Best Whey Protein on a budget UK

Daisy80
Daisy80 Posts: 755 Member
Hello

I will be starting New Rules for Lifting for Women and will need to get a protein shake. I am a student so I haven't got much money.
I have googled a bit but there is just so much that I find it hard to decide what to go for. Can anyone advise good protein shakes that are high in protein and not too high in carbs?
I am in the UK so it would have to be available over here.

Any help is appreciated!

Thank you.

Daisy

Replies

  • dubbzhd
    dubbzhd Posts: 1 Member
    Hi Daisy,

    I'm not sure if Protein Shakes are targeted for men/women by including/excluding specific ingredients. Maximuscle do the Promax/Sculptress products but are quire expensive in terms or recommended cycle and price (3 times a day recommendation provides 10 days of use). However, Maximuscle products are also quite high in sugar content.

    I have just started using Reflex Natural Whey which for £40 would last 36 days using the recommended dosage of 3 shakes a day, (60g of protein and approx 5g of fat/carbs). Protein is similar to Maximuscle Promax but as the sugar and carbs are lower, helps encourage less bloating. As it is natural whey it doesn't taste the best but there is also Reflex Instant Whey which is very similar in nutrition but has artificial sweeteners and tastes better.

    If used twice a day, either product would last easily 6 weeks. If interested, probably worthwhile emailing Reflex to see if it is suitable for women also.

    Wish you well though in your studies and lifting ;o).

    L
  • ZarrX86
    ZarrX86 Posts: 38
    I really like the 100% gold standard whey from Optimum Nutrition. Dissolves nicely, doesnt have that chalky protein taste, and has good consistency, not to thick. I don't think it is that expensive either, GNC sells it.
  • girlie100
    girlie100 Posts: 646 Member
    Don't get caught up in womens specific protein shakes, I find these have quite a bit of sugar/carbs :(

    I use:

    http://www.sci-mx.co.uk/shop-by-goal/muscle-size-definition/100-ultragen-whey-protein/

    http://www.jst-nutrition.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=41_110&products_id=171&zenid=1o5e4kmns42sl8tjghbbc0ave2

    the second one is expensive to buy the tub but works out 93p a serving

    if you are lactose intolerant or even only slightly lactose intolerant cheaper whey proteins will make you gassy!!

    Good luck with new rules :) I'm doing that at the mo and love it
  • CMB1979
    CMB1979 Posts: 588 Member
    I really like the 100% gold standard whey from Optimum Nutrition. Dissolves nicely, doesnt have that chalky protein taste, and has good consistency, not to thick. I don't think it is that expensive either, GNC sells it.

    This. 24 protein/3 carbs/1 fat/120 cals. 74 servings in 5lb tub for not too much money. GNC or iherb.com or bodybuilding.com.
  • Squible
    Squible Posts: 359 Member
    Hmm

    Its gonna be expensive no matter what really. I go to GNC and Holland and Barrett as they do either half price or 2 for one deals (they seem to alternate who does on....its the same company lol) Although be careful to get the GNC discount tyou gotta buy thier card for £10 but that lasts a year and if you get a tub of protein half price it is worth it!

    I get the own make Whey protein chocolate/natural/vanilla ones and they work great not too much sugar or carbs. 2 scoops is 5g carbs 3g sugar 2g fat and 20g protein.

    They are usually about £38 a tub but that does last a while for me as I have it once a day for breakfast and my boyfriend has it once a day too.


    Also just looked on the UK GNC site it has bogof on everything (online only) so you could order it from there. I have found that online offers AREN'T the same as instore so be careful!

    The chocolate and vanilla taste alright and my boyfriend says the strawberry one is good too. Stay clear of the cookies and cream one I foud it really sickly and horrible. Haven't tried the banana one maybe I 'll get that one next.

    Good luck and hope you can figure out a way to get it with your budget :)
  • Barkley87
    Barkley87 Posts: 126 Member
    I've just started protein shakes and my housemate (who's been using them for a long time) recommends Impact whey protein. You can get it from myprotein.co.uk and it seems pretty good value!

    Also the flavoured stuff tastes just like milkshake. It's amazing.
  • Oh_Cat
    Oh_Cat Posts: 59 Member
    I use the Soy Isolate protein from My Protein. It's super cheap, and soy protein is meant to be great for girls.

    It's a bit grainy but if you mix in a blender, no problem...

