How about an energy drink? A gel? Or a bar? Here at WH, we take these questions very seriously. It’s why we call in the experts, analyse lengthy lists of ingredients and do shots of electrolytes (true story) to bring you our annual edit of the best sports nutrition products money can buy. Here, you’ll find bars, powders and gels with one thing in common: they’ll help you make good on your fitness goals. See you at the finish line…
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 | 35
MEET THE JUDGES
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How we test
The WH Lab sourced 152 of the products that have got people talking – from pre-workout and protein bars to energy gels and electrolytes – and then presented them to a panel of nutrition experts. They judged each product based on its nutritional make-up, quality of ingredients and formulation in line with its intended use – with only the products that met their exacting standards going forwards. Then, back in the lab, our editors and experts rated each for its flavour, texture, ease of use and impact on performance. For fairness, identifiable packaging was removed, and instructions were followed precisely. We collated all the feedback before awarding each product a final score.
Joint winner
Foodspring Clear Whey: Lemonade
480g for £29.99
Score: 94.3/100
Categorically not afan of thick, creamy shakes? We have the protein powder for you. Our panel found the sherbet lemon flavour light, refreshing and easy to chug –which is all you want on the sweaty side of atough workout. It boasts 26g of quality protein –with all the essential amino acids needed for muscle growth and recovery –and the ingredients list happens to be refreshingly short, too.
Per 30g serving: 111 cals, 26g protein, 1.6g carbs, <0.5g fat
Joint winner
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein: Double Rich Chocolate
899g for £34.99
Score: 94.3/100
There’s no sickly-sweet flavour here. Instead, the brand’s whey powder offers amild cocoa flavour and makes apleasantly creamy (read: lump-free) consistency that impressed our experts. One scoop gives 5.5g of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) – which studies have shown keep DOMS at bay*.
Per 31g servi
