What is the best whey protein in the UK in 2026?

Q: What does the best whey cost per shake and per month?

Count on one shake of 30 grams a day: that shows what the difference in price per kilo means for your budget.

A whey that delivers at least 20 g of complete protein per serving, with an honest label. Every A guarantees that; an A+ also shows a high protein percentage, the leucine content and the full amino acid profile.

Best score · most protein £1.23 per serving SupplementScore A+

Myprotein THE Whey

E · avoidtap a tileA+ · outstanding

Buy at Myprotein £40.49

By Red Hooftman · scorecard medically reviewed by Android Health Clinic · updated 19 October 2026

How we rate whey

Does it deliver enough protein? At least 20 g of complete whey protein per serving and a high protein percentage per 100 g of powder. That is the condition for an A.
Is the label honest? No amino spiking and no misleading claims. A whey that also delivers 25 g or more per serving and states the leucine and the full amino acid profile earns an A+.

tap a score

Isolate and concentrate are each judged on their own threshold; sweetener and taste do not count towards the score. The score cannot be bought. Within the same score our partners come first; we say so openly.

Which whey protein has the best SupplementScore?

live price, discount included

1 Myprotein THE Whey According to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit · with code KROTON -10%

£40.49 ≈ £1.23 / serving To the shop
2 Myprotein Impact Whey Isolate Powder According to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit · with code KROTON -35%

£195.74 ≈ £1.30 / serving To the shop
3 Kruidvat Perfect Whey Protein Vanilla 670 g According to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit

Available at Kruidvat
4 Kruidvat 100% Isolate Whey Protein According to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit

Available at Kruidvat
5 Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey – Double Rich According to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit

£108.00 ≈ £1.43 / serving To the shop
6 Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Isolate Whey Protein According to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit

£38.00 ≈ £2.53 / serving To the shop
7 Myprotein Impact Whey Protein Jimmy’s Iced According to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit · with code KROTON -16%

£24.74 ≈ £1.24 / serving To the shop
8 Myprotein Hydrolysed Whey Protein Powder According to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit · with code KROTON -28%

£121.94 ≈ £1.46 / serving To the shop
9 Decathlon Whey-protein Whey Neutral 900 g According to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit

Available at Decathlon
10 Decathlon Whey-protein Whey Isolate According to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit

Available at Decathlon
11 Healthy Fit Whey Protein According to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit

Available at Lidl
12 NXT Level Whey Protein According to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit

Available at Jumbo
13 Optimum Nutrition Platinum Hydrowhey Hydrolysed Whey Protein Powder According to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit

£108.00 ≈ £2.03 / serving To the shop
14 Myprotein Essential Whey Protein 375g Unflavoured According to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit · with code KROTON -40%

£10.79 ≈ £0.86 / serving To the shop
15 Albert Heijn AH Whey Protein Shake Vanilla 330 g According to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit

Available at Albert Heijn
16 Albert Heijn AH Whey Protein Powder Iced coffee According to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit

Available at Albert Heijn

Questions

What is the best whey protein?

A whey that delivers at least 20 g of complete protein per serving, with a high protein percentage and an honest label. At the top of the list are the products rated A+: 25 g or more per serving, leucine and the full amino acid profile stated. The order cannot be bought: partner or not changes nothing about the score.

What does the best whey cost per shake and per month?

Count on one shake of 30 grams a day: that shows what the difference in price per kilo means for your budget.

Product	Per shake (30 g)	Per month
Myprotein Essential Whey Protein £22.40 per kilo	£0.67	£20.16
Myprotein Essential Whey Protein £28.77 per kilo	£0.86	£25.90
Myprotein Essential Whey Protein £28.77 per kilo	£0.86	£25.90
Myprotein THE Whey £40.90 per kilo	£1.23	£36.81
Myprotein Impact Whey Protein Jimmy’s Iced £41.23 per kilo	£1.24	£37.11
Myprotein Impact Whey Isolate Powder £43.50 per kilo	£1.30	£39.15
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey – Double Rich £47.58 per kilo	£1.43	£42.82
Myprotein Hydrolysed Whey Protein Powder £48.78 per kilo	£1.46	£43.90
Optimum Nutrition Platinum Hydrowhey Hydrolysed Whey Protein Powder £67.50 per kilo	£2.03	£60.75
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Isolate Whey Protein £84.44 per kilo	£2.53	£76.00

Calculated from the price per kilo (discount included) × 30 grams per shake, 30 times a month. Prices checked on 22 October 2026.

