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The Top Five Affordable Protein Powders For 2023

fit man sits looking at protein powder drink

Everyone knows by now that there’s going to be a big squeeze on the cost of living, it’s on every news channel, radio station and is being discussed widely.

Therefore, we’ve made a list of the best five affordable protein powders for 2023 – supplementation is important, but so are making little savings along the way.

Hopefully, this top-five comes in handy when making your protein powder choices for 2023.

The Criteria

To select our best five protein powders, we took into account the following set of criteria:

  • Nutrition – The majority of people now expect to get a minimum of 20-grams of protein per serving with a moderate number of calories and low fat, carbs and sugar content.
  • Texture – We’re looking for smooth, creamy consistencies that are easily mixable with water, milk or milk alternative.
  • Taste – Nobody wants to be drinking something that tastes like it’s been diluted so we’re looking for bold flavours that really pop.
  • Reviews – As always, authentic feedback that’s positive is always one of the best places to decide if the product is worthy of our list. 
  • Price – With the increasing cost of living, an affordable cost per serving is a must.

Protein powders are made from a wide variety of sources and are available in different flavours too. Some are from animal or plant foods, such as eggs, peas, and soy. While all are beneficial, certain types may be more effective at meeting your body’s needs.

Price Guide

  • £ = Under £0.75 per serving
  • ££ = Under £1.00 per serving
  • £££ = Above £1.00 per serving

1. MyProtein THE Plant

  • Brand: MyProtein
  • Type: Plant Protein
  • Sizes Available: 800g
  • Serving Size: 100 Grams
  • Calories: 142 Calories
  • Protein: 25 Grams
  • Carbs: 2.5 Grams
  • Sugars: 0 Grams
  • Saturated Fats: 0.9 Grams
  • Average Rating: 4.9/5 Stars
  • Price Guide: ££

THE Plant is MyProtein’s cutting-edge tri-protein blend, boasting an optimised particle size and first-class amino acid profile.

The sign of a high-quality protein is the protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (or PDCAAS for short), where 1 indicates a perfect score. Whey is considered among the highest-quality protein with a PDCAAS of 1.0. THE Plant also has the same score, giving you the highest quality protein and is completely plant-based.

That’s not all. MyProtein also mimicked the particle size of whey – to give you a smooth drinking experience. Add to that MyZyme™, an expertly developed blend of enzymes, and a natural source of calcium (15% RI) from Aquamin™ Marine Algae – THE Plant is a perfect way to keep you on track with your protein goals all day, every day.

What does THE Plant taste like?

Not only do they create their protein powders to have excellent nutritionals – they also taste delicious. With a range of mouth-watering flavours, including Chocolate, Salted Caramel, Mango & Passionfruit, you’re sure to find your favourite — no matter your tastes.

2. Innermost The Fit Protein

  • Brand: Innermost
  • Type: Vegan Protein
  • Sizes Available: 520g
  • Serving Size: 40 Grams
  • Calories: 144 Calories
  • Protein: 31 Grams
  • Carbs: 4.3 Grams
  • Sugars: 1.0 Grams
  • Saturated Fats: 0.1 Grams
  • Average Rating: 4.8/5 Stars
  • Price Guide: ££

If you complain about lacking energy, you’re not alone. This vegan protein blend was developed for people who regularly push themselves further than most, but don’t want to let that compromise other aspects of their lives.

Formulated to rehydrate and restore energy, and support muscle growth and repair.

Satiating vegan protein keeps you feeling fuller for longer without a high-calorie content, whilst one serving boasts one of the highest protein contents in the market, with no added sugar.

Maca and magnesium help to reduce inflammation and combat mental and physical stress, whilst pea and brown rice protein aids muscle repair.

The tastiest vegan protein around. You’ll probably be coming back for seconds. Have it in smoothies, porridge, baked goods, or on its own.

Don’t take on the world without it.

3. Bulk Powders Clear Whey Isolate

  • Brand: Bulk Powders
  • Type: Whey Protein
  • Sizes Available: 500g or 1kg
  • Serving Size: 25 Grams
  • Calories: 86 Calories
  • Protein: 20 Grams
  • Carbs: 1.2 Grams
  • Sugars: 0.1 Grams
  • Saturated Fats: 0.1 Grams
  • Average Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
  • Price Guide: £

Over at Bulk™, they have created a light, refreshing alternative to your everyday protein shake. Clear Whey Isolate is the answer for anyone seeking a high-protein, low-sugar shake, without the milky taste and texture.

Their Clear Whey Isolate provides 20g of high-quality protein per serving to contribute to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass. The clean, clear nature of the protein powder enables easy mixing and easy drinking.

Clear Whey Isolate is suitable for anyone seeking a refreshing, delicious protein shake that’s also low in fat and sugar.

Purpose

Bulks Clear Whey Isolate offers an incredible 20g protein per serving, whilst being low in fat and sugar. It’s great for anyone, whether you’re an experienced athlete or someone starting out on their training journey.

4. Hermosa Whey Protein Powder – Glass Jar

  • Brand: Hermosa
  • Type: Whey Isolate Protein
  • Sizes Available: 420 
  • Serving Size: 32 Grams
  • Calories: 131 Calories
  • Protein: 22 Grams
  • Carbs: 4.5 Grams
  • Sugars: 2.0 Grams
  • Saturated Fats: 2.0 Grams
  • Average Rating: 4.2/5 Stars
  • Price Guide: £££
hermosa glass jar whey

Super Clean: Hermosa premium whey protein from grass fed cows in the Lake District, 100% natural stevia sweetener sourced in South America and purified in Europe, and our clean vanilla flavouring.

5. Mars Whey Hi-Protein Powder

  • Brand: Mars
  • Type: Whey Protein
  • Sizes Available: 875g 
  • Serving Size: 21 Grams
  • Calories: 140 Calories
  • Protein: 21 Grams
  • Carbs: 5 Grams
  • Sugars: 1 Gram
  • Saturated Fats: 1.5 Grams
  • Average Rating: 4.4/5 Stars
  • Price Guide: ££

Many might see this as a novelty product but quite simply, it’s not. It’s actually a very well-rated protein supplement that can pull its own weight.

Produced officially by the famous company, the Mars Protein Powder offers 21-grams of whey protein per serving and tastes just like your all-time favourite confectionary chocolate bar.

Granted, there are a higher number of carbs, sugars and fats but it still should be pretty easy to make it work with your macros. 

Obviously, if you’re a professional athlete or prepping for an upcoming competition then the other four products above would be much more aligned with your needs but if not, it’s definitely worth a shot.

If Mars flavour isn’t your thing, don’t worry as they have now released Snickers, Bounty, Twix and Maltesers versions – awesome right?

These affordable, yet quality protein powders combined with positive lifestyle choices and essential news from Sustain Health will help you achieve your goals in 2023 (even with the cost of living crisis).

Now, we can’t finish without naming three honourable mentions that just missed out on our top five which were Grenade’s Hydra 6 Protein, Mutant Whey and Oatein’s Dynamic Protein Powder. Be sure to let us know what you’re going to try in 2022.