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Tired of the same old protein drinks? It's time to shake things up! From classic whey to plant-based powerhouses, there's a flavour and formula for everyone – let's dive in
Our top picks
Vegan
Huel
Huel 100% Nutritionally Complete Meal Strawberries & Cream 500ml
£3.50
Dairy-free
Vieve
Vieve Watermelon Protein Water 500ml
£2.49
Gluten-free
Yfood
Yfood Ready to Drink Complete Meal Fresh Berry Drink 500ml
£3.50
What is a protein drink?
In a nutshell, protein drinks are beverages packed with a concentrated dose of protein in a handy, easy-to-consume form. The current conversations indicate that protein is vital for various bodily functions, including muscle growth and maintenance.1,2,3
You can enjoy protein drinks as a meal replacement, post-workout recovery drink or nutritional supplement, making them versatile for numerous nutritional needs.4,5
Although most people in the UK consume enough protein, protein drinks can be a helpful addition for those with higher needs. Whether you're an athlete training hard, an older adult looking to maintain muscle mass, or someone recovering from illness, extra protein can be beneficial.4,6
If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, you need to make sure you’re getting plenty of protein from plant-based foods. While most vegetarians and vegans can get enough protein through their diet, protein drinks can be a fantastic addition for those on plant-based diets who find it challenging to get enough protein from regular meals.7,8
You can choose from a variety of protein drink types, such as shakes and smoothies. There are also protein powders that mix well with water or milk. With protein sources like whey, soy, pea or rice, you can pick the one that suits your taste and lifestyle best.9
Our top picks for best protein drinks
It’s important to remember that protein drinks shouldn’t replace a well-balanced, healthy meal but when you find yourself struggling in some areas here are some top protein drink options you could try with their unique benefits:
UFIT
£3.29
£0.66/100 ml
Each shake packs a hefty 50g of protein from milk protein concentrate and isolates – more than double the protein content of many other shakes on the market.11 Plus, it’s enriched with vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, vitamin C and calcium which can help support bone health, energy metabolism and overall well-being.12,13 The added fibre can aid digestion and helps you feel fuller for longer.14
UFIT High Protein Shake gives a quick protein boost, making it perfect for athletes and bodybuilders.
Available in White Chocolate and Salted Caramel, this shake is nutritious and enjoyable to drink. It’s low in fat and has no added sugars, so it can be a healthy choice for anyone looking to maximise their protein intake without excess fat and sugar.
Vieve
£2.49
£0.50/100 ml
Its fruity taste makes a nice change from chocolate or vanilla and offers you a refreshing, protein-rich drink whether you’re at home or the gym. Why not try something a little different and give Vieve’s Watermelon Protein Water a go the next time you want a protein boost?
If protein shakes aren’t your thing, then perhaps this is what you’re looking for. With 20g of protein per serving, you’re getting just as much, if not more protein, than a milky protein shake.15
Huel produces nutritionally complete meal. Each Huel drink offers a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, fats, fibre and 26 essential vitamins and minerals. With up to 22g of protein per serving from pea protein and other plant-based ingredients like oats, rice, flaxseed, coconut and sunflower, Huel ensures you get all the nutrients your body needs to thrive.16
Enjoy flavours like Strawberries and Cream, Iced Coffee Caramel, Cinnamon Swirl, Salted Caramel, Vanilla, Banana, Berry and Chocolate, giving you plenty of options to match your taste preferences.
This drink is perfect for busy individuals who need a quick, complete meal on-the-go, as Huel offers a complete meal replacement option that can supports your health and well-being. The plant-based protein and other essential nutrients also make it ideal for vegans and vegetarians.17
If you’re looking for a powerhouse protein shake, look no further than Huel’s alternative option: Black Edition 100% Nutritionally Complete Meal.
As Huel describe it themselves: “This isn’t just any protein drink. This is elite nutrition, bottled.”17
Compared to its Huel 100% Nutritionally Complete Meal counterpart, Huel Black Edition is packed with a lot more plant-based protein, providing 35g per 500ml bottle. It also contains 26 vitamins and minerals, helping you unlock 172 health benefits and fuel your maximum potential while out and about.17
Just like Huel, yfood offers a ready-to-drink complete meal. With 34g of protein per bottle, it’s one of the higher-protein options available. It contains protein from milk protein concentrate and isolates, along with carbohydrates, healthy fats, fibre, and 26 vitamins and minerals.18
This balanced mix of macronutrients and essential vitamins and minerals makes it an excellent meal replacement or post-workout recovery drink to keep you energised and full.
You’ll love the creamy texture and delicious flavours, such as Happy Banana, Salted Caramel, Cold Brew Coffee, Heavenly Hazelnut, Classic Choco, Fresh Berry and Smooth Vanilla. These options make every sip enjoyable and satisfying.
yfood is perfect if you’re looking for a convenient, balanced meal replacement that supports muscle maintenance and overall health. Its high protein content is especially great for those with higher protein needs, such as athletes or anyone looking to build muscle mass.18
The possible benefits of protein drinks
Protein drinks offer several possible benefits that make them a valuable addition to your diet:
- great for pre or post-workout – they can help enhance muscle strength and size when combined with resistance training and a balanced diet9
- muscle repair – they can provide essential amino acids for muscle repair and maintenance19
- a quick source of protein – ideal for busy lifestyles, protein drinks offer a fast and convenient way to boost your protein intake
- variety – with numerous flavours and types available, there’s a protein drink for all taste preferences and dietary restrictions
- convenient and portable – ready-to-drink protein beverages are perfect for on-the-go nutrition
- improved overall nutrition – many protein drinks contain various vitamins and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet
- weight management – some protein drinks support weight loss by helping you feel fuller for longer and reducing overall calorie intake20,21
- nutritional support – for those with increased protein needs, such as athletes, older adults or people recovering from illness or surgery, protein drinks can help meet dietary requirements22-25
The final say
Protein drinks have become the go-to choice for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals, offering a convenient way to meet your nutritional needs, even when you’re on the go. Plus, they take the stress out of planning and preparing protein-rich meals, ensuring you effortlessly get the protein you need.
