- New research reveals how much added sugar and saturated fat are hidden in popular grab-and-go protein shake drinks
- The information, gathered by insurance providers Protectivity, ranks 50 popular pre-mixed protein shakes by protein, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrates and sugar
- PhD Protein Superfood Smoothie Mango & Banana tops the protein chart with 15.38% of protein per 130ml
Protein shakes - a no brainer for time-poor gym goers who know how important post-workout protein is for muscle recovery and growth.
However, mixing up a homemade shake everyday is a tall order, especially if you're rushing between the gym and the office or other pressing commitments and the convenience of pre-mixed drinks is likely to prevail.
But, do you know what else may be hiding in your 25g of strawberry flavoured shake?
Research by Protectivity Insurance reveals the amount of hidden sugars and saturated fat in 50 popular protein shake brands.
For the interactive version to toggle by protein, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, carbohydrate of which sugar click here.
PhD Protein Superfood Smoothie Mango & Banana tops the chat with 15.38% of protein per 130ml while CocoPro High Protein Coconut Water came in last place for percentage of protein, but also contained zero fat.
While PhD Protein Superfood Mango & Banana Smoothie came out on top for protein ratios, it also contained the highest amount of saturated fat at 5.62% - a high amount per serving according to Heart UK, who recommend that foods with more than 5g of saturated fat per 100g is more than they consider to be healthy.
Saturated fat is something to be cautious of as eating too much can raise blood cholesterol and lead to heart attacks or stroke.
In fact, the PhD brand is the worst offender for saturated fats, with all of its offerings containing the highest percentages per shake when compared to the other shakes analysed.
As for the top 5 protein shakes containing the most protein per drink, the list is largely dominated by protein brand Progo:
- PhD Protein Superfood Smoothie Mango and Banana: 15.38%
- Progo 53g Protein Shake Strawberry: 10.60%
- Progo 53g Protein Shake Vanilla: 10.60%
- Progo 53g Protein Shake Chocolate: 10.60%
- Ufit Pro50 Protein Drink Chocolate: 10.04%
Who also dominate the list of drinks containing the most grams of carbohydrates which are sugar:
- Progo 53g Protein Shake Strawberry: 54g
- Progo 53g Protein Shake Vanilla: 54g
- Progo 53g Protein Shake Chocolate: 52g
- For Goodness Shakes Recovery Protein Vanilla Drink: 47.2g
- For Goodness Shakes Recovery Superberry: 47.2g
The NHS recommends a total of 90g of sugars per day for adults, a figure that if you opt for one of the top ranking Progo shakes would take you to 67% of your daily allowance from just one drink.
For those wanting to lower the amount of sugar and keep the protein, PhD Diet Whey Protein Water looks like the healthiest option, containing 0.03% of sugar and 0.01% of saturated fats. However, at 62% less protein than the top runners, it won't necessarily help you hit your protein macro bang on.
So, what's the bottom line?
Do your research, read the label and make sure the shake in your hand is aligned with your goals and best health in mind. Alternatively, use a protein powder for women and make your own shakes.
To make your own protein-rich shake at home, try these protein powders:
Form Nutrition Performance Protein - Chocolate Peanut
Kin Whey Less - Cookies And Cream 500g Pouch
Innermost The Fit Protein – Smooth Chocolate
£29.95
Innermost The Lean Protein – Creamy Vanilla
£29.95
Whey Protein Muscle & Strength
£18.99
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Morgan Fargo is a freelance beauty and wellness editor. Her CV includes Women's Health Magazine UK (and sister publication Women's Health Australia), Stylist Magazine and more.
