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Healthy meal replacement shakes are a great way to cut your food intake and contribute to weight loss, but it can be tricky finding the ones that will actually make a big difference. 

That’s why here at OriGym, we have found 16 great products and provided this clear and informative list of the best meal replacement shakes reviews in the UK, so you can get your weight loss journey back on track in no time.

Before we get straight to it, check out our Level 4 Sports Nutrition Course to find out how you can develop a career in the fitness industry and become a nutritionist through OriGym. Download our latest course prospectus for all of our courses.

What are Meal Replacement Shakes?

Meal replacement shakes (or meal replacement drinks) are food supplements that are commonly used to completely replace a meal, snacks, or multiple meals during the day. They either come in the form of powders or ready-made drinks, and usually have a shake-like consistency.

Meal replacement shakes are commonly used for weight loss due to their lower calorie content, and the filling nature of the shakes.

For more information, we have put together an in-depth FAQ section at the end of our list of meal replacement shakes reviews, which answers questions such as ‘how to use meal replacement shakes’ and ‘how much weight can i lose with meal replacement shakes?’.

For some more information on healthy eating to lose weight, check out our list of 33 Foods That Help Burn Fat or Help Speed Up Our Metabolism.

#1 – Cute Nutrition – Chocolate Meal Replacement Shakes 

Price: £16.99 for 500g 

what is the best meal replacement shakes for weight loss uk

If you’re looking for the best meal replacement shakes on today’s market, then look no further than this chocolate flavoured product by Cute Nutrition! 

These low calorie meal replacement shakes are mainly geared towards women and have been specially formulated to ensure that you look and feel your best. 

Cute Nutrition’s shake has been designed to aid and maintain weight loss. By substituting one to two meals a day with this shake, you can maintain and support your weight loss goals alongside regular exercise and a healthy diet.

These meal replacement drinks for weight loss contain an effective blend of minerals and vitamins that will help to replace any health benefits that you might lose from replacing certain meals during the day. For every 35 gram serving of this shake there are 10.5 grams of protein, 17.4 grams of carbohydrates, and 1.9 grams of fat

These high protein meal replacement shakes will satisfy your sweet cravings whilst also being low in calories, with one shake only containing 217 calories (when mixed with skimmed milk). Plus, there’s a huge range of flavours available, including: 

  • Chocolate
  • Strawberry & Vanilla
  • Cookies & Cream
  • Coffee Frappé
  • Vanilla 
  • Cherry Cheesecake 
  • Mint Choc Chip
  • And Peaches & Cream, amongst many more! 

This is also a great option if you’re looking for meal replacement shakes for breakfast, as you can drink it right at the start of the day to provide you with a healthy, balanced breakfast on the go. It’s also a great substitute for your lunch and any extra snacking you might do throughout the day. 

On top of being veggie friendly, and having well over 6 and a half thousand brilliant reviews on Amazon, these replacement meal drinks are only going to cost you £16.99 too, making it the perfect choice if you’re after cheap meal replacement shakes for women! 

#2 – Instant Knockout Meal Replacement

Price: £99.96 (Per month supply – 28 meals)

meal replacement shakes

As you may have noticed, this is one of the meal replacement drinks distributed in the UK that has a high price point, so allow us to explain all of the reasons why.

This Instant Knockout Complete is a nutritionally complete powdered meal, with calorie control at the forefront of its creation. 

It is easy to prepare and allows for a commitment of 1 month, however, you should know that for a cheaper price  you can try for 2 weeks to see if this is the product for you.

Coming in a vanilla flavour, you can drink up 400 calories per meal while packing in the protein. The team behind this have ensured that every serving provides the correct balance to help you lose weight and keep it off all the while. 

They explain how their product includes the all important MCTs (Medium Chain Triglycerides). These are fatty acids that can promote weight loss and curb those cravings. Complete uses the highest-quality MCT oils found in nature: the coconut.

What makes this meal-on-the-go so unique, is the fact that they haven’t cut corners, they have thought about how your day can be fueled without compromise. So, unlike the crash and burn you may have associated with meal replacements before – this provides a slow release throughout your day. 

With 35g of protein, 35g of carbs and 13g of fibre – you have the perfect combination for energy and satiety. Not only that, but you can also take in Vitamin D, A and E, while also taking advantage of the healthy fats and Chromium. 

You can read plenty more about their product over on their site, but these are just a snippet of what this protein shake as a meal replacement includes!

#3 – SlimFast – High Protein Meal Replacement 

Price: £7.25 for 438g 

cheap meal replacement shakes for weight loss

Another one of the best meal replacement shakes for weight loss in 2023 has to be SlimFast’s High Protein shake.  

SlimFast’s meal replacement protein shakes only contain 230 calories per serving and have no added sugar. It’s high in protein too, with one serving containing 15g of protein! They are also a great source of fibre. 

Additionally, these protein meal replacement shakes also include 23 essential vitamins and minerals, and contain 1/3 of your daily nutrients in each serving! 

As part of the SlimFast 1,2,3 plan you can replace 1 to 2 meals every day with these shakes, allowing you to enjoy a balanced 600kcal (800kcal for men) meal for dinner. Buying a tub of SlimFast’s meal replacement shake will only cost you £7.25, which is a great deal in itself, and each tub contains up to 12 servings. There are a variety of flavours available too, including chocolate, vanilla, caramel, and strawberry.

On the whole, this product is definitely a great option if you’re after cheap meal replacement shakes! 

Find out another healthy way to get more protein here – 15 Best Gluten Free Protein Bars.

#4 – SCI-MX Nutrition – Diet Meal Replacement 

Price: £16.77 for 1kg 

best meal replacement shakes uk 2020

One of the best meal replacement shakes on the UK 2023 market has to be this product from SCI-MX Nutrition. 

Packed with added diet support ingredients, SCI-MX Nutrition’s shake can be a huge help as you undertake your weight loss journey. The shake contains green tea, CLA, and VIT-MIX Trim to help support your diet, and has been specially designed to leave you feeling full and energised for hours. 

These replacement meal drinks can act as a complete meal replacement as each serving contains at least 30% of your daily mineral and vitamin needs. The shake is also high in calcium and zinc. One serving of this nutrient-dense shake contains 25g of protein1.7g conjugated linoleic acid, and just 200 calories. An all-round fantastic option if you’re shopping for complete meal replacement shakes for weight loss. 

Replacing one to two meals a day with this shake can help you achieve your fat-loss and toning goals as part of your exercise and healthy eating regime.

The ingredients in the shake also help curb hunger and cravings, meaning you’ll be snacking a lot less after you start using this shake every day.

These protein meal replacement shakes are available in three different flavours, those being strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate, and are going to cost you only £16.77 for 1kg, which will provide you with around 18 servings. 

Another top option for best meal replacement shakes for weight loss for UK shoppers!

#5 – PhenQ Complete Meal Shake

Price: £44.85 (for 7 meals)

meal replacement shake

As one of the best meal replacement shakes for men and women, this all-rounder is a popular choice. 

This shake replaces 1 full meal and assists in shedding any excess pounds naturally without going through any hunger pains.

As well as that, you can say goodbye to uncontrollable cravings as this intends to boost energy and control the cravings that we have all experienced before. 

This is through the help of a healthy 16g of whey protein concentrate which can help fill you up and improve recovery if you have been working out. 

PhenQ insist that they are not just a diet drink, but they are in fact a mouth-watering complete meal shake that replaces 1 full meal and can easily fit into any lifestyle. 

You don’t have to be dieting to take advantage of this drink, if you’re on the go and know you have a packed day ahead, fitting in a drink of PhenQ is going to be a great alternative to sitting down for a meal that you don’t have time for!

PhenQ packs this full of protein meal replacement shake with 13 vegan  vitamins and minerals and 16 grams of whey. Plus, along with the tastiness, they have added a gut-boosting ingredient  – DigeZyme(™). Including the all important digestive enzymes so your stomach won’t pay the price of a compromised shake.

After 32 different tries to get the nutrition and taste combination perfect – this product is the end result!

#6 – Grenade – Carb Killa Protein Shake 

Price: £14.89 for 8 x 330ml 

ready made meal replacement shakes

These are some of the best meal replacement drinks by Grenade that will help you stick to your weight loss scheme and keep you away from any unnecessary snacking. 

These are high protein meal replacement shakes with one 330ml bottle containing over 25g of protein. There are also less than 200 calories per bottle, which is perfect for those who are watching their weight but still want a little sweet treat every now and then.

The Carb Killa replacement meal shakes are low on sugar but don’t compromise on taste. You can easily satisfy your sweet tooth cravings with one of the 6 flavours available, which include:

  • Banana Armour
  • Chocolate Mint 
  • Cookies & Cream
  • Fudge Brownie 
  • Strawberries & Cream 
  • And, White Chocolate 

Packed full of flavour, the Carb Killa low sugar meal replacement shakes can be consumed at any time, whatever you’re up to. You can drink it on the go, drizzle it over your dessert or even pour it over your cereals. It’s also the perfect post-workout refreshment and a great alternative to your usual, calorie-heavy sweet treat.

This is a shake we recommend you checking out, especially if you’re looking to buy a ready-made meal replacement shake that you can drink on-the-go. The Carb Killa are easily one of the best meal replacement drinks for weight loss on today’s market! 

#7 – Purition – Wholefood Plant Nutrition 

Price: £22.95 for 500g 

best meal replacement shakes for women

For those who are after dairy free meal replacement shakes, Purition’s Wholefood Plant Nutrition will have you covered.

Purition uses real food ingredients packed with naturally occurring nutrition for healthy and natural meal replacement shakes. Proteins, fats, and fibres found in the foods that they use, such as almonds, strawberries, pistachios, and pumpkin seeds, combine to deliver energy, vitamins, minerals, and digestive support so not only will you look great, but you’ll also feel healthy.

Due to the ingredients that Purition uses, these healthy meal replacement shakes are high in protein, high in fibre, and low in sugar. They’re also vegan friendly, gluten-free, and contain zero GMOs. They’re 100% plant-based, so you won’t be finding any hidden nasty additives within their ingredients.  

There’s a wide range of flavours available too, including:

  • Vanilla
  • Hemp Chocolate
  • Chocolate Orange
  • Strawberry
  • Hemp Original 
  • Blackcurrant 
  • Coffee & Walnut
  • Beetroot 
  • Beetroot & Chocolate 
  • Almond
  • Pistachio 
  • Coconut 
  • Raspberry
  • Pecan & Cinnamon 

All flavours are under 180 calories per serving, so you can easily curb those hunger pangs as well as watching your calorie intake. This product is truly a great option for the best diet meal replacement shakes due to its natural ingredients, and the huge health benefits that it brings to the table because of this. 

#8 – Optimum Nutrition Lean Meal Replacement Powder

Price: £20.00

low calorie meal replacement shakes

Next up we have an entry from the popular Optimum Nutrition.