Which whey protein has the best value for money?

A whey rated A with a low price per kilo. The score guarantees the protein quality, the price per kilo makes the difference. The table further down shows the cost per shake and per month; for the lowest price per kilo across every shop, see the cheapest whey protein.

What is the difference between A and A+ for whey?

A means the protein is there: at least 20 g of complete whey protein per serving, a high percentage and no amino spiking. A+ meets all of that and adds 25 g or more per serving, with the leucine and the full amino acid profile on the label.

Did Dr Diederik Smit test every whey?

No. He reviewed the medical criteria of the whey scorecard. The editors applied those criteria to the variants sold in the UK.

Whey concentrate or isolate?

Isolate is more filtered: a bit more protein, almost no lactose or fat, but often more expensive. For most athletes a good concentrate is enough. The isolates on their own: the best whey isolate.

How much protein a day?

Aim for 1.6 to 2 g of protein per kilo of body weight a day in total. One or two shakes top up your diet.

Full explanation, proof per product and sources

A good protein powder is the simplest way to hit your protein for recovery and muscle growth. The most chosen is whey: quickly absorbed, complete in amino acids and the cheapest per gram of protein. The effect is well established: the largest meta-analysis (Morton 2018, 49 studies and 1,863 participants, source 1 at the bottom) shows that extra protein increases muscle mass and strength with resistance training, up to about 1.6 g of protein per kilo of body weight a day in total. What to look at: a flavoured whey concentrate sits around 70 to 75% protein; well below that, the powder is cut with filler. Check the ingredient list too: "glutamine peptide" or separately added amino acids are cheap protein counted as whey (amino spiking), and the standard label test does not see it. Below, every rated whey sold in the UK in the order of the SupplementScore, partner or not, with its protein per serving, the reason for the grade and today’s price. Only the price per kilo matters to you? See the cheapest whey protein.

What do SupplementScore A and A+ mean for whey?

The score judges the quality and effectiveness of the protein, not taste or sweetener. Concentrate (and blends) and isolate each have their own protein-percentage threshold.

Score	What we established	What it gives you
A	At least 20 g of complete whey protein per serving, a high protein percentage per 100 g of powder and an honest label.	An effective basic choice. Often also the best buy when the price per kilo is low.
A+	Everything of an A, plus 25 g of protein or more per serving, leucine stated and the full amino acid profile on the label.	Maximum transparency about what you take. Not more effect than a good A.
B	Good protein with a reservation: just under 20 g per serving, or transparently added single amino acids that make the protein figure less telling.	Perfectly usable; look at the serving size.
No score	The product cannot be linked unambiguously to the scorecard (blend with other proteins, bundle, missing label data).	Better no badge than a rating on the wrong product.

Amino spiking (cheap amino acids counted as protein) caps a product at C; a clearly misleading label gives a D. Read the full method and check the released ratings in the open score feed.

Concentrate, isolate or plant-based: which to choose?

Type	Characteristics	For whom
Whey concentrate	Around 70 to 75% protein; the best price per gram of protein.	The best all-round choice for most athletes.
Whey isolate	More filtered: a bit more protein, almost no lactose or fat, often more expensive.	If you digest lactose poorly or want the leanest option.
Clear whey (isolate)	The same protein as isolate, but drinks like a squash instead of a milkshake.	If you do not like the thick texture of a shake.
Plant-based (soy, pea)	A complete dairy-free alternative.	Vegans and anyone fully intolerant to lactose.

