Here, London-based specialist sports dietitian Linia Patel reviews a selection.
PhD Protein Superfood mango and banana
8 x 130g sachets, £20.72, Holland & Barrett
Per serving: protein, 20g; sugar, 5.2 g; salt, 0.39g
PhD Protein Superfood Mango Banana – 8 x 130g Sachets, £20.72, Holland & Barrett
Expert verdict: This has 20g per serving; for comparison, a boiled egg contains about 6 g. But while some shakes contain much more, up to 50g per serving, there’s a fair amount in this one. The protein here is pea protein, which contains all nine essential amino acids, the building blocks of tissue that the body cannot make on its own.
However, a protein is not considered complete if it does not contain adequate amounts of amino acids, and pea protein is low in methionine, which can help prevent fatty deposits in the liver; and cysteine, which is important for making collagen, which helps keep skin supple.
It has a good balance of protein and is relatively low in additives, sugar, and salt.
Better for: Vegetarians who exercise regularly and do not get enough protein.
Provytl 50+
4 x 18g sachets, £16.96 (for trial pack of 4 sachets plus shaker bottle), provytl.com
Per serving: protein, 15g; sugar, 0.3g; salt, 0.1g
Expert verdict: This is a sugar-free protein powder formulated for seniors who can add it to drinks and food. It is a complete protein source and contains all the amino acids you need to build muscle.
Contains creatine monohydrate, a compound that helps make adenosine triphosphate, the most basic form of energy in your body’s cells.
It is believed that our creatine levels decline as we age.
It’s flavorless and sugar free, so you can mix it into drinks and soups or turn it into a porridge.
Better for: Those with a small appetite and seniors who struggle to get enough protein to maintain muscle health.
Progo 53g Banana Protein Drink
500ml, £2.66, Holland & Barrett
Per serving: protein, 55g; sugar, 35g; salt, 0.56g

Progo 53g Protein DRINK banana 500ml, £2.66, Holland & Barrett
expert verdict: The protein here is derived from skimmed milk – per serving it has 55g of protein, which is very high.
Sugar is the second ingredient on the list, so it’s no surprise that there’s 35g in one serving—that’s more than seven teaspoons.
You can make your own low-sugar alternative using skim milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and bananas.
Better for: Those who exercise regularly and have a healthy weight for their height.
Huel Complete Protein Banana Shake
26 x 29g servings, £22.50, uk.huel.com
Per serving: protein, 20g; sugar, 0.2 g; salt, 0.37g

Huel Complete Protein Banana Shake – 26 x 29g servings, £22.50, uk.huel.com
Expert verdict: This product is made from proteins derived from vegan sources (pea, hemp, and faba) and comes in different flavors including salted caramel and banana shake.
Add one scoop (29g) to 300ml of water and shake for ten seconds. In addition to protein, this product contains many vitamins and all essential amino acids.
However, it is also loaded with additives and emulsifiers.
At only 105 calories per serving, this is definitely not a meal replacement option but rather a protein boost.
Better for: Vegans who exercise regularly and those who watch their weight.
For Goodness Shakes (chocolate)
475ml, £1.50, Sainsbury’s
Per serving: protein, 25g; sugar, 23.3g; salt, 0.6g
Expert verdict: This UHT milk-based shake provides 25g of protein and 23.9g of sugar per 475ml bottle. It also contains sucralose, a sweetener.
New research shows that stevia (another artificial sweetener) and sucralose appear to appear in high amounts in the colon and are therefore more likely to disrupt our microbiome, the community of microbes in our gut that are crucial to so many areas. of our health if they are consumed out of habit.
Better for: Those who exercise regularly and those who want to ensure good bone health as the product contains extra vitamin D and calcium.
northOTE: If you are pregnant, nursing, or undergoing treatment for a medical condition, consult your GP before starting any new supplements.