Let's find out more about why your body loves protein so much.
The advice in this article is for information only and shouldn’t replace medical care. While we strive for accuracy and balance, please be aware that this article may discuss products available for purchase through Holland & Barrett. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements mustn’t be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
- European Commission. Food and Feed Information Portal Database. Protein: Art.13(1) [Internet]. [cited 2024 May 17]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/food/food-feed-portal/screen/health-claims/eu-register/details/POL-HC-6446
- Kårlund A, Gómez-Gallego C, Turpeinen AM, Outi-Maaria Palo-oja, Hani El-Nezami, Kolehmainen M. Protein Supplements and Their Relation with Nutrition, Microbiota Composition and Health: Is More Protein Always Better for Sportspeople? Nutrients [Internet]. 2019 Apr 12 [cited 2024 Jul 4];11(4):829–9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6521232/
- LaPelusa A, Kaushik R. Physiology, Proteins [Internet]. Nih.gov. StatPearls Publishing; 2022 [cited 2024 Jul 4]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555990/
- Ambulkar P, et al. Efficacy and safety assessment of protein supplement - micronutrient fortification in promoting health and wellbeing in healthy adults - a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Transl Clin Pharmacol. 2023;31(1):13–3. https://doi.org/10.12793/tcp.2023.31.e1
- Poulios A, et al. Protein-based supplementation to enhance recovery in team sports: What is the evidence? J Sc Med. 2019;18(3):523–36. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6683614
- British Nutriion Foundation. Protein. [Internet]. [cited 2024 May 17]. Available from: https://www.nutrition.org.uk/nutritional-information/protein/
- Gorissen SHM, et al. Protein content and amino acid composition of commercially available plant-based protein isolates. Amino acids. 2018;50(12):1685–95. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-018-2640-5
- NHS Choices. The vegetarian diet [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2024 Jul 4]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/how-to-eat-a-balanced-diet/the-vegetarian-diet/
- Morton RW, et al. A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of the effect of protein supplementation on resistance training-induced gains in muscle mass and strength in healthy adults. Br J Sports Med. 2017;52(6):376–84. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2017-097608
- UFIT. UFIT 50g high protein shake drink [Internet]. Available from: https://ufitdrinks.com/products/ufit-50g-high-protein-health-shake-drink-8x500ml
- NHS Choices. Food for healthy bones [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2024 Jul 4]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/bone-health/food-for-strong-bones/
- Chin KY, Soelaiman Ima-Nirwana. Vitamin C and Bone Health: Evidence from Cell, Animal and Human Studies. Current drug targets [Internet]. 2018 Mar 19 [cited 2024 Jul 4];19(5):439–50. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26343111/
- Borkoles E, Digby Krastins, van, Sims P, Polman R. Short-Term Effect of Additional Daily Dietary Fibre Intake on Appetite, Satiety, Gastrointestinal Comfort, Acceptability, and Feasibility. Nutrients [Internet]. 2022 Oct 10 [cited 2024 Jul 4];14(19):4214–4. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/19/4214
- UFIT. UFIT 15g Lite protein shake drink [Internet]. [cited 2024 May 19]. Available from: https://ufitdrinks.com/products/ufit-lite-310ml
- UFIT. UFIT 15g vegan chocolate orange shake drink [Internet]. [cited 2024 May 19]. Available from: https://ufitdrinks.com/products/ufit-plant-protein-drink-shake-8x310ml
- Huel. Huel ready-to-drink [Internet]. [cited 2024 May 19]. Available from: https://uk.huel.com/products/build-your-own-bundle#/?product=huel-ready-to-drink
- Huel. Black Edition Ready-to-drink. [Internet]. Available from: https://uk.huel.com/products/huel-black-edition-ready-to-drink.
- yfood. Classic drinks 500ml [Internet]. [cited 2024 May 19]. Available from: https://uk.yfood.eu/products/yfood-500ml-meal-replacement
- Jäger R, et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: Protein and exercise. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017;14(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-017-0177-8
- Hector AJ, et al. Protein recommendations for weight loss in elite athletes: A focus on body composition and performance. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2018(2):170–7. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2017-0273
- Moon J, et al. Clinical evidence and mechanisms of high-protein diet-induced weight loss. J Obes Metab Syndr. 2020;29(3):166–73. https://doi.org/10.7570/jomes20028
- Kaur D, et al. Nutritional interventions for elderly and considerations for the development of geriatric foods. Curr Aging Sci. 2019;12(1):15–27. http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1874609812666190521110548
- Crickmer M, et al. Benefits of post-operative oral protein supplementation in gastrointestinal surgery patients: A systematic review of clinical trials. World J Gastroint Surg. 2016;8(7):521–32. http://dx.doi.org/10.4240/wjgs.v8.i7.521
- Dingemans AM, et al. High protein oral nutritional supplements enable the majority of cancer patients to meet protein intake recommendations during systemic anti-cancer treatment: A randomised controlled parallel-group study. Nutrients. 2023;15(24):5030. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15245030
- Grenade. Bottled protein shakes [Internet]. [cited 2024 May 19]. Available from: https://www.grenade.com/collections/bottled-protein-shakes
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