This is a meal replacement protein shake that does more than your average. It provides a fast and slow digesting proteins that is going to leave you satisfied and avoid any discomfort you may get with some powdered shakes.

As well as that, you can take advantage of 7.3g of fibre to help the digestion process even more so.

If you’re wondering where the carb sources come from, they are from the best sources for a healthy diet including:

  • Oats
  • Flaxseed
  • Chickpeas

Coming in a chocolate flavour, you can still enjoy yourself if you have to skip a meal due to a busy day. In fact, this has high reviews with an average of 4.2 out of 5. Stocked in the popular store Holland and Barret, you can buy this online or go find it in your local store.

With 18 servings, you’re paying just over £1 per meal! A perfect budget friendly solution to a busy day.

#9 – TheProteinWorks – Diet Meal Replacement 

Price: £28.99 for 1kg 

meal replacement shakes for diabetics uk

TheProteinWorks option is another one to take a look at if you’re shopping for protein shakes as meal replacements. 

TheProteinWorks meal replacement diet shakes are high in protein and dense in nutrients, and have been designed to help with weight loss while still providing essential nutrition. 

Each serving of this shake is packed with slow digesting carbohydrates, 20g of protein and just 250 calories. This combination will increase your feeling of fullness whilst keeping your calories low at the same time. 

As well as being vegetarian friendly, TheProteinWorks diet meal replacement shakes contain a special vitamin and mineral blend. The blend consists of a wide range of essential vitamins that your body needs, including Vitamin B12, D3, Ascorbic Acid, and calcium. These all work together to help with the normal functioning of your nervous and immune systems. 

Additionally, these low calorie meal replacement shakes are naturally low in fat, giving you another reason to consider investing in these shakes if you’re hoping to lose weight. 

This diet meal replacement is available in 11 different flavours, including:

  • Banana Smooth
  • Butterscotch Ripple 
  • Caramel Macchiato 
  • Choc Mint Brownie 
  • Chocolate Silk 
  • Dark Choc Raspberry
  • Strawberries ’n’ Cream

Due to all of the flavours that are available, we’re sure that these are some of the best tasting meal replacement shakes out there, and overall the TheProteinWorks product is one of the best meal replacement shakes in the UK for sure.

#10 – SlimZest – Diet Shakes

Price: £20.00 for 907g

meal replacement protein shakes

SlimZest’s shake is one we recommend if you’re shopping for some of the best meal replacement shakes for weight loss in the UK. 

SlimZest’s shakes are packed with 27 carefully selected vitamins and minerals to help keep you feeling fit and healthy whilst you’re on your diet. These complete meal replacement shakes are high in Vitamins B6 & B12, which help contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism and the reduction of fatigue, as well as magnesium, zinc, and iron, which help with the maintenance of healthy muscles, skin, and bones. 

Each serving only contains 114 calories, and is low in sugar. The weight loss meal replacement shakes are also high in protein too, with one serving containing 24g; helping you stay fuller for longer, meaning you won’t have to turn to snacking and jeopardise your dieting! 

Taste is also important to SlimZest, which is why they have four different flavours available. These include ‘Banana Blast’, ‘Indulgent Chocolate’, ‘Succulent Strawberry’, and ‘Vanilla Ice Cream’. These flavours mean you can still satisfy your sweet-tooth cravings with some of the best tasting meal replacement shakes without eating calorie heavy sugary snacks.

If a main contributor to making a purchasing decision is based on the best meal replacement shakes for weight loss reviews, then you’ll be glad to know that over 2,000 people online have given this product over 4 stars, proving that it is a top quality product. 

This is an excellent choice if you’re after healthy and complete meal replacement shakes. 

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Check out some more of our nutrition articles below:

#11- Women’s Best – Slim Body Shake 

Price: £25.49 for 1.2kg 

low sugar meal replacement shakes

Here’s a good option if you’re specifically looking for one of the best meal replacement shakes for women (men will benefit from them too, though).

Women’s Best claim that the most important ingredient in this shake are the plant-based proteins that are abundant in the powder, such as pea protein, soy protein, and rice protein. One serving of this shake contains 20.6 grams of protein, which is a huge amount! 

These plant based proteins are combined with super-foods, carbohydrates, healthy antioxidants, and essential minerals and vitamins to create a high-quality formula that has been designed to be a huge help towards helping you achieve your weight-loss goals. Some of the essential vitamins and minerals included in these meal replacement protein shakes are zinc, iron, Vitamin K, Vitamin B2, B3, B6, B5, B12, and magnesium.

You can substitute these top meal replacement shakes for women for 1 to 2 meals a day. However, it isn’t just weight loss that this shake will help you with: it will also support muscle growth and maintenance too, making it a great pre and post-workout shake too! 

One of the best things about this option is that it won’t leave you feeling hungry and craving snacks. This is a vitally important aspect towards you achieving your desired end result on your weight loss journey! Additionally, Women’s Best’s shake is vegetarian, gluten, and lactose-free too.

With one serving containing just 201 calories, and the choice between chocolate and vanilla flavours, Women’s Best is definitely a top contender for one of the best meal replacement shakes for weight loss in 2023.

#12 – Almased – Meal Replacement For Weight Loss

Price: £18.99 for 500g 

how much weight can i lose with meal replacement shakes uk

If you’re specifically on the lookout for effective meal replacement shakes for diabetics in the UK then Almased have a fantastic option on offer.

These complete meal replacement shakes are naturally high-quality. The recipe for Almased is simple: it contains high-quality soya, premium yoghurt, and natural honey. Keeping their ingredients natural is one of Almased’s key objectives, and is therefore why it doesn’t contain any artificial flavourings, sweeteners, fillers, or preservatives.  

The high-quality protein from the soya and yoghurt works in ratio with the carbohydrates found in Almased, ensuring that you won’t be consuming empty calories, but wholesome, high-quality nutrition. 

Not only is Almased’s product gluten-free, it’s also suitable for vegetarians, and for people with diabetes. Where most other meal replacement shakes contain higher carbohydrate or sugar levels, or added sweeteners that cause spikes in blood sugars (such as maltodextrin), Almased does not. Almased have found that using this shake sees significant weight loss and improved long-term blood sugar for people with diabetes, making this a great meal replacement shake for diabetics! 

Judging by the online reviews, and the fact that Almased proudly declare themselves Germany’s number 1 diabetic meal replacement shakes for weight loss, we reckon you’ll be in pretty good hands if you’d decide to buy this product.  

While maintaining this level of dedication to a diet may be difficult, investing in one of OriGym’s top fitness journals can help you to keep track of your health.

#13 – USN – Diet Fuel Vegan Meal Replacement Shake 

Price: £29.99 for 880g 

best meal replacement shakes for weight loss

If you’re looking for one of the best meal replacement shakes for men and women, then look no further than USN’s top product. 

USN’s vegan diet meal replacement shakes are a great help for people who are wanting to lose weight through an alternative which is high in protein. One serving of USN’s shake contains 26g of protein and supports substituting one meal per day. Additionally, one serving only contains 3.5g of fat and 18g of carbs, making them great low carb meal replacement shakes for UK customers! 

This shake is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B12 and iron, which help contribute towards a normal energy-yielding metabolism. 

This vegan-friendly, plant-based protein meal replacement shake is also available in 3 different flavours, those being chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, meaning you can still satisfy your sweet tooth without consuming sugary, calorie-heavy snacks. It’s clear that USN’s product is a worthy addition to this list of the best meal replacement protein shakes! 

#14 – Huel – Powder v3.0 Nutritionally Complete Food 

Price: £50.00

protein shakes as meal replacement

Huel’s products regularly turn up on lists of the best meal replacement shakes on the market, and for good reason.

Huel Powder v3.0 is “a nutritionally complete meal in powdered form”. Huel’s shake mix contains a balance of protein, essential fats, fibre, carbs, phytonutrients, pre and probiotics, kombucha, and all 26 essential vitamins and minerals. 

Huel Powder is high in protein, with one serving containing 29g of protein from plant-based ingredients. It’s also low in sugar, with there being less than 1% in each serving of these low sugar meal replacement shakes. 

The slow release carbs in the shake provide you with energy whilst the essential fats that are present give you Omega 3 and 6, which contribute towards lowering your blood pressure and boosting your memory, along with the common benefit of aiding weight loss!

This is a completely vegan friendly product too, with no animal products being used to make it. Plus, there are a whole host of different flavours available, including: 

  • Vanilla 
  • Banana
  • Chocolate 
  • Berry (a combination of raspberry, strawberry, and blueberry)
  • Mint-Chocolate 
  • Coffee
  • Original (a natural, oat-y taste) 
  • Unflavoured and Unsweetened 

One pouch of Huel will give you around 34 meals, and contains 14,000 calories, which for £50.00, works out at only £1.47 per meal. With such great value for money and huge range of health benefits, it’s clear how Huel have made it onto this list of the best meal replacement shakes reviews in the UK.

#15 – XLS-Nutrition – Weight Loss Replacement Shake

Price: £11.05 for 400g

low carb meal replacement shakes

For some of the best meal replacement shakes for weight loss in the UK take a look at the XLS Nutrition product.

By exchanging these meal replacement drinks for weight loss with your normal meals, you can drastically reduce your calorie intake. One serving of this shake only contains 250 calories, making it a great addition to your weight loss plan. 

Not only is it low in calories, but one serving of this shake has 31g of high quality protein in it! The proteins provided are nutritionally complete for optimal health and essential macronutrients. 

These low calorie meal replacement shakes also contain all your essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B for energy release, Vitamins B5 and B12 for normal energy metabolism, and B6 for normal protein promotion and glycogen metabolism. 

You can substitute 2 to 3 meals per day with this shake, ensuring at the same time that the meals you do eat are healthy so as to help you achieve your weight loss goals. 

With 3 flavours available, those being vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, and one 400g tub only costing you £11.05, this is a great option if you’re after cheap meal replacement shakes! 

#16 – My Protien Meal Replacement

Price: £6.64

diet meal replacement shakes

Lastly, we have a healthy meal replacement shake that comes in 3 tasty flavours:

  • Chocolate
  • Strawberry
  • Salted caramel

MyProtein is a popular brand on the market of supplementation, and for good reason too.

They state that being mindful about your calorie intake doesn’t mean you should give up on nutrients and taste, and this meal replacement shake is a perfect example of that promise. They say that this shake will assist your weight loss goals, while providing your body with the essentials it needs.

Not only that, but it is high in protein meaning that whether you work out in the gym or not, you can still hit the all important macros, boasting the healthy lifestyle of a balanced diet.

Some of the key aspects to this meal replacement shake are:

  • High in protein and fibre
  • Packed with vitamins and minerals
  • Convenient meal replacement for weight control
  • Vegetarian-friendly

With each serving containing 17g of protein, you can take advantage of the benefits of this shake even when you’re trying to gain muscle in the gym, or dieting.

