![\"Matt](\"https:\/\/mensfitness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/02\/Matt-Lovell.jpg\")
Matt Lovell<\/strong> tested products for the Muscle & Strength category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Matt has worked at the top of elite sports for over 25 years. As the lead nutritional clinician across multiple World Cup, World Title and Olympic medal-winning teams, Matt\u2019s passion is helping athletes and regular fitness fanatics alike reach their peak performance potential. James Hudson<\/strong> tested products for the Endurance category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n James is a registered sports nutritionist (SENr) and founder of Nutrition for Energy. He coaches fitness enthusiasts to eat to overcome inconsistent energy, so they can get more out of their training, recover faster and perform better. Rob Hobson<\/strong> tested products for the General Health category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An award-winning, registered nutritionist and sports nutritionist with over 17 years\u2019 experience, Rob runs London-based consultancy RHNutrition, seeing private clients and working with leading brands within the wellness industry. \u201cWhey protein is a staple in most athletes\u2019 diets,\u201d says Matt Lovell. \u201cAnd for good reason: it\u2019s digested quickly, absorbed efficiently and generally tastes good. However, when it comes to price, nutritional profile and ingredient lists, there is a lot of variability. Whether you\u2019re looking for a whey concentrate, isolate or hydrolysate, ideally you want a high protein content (20g or more), with low carbs and fat, and without unnecessary fillers and additives.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n Buy here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Great flavours, naturally sourced sweetener and a good, simple ingredients list made Healthspan\u2019s Ultimate Whey Protein Blend our winner for the Nutrition Awards 2024. Pure whey protein isolate is high quality and a very pure source of whey protein, meaning it\u2019s absorbed quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why we like it:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n What you get:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Buy here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Gainful personalises each powder according to your own performance goals (based on a questionnaire). There are additional flavouring packs to adjust the shakes flavour each time you make it, too, which is a nice touch. Added MCT oil makes it useful for semi-fasted or time-restricted eating patterns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why we like it:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n What you get:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n What you get:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThere\u2019s been a big rise in vegan protein offerings in the last few years,\u201d says Lovell. \u201cSome will choose these as part of a vegan lifestyle, or for digestion, intolerance or allergy reasons to do with the need to avoid milk proteins from whey or casein. Vegan protein amino acid profile will differ slightly depending on the blend they use. Pea protein isolate is higher in glutamine and BCAAs, like whey. In testing, I was looking for isolates where possible, or hydrolysed protein options, as they will be generally higher in key aminos, potentially enabling great muscle protein.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n Buy here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n This one was used fastest out of all those opened for testing, which is testament to how good it tastes. Fortunately, it backs up flavour with substance: as well as a powerful 25g plant-based protein, you get 26 vitamins and minerals, and 18 amino acids. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Why we like it:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n What you get:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Buy here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is nicely enhanced with a vitamin and mineral blend. The enzyme blend is a useful addition to assist with protein digestion and absorption. It tastes great and is filled with nothing but the good stuff. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Why we like it:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n What you get:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n What you get: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n More squash than milkshake, clear protein is light and refreshing \u2013 and often less calorific than whey protein alternatives. If you find conventional shakes a bit sickly, clear protein could be your best bet. \u201cIt\u2019s worth noting that all of these mixed with a fair amount of foam,\u201d says Lovell. \u201cIt does go down eventually, but you need to mix the shake, then wait for the foam to reduce back before drinking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n Buy here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n As well as 20g protein, Protein Works\u2019 Clear Whey contains a few very useful additions, including Acetyl L Carnitine for assisting fatty acid transport into cells; green tea extract for additional fat-burning potential; and a B-vitamin blend for energy production and some methylation support. Added chromium also helps with normal glucose and insulin metabolism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why we like it:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n What you get:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Buy here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n PhD has used hydrolysate whey, the purest and most expensive, ultra-refined whey. As such, it\u2019s a very pure product (other than the sweetener sucralose). Whey protein hydrolysate has the highest insulin index of almost any food, so to help spike insulin post-workout and provide plentiful amino acids this is a solid product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why we like it:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n What you get:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n What you get:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Protein bars are the snack of choice for anyone leading an active lifestyle, providing an on-the-go alternative to more cumbersome shakes and time-intensive meals. \u201cIn picking the winner in this category,\u201d says Lovell, \u201cI was looking for natural ingredients where possible, and obviously the grams of protein per serving.