Best protein powders for swimmers
Protein is an essential macronutrient for repairing and building muscle after a strenuous swimming session. While you can’t beat animal- or plant-based protein eaten as part of a balanced diet, protein powders are a convenient way to increase your intake
FORM Performance Protein (520g)
£26
Pro: Great texture without emulsifiers
Con: Not the cheapest, but worth it
This plant-based protein blend is made with organic pea, brown rice and pumpkin seed proteins and delivers 30g of protein per serving, high for a vegan formula. It comes in five flavours, none of which were overwhelming sweet. The vanilla was delicious blended in a shake with oat milk and banana. It has a slightly grainy texture, but we found this gave it a satisfying mouthfeel and we appreciate that it’s made without emulsifiers.
KENDALIFE Superfood Shake
£10
Pro: Contains vitamins and minerals
Con: Only 20g of protein per serving
These handy single-serving sachets not only provide 20g of protein (using whey protein from grass-fed dairy cows), but also 24 vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, selenium and zinc. The three delicious flavours – such as cinnamon and spiced vanilla, and strawberry, banana and açai – mix well with cold water to make a smooth shake. Or you can sprinkle it over yoghurt or mix into oats.
HERMOSA Vegan Protein Powder (420g)
£35
Pro: Very smooth texture
Con: Limited flavours
This 100% plant-based protein powder is made with a GMO-free blend of pea and hemp protein that’s ethically sourced and delivers all nine essential amino acids with 20g of protein per serving. The powder mixes really easily and makes a smooth shake, not even slightly grainy. The vanilla flavour is subtle enough to mix well with other ingredients. Hermosa also make a grass-fed whey protein powder.
MY PROTEIN Essential Whey Protein (500g)
£19.99
Pro: Subtle taste
Con: Protein shaker needed for mixing
We liked the plain packaging and the statement about supporting an active lifestyle. Nothing fancy. No overblown promises. The packaging is also recyclable. We preferred it with milk for a sweet but tasty post-swim vanilla flavoured drink but with water it wasn’t bad either. Mixing is best done with a shaker, otherwise you may end up with powdery lumps. We also tried mixing it with oats for breakfast; it’s best to mix the powder into the oats before adding milk.
All products were chosen independently by our editorial team. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Click here to subscribe to the magazine. Read more Outdoor Swimmer gear reviews.
Jo Tinsley
Jo is the Gear Editor for Outdoor Swimmer and also writes news and features for the website. A keen open water swimmer and long-distance walker, she loves seeking out lakes and lidos close to her home in the Mendip Hills, Somerset. She is the author of The Slow Traveller, editor and founder of independent magazine, Ernest, and has previously tested outdoor clothing and kit for BBC Countryfile Magazine, BBC Focus and Ernest Journal.