As well as protein, there is 17g of carbs that is going to provide the fuel to get you through a busy day or intense workout. Whatsmore, you can enjoy this with just 200 calories per serving – hitting your calorie goal has never been easier!

So, why not try out MyProtein and find out which flavour is your fit?

FAQ

How to use meal replacement shakes

There are some general guidelines for meal replacement shakes and how to use them in order for them to be effective. These include:

  • When mixing your shakes, use either water or plant-based milk so that you don’t add unnecessary sugar and calories into your diet.
  • Replace at least one meal or your daily snacks with complete meal replacement shakes; adding in shakes to your existing diet will just add more calories to your daily amount and potentially lead to weight gain.

Some brands do offer specific instructions so be sure to check the packaging to be sure you’re getting the most out of your shakes. Alongside exercise and a healthy diet, meal replacement shakes can be super efficient in aiding weight loss.

How do meal replacement shakes work?

high protein meal replacement shakes

The science behind weight loss meal replacement shakes centres around the energy and calorie intake of an individual’s diet. The basic principles of this type of diet is to intake a lower calorie/energy content than the level of calories/energy you use in your exercise or everyday activities.

By substituting a meal (or multiple meals) with low calorie meal replacement shakes, you should be lowering your overall calorie intake. When the calorie/energy intake is low enough and the restrictions kick in, the body begins to burn fat for energy instead of the energy usually stored in the muscles. 

The science behind it can be a little confusing, but the bottom line is that by using complete meal replacement shakes properly your overall calorie intake will be lower and therefore trigger weight loss. Crucially, using meal replacement shakes as opposed to traditional dieting methods has actually been proven to be a more effective and healthier way to lose weight, as stated by Manny Noakes, Paul R. Foster, Jennifer B. Keogh and Peter M. Clifton in the Journal of Nutrition:

The effectiveness of the meal replacement program by a measure of “nutritional adequacy” thus is as sound if not somewhat nutritionally protective, compared with the conventional weight-loss program. (Noakes et al., 2004)

So if you’re serious about losing weight, then meal replacement shakes could be the best way forward, and if learning about nutrition like this sounds interesting to you then maybe it would make a great career! 

How many meal replacement shakes a day?

This really depends on how much weight you’re looking to lose and how quickly. Usually, 1 or 2 is the recommended amount to lose weight healthily, although some brands (such as Almased) recommend starting their meal replacement shakes with 3 per day, replacing all meals. 

Whilst the answer to this question depends a lot on your goals, we recommend starting off slowly to see how your body reacts to the replacement meal drinks and to judge whether your diet will be sustainable.

How to make meal replacement shakes

natural meal replacement shakes

This is actually quite simple! The powdered versions usually just require a few scoops (the products will advise you on how many scoops you need per serving) mixed with water or plant-based milk to create a drink. If you want some added goodness or extra flavouring, you can blend in some fruit, cocoa powder, or flavourings such as vanilla as well.

How to mix meal replacement shakes is also simple enough: it’s recommended that you use a blender or protein shaker to ensure a smooth consistency, but you can also use a spoon or a whisk to mix them up to (just ensure thorough mixing to make sure the powder and liquid is completely blended). 

How to make meal replacement shakes taste better

Unfortunately, even the best tasting meal replacement shakes might not be to your tastes, and sometimes the consistency of the powders/shakes can be a little unappetising. Many brands do provide different flavours so trying a few different ones is a good place to start. However, due to the nature of the shakes it’s really easy to spice them up or make them more tasty!

If you have a blender then you can simply throw in fruits, berries, essences, cocoa or coffee powder, to your meal replacement shakes to make them taste better! However, be careful not to go overboard with added sugar or increased calorie levels as this will negate some of the effectiveness of the shakes.

If you don’t have a blender you can still add things like chocolate powder or and flavourings and essences – for example, vanilla, almond, mint, caramel – for better taste. Adding more milk or more water will also change the taste without adding too many more calories. 

You can even add coffee to your meal replacement shakes! To find out more about how drinking coffee can benefit you, read our article ‘15 Health Benefits of Black Coffee‘.

Which meal replacement shakes taste the best?

This is a very subjective question as everyone has their own preferences and tastes, and you can easily improve the tastes of most meal replacement shakes with the advice in the previous question. While we can’t give a definitive answer, the majority of the meal replacement shakes reviews on this list have huge numbers of customer reviews as well, and many have multiple flavours, so we’re sure that one of the products on this list will soon become your favorite.

What is in meal replacement shakes?

best meal replacement shakes for weight loss

Meal replacement shakes are specially formulated with high levels of protein, fiber, essential vitamins and minerals, and have high nutritional values overall. This makes them suitable for replacing foods that would traditionally supply these essential nutrients. As Viduranga Waisundara and Naofumi Shiomi explain in their book:

Depending on the formulation, MR [meal replacements] also possess the advantage of having a low glycemic index (GI) value; low GI diets have been linked to improved weight maintenance and reduction in risk of diabetes and ocular disease…MR also tends to be nutrient dense, meaning that the posses a high ratio of essential nutrients relative to calories. (Waisundara and Shiomi, 2017, pp.258–259).

So, if you’re wondering whether using meal replacement shakes for weight loss is a healthy way to go, rest assured that when used properly they can be effective for short term weight loss and maintaining a healthy diet while you do so.

The majority do use lactose powder or dairy products which adds some sweetness as well as being a binder, producing the milkshake consistency once mixed. This is something to bear in mind if you have intolerances; luckily there are dairy-free meal replacement shakes available.

Similarly, some powders use certain types of sweeteners or have added sugars which won’t be suitable for diabetics (for example, maltodextrin), so be sure to check ingredients if there is something that you need to avoid.  

What to look for in meal replacement shakes?

There are a few key factors in the best meal replacement shakes that will ensure their effectiveness, which include:

  • Low calorie content per serving
  • Low sugar content per serving
  • High protein per serving
  • Added vitamins, minerals, and nutrition to ensure your diet remains healthy 
  • Higher fibre content (if possible) as this will keep you fuller for longer
  • Flavours – different flavours will help keep your meal replacement shakes interesting, helping you to stay motivated on your diet
  • Powder or ready-made meal replacement shakes – this is a personal preference as ready-made options cut out the time needed to make them!

How much weight can you lose on meal replacement shakes?

top meal replacement shakes uk

Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to this question either, but before that puts you off you should know that there have been numerous studies on the effectiveness of meal replacements, and the general scientific consensus is explained by Manny Noakes, Paul R. Foster, Jennifer B. Keogh and Peter M. Clifton once again:

In most studies, meal replacements resulted in a greater weight loss than conventional diets, even when professional nutritional support was incorporated into the program.(Noakes et al., 2004)

How much weight you can lose with meal replacement shakes is really dependent on you and additional factors which include your diet, exercise, commitment, and the length of time you incorporate healthy meal replacement shakes into your lifestyle.

One thing that is important to note is the fact that many customers who have left meal replacement shakes reviews in the UK state that they had significant results from using these supplements, so they could definitely be worth your time.

What are the best meal replacement shakes?

If you’ve read through this article then you’ve already come across 16 of the best meal replacement shakes for weight loss in the UK. The products on our list have all earned their place here, either due to their effectiveness, price, nutritional values, customer reviews, or some unique features, so they are definitely the top meal replacement shakes for your needs!

What are the best meal replacement shakes to lose weight?

We’ve listed a number of the best meal replacement shakes for weight loss in 2023 within our article, and they all have varying benefits. When it comes to uncovering which meal replacement shakes for weight loss will be the best for you, this will depend on your own needs and preferences, so be sure to have these in mind when you are browsing through products.

How many calories are in meal replacement shakes?

This varies from brand to brand, and sometimes depends on the specific flavouring as well. It is incredibly important to check the calorie content per serving before the point of purchase, as this can have a direct impact on the effectiveness of your weight loss. 

The majority of the best meal replacement shakes in the UK contain around 200 to 400 calories.

Where can I buy meal replacement shakes?

meal replacement drinks

Due to the huge surge in popularity in complete meal replacement shakes, they are more readily available both in store and online than you might think. Supplement stores such as Holland & Barrett sell some brands in store, as well as some supermarkets that also sell a limited selection of meal replacement drinks and powders.

All the products mentioned above are available to buy online, which is more convenient for most people and often cheaper.

Before You Go!

Incorporating healthy meal replacement shakes into your diet can be hugely beneficial in supporting your weight loss journey in the short-term. Plus, with all those added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients you can rest easy knowing that you’re still being healthy. Alongside regular exercise you’ll see the pounds drop off and your confidence soar.

Perhaps reading about nutrition and healthy living has really grabbed your attention. So, want to learn more? Take a look at our online Nutritionist courses or download our free course prospectus for more information.

References

  1. Noakes, M., Foster, P.R., Keogh, J.B. and Clifton, P.M. (2004). Meal Replacements Are as Effective as Structured Weight-Loss Diets for Treating Obesity in Adults with Features of Metabolic Syndrome. The Journal of Nutrition, 134(8), pp.1894–1899.
  2. Waisundara, V. and Shiomi, N. (2017). Superfood and Functional Food – An Overview of Their Processing and Utilization. Intech, pp.258–259.

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15 Best Soy Protein Powders | OriGym https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/soy-protein-powder/ Fri, 01 Apr 2022 11:05:01 +0000 https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/soy-protein-powder/ To help you make an informed purchase we’ve narrowed down the best 15 soy protein powders, covering a wide variety from isolated to fermented options.

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Are you wondering ‘what is the best soy protein powder in the UK?’. If so, you’re in the right place! 

Here at OriGym, we’ve got you covered with our list of the 15 very best soy protein powders that you can buy today.

If you follow a plant based diet, drinking soy protein regularly is a great way of ensuring that you hit your protein goal with ease.  

Before we go any further, if you’re interested in a career in the health and fitness sector, why not check out our Advanced Sports Nutrition Course. Through OriGym, you can become a nutritionist, providing guidance and meal plan advice to those looking to see quicker results and lead healthier lives.

Otherwise, you can download our prospectus for further information about the range of courses that you can study with us! 

What is soy protein powder?

Very soon, we’re going to share our reviews of a whole range of products so that you can find the best soy protein powder for you. But first, we thought we would answer any questions that you might have about soy protein, starting by ‘what is it?’. Here we go!

Soy protein originates from the soya bean, a staple in most vegan diets due to its high protein content. Soy protein powder is made by processing soybeans until they become soy protein isolate. 

Unsure of how to eat soy protein powder? As with other kinds of protein powder, it can be used to make protein shakes or added into meals to increase your protein intake. 

This protein is a complete protein which means it has all of the essential amino acids (EAA) that your body requires. 