    I buy the unflavoured version, so I can control what goes into it (usually some stevia and cocoa powder.) It's really nice blended with almond milk :)

    http://www.myprotein.com/uk/products/soy_protein_isolate
  • ironanimal
    ironanimal Posts: 5,922 Member
    Myprotein.co.uk is really good. Works out about 1.6p per gram with their Impact Whey. Tastes awesome too.

    1kg bag at 80% purity is £12.99 before adding flavour to it.
  • Aperture_Science
    Aperture_Science Posts: 840 Member
    My research may be a little out of date now but last year I did a price per gram of protein comparison and Nutrisport 90+ Whey came out best.

    Chocolate flavour on Amazon is currently £12.39 + P/P for 908g tub but if you want it in bigger tubs the price per serving is going to come down.

    a 26.5g scoop with water is:

    100 cals Carb:2g Fat:1g Protein:23g (that is 5g of protein more than an equivalent serving of Holland and Barratt's Whey for example)

    Taste... well it's OK but it's not going to win any awards. Better made up with milk than water but it's acceptable.

    Best wishes
  • Never buy a protein shape that claims to be "tailored for women" they are high in sugar and carbs and are very high in price.
    I am a student and mum on a strict budget, I shop around online and in health food shops for bargains, My favourite whey protein so far is 100% gold standard from optimum nutrition, but if i cant afford it i will buy one on special offer that is low in carbs .
    My advice is shop around and buy large, a big tub will do you about a month and then during that month put a little cash aside each week and then you never have to worry about it price.
  • LottieLou13
    LottieLou13 Posts: 574 Member
    Myprotein.co.uk is really good. Works out about 1.6p per gram with their Impact Whey. Tastes awesome too.

    1kg bag at 80% purity is £12.99 before adding flavour to it.

    This!
    I have the chocolate smooth and its bliming lovely :smile:
  • Princess_Sameen
    Princess_Sameen Posts: 284 Member
    I buy maximuscles products....no such thing as a good cheap Whey protein. But myprotein.co.uk do cheap products.
  • lilsaph
    lilsaph Posts: 63 Member
    I've just started protein shakes and my housemate (who's been using them for a long time) recommends Impact whey protein. You can get it from myprotein.co.uk and it seems pretty good value!

    Also the flavoured stuff tastes just like milkshake. It's amazing.

    My protein often has offers on and generally sell at good prices - there's also a loyalty scheme so you can use 'points' to put towards the cost of future orders :-)
  • kcragg
    kcragg Posts: 239 Member
    100% gold standard whey from Optimum Nutrition has been on offer at £20 in larger Tesco's.
  • roodledoodle
    roodledoodle Posts: 183
    Hi Daisy,

    I'm not sure if Protein Shakes are targeted for men/women by including/excluding specific ingredients. Maximuscle do the Promax/Sculptress products but are quire expensive in terms or recommended cycle and price (3 times a day recommendation provides 10 days of use). However, Maximuscle products are also quite high in sugar content.

    I have just started using Reflex Natural Whey which for £40 would last 36 days using the recommended dosage of 3 shakes a day, (60g of protein and approx 5g of fat/carbs). Protein is similar to Maximuscle Promax but as the sugar and carbs are lower, helps encourage less bloating. As it is natural whey it doesn't taste the best but there is also Reflex Instant Whey which is very similar in nutrition but has artificial sweeteners and tastes better.

    If used twice a day, either product would last easily 6 weeks. If interested, probably worthwhile emailing Reflex to see if it is suitable for women also.

    Wish you well though in your studies and lifting ;o).

    L

    Hi, I'm female and use Reflex Instant Whey which I buy from www.thesuppmementstore.co.uk for £41 for 2.2kg. I get the vanilla one and mix it with skimmed milk after my workouts, it's the only protein powder I've ever really liked except for Maximilk which works out just too expensive for an everyday protein shake! It lasts me a fair while. It is very low in carbs too Good luck in your search!
  • pyrowill
    pyrowill Posts: 1,163 Member
    If you want cheap but good myprotein.co.uk does very good whey protein for about 12 quid a kilo. Which is about 8 quid cheaper than most!
  • preymd
    preymd Posts: 5
    I use BSN Syntha-6 which is a good mix of protein/carbs/fats. They have a female targeted protein called Lean Dessert if you are looking for a femal specific protein powder.
  • Squible
    Squible Posts: 359 Member
    Myprotein.co.uk is really good. Works out about 1.6p per gram with their Impact Whey. Tastes awesome too.