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n Buy here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Offering a really delicious range of flavours, the main problem you\u2019ll have here is not eating too many and getting the \u2018laxative effect\u2019 listed on the website. There\u2019s a decent minimum 15g protein per bar, and a nice melt-in-the-mouth softness to the texture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Why we like it:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n What you get:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Buy here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n For completely natural ingredients, a sweet-and-salty taste, and some added nutrients, The Protein Ball Co is the best choice if clean eating is your number-one priority. OK, so the 10g protein per bag isn\u2019t a match for other bars, but that still makes for a muscle-building snack \u2013 and a natural, healthy one at that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Why we like it:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n What you get:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n What you get:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Plant-based protein bars have come a long way, and most now not only match whey protein for post-workout appeal, but also in terms of their recovery credentials. Blends, or single-protein sources \u2013 such as pea, soy, hemp, rice, pumpkin seed to name a few \u2013 are widely available. Many people opt for rice and pea blends, as they tend to be gentle on the stomach and provide high amounts of the essential amino acids.<\/p>\n\n\n
mattlovellstrengthforlife.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n![\"James](\"https:\/\/mensfitness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/02\/James-Hudson.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
nutritionforenergy.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n![\"Rob](\"https:\/\/mensfitness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/02\/Rob-Hobson.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
robhobson.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nMF Nutrition Awards 2024<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
MUSCLE & STRENGTH
Whey Protein<\/mark> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Healthspan](\"https:\/\/mensfitness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/02\/Healthspan-Elite-All-Blacks-Ultimate-Whey-Protein-Blend.jpg\")
![\"Men's](\"https:\/\/mensfitness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/02\/Winner.png?w=150&h=150&crop=1\")
<\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWINNER:<\/mark>
Healthspan Elite All Blacks Ultimate Whey Protein Blend<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"Gainful](\"https:\/\/mensfitness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/02\/Gainful-Protein-Powder-1.jpg\")
![\"Men's](\"https:\/\/mensfitness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/02\/Highly-recommended.png?w=150&h=150&crop=1\")
<\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nHIGHLY RECOMMENDED:<\/mark>
Gainful Protein Powder<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"foodspring](\"https:\/\/mensfitness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/02\/foodspring-Whey-Protein.jpg\")
![\"Men's](\"https:\/\/mensfitness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/02\/Special-mention.png?w=150&h=150&crop=1\")
<\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nSpecial mention to<\/mark> foodspring Whey Protein (buy here<\/a>), which boasts a high-quality, simple ingredients list and an impressive 24g protein per serving.\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
MUSCLE & STRENGTH
Vegan Protein<\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Nutravita](\"https:\/\/mensfitness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/02\/Nutravita-Vegan-Protein-Powder.jpg\")
<\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWINNER:<\/mark>
Nutravita Vegan Protein Powder<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"Nasty](\"https:\/\/mensfitness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/02\/Nasty-Vegan-Super-Shake.jpg\")
<\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nHIGHLY RECOMMENDED:<\/mark>
Nasty Vegan Super Shake<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"SCI-MX](\"https:\/\/mensfitness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/02\/SCI-MX-Pro-V-Gain.png.jpg\")
<\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nSpecial mention to<\/mark> SCI-MX Pro V-Gain (\u00a317.99, sci-mx.co.uk<\/a>), which packs in a huge 35g protein per serving.\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
MUSCLE & STRENGTH
Clear Protein<\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Protein](\"https:\/\/mensfitness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/02\/Protein-Works-Clear-Diet-Whey-Protein.jpg\")
<\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWINNER:<\/mark>
Protein Works Clear Diet Whey Protein<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"PhD](\"https:\/\/mensfitness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/02\/PhD-Smart-Clear-Whey-Protein-Powder.jpg\")
<\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nHIGHLY RECOMMENDED:<\/mark>
PhD Smart Clear Whey Protein Powder<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"foodspring](\"https:\/\/mensfitness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/02\/foodspring-Clear-Whey.jpg\")
<\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nSpecial mention to<\/mark> foodspring Clear Whey (\u00a329.99, foodspring.co.uk<\/a>), which contains 26g protein per serving \u2013\u00a0high for a clear protein.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
MUSCLE & STRENGTH
Protein Bars<\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Barebell](\"https:\/\/mensfitness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/02\/Barebell-Protein-Bar.jpg\")
<\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWINNER:<\/mark>
Barebell Protein Bar<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/mensfitness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/02\/The-Protein-Ball-Co-Protein-Balls.jpg\")
<\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nHIGHLY RECOMMENDED:<\/mark>
The Protein Ball Co Protein Balls<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"SCI-MX](\"https:\/\/mensfitness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/02\/SCI-MX-Ultra-Mass-Protein-Bar.jpg\")
<\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nSpecial mention to<\/mark> the SCI-MX Ultra Mass Protein Bar (buy here<\/a>) which, at 25g protein and 375 calories per bar, is the best choice for anyone who finds it difficult to pack on muscle.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
MUSCLE & STRENGTH
Vegan Protein Bars<\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"foodspring](\"https:\/\/mensfitness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/02\/foodspring-vegan-protein-bar-1.jpg\")
<\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWINNER:<\/mark>
foodspring Vegan Protein Bar<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Protein](\"https:\/\/mensfitness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/02\/Protein-Works-Ridicukous-Vegan-Protein-Bar.jpg\")
![\"Healthspan](\"https:\/\/mensfitness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/02\/Healthspan-Elite-All-Blacks-Plant-Based-HiLo-Protein-Bar.jpg\")