Amino acids are vital for your body to grow and function correctly. Nine of the amino acids cannot be made within the body. These are histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. 

Because your body can’t make these amino acids, they must come from food. Amino acids are part of many animal protein foods like eggs and meat, but also some plant-based food staples such as soy, quinoa, and buckwheat. Hence, soy protein is vital for people who follow a plant based diet as they cannot eat animal products!

Now you know what soya protein is and why it is an important part of your diet (especially if you’re a vegan!), let’s find out if soy is actually better than whey!

What is better soy or whey protein powder?

When it comes to the ‘best kind of protein’, there’s no one size fits all approach! It really does depend on your individual goals, preferences, and dietary requirements. 

Even within the categories ‘whey’ and ‘soy’, the quality of protein powders will still differ from brand to brand. 

There is a much larger selection to choose from when it comes to whey protein so you can be spoilt for choice. Whey protein tends to be smoother and has a creamier texture as you drink them. Meanwhile, soy protein has a slightly more grainy texture, but again, it’s down to personal preference. 

However, if you’re looking to cut back on dairy, or you are lactose intolerant or vegan, your best bet would be to go for soy protein as you will still get the same amount of protein per serving as the whey protein. 

If you do not know how to use soy protein powder, don’t worry, you can still use it like regular whey protein and drink it as part of a shake before or after your workout. 

Now you know what it is, let’s find out where to buy soy protein powder!

Best Soy Protein Powders (UK)

#1 – BULK POWDERS – Pure Series Soya Protein Isolate 90

Price: from £6.29

soy powder protein

Bulk Powders sell a large selection of protein supplement powders in various flavours. BULK are among the more popular supplement brands out there, with thousands of 5 star reviews on Amazon.

Their powder is made with purely 100% soy protein and is arguably the best soy protein isolate powder you can find on Amazon.

Wondering ‘what is soy isolate protein?’ Well, soy isolate is made from soybean flakes and has been thoroughly washed in alcohol or water to remove any sugars or fibre. After this process, the flakes are dehydrated and then turned into a powder ready to be sold. 

The protein powder is low in carbs and fat while being high in protein, with 27g of soy protein per serving!

Their soya powder also contains a high presence of BCAA’s, with two essential amino acids measuring in at 5g of glutamic acid and 2g of arginine per serving.  

This product is an unflavoured soy protein powder, common with other soy protein isolate powder products, so don’t be afraid to experiment with your protein shake if you want a more flavoursome taste!  

Bulk Powders sell their Pure Series Soya Protein Isolate 90 powder in 500g, 1kg, and 2.5kg sizes, meaning that you can buy as much as you want and for a price that is right for you too.

Speaking of price, don’t be put off by the fact that this is a cheap soy protein powder. Although this isn’t the most expensive product on our list, it’s still a great quality option and is one of the best rated options according to previous buyers! 

This BULK POWDERS product has some of the best soy isolate protein powder reviews we’ve seen, making it an excellent value proposition for anyone looking for soy protein supplements.

#2 – Pulsin Soya Protein 

Price: from £4.99

soy protein shake powder

Pulsin has created a great all natural soy protein powder. Not only are their products as natural as possible, but they can also be used in various meals and recipes as opposed to just protein shakes. 

Pulsin’s gluten free soy protein powder is rich with isoflavones – a polyphenol that contains many health benefits – and packed with BCAA’s (branch chain amino acids) such as glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and arginine.  

If you’re wondering ‘what is the best soy protein powder for weight loss?’, Pulsin’s soy gluten free protein powder could be a great choice for you as each serving is low in calories. 

Plus, because this protein powder is designed to be used in meals, you don’t have to consume a high-calorie soy protein shake on top of your daily meals. 

If that wasn’t enough to convince you that this is a great product, Pulsin also has some of the best soy protein powder reviews on Amazon, with 84% of their 461 reviews being 4 or 5 stars. 

Try their natural soy protein powder, and you won’t be disappointed. In fact, this product is selected as Amazon’s Choice for the soy protein powder category, which represents its great price to rating combination.

#3 – Myprotein – Gluten Free Soy Protein Powder

Price: £15.99

soy wheat protein powder

This Myvegan Soy Protein Isolate powder from Myprotein is made using an innovative process of extracting protein from defatted soybeans, resulting in a sugar free soy protein powder that uses sucralose as a sweetener. 

With one serving offering a generous 27g of soy protein, this powder is an easy way to quickly boost your protein intake if you follow a plant-based diet.

Simply pair the powder with your dairy-free milk of choice, and you have an excellent soy protein powder shake ready to go for after your workout. 

What’s more is their soy protein powder comes in a choice of flavours, so if you want their soy protein powder in vanilla or chocolate, you can choose either! 

It is also great to know that this product is also gluten-free. If you ask us, this is definitely the best soy based protein powder you can find on this list! 

#4 – SCI-MX Nutrition Pro V-Gain Plant Based Protein Powder

Price: £27.95

what is the best soy protein powder for weight loss

While not strictly just a soy protein powder, SCI-MX’s ‘plant based’ Pro V-Gain protein powder contains a blend of protein from plant sources made up of non-GMO 90% soy protein isolate, non-GMO 85% pea protein, and non-GMO 84% rice protein. 

Per serving, this protein powder by SCI-MX contains 33g of protein! This is a large amount for a single serving, especially considering that an adult male’s average protein intake for an adult male is around 55g per day.

Their soy protein powder in chocolate comes very highly rated, as do their strawberry and vanilla flavours, too. 

If you’re looking for the best soy based protein powder reviews, then this product with over 1000 reviews should be a great choice for you as 86% of these reviews come in at 4 or 5 stars!

However, one important note is that SCI-MX’s protein powder is produced in a shared factory that also produces other products that contain gluten, milk, eggs, nuts, and fish. So if you are allergic to any of these or don’t want to risk any contamination (no matter how small the chance), then maybe opt for another product on our list.

#5 – The Protein Works Soy Protein Isolate 90

Price: from £10.99

soy protein powder for weight loss

The Protein Works are another top supplement brand in the UK. With no added sugar, 0.2g of fat per serving, and 25g of purely plant-based protein, their Soy Protein Isolate 90 range is a solid choice for anyone looking for great tasting soy protein powder shakes.

One of The Protein Works’ unique selling points is the range of flavours available in their products. 

If you have a sweet tooth and aren’t interested in other unflavoured soy protein powders (although they do sell an unflavoured version), then choose your favourite flavour of soy protein powder like chocolate mint brownie, chocolate peanut cookie, chocolate silk, millionaire’s shortbread, vanilla, and vanilla crème.

If a great tasting protein powder is important to you, then The Protein Works’ Soy Protein Isolate 90 range should be the best soy based protein powder for you. 

#6 – Bodybuilding Warehouse – Pure Vegan Soy Protein Isolate

Price: from £8.98

pure soy protein powder

Available in a range of sizes from 500g to 4kg, this Vegan Soy Protein Isolate Powder is a great choice of supplement for anyone wanting to buy their protein in bulk. 

This product is the best unflavoured soy protein powder for men. If you’re concerned about calories, this product works great with water! If you want to know how to make a soy protein shake taste better, you can just easily mix with your choice of milk and flavourings to create a more indulgent post-workout treat!

Speaking of post-workout, high-quality protein consumption after training has been shown to help increase muscle growth and prevent muscle soreness after exercise. This makes your choice of protein intake post-workout important, as well as your method of delivery. 

Protein shakes, such as this option from Bodybuilding Warehouse, provide a quick hit of high-quality, easily digestible protein, that may suit some people more than eating a full meal. 

If you’re looking for vegan bodybuilding soy protein powder, then look no further, as this protein supplement is made of 100% pure soy protein isolate which is completely vegan and gluten free at the same time.

  

#7 – PhD Nutrition Smart Protein Plant

Price: £14.99

100% soy protein powder

Amazon’s Choice for PhD plant protein powder, this salted caramel flavour is extremely popular with consumers. This is shown through the hundreds of positive soy-based protein powder reviews for this particular flavour. 

PhD Nutrition is another well-known protein supplement brand that you may be familiar with. Their products are well made, well received, and consistently high quality; a great trifecta of properties that make PhD successful at what they do. 

You’ll find a pea protein and soy protein powder blend in this item to create a healthy, vegan friendly protein powder. 

To top this off, the salted caramel flavour makes the protein powder taste delicious. 

PhD recommend several recipes that are a perfect match for the salted caramel taste, and, of course, they also advise the good old fashioned protein shake.

#8 – Peak Supps Soy Protein Isolate

Price: £10.99

fermented soy protein powder

This soy isolate protein powder from Peak Supps is available in a variety of purchase options. Their standard 1kg bag is £10.99, yet you can purchase 5 bags for a discounted price, or even buy a 50g sample bag if you just want to give it a try.

This protein source comes from a soy lecithin protein powder, which means it may be a suitable choice for people trying to deal with high cholesterol. 

Total calories from this supplement remain low while the protein count is high, with 109 calories and 27g of protein per serving. This is great news for anyone looking to find ways to increase muscle growth rate and fast track recovery post-workout without adding too many calories to their diet. 

As well as this, the pure soy protein powder also contains a high and varied mix of BCAA’s which are useful for anyone who frequently exercises and wants to enhance their performance in the gym.

– – – –

For more articles on nutrition, check out these three below:

#9 – Protein Works Vegan Soy Protein Powder 

Price: From £10.99

best soy protein isolate powder

If you’re on the lookout for soy protein powders, Protein Works have a fantastic option that can help you to achieve your health and fitness goals. 

This is a 100% natural and plant-based recipe that uses only the finest ingredients. 

Compared with other vegan shakes on the market, this soy protein shake powder contains 5 different sources of protein. These include:

  • Soy
  • Pea
  • Brown rice
  • Hemp
  • Sunflower

Each protein source has its own unique nutritional profile that allows you to get a more complete nutrient intake.

With that, the range has no added sugar while being low in fat. Each serving contains 25g of protein which is certainly impressive. 

There are copious flavour options with Protein Works’ range, such as:

  • Vanilla
  • Chocolate
  • Cookies and Cream
  • Salted Caramel
  • Millionaire’s Shortbread… just to name a few

This helps you to keep your soy protein powder intake varied and interesting, thus ensuring that you remain on track to achieving your health and fitness goals.

#10 – Star Nutrition Soy Isolate Protein Powder 

Price: From £18.99

soy gluten free protein powder

Next up on our list of the best soy protein shake powder is a range by Star Nutrition. 

Their soy isolate protein powder is a vegan-friendly powder that is made from soybeans. 

Between 77-84% of each serving is protein as well as being low in sugar. Each 30g serving contains 23.3g of protein which is certainly an impressive profile.

With that, the protein contains all essential amino acids and so while supporting your fitness goals, you’re still getting a complete nutrition intake. 

