10.3m people in the UK are gym goers, and protein products are a staple for many of them. But our data shows they could save over £55 per month by switching to supermarket alternatives amidst the cost-of-living crisis.
With inflation set to surpass 20% by 2023, there’s no better time for getting savvy about your shopping list.
Is your go-to protein powder really that healthy?
Many shoppers opt for premium products because they believe they are healthier than cheaper alternatives, but is this really the case?
To look into this further, we’ve compiled data from some of the most popular protein products on the market, alongside their cheaper alternatives available in UK supermarkets.
We’ve analysed their nutritional information to see which are best in terms of calories, fat, sugar, carbohydrates, and protein content. We’ve also included how much you could save each month by switching to supermarket protein products.
Supermarket vs premium brands: four biggest savings
Supermarket Protein Bar
Premium Protein Bar
22.5g
PROTEIN
Calories: 187
Fat: 4.9g
Sugar: 0.8g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 22.5g
23g
PROTEIN
Calories: 217
Fat: 8g
Sugar: 1.5g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 23g
Supermarket Protein Shake
Premium Protein Shake
21.5g
PROTEIN
Calories: 188
Fat: 1.3g
Sugar: 16.2g
Carbohydrates: 22.1g
Protein: 21.5g
25g
PROTEIN
Calories: 211
Fat: 8.9g
Sugar: 5.9g
Carbohydrates: 7.9g
Protein: 25g
Supermarket Protein Powder
Premium Protein Powder
20.5g
PROTEIN
Calories: 105
Fat: 1.2g
Sugar: 1.1g
Carbohydrates: 1.3g
Protein: 20.5g
23g
PROTEIN
Calories: 118
Fat: 1.8g
Sugar: 1.1g
Carbohydrates: 1.6g
Protein: 23g
Supermarket Protein Cookie
Premium Protein Cookie
14g
PROTEIN
Calories: 105
Fat: 1.2g
Sugar: 1.1g
Carbohydrates: 1.3g
Protein: 14g
27g
PROTEIN
Calories: 118
Fat: 1.8g
Sugar: 1.1g
Carbohydrates: 1.6g
Protein: 27g
Supermarket protein yoghurts vs. premium protein snacks
Protein powders are thought to come with hidden risks, as little is known about how they affect long-term health.
Let’s look at supermarket protein yoghurts vs premium protein powders in terms of their nutritional information and price point.
That way, you can save money and protect your health by switching to a more natural protein source.
Calories: 130
Fat: 0.6g
Sugar: 8g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 20g
Calories: 263
Fat: 6.3g
Sugar: 4.7g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 30g
Calories: 144
Fat: 1g
Sugar: 4.6g
Carbohydrates: 8.8g
Protein: 25g
Calories: 232
Fat: 8.4g
Sugar: 2.9g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 20g
The Nutritionist's View
The Nutritionist's View
Most athletes can achieve their protein requirements through food alone, however, when a situation occurs and a meal is not accessible within a few hours of training, a snack or protein supplement may be required.
Protein supplements can allow for higher protein intake to reach daily goals with less overall calorie consumption. They may also be more readily digested and absorbed compared to food sources.
That being said, many protein supplements do not have the other nutrients that natural foods contain, such as iron and zinc from red meat, calcium from dairy, or omega 3 fatty acids from fish.
Protein snacks such as high protein yoghurts and fruit can be a healthier alternative which will also provide more of the nutrients you need.
Yoghurts also contain probiotics which aid digestion and promote gut health. Including these snacks can supply both protein and carbohydrates to refuel, as well as rebuild and repair muscles after exercise.
Christine Symms | Sports Nutritionist at Webber Nutrition
