Protein powders are hugely popular in the health and wellness community. Once only bodybuilders tended to add scoops of protein powders into their diets after the gym in order to boost their muscle recovery after a strength session. Today, the benefits of protein powders are being discovered by everyone who has an interest in their health and nutrition. But with so many on the market, how can you buy protein powders which are right for your needs?

1. Know your goals

Are you looking to have a ready meal replacement that supports your healthy lifestyle? Keen to boost muscle repair after training? Looking to drop a few pounds easily and without snacking?

If you know your goals, you can choose a protein powder that best supports them. For example, you'll find 'diet' varieties that minimise excess carbs, 'high energy' varieties that are ideal for packing on muscle and weight if you are on a gaining diet, and even keto-friendly options for those who avoid sugar and excess carbohydrate in favour of high fat.

2. Have a sensible budget

When you buy protein powders, you do tend to get what you pay for. Cheap protein powders are often bulked out with filler products and may be made with low-quality whey or alternatives. So choose a quality brand and a quality formulation and you'll see the results that you're looking for. For example, basic whey protein powder will invariably be cheaper than whey isolate because of the formulation.

3. Buy protein powders for the right extras

You'll find that many products have added vitamins and minerals. Others will claim to have beneficial additions such as BCAAs - but actually, whey protein products will naturally contain these types of amino acid anyway. Make sure you aren't paying for 'extras' that you don't actually need. For most people, a quality protein powder with an additional multivitamin and mineral supplement will be more than adequate. You may also want to check for sweetening ingredients to ensure you are happy with the artificial sweeteners or sugars being used. For example, some people prefer to buy products made with stevia or erythritol as a natural sweetener, rather than aspartame or sucralose which may have a detrimental effect on blood sugar and gut bacteria.

4. Consider vegan options

When you buy protein powders you'll also be amazed at how many different products there are on the market. For example, it isn't necessary now to buy whey products if you prefer to avoid animal-based ingredients. Instead, try vegan powders made from soy, hemp or pea proteins, like our protein powders, which have the great taste that you're looking for and all of the protein goals, but none of the dairy-based ingredients.

5. Shop around

With so many products on the market, it is well worth shopping around for the right protein powder for your needs. Keep testing and trying until you find one that tastes great and works for you!