The protein comes in the following flavours:

  • Chocolate
  • Vanilla
  • Unflavoured

The cheapest is chocolate, priced at just £18.99 per kilo which is a very reasonable price compared with other soy isolate proteins on the market. 

Now, when shopping around for soy protein powders, reviews can help you to make a decision.

Star Nutrition’s range has over 20 5-star reviews with many enjoying the richness of the vanilla and chocolate flavours as well as the versatility that the unflavoured option provides.

One reviewer commented:

“Excellent source of protein for vegetarians, vegans, people with dairy intolerances, or just wanting a varied source of protein. 

It’s ideal for adding extra protein without any unwanted calories and has an impressive 23.3g of protein per 30g serving.” 

So, if you’re wanting the best soy powder proteins on the market, Star Nutrition is most certainly up there.

#11 – T-Nutrition Soy Isolate Protein 

Price: £29.57

best soy protein isolate powder

If you’re looking for soy protein powder for men and women that enjoy bulking, T-Nutrition’s soy isolate protein is a great go-to. 

Each serving contains 25.6g of protein and so can assist you in achieving your health, fitness, and bodybuilding goals.

Plus, each serving is 100% soy protein while offering an impressive source of amino acids, both of which are important for building lean muscle.

There are two flavours available by T-Nutrition, either vanilla or chocolate. 

This helps you to keep your protein intake varied and interesting as well as making it easy to incorporate protein powder into other foods. 

Here are some of the ways that you could use your soy protein powders:

  • As a pancake mix
  • Smoothies
  • Cakes
  • Into porridge and rice pudding
  • Into hot chocolates

Each of these offers a different sweet treat to keep your muscle-building regime on track.

So, if you’re on the hunt for soy powder proteins, T-Nutrition is well worth checking out in time for your next workout.

#12 – Nature’s Sunshine – Soy Protein Shake

Price: £19.95

soy protein powder shakes

Nature’s Sunshine’s SynerProTein is unique compared to other soy protein powders on this list as it contains a couple of additional nutrients that you don’t typically find in most supplements. 

The SynerPro Concentrate mix comprises a range of whole foods such as broccoli, carrot, red beet, rosemary, tomato, turmeric, cabbage, and grapefruit. This means that this soy protein isolate powder from Nature’s Sunshine is nutrient dense and high in protein.

On top of this, the antioxidants from the whole foods and their health benefits, including turmeric, can be very beneficial when reducing heart disease risks or dealing with carcinogens in the body. 

Aside from what makes this soy protein powder unique, it also contains the benefits of most other soy protein supplements. 

This product is suitable for vegans, gluten-free, and comes from a non-GMO source of soy. 

Nature’s Sunshine claim that the formula behind their SynerProTein mix comes from Dr James Scala, a nutritionist for NASA – so if you want a supplement that comes backed by science (or just want bragging rights over your mates!) then opt for this soy protein powder.   

#13 – Naturya Soy Spirulina Protein Powder 

Price: £5.99

best soy protein isolate powder

This next option offers you something a little different from the previous powders; a soy protein concentrate powder. 

Spirulina is an ancient blue and green algae that can be found underwater. It contains a plethora of plant-based nutrients. 

Each pack contains 66% protein as well as being rich in fibre.

It also contains vitamin B1 and B2 which promotes healthy heart and psychological functions as well as offering protection from oxidative stress. 

High amounts of vitamin A can be found in each serving which can help to maintain healthy immune functions. 

A 30g serving of Naturya’s soy protein concentrate powder contains 20g of protein and so can help to enhance your health and fitness goals as well as providing a wealth of other benefits too. 

The range has some pretty impressive reviews with an average rating of 4.5/5-stars. Here is a reviewers comments that can help to influence you into opting with Naturya:

“It’s easily absorbed energy for your body. Can be used either sprinkled over a morning cereal or included in a smoothie. Start the day with a bonus! I recommend this product.”

So, if you approached this article wanting to discover some soy spirulina protein powders, Naturya’s product is one of the best on offer.

#14 – Buy Whole Foods Online – Organic Soy Protein Powder

Price: from £4.48

soy lecithin protein powder

This Buy Whole Foods soy protein powder is a great low fat vegan option for anyone looking for protein supplements in the UK. 

This particular soy protein powder contains ‘nil’ carbohydrates, and so if you are looking for a soy protein powder for diabetics, then this may be a great choice to help keep your blood sugar in check. 

In fact, now that we’re on the subject, we should discuss the potential benefits that soy has for people with diabetes. Soy products contain isoflavones – phytoestrogens derived from plants with estrogenic activity. 

While these compounds have some contentious properties among scientists and health professionals, what is known is their ability to lower blood pressure by producing nitric oxide that opens blood vessels. 

On top of this, there is also research on whether isoflavones lower blood glucose and insulin levels. 

As far as soy protein powders go, this one from Buy Whole Foods Online is a good choice. With 27g of protein per serving and the ability to purchase a small sample size of 250g to see if you like it, there is a lot to offer here for customers looking for a good offer. 

And if you are looking for a specific organic protein supplement, then this product from Buy Whole Foods Online could be the best organic soy protein powder in the UK for you.

#15 – BeNu Complete Balanced Nutrition

Price: From £8.99

best soy protein isolate powder

Finding the best soy protein powder for women and weight loss can be difficult which is why MyProtein’s new BeNu range is getting a lot of attention. 

BeNu Complete is not just another protein or diet shake – it’s a nutritionally complete meal and one of the easiest ways to get all the required nutrients into your body. 

Each tasty serving contains a rich nutrition formula containing the following:

  • Soy protein isolate
  • Whey protein concentrate
  • Gluten-free oat flour
  • Essential vitamins and minerals

There is also a range of benefits of this soy protein shake powder such as:

  • Balanced macronutrient split
  • 1 meal contains ⅓ of your daily needs
  • Contains 27 essential minerals and vitamins
  • Digestion support
  • Immunity support

Priced from £8.99, this is a cost-effective way of shedding some pounds while still providing your body with all of the nutrients that it needs.

It also has over 20 5-star reviews with many enjoying the shake’s richness despite being low in calories compared to meals (400 calories per serving). 

So, if you’re searching for the best soy weight loss shake, be sure to check out BeNu Complete – we’re sure it’s everything that you’re looking for.

If you’re looking for more information on losing weight, have a read of our article ‘33 Foods That Help Burn Fat or Help Speed Up Our Metabolism‘.

FAQ’s

How much soy protein is too much?

Like with most foods you eat, everything in your diet needs to be varied and balanced. As mentioned before, having soy protein is a great way to cut back on dairy and meat. 

Unsure of how many grams of soy protein to consume per day? According to Healthline,  if you eat or drink 25 grams of soy protein per day, which is the average amount of protein per shake, it’ll help reduce the bad cholesterol (LDL) by up to 3%. 

You don’t have to worry and think ‘how much soy protein per day should I eat and drink?’, as you’d have to consume an awful lot of this protein powder to see any serious side effects. At the same time, even having the odd soy protein shake will have some benefit and will help you to swap meat and dairy out of your diet.

What are the drawbacks of soy protein?

With all food and drink, there will be people asking ‘why is soy protein bad for you?’ One concern about soy is that it is thought to affect thyroid function. However, in a study by Messina et al, eating soy protein was found to have very mild or no thyroid function effects.

Another reason that some people steer away from soy protein is because of its phytoestrogen content. If you didn’t know, phytoestrogens are chemical compounds with estrogen properties that help bind to your body. If you eat foods that contain high amounts of phytoestrogen content, it could disrupt your natural hormone levels. 

However, the initial process of making soy protein often means that a significant portion of phytoestrogen is removed by rinsing the soybeans with alcohol and water. 

So to anybody asking ‘why is soy protein bad for you?’, the answer is that soy is safe for most people and isn’t bad at all! The potential drawbacks that have been listed above is for soy as a whole rather than soy protein.

Before you go!

The soy protein powders listed above are the best 15 you can find online! Each product has its selling points, but we know you will love whichever one you choose.

Compared to other vegan protein sources, drinking soy protein blows the competition out of the water when it comes to the amount of protein you receive from each shake. 

If you’re interested in a career helping clients lead healthier lives through diet & nutrition, enquire about our Level 4 Sports Nutrition Course.

Otherwise, download our free prospectus for more information! 

References

Messina et al. 2006. Effects of Soy Protein and Soybean Isoflavones on Thyroid Function in Healthy Adults and Hypothyroid Patients: A Review of the Relevant Literature. Available at: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/thy.2006.16.249

Goodson, 2018. Soy Protein: Good or Bad? Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/soy-protein-good-or-bad#bottom-line

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18 Best Healthy Ice Creams https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/healthy-ice-cream/ Wed, 30 Mar 2022 12:00:00 +0000 https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/healthy-ice-cream/ In this article, we narrow down the 18 best healthy ice creams you can find online! We discuss what makes them healthier than normal ice creams, covering low-calorie, vegan, and milk options.

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Are you looking for the healthiest ice cream in the UK? OriGym has got you covered! 

Everyone loves a cold sweet treat now and then, but healthy ice cream choices can be difficult to come across. 

We know that even once you’ve found what seems like a great option, it often doesn’t quite compete with the taste of the real stuff. But that’s why we’re here to help!

Just below, we’ve shared our reviews of the 18 most healthy ice cream brands offering healthy sweet treats that taste good too! 

Before we begin, if you’re interested in a career in health and fitness or want to become a nutritionist, why don’t you enquire about the Advanced Nutritionist courses that we offer in the UK? Otherwise, download our prospectus for further information about the accredited qualifications that we offer here at OriGym.

The Best Healthy Ice Creams

#1 – Halo Top Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Low Calorie Ice Cream

Price: £5.00

healthiest ice cream

Starting our list of healthy low calorie ice creams is this option from Halo Top. 

This is an indulgent vanilla ice cream base filled with rich chocolate chips and raw cookie dough. 

It’s super light in texture while creamy and comes in at just 360 calories for the entire tub!

This is pretty good when compared with other brands on the market, for example, a tub of Ben and Jerry’s Cookie Dough is a whopping 1350 calories.

As healthy ice creams go, this range has an impressive protein content of 19g which when paired with the low calorie content, can still help you achieve your health and fitness goals. 

There is a range of flavours online and in supermarkets such as peanut butter cup and chocolate but we think that the cookie dough is by far the best!

Plus, priced at just £5.00 per pub, you know you’re not going to have to break the bank to get an indulgent treat for a few calories. 

You can get Halo Top’s Cookie Dough from most supermarkets such as:

  • Sainsbury’s
  • Ocado
  • Tesco
  • Asda

#2 – Halo Top Strawberry Cheesecake Low Calorie Ice Cream

Price: £5.00

ice cream healthy

While we’re on the topic of Halo Top, we thought it fitting to discuss their Strawberry Cheesecake flavour, perfect for those who prefer fruity ice creams.

