sports nutrition supplement market. They contain a range of electrolytes (five – hence the name of the company and its flagship product) and enough sodium (250mg per serving) to prevent hyponatremia and support good hydration during exercise.

High 5 Zero performance on test

High 5 Zero tablets are suitable for anyone engaging in prolonged exercise. However, heavy, salty sweaters may want something with a slightly higher sodium content. The citrus flavour I tested has a nice balance of sweet and tangy flavour. The tablets are sugar-free and sweetened with sucralose, so they’re low in calories. They’re made with natural colorings too.

High 5 recommends a dose of 1 tablet in 750 ml of water, which is enough to fill a standard-sized water bottle. So I’d say it’s convenient when you’re training for extended periods or competing in an event. If you wanted a higher amount of sodium, you could add two tablets, though that would probably make the drink too sweet. On test, I found these Zero tablets dissolve easily in water without any additional shaking.

High 5 Zero additional ingredients

The tablets contain vitamin C, which is a useful inclusion for several reasons. It’s known to improve immunity and plays an important role as an antioxidant, but it’s not necessary for hydration. However, it’s important to note endurance athletes should avoid any supplements containing antioxidants during the adaptation phase of their training.

Some flavors contain green tea, which has a little caffeine. It’s a minimal amount, but it’s still worth bearing in mind. Particularly if you’re sensitive to caffeine or tend to train late at night.

High 5 uses the same compact and convenient tube packaging as the likes of SIS, so will take up minimal room in your kit bag. At 40p per serving it’s good value for money and there are nine flavors to choose from.

How we test electrolyte powders

Nutritionist Rob Hobson has tested eight of the best electrolyte drinks to help you find the right one to support your hydration and recovery needs. An award-winning, registered nutritionist and sports nutritionist with over 15 years of experience, Rob is a distinguished expert in the fields of nutrition, health and sports. During the testing process, Rob tested each electrolyte drink for taste, solubility and effectiveness in terms of its hydration and nutritional benefits.

Related content:

• How much water to drink when working out
• How to measure sweat rate
• What are electrolyte drinks?

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