What we reject

These signals on a label make us advise against a protein powder:

Less than 70% protein (a cut concentrate): A flavoured whey concentrate sits around 70 to 75% protein. Below that, the powder is cut with cheaper whey or fillers: you pay for protein and get carbohydrate and fat.
Amino spiking ("glutamine peptide", added glycine or taurine): Cheap amino acids or wheat protein that count towards the protein content on the label. The standard nitrogen test (Kjeldahl) does not see the difference. If it is in the ingredient list, the protein percentage is flattered.
More than 5 g of sugar per serving: Pointless in a protein shake: it lowers the protein percentage and only adds calories.
Proprietary blends without doses: If a brand does not dare to say how much of each ingredient there is, you cannot check the quality. For us that is a reason to reject, not a matter of style.

What should you look out for?

Look at the protein per serving, the protein percentage per 100 g, taste and how well it mixes. A whey concentrate suits most people; for less lactose and fat choose an isolate (see the best whey isolate). Only comparing on price? See the cheapest whey protein per kilo.

How this list is put together

The list sorts first by SupplementScore (A+ before A). Within the same score our partners come first, then the other brands, each on user rating; the score itself cannot be bought and the same public rules apply to partners and non-partners. We only link products that we can tie unambiguously to the scorecard; in doubt we show no score. The criteria were medically reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit, endocrinologist; he did not assess each of these British products separately. Prices are measured daily; the scores change only when the label changes.

What proof sits behind each score?

Every product in the list above has a proof passport: protein per serving and type, the reason for the grade, and whether we earn a commission. Partner or not changes nothing about the score.

Medical review: The whey scorecard (v3.2: protein per serving, protein percentage, leucine, label honesty) was medically reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit, endocrinologist. He did not assess each of these products sold in the UK separately: the editors applied his criteria to the British variants.