Strawberry Cheesecake is a light strawberry base ice cream with a cinnamon biscuit swirl which adds an extra element of summery deliciousness.

With that, there are several ways that you could use Halo Top’s range.

Dollop a scoop into some fresh fruit, into a milkshake, or just on its own with a spoon – it’s such a versatile ice cream which is why we think it’s one of the best healthy low calorie ice creams out there. 

Plus, you can eat the whole tub guilt-free as it will only set you back by 360 calories! 

As with the previous option, Halo Top offers the healthiest ice cream to buy from a range of supermarkets. 

The brand has boomed in recent years which makes accessing your favourite flavours super easy. 

Why not pop a Strawberry Cheesecake into your basket during your next food shop? We’re sure that you’ll love it!

Not only will you love it but eating a sweet, healthy snack can make you feel good! Find out more about the link between happiness and the immune system with our article ‘Can Happiness Boost The Immune System?‘.

#3 – Oppo Brothers Cookies & Cream

Price: £5.00

healthiest ice cream to buy

Next up on our list of the best healthy ice creams is Oppo Brothers’ Cookies & Cream.

This is a velvety vanilla ice cream made with fresh milk and cream. This is combined with crunchy cookie pieces and a sprinkle of cocoa for extra richness.

A sweet chocolate swirl ripples throughout, offering a different texture.

Does this sound like something you’d enjoy? 

If so, you’ll be pleased to know that 100ml comes in at just 84 calories, making Oppo Brothers one of the healthiest ice cream brands on the market. 

Previous customers absolutely love this ice cream. Here is an example from a reviewer: 

“This is a delicious, creamy texture and I love the chocolate swirl all the way through. My new favourite Oppo flavour!”

So, if you’re searching for the healthiest ice creams to enjoy guilt-free, Oppo Brothers is a brand you ought to try! 

After all, the reviews speak for themselves!

#4 – Yee Kwan – Matcha Green Tea 

Price: £4.99

what is the healthiest ice cream to buy

Are you looking for a green tea ice cream that’s healthy? Well, look no further for we may have the perfect pick for you with this ice cream from Yee Kwan! 

This particular ice cream’s calorie count is, admittedly, a lot higher than some of the other ice creams on this list, with a 100ml serving containing around 516 calories. 

Still, when compared to your regular Ben & Jerry’s Cookie Dough tub of ice cream, it has close to 1,000 calories less

That same 100ml serving also contains around 2.65g of protein, so despite the slightly higher calorie count, you know that you’re getting a decent amount of protein too. 

This ice cream was made with 2% green tea matcha powder. Green tea is rich in antioxidants, healthy bioactive compounds, and may even be able to help improve your brain function, so to have a small amount of it in your ice cream is definitely a good start! 

This gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly ice cream is perfect for anyone who’s after a healthy green tea flavoured ice cream, which can be quite difficult to find in stores! 

#5 – Skinny Cow Mint Double Choc Stick

Price: £2.50

healthy mint chop chip ice cream

If healthy mint chocolate chip ice cream is what you’re looking for, this next option is for you!

Skinny Cow offers a cool mint flavoured iced dessert with a rich swirl of chocolate sauce and chocolate chip pieces. 

This is a new and improved recipe by Skinny Cow as they’re a company determined to provide their customers with the best quality ice creams to enjoy every day. 

Each ice cream stick is a mere 98 calories with just 1.5g of fat, so there’s absolutely no need to worry about your health goals not being met with Skinny Cow’s range. 

Each pack contains 3 indulgent ice creams for just £2.50 which works out slightly cheaper than other healthy ice creams on the market. 

Now, when shopping around for the healthiest ice cream to buy, reviews can help you to make a decision.

On Ocado, this healthy mint chocolate chip ice cream has an average rating of 4.1 / 5-stars which is pretty good going! 

Almost 80% of reviewers said that they’d recommend the range to a friend, so why not give it a go yourself? 

At just 98 calories per portion, what’s not to love?

#6 – Oppo – Double Salted Caramel 

Price: £4.50 

is there healthy ice cream

One of the healthiest supermarket ice cream options available today is this double salted caramel flavour by Oppo. 

You probably never thought you’d ever read the words ‘double salted caramel’ and ‘low-calorie’ in the same sentence together, but, surprise, now you have. 

It’s no mistake either, because this product only contains 178 calories per tub, making it the perfect option if you’re looking for a healthy low calorie ice cream option. 

As well as the delicious taste, it is also a great source of protein, with one 100ml serving containing around 2.5g of protein! 

This award-winning product is also free from artificial-sweeteners and has been approved by the Vegetarian Society too. 

With some reviews online saying that this tastes better than some of the higher calorie options out there, you know you’re in for a treat if you decide to go for this healthy choice of ice cream from Oppo! 

#7 – Whole Creations Dairy and Gluten-Free Vanilla Mini Sticks 

Price: £4.30

best healthy ice cream

This vegan healthy ice cream is yet another top option and worth checking out if you’re shopping for free-from products. 

Whole Creations is a free-from food company that delivers healthy alternatives to classic foods to allow those with vegan and gluten-free diets the option to indulge in their favourite sweet treats.

This range of dairy and gluten-free vanilla mini sticks are made with a coconut milk base and dipped in a delicious dark ‘chocolate’ coating. 

Each stick contains just 112 calories, a lot lower than the average calorie content of a vanilla ice cream which is 273 calories. 

Plus, at just 72p per portion, this is a great way to get your ice cream fix without breaking the bank.

Since Whole Creations are a relatively new brand, you can only purchase their healthy dairy-free ice cream directly from their website. 

But, be sure to keep your eyes peeled on supermarket shelves in the coming years as we’re sure they’ll be stocked in your local store soon!

#8 – Jude’s – Low Cal Vegan Chocolate 

Price: £4.50

best healthy ice cream

As far as healthy vegan ice cream goes, it doesn’t get much better than this one from Jude’s! 

With a full tub, it contains only around 340 calories, this tub has around 30% fewer calories than similar products on the market. For that reason, this one of the best options you could go for if you’re after a healthy low calorie ice cream to incorporate into your diet! 

One 100ml serving contains around 2.5g of protein and minimal salt. In fact, if you ate the whole tub, you’d only have consumed 1g of salt, which is a sixth of your daily allowance, though we wouldn’t recommend eating the whole tub in one go, of course. 

This award-winning dessert is also available in various flavours, including the aforementioned chocolate, salted caramel, vanilla bean, and peanut butter, to name but a few. 

This vegan healthy ice cream is also relatively cheap too, with one tub only costing £3.00 in Sainsbury’s. This is a great option if you’re working on a budget and don’t want to break the bank to get a half-decent healthy alternative! 

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Keeping in the theme of this article, check out more of our food-related blogs below:

#9 – Jude’s Vegan Cookie Dough Brownie Ice Cream

Price: £4.80

non dairy ice cream

If you’re after another one of the best non-dairy ice creams, Jude’s vegan cookie dough brownie is a must-buy. 

Jude’s Master ice cream makers and Britain’s top chefs have come together to create a truly superb dessert option for vegans. 

This carefully crafted ice cream has a coconut milk base that is super smooth and light. 

Chunks of raw plant-based cookie dough and brownies can be found within the vanilla base to add an extra element of indulgence. 

An entire tub contains just 460 calories which is made up of 4 portion sizes. This works out at a mere 115 calories per serving!

Purchasers absolutely love Jude’s range and have left some comments that we’re sure will make you want to run down to your local supermarket to get your own. 

One reviewer notes:

“Love this so much, but have to be careful buying it as I can easily end up eating nearly the whole tub! 

It’s much lower in fat and calories than Ben and Jerry’s Vegan ice cream alternative.” 

So, if you’re on the hunt for the best non-dairy ice creams, this is a range to take note of!

#10 – Arctic Zero – Classic Vanilla

Price: £5.15 

healthy vanilla ice cream

If you’re not a fan of all the different flavours we’ve had a look at so far, and you’re just looking for a healthy vanilla ice cream, then you’re in luck, as Arctic Zero might have the perfect one for you.

This vegan, keto-friendly, gluten free ice cream is incredibly healthy, and that’s thanks mainly to its low-calorie content. One serving only contains 40 calories, making this one of the lowest calorie counts on this list! 

A single serving also contains 1g of protein and no fat whatsoever, making this the perfect option for anyone shopping for a fat free ice cream that’s healthy! 

Additionally, it is dairy-free too – ideal if you’re looking for a healthy dairy free ice cream to add to your diet! 

Arctic Zero has a range of different flavours available, including chocolate, cake batter, pistachio, salted caramel, mint, and chocolate peanut butter, to name but a few. 

You wouldn’t be going wrong in giving Arctic Zero’s vanilla a try!

#11 – Oatly – Strawberry Flavour

Price: £4.50 

healthiest ice cream to buy

Whilst this vegan food brand from Sweden is more commonly associated with drinks, they also make a range of healthy ice creams including this one that comes in Strawberry flavour! 

Though it’s a little high in sugar, we wouldn’t recommend eating a whole tub in one go.

It only contains around 197 calories, which definitely puts it in the healthy category of desserts. 

It may not be very high in protein, but it is actually made with 15% real fruit, along with oats, beetroot colouring, and coconut oil, which have all been described as being high-quality ingredients by Oatly. 

As mentioned, Oatly is a vegan food brand, so there’s no surprise in finding out that this product is completely plant-based. It’s also free from lactose, soya, and milk protein. 

Oatly is relatively easy to get your hands on and is sold in supermarkets across the UK, and at £4.50, isn’t going to cost a bomb to buy. 

If you’re a fan of healthy vegan ice cream, then we highly recommend you checking out Oatly’s strawberry-flavoured dessert.

#12 – Northern Bloc – Vegan Peanut Chip

Price: £3.66 

green tea ice cream healthy

Northern Bloc’s peanut chip is yet another healthy vegan ice cream that we highly recommend you check out! 

This product doesn’t use dairy substitutes, and its highest ingredient is water, meaning that the calorie count of this particular dessert is a lot lower than some of the other options out there. 

The tub contains around 201 calories, making it a great option if you’re after a healthy low calorie ice cream.

Additionally, this dessert contains around 2.8g of protein, though unfortunately, it is rather high in sugar, so again, we don’t recommend you scoffing it all in one go! 

Due to its highest ingredient being water, this also means that this product from Northern Bloc is lower in fat too than other options out there, which is ideal if you’re after a low fat healthy ice cream option. 

As for price, it can be found for £3.66, making it a great, cheap option for anyone looking for healthier dessert options whilst working on a budget!

#13 – Doughlicious Blueberry Frozen Yoghurt

Price: £4.50

healthiest ice cream to buy

If you’re looking for a healthy blueberry ice cream, you likely know that it’s difficult to come by. 