    1kg bag at 80% purity is £12.99 before adding flavour to it.

    This!
    I have the chocolate smooth and its bliming lovely :smile:


    Justy been looking on the site and I'm shocked at how cheap! I need to know a few things so if people could help that would be great.

    With the Impact whey protein would this be ok for a meal? I usually have my protein shake for breakfast so would love to be able to replace it with this more reasonable alternative.

    Also...and I may be being a bit stupid but I can't see how much sugar there is in it...I looked on the diary entry for it on here and it says NONE (can it be true!?)

    Anyways hope I can get my answers heh
  • amortize20
    amortize20 Posts: 62 Member
    bump for later
  • I am not in the UK- but I use brown rice protein, and I stay full for hours- mind you I don't do my exercising until early evening- so may not last quite as long if you are using for workouts- before or after- BUT I love it! it has been great for me :) Good Luck!
  • Daisy80
    Daisy80 Posts: 755 Member
    Hello all and thank you so much for all the replies!! That is really helpful! I feel browse through the suggestions!
    I would be using it not as a meal replacement but rather as a post-workout shake so won't need it every day. NROLFW includes three lifting days and this is when I will be using the shake so hopefully it should last a bit longer!

    Again thank you for all the suggestions. It will take me little while to go through it all but I will update what seems to be the best deal for my needs in case someone else can use the information in the future!

    Again thank you all you lovely UK MFP people! :flowerforyou:
  • kitinboots
    kitinboots Posts: 589 Member
    I get the whey isolate from My Protein. I get it because its cheap, tastes good, has stats that I like and they deliver to france.
  • Jacwhite22
    Jacwhite22 Posts: 7,010 Member
    Do you have Wal-Mart there? Body Fortress is pretty cheap and has decent macros.
  • stephvaile
    stephvaile Posts: 298
    Hello

    I will be starting New Rules for Lifting for Women and will need to get a protein shake. I am a student so I haven't got much money.
    I have googled a bit but there is just so much that I find it hard to decide what to go for. Can anyone advise good protein shakes that are high in protein and not too high in carbs?
    I am in the UK so it would have to be available over here.

    Any help is appreciated!

    Thank you.

    Daisy
    have alook on MYPROTEIN.COM a large 31kg bag for approx £33 lasts at least 31 drinks if you have the full 2 scoops in (you can only put 1 in ) also do a diet one true exelle for ladies
  • GymAnJuice
    GymAnJuice Posts: 512 Member
    i was going to suggest holland and barrett too. i only buy them when they are on offer but will check out other suggestions too
  • 50sthenew30
    50sthenew30 Posts: 57 Member
    Daisy,

    As some people have allready suggested,

    My Protein, as recommended by the 5x5 stronglifts site.

    here you go, http://www.myprotein.com/uk/cats/protein/best-sellers

    Harry
  • hypallage
    hypallage Posts: 624 Member
    saving to look at later
  • mikem45
    mikem45 Posts: 35
    My protein is definitely the place to start.

    Anyone using for meal replacements should look into a peptide protein powder (my proteins is called total peptide) this is a protein blend, usually 3 types of protein so its has a timed released effect. I personally use cnp propeptide and if I need carbs adding to it I usually add a scoop of maltodextrin which mixes really well.
  • kittyraj
    kittyraj Posts: 129 Member
    I use Sci-MX they used to be USN.

    Their shake comes in chocolate and strawberry flavour. It's probably one of the few ones I enjoy and look forward too.
    It has egg whites which makes the shake creamy without adding milk. I don't feel like I'm on diet then as it tastes like a naughty shake.

    I must admit it's slightly powdery as with all shakes but a lot less powdery than many others that I've tried.

    I find mixing it using a blender bottle with a grid inside (not sure what it's called) or the ones with a little metal spring works best.

    Plus to add the powder to the water and not the other way around. :-)

    Best of luck x
  • dlegros
    dlegros Posts: 162 Member
    Another vote here for myprotein.co.uk you can either go unflavoured and use their Flavdrops to flavour it yourself or buy ready flavoured varieties.

    I started out with them by ordering a whole load of the sample packs so you can see what you like.

    HTH