Product	Score	Protein and type	Why this score?	Public proof
Myprotein THE WheyAccording to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit · Partner: we earn a commission if you buy through our link	A+		At least 25 g of complete whey protein per serving, a high protein percentage, leucine and the full amino acid profile stated.	No public, product-specific proof found. That is not a sign of poor quality; the brand simply does not (yet) stand out with verifiable proof.
Myprotein Impact Whey Isolate PowderAccording to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit · Partner: we earn a commission if you buy through our link	A+	25 g protein per serving (30 g)	At least 25 g of complete whey protein per serving, a high protein percentage, leucine and the full amino acid profile stated.	No public, product-specific proof found. That is not a sign of poor quality; the brand simply does not (yet) stand out with verifiable proof.
Kruidvat Perfect Whey Protein Vanilla 670 gAccording to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit · Not a partner: no commission	A+	23 g protein per serving of 30 g, 2.4 g leucinewhey blend (concentrate, isolate), 75% protein	At least 25 g of complete whey protein per serving, a high protein percentage, leucine and the full amino acid profile stated.	No public, product-specific proof found. That is not a sign of poor quality; the brand simply does not (yet) stand out with verifiable proof.
Kruidvat Kruidvat 100% Isolate Whey ProteinAccording to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit · Not a partner: no commission	A+	26 g protein per serving of 30 g, 2.7 g leucinewhey isolate (98%), 87% protein	At least 25 g of complete whey protein per serving, a high protein percentage, leucine and the full amino acid profile stated.	No public, product-specific proof found. That is not a sign of poor quality; the brand simply does not (yet) stand out with verifiable proof.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey – Double RichAccording to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit · Partner: we earn a commission if you buy through our link	A	24 g protein per serving (~32 g)whey blend (isolate + concentrate), 75% protein	At least 20 g of complete whey protein per serving, a high protein percentage and an honest label.	No public, product-specific proof found. That is not a sign of poor quality; the brand simply does not (yet) stand out with verifiable proof.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Isolate Whey ProteinAccording to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit · Partner: we earn a commission if you buy through our link	A	25 g protein per servingwhey isolate, 81% protein	At least 20 g of complete whey protein per serving, a high protein percentage and an honest label.	No public, product-specific proof found. That is not a sign of poor quality; the brand simply does not (yet) stand out with verifiable proof.
Myprotein Impact Whey Protein Jimmy’s IcedAccording to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit · Partner: we earn a commission if you buy through our link	A	23 g protein per serving (30 g, unflavoured; depending on flavour 20-23 g)	At least 20 g of complete whey protein per serving, a high protein percentage and an honest label.	No public, product-specific proof found. That is not a sign of poor quality; the brand simply does not (yet) stand out with verifiable proof.
Myprotein Hydrolysed Whey Protein PowderAccording to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit · Partner: we earn a commission if you buy through our link	A	23 g protein per serving of 30 g	At least 20 g of complete whey protein per serving, a high protein percentage and an honest label.	No public, product-specific proof found. That is not a sign of poor quality; the brand simply does not (yet) stand out with verifiable proof.
Decathlon Whey-protein Whey Neutral 900 gAccording to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit · Not a partner: no commission	A	23 g protein per serving of 30 g	At least 20 g of complete whey protein per serving, a high protein percentage and an honest label.	No public, product-specific proof found. That is not a sign of poor quality; the brand simply does not (yet) stand out with verifiable proof.
Decathlon Whey-protein Whey IsolateAccording to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit · Not a partner: no commission	A	25 g protein per serving of 30 gwhey isolate (96%), 82% protein	At least 20 g of complete whey protein per serving, a high protein percentage and an honest label.	No public, product-specific proof found. That is not a sign of poor quality; the brand simply does not (yet) stand out with verifiable proof.
Healthy Fit Whey ProteinAccording to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit · Not a partner: no commission	A	23.1 g protein per serving of 30 g	At least 20 g of complete whey protein per serving, a high protein percentage and an honest label.	No public, product-specific proof found. That is not a sign of poor quality; the brand simply does not (yet) stand out with verifiable proof.
NXT Level Whey ProteinAccording to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit · Not a partner: no commission	A	whey concentrate, 77% protein	At least 20 g of complete whey protein per serving, a high protein percentage and an honest label.	No public, product-specific proof found. That is not a sign of poor quality; the brand simply does not (yet) stand out with verifiable proof.
Optimum Nutrition Platinum Hydrowhey Hydrolysed Whey Protein PowderAccording to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit · Partner: we earn a commission if you buy through our link	B		Good protein with a reservation: just under 20 g per serving or added single amino acids.	No public, product-specific proof found. That is not a sign of poor quality; the brand simply does not (yet) stand out with verifiable proof.
Myprotein Essential Whey Protein 375g UnflavouredAccording to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit · Partner: we earn a commission if you buy through our link	B		Good protein with a reservation: just under 20 g per serving or added single amino acids.	No public, product-specific proof found. That is not a sign of poor quality; the brand simply does not (yet) stand out with verifiable proof.
Albert Heijn AH Whey Protein Shake Vanilla 330 gAccording to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit · Not a partner: no commission	B	21 g protein per serving of 30 gwhey concentrate, 69% protein	Good protein with a reservation: just under 20 g per serving or added single amino acids.	No public, product-specific proof found. That is not a sign of poor quality; the brand simply does not (yet) stand out with verifiable proof.
Albert Heijn AH Whey Protein Powder Iced coffeeAccording to the criteria reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit · Not a partner: no commission	B		Good protein with a reservation: just under 20 g per serving or added single amino acids.	No public, product-specific proof found. That is not a sign of poor quality; the brand simply does not (yet) stand out with verifiable proof.

Last tested on 19 October 2026 by the editors; whey scorecard SupplementScore v3.2 applied to the products sold in the UK, criteria medically reviewed by Dr Diederik Smit; scientific claims checked against the sources at the bottom

Sources

See the cheapest whey →

Independently rated · how the score works · open data feed (JSON)