Here we have an option that we’re sure will take your fancy – blueberry frozen yoghurt cookie dough balls. 

Doughlicious’ balls have a luxurious blueberry interior made from whole milk and fresh blueberries. 

The frozen yoghurt is then formed into balls and coated in the finest, premium-range cookie dough.  

This is a truly unique way to enjoy frozen treats and is one that doesn’t require any washing up!

Simply take the Doughlicious balls out from the freezer and leave them to melt slightly for a few minutes, and enjoy! It’s that easy. 

Each pack contains 6 cookie dough balls for £4.50 and each ball is just 100 calories. 

Doughlicious is a relatively new dessert brand and so is currently only available at Waitrose & Partners and Ocado. 

But, keep your eyes peeled for this healthy blueberry ice cream alternative as we’re sure they’ll be stocked in more supermarkets soon!

#14 – Oppo Brothers Chocolate and Hazelnut Low Calorie Ice Cream

Price: £4.50

low calorie ice cream

If you’ve ever wondered “is protein ice cream healthy?”, we hope that this next option proves to you that it definitely can be.

Oppo Brothers’ Chocolate and Hazelnut low calorie ice cream is one of their best-sellers and for perfectly good reason.

It’s crafted with a Columbian chocolate ice cream base with finely chopped and lightly toasted hazelnuts mixed throughout.

Half a tub contains just 195 calories while having an impressive protein profile of 8.1g which is far more than other healthy ice creams on the market. 

The range also won the ‘Best Taste’ award in 2019 and has glowing reviews on Ocado with an average rating of 4.5/5 stars. 

Reviewers note that the ice cream is packed full of flavour and is surprisingly rich considering the low calorie content. 

Oppo Brothers’ is definitely one of the healthiest ice cream brands on offer and this range is one we’d recommend that you get in your freezer to share with family and friends. 

#15 – Fravocado Original Coconut and Avocado Ice Cream

Price: £5.49

avocado ice cream

Fravocado is a plant-based avocado ice cream store that crafts some of the smoothest and most delicious frozen treats for vegans. 

The brand’s Original ice cream has a refreshing and clean taste while still super luxurious thanks to the coconut milk and avocado.

Fravocado’s ice creams are sweetened by using an agave syrup that is made from natural and plant-based ingredients. 

Unlike many other vegan ice creams on the market, this range is free from all allergens making it suitable for a range of diets. 

This avocado ice cream contains 177 calories per serving which is a little more than other healthy ice creams on this list.

However, avocado is naturally higher in calories and good fats and so provides the body with a plethora of fantastic nutrients that regular ice cream doesn’t. 

A 500ml tub is £5.49 which equates to a measly £1.01 per serving. You really can’t go wrong. 

So, why not give avocado ice cream a go? It might sound a little strange to begin with but creates a wonderful creaminess to ice cream that you can’t get anywhere else. 

#16 – Little Moons Chocolate and Hazelnut Mochi Ice Cream

Price: £5

healthiest ice cream brand

Now, if you’re after the healthiest chocolate ice cream on the market, then look no further.

Little Moons Mochi ice cream balls are one of the most delicious yet lightweight ice creams ever made and contain just 82 calories per ball. 

The chocolate and hazelnut ice cream is wrapped in a thin layer of mochi which adds a chewy texture and an extra element of sweetness that other ice creams don’t have.

Plus, there’s no need to wash up any bowls and spoons with Little Moons! 

The brand suggests taking the balls out of the freezer 5-minutes before you want them to allow them to soften. This also helps to create a richer, more intense flavour. 

Compared with other healthy low calorie ice creams on this list, Little Moons has some of the best reviews from purchasers. 

On Ocado, the range has an average rating of 4.8/5-stars trumping all other products.

One reviewer mentions:

“If you are a fan of Mochi, chocolate, and hazelnuts you will be a fan of these. They’re my absolute favourite flavour, they taste exactly as you’d hope.”

So, if you’re searching for the healthiest chocolate ice cream, Little Moon’s chocolate and hazelnut is a must-try. 

#17 – Ice Kitchen Banana and Milk Chocolate Ice Lolly

Price: £5.00

healthy banana ice cream

Finding healthy banana ice creams can be challenging to find which is why we had to include Ice Kitchen’s range.

Everyone remembers choc-ices that were wrapped with paper that would always get soggy once the ice cream started to melt.

With that, Ice Kitchen’s healthy banana ice cream aims to transport you back to your childhood with a sweet fruity flavour, yet this time without the mess!

Each ice cream contains half a banana, whole milk, and real Belgian chocolate which adds a rich indulgence to every bite. 

1 lolly contains 111 calories, another option that can satisfy your sweet treat craving without rapidly diminishing your daily calorie allowance.

Each pack contains 3 lollies and is priced at £5.00. This works out at £1.60 which is definitely cheaper than going to the ice cream truck (and healthier!)

This is one of the best healthy ice creams on the market and one you should definitely stock into your freezer in time for warm summer days.

#18 – Asda – Low-Calorie Cookie Dough

Price: £2.50

healthiest ice cream uk

Whilst Asda may not be the first brand you think of when it comes to the healthiest ice cream brand, don’t let that put you off checking out what they have to offer! 

Asda’s own brand is easily one of the healthiest supermarket ice creams you can buy and is a worthy addition to this list. 

One tub of their peanut butter flavoured ice cream, for example, contains 177 calories, whilst their Birthday Cake flavoured option contains 196 calories. 

The cookie dough flavour comes in at just 199 calories, which whilst is more than the other two, is still an excellent number compared to many others on this list.

It also has a decent protein content too, with one 100ml serving providing you with 3.8g of protein – definitely enough to go some way to keeping you feeling full for a while. 

One of the best things about this product has to be the price. At just £2.50 per tub, not only is this a great healthy dessert option, but it’s also a far more affordable option!

What Is A Healthy Alternative To Ice Cream?

When you’re looking to lose weight or find healthy alternatives to your favourite dessert, there are many options out there. 

A simple swap of replacing ice cream for frozen yoghurt is a great way of finding an alternative that is lower in fat and calories!

Another great choice is to blend frozen fruit and vegetables into a smoothie. Not only will this provide you with the same cold, smooth texture as ice cream, but it’s a great way to get your 5 a day in with ease. 

What we’re trying to say is that there are tons of healthy dessert options and recipes online. Not prepared to replace ice cream with a similar sweet treat? Fortunately for you, there are a couple of healthy ice cream options out there.

What Ice Cream Is ‘Healthy’?

If you’re wondering ‘is there ice cream that’s actually healthy?’ The answer is yes! Any regular ice cream can be replaced with one of the options in our list for a sweet treat without the unnecessary calories. 

Your average tub has three main ingredients. Those are: milk, cream, and sugar. You don’t need us to tell you that cream has a pretty high fat content, and so regular ice cream is typically really high in calories.

The difference between healthy and regular ice cream is that a couple of healthy substitutions are made. Healthier ice cream brands use skimmed milk, add milk protein, and replace the sugar with erythritol – a type of sugar alcohol that contains 0 calories (compared to 4 calories per gram for regular sugar).

So, now you know that healthy ice creams exist, but what is the healthiest ice cream to buy?

Not all low calorie ice creams are ‘healthy’ as some are filled with artificial additives and sweeteners that improve the ice cream’s taste but not its nutritional value.

So for a ‘healthy’ choice ice cream, nutrition facts and ingredients should be the first thing you should look out for on the packaging!

Before You Go! 

Well, there you have it, the 18 best healthy ice creams you can find online! We hope that our list has helped you to find a new favourite flavour that won’t take you off track!

If you’re interested in working in the fitness industry, take a look at our Level 4 Advanced Courses in Nutrition (UK regulated) to see how you can turn your passion into a career!

Otherwise, download our free prospectus for further information about our courses.

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17 Best Natural Energy Drinks (UK) https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/natural-energy-drinks/ Fri, 25 Feb 2022 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/natural-energy-drinks/ OriGym have shortlisted the 17 best natural energy drinks to give you that much-needed boost to power through the day minus the negative side effects of standard energy drinks. Read for more!

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Are you on the lookout for the best natural energy drinks in the UK, that can provide you with that much-needed boost, but minus the spoonfuls of sugar, artificial colours and sweeteners? OriGym have you covered.

Energy drinks have long been a popular quick-fix for those low energy days where we need an aid to power through. However, most traditional drinks of this kind are often loaded with ingredients and elements that we could well do without in our bodies – many of which can even cause you to feel jittery, anxious, or agitated.

But before we get started, if you have a passion for the food and nutrition side of the fitness industry, why not take a look at the advanced Nutritionist courses we offer in the UK? Alternatively, download our free course prospectus to find the right qualification for you and get the ball rolling to become a nutritionist.

What Are Natural Energy Drinks?

Like we mentioned before, typical energy drinks on the market, despite their effective benefits, are more often than not packed with heaps of sugar, artificial sweeteners, colorings and a considerably high amount of caffeine.

A natural energy drink has the exact same purpose as a standard energy drink – to give your energy levels a boost. However, certain ingredients have been significantly reduced or eliminated for your body’s benefit. With that, it means that your body will not be exposed to the same negative side effects as it would if you were to drink the likes of a Red Bull or drinks alike.

Below, we have listed the best natural energy drinks in the UK that will provide you with the boost you require without the side effects and are great to include alongside your meal plans.

#1 – Tenzing Natural Energy

Tenzing organic energy drinks uk image

Price: £11.97 (12 x 250ml)

If you’re looking for popular and great-tasting natural drinks to boost energy, then you can’t go far wrong with Tenzing. It’s become somewhat of a household name in the world of natural energy drinks, and it’s not surprising. Not only is this drink all natural, but it comes with an impressive triple hit of caffeine, so you certainly won’t be left feeling short of energy.

The drinks are inspired by famous mountaineer Sherpa Tenzing and the energy drinks consumed in the Himalayas. Only natural ingredients are used and everything is plant based, which means that, while you will be getting a pretty big hit of caffeine, it’s all natural. As you might expect, the drinks are responsibly produced and everything is Rainforest Alliance Certified.

Tenzing doesn’t use any additives in their natural energy boost drinks, and the products only contain 7 ingredients, so you always know exactly what you’re drinking. The natural sweetness comes from beet sugar, and a hint of lemon gives a refreshing twist. Every can is packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, again all from natural sources.

Himalayan rock salt is rich in electrolytes, Guarana improves concentration and attention, and the green tea leaves are full of amino acids, which help reduce stress. You’ll also get a big dose of vitamin C from the Indian Gooseberries, and the caffeine comes from raw green coffee beans.

The inclusion of so much caffeine makes Tenzing one of the best natural drinks for energy available anywhere in the world. We love the backstory too, and the mix of plant based energy, antioxidants and vitamins really does taste like a traditional blend designed to harness the power of nature.

#2 – Matcha Energy Drinks

2 matcha natural drinks to boost energy

Price: £30 (12 x 340ml)

Matcha produces some of the best tasting natural energy drinks UK shoppers will find. They use green tea as their caffeine source, which has a range of advantages. Green tea contains 10x the amount of nutrients and antioxidants of standard tea or coffee, and because Matcha uses the whole leaf, the effect of the caffeine lasts much longer.

This, of course, means that there’s no sudden peak or trough, which is common with other caffeinated energy drinks, and you won’t suffer from jitters either! Better still, the leaves are so nutrient rich that they’ll give your immune system a boost. Matcha produces some of the best natural herbal energy drinks for those with an eye on long term health, and the antioxidant properties can even lower your risk of chronic illness.

If all that sounds good, then you’ll be pleased to know that these natural energy drinks in the UK has not compromised on taste. There’s a range of flavours on offer including sparkling lime, sparkling lemon, sparkling berry and sparkling peach, but our favourite was the mint variety. It has a wonderfully refreshing, lifting kick even before you feel the effects of the caffeine.

Nutrition-wise you’ll be loading up on antioxidants and vitamins, especially vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium. The drinks are also fibre rich, and help boost your metabolism. There really are too many health benefits to list, but these drinks can help lower blood sugar, cholesterol and even increase concentration.

As these are some of the best tasting drinks on the list, they make the perfect natural energy drinks for kids who might be a little more fussy!

#3 – Proper Wild Energy

3 proper wild all natural energy drinks image

Price: £18.50 (6 x 71ml)

Proper Wild leads the way in terms of organic energy drinks in the UK. Despite their diminutive size, these energy shots pack a big punch. A single shot contains x2 more caffeine than a cup of coffee, and x23 more L-Theanine. This is a big deal, as L-Theanine is proven to boost focus and productivity without any of the associated negative effects of excessive caffeine.

In fact, these natural energy boost drinks provide a much smoother energy release than your standard energy drink. The caffeine is derived from green tea, so it’s longer lasting. They’ll be no sudden peak or jitters, and no crash either. Instead, you’ll get a long lasting lift of slow release energy, perfect for a busy day on the go or extended workout.

All ingredients are natural and organic, so you won’t find artificial flavourings or preservatives. These are some of the best organic energy drinks available, and the all natural ingredients come with a number of benefits. They’ll increase your concentration, alertness and mental energy. This is due mostly to the high L-Theanine content, which makes these drinks perfect for those in search of a little more mental energy to start the day.

At only 25 calories each, these natural fruit energy drinks are also low in sugar, and free from pretty much anything you can name. A Proper Wild Energy drink is vegan, gluten free, GMO free, dairy free, stevia free and soy free! We really couldn’t ask for much more than that, and they taste great too!

Anyone who follows organic energy drinks reviews will already be aware of these fantastic little shots, and they’re proof that a little really can go a long way.

#4 – Tea Riot

4 teariot healthy natural energy drinks

Price: £28 (12 x 240ml)

Overflowing with fruits and flavours, these are some of the best natural fruit energy drinks on the market. They also contain zero added sugar and zero synthetic stimulants. Everything is natural, and the energy boost comes from tea.

For those searching for natural pre workout energy drinks; there’s quite a bit of caffeine per drink, an impressive 160mg, so you’ll certainly feel the effects. As this is derived from tea, it comes with the added benefit of L-Theanine. There’s 100mg of that, which helps with cognitive focus and alertness. The drinks are also rich in vitamin B12, which is great for the brain as well, so they’re particularly effective if you need something to boost your concentration.

The nutrition profile is equally impressive in these natural fruit energy drinks. Each product contains a mere 30 calories and just 4g of natural sugars. Sodium content is negligible, but you’ll be getting your full 100% daily requirement of vitamin B12 from just a single serving. The ingredient list is refreshingly short, consisting mostly of fruit and natural flavours like chilli. Since these drinks are high in adaptogens they’ll help combat stress.

As natural energy boost drinks go, we think these contain the most actual fruit, and that really comes across with the taste. Every drink is brimming with flavour, and the fruit isn’t lost behind a wall of other ingredients.

They come in a number of flavours too, although our favourite was Cherry Watermelon, which is the most refreshing of the bunch. The taste is great across the board though, so we recommend starting with the variety 12 pack. You’ll be able to sample the different flavours and choose your own favourite!

#5 – Clean Cause

5 clean cause natural energy boost drinks

Price: £29 (12 x 473ml)

Another fantastic choice for anyone in search of natural pre workout energy drinks, Clean Cause makes the list in part due to the companies philanthropic activities. 50% of their profits go to help those recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. It’s a noble cause, and it’s already made a huge difference. The money goes to “CLEAN kickstarts,” which help individuals establish a recovery schedule and find employment.

Fortunately, these natural energy boost drinks are high quality and some of the healthiest on the list, so you’ll have no trouble getting behind the cause. They’re vegan, gluten free, organic certified and provide a huge range of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Caffeine is derived from purely natural sources, so it’s crash free and long lasting.

Each can contains no more than 60 calories, and around 160mg of caffeine. Clean Cause also offers one of the largest ranges on the list, so you’ll have a number of different flavours to choose from. Our beverage of choice was the Watermelon Mint, which offers unparalleled refreshment and has a fantastically fresh, invigorating taste.

You can order a 12 pack of any flavour, and if you want to go big there’s a discount available for 25 packs. These are some of the best organic energy drinks uk shoppers can get hold of via international shipping. The fruity taste really comes across, and we loved the long lasting effect of the caffeine.

Obviously, the company’s philanthropy represents a huge draw too, so if you’re looking for all natural energy drinks that benefit entire communities, we certainly recommend giving Clean Cause a try.

#6 – Bai 

6 natural herbal energy drinks

Price: Currently Unavailable

Bai has been able to produce some of the best natural energy drinks in terms of taste, and we think they might even be the best tasting offering on the list! The flavours are big, and the drinks are very bubbly. They actually taste quite luxurious, which is especially impressive considering that they contain just 5 calories each and 1 gram of sugar.

Interestingly, while coffee is made from the coffee bean, Bai has utilised the coffee fruit itself. The bean is just the centre of the fruit, but the flesh itself is packed with antioxidants.

Better still, using the coffee fruit provides sustainable farming and economic opportunities in poorer parts of the world, and Bai has worked hard to establish mutually beneficial relationships with its farmers. However, for more information on how black coffee can benefit your health, take a read of our article here – ‘15 Health Benefits of Black Coffee‘.

Moreover, the drinks are rich in vitamin C and polyphenols. The secret behind the tiny caloric content lies in the type of sweetener used. A combination of Stevia and Erythritol gives the drinks their sweet taste, without any of the associated calories. Stevia is actually 200 times sweeter than sugar, so Bai didn’t need to use a lot to pack a punch!

These are some of the purest natural drinks for energy currently available anywhere, and they come in a wide range of flavours (including a variety pack for those who aren’t sure where to start). We particularly enjoyed the refreshing Waikiki Coconut Lime, which delivers quite an intense citrus kick.

Whatever flavour you choose, you’ll be absolutely blown away by the taste. It’s difficult to believe that these drinks contain just 5 calories per can, but that’s all down to Bai’s cunning recipes.

#7 – Pin Natural Energy Tea Drink 

natural energy drinks best

Price: £19.99 (12 x 330ml)

If you’re after more natural drinks for energy, we have another great option for you here.

Pin’s Energy Tea is naturally caffeinated and contains L-theanine which offers a wealth of vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants.

As mentioned earlier, L-theanine can enhance focus and alertness when combined with caffeine, thus providing consumers with a great energy boost.

As for the actual contents of the drink, Pin’s range is made from only natural ingredients. It is a non-carbonated drink that has 0g of fat and carbohydrates.

Each drink is also made without preservatives or artificial flavours and sweeteners, promising an all-around organic, healthy energy drink.

As well as peach flavour, Pin also offers ‘Green Tea’ and ‘Black Tea’ options to keep your drinks varied and interesting.

With that, these are the best natural energy drinks for vegans and gluten-free individuals.

Pin’s drinks currently have a 100% 5-star track record on Amazon, proving that the product description truly lives up to customer satisfaction.

So, if you’re wanting to get your hands on the best organic energy drinks on the market, Pin’s range is top tier.

Why not follow the link above to see what all the fuss is about?

#8 – James White Zinger

8 natural energy boosters drinks image

Price: £19 (15 x 70ml)

Next on the list is an entry for those shopping for natural energy drinks with no caffeine.

Zingers are natural herbal energy drinks in shot form. They come in tiny, easily portable bottles packed with a range of healthy herbal pick me ups. They’re an excellent alternative to caffeine-rich drinks like tea or coffee, are low in calories, contain only negligible amounts of naturally occurring sugars and come in a range of flavours.

Those flavours are nicely varied, too. The Extra Hot Ginger Zinger packs a real punch, as does the Lime and Chilli. The turmeric based shot might not be to everyone’s taste but it does bring all the well publicised health benefits of turmeric.

The ginger shot is a particular favourite. While many energy drinks are overcomplicated with a mass of ingredients offering varying properties, this shot is nice and simple. It’s made from pure, pressed ginger with apple juice. It goes down a treat and the ingredients are, of course, certified organic, making it a great product for natural energy drinks for pregnant women.

As natural energy boosters, drinks like this are incredibly convenient. The small shot style bottles are perfect if you’re on the move, so they’re great for a mid afternoon pick-me-up. We love the simple, back to basics approach here, and the Zingers are proof that a drink doesn’t have to be crammed with ingredients to pack an energy punch.

Hydrating your body is often overlooked in relation to keeping your energy levels high; for products to further your hydration levels, make sure you check out our article on the best hydration tablets to fuel your body.

You can choose to order an individual flavour, but we can recommend the variety box to get a taste for the brand, and find out which you prefer. Whichever you choose, you can be assured that you’re getting some of the finest natural drinks to boost energy in shot form.

#9 – NOCCO Functional Energy Drink

healthy natural energy drinks

Price: £43.49 (24 x 330ml)

Next on our list of the best natural energy drinks is a range by NOCCO.

This option will benefit those searching for natural energy drinks without caffeine that still provides an invigorating boost.

This is the perfect drink for athletes and fitness fanatics who want to feel refreshed and replenished after a vigorous training session.

NOCCO’s range promises to enhance performance and speed up the rate of recovery which is something all active adults could benefit from.

Each drink contains zero sugar with at least 5000mg of BCAA. These are in a 4:1:1 ratio of leucine, valine, and isoleucine.

These are essential amino acids that are required for a healthy, balanced diet.

Cans also contains the following vitamins:

  • Biotin
  • Niacin
  • Folic Acid
  • Vitamin B6
  • Vitamin B12
  • Vitamin D3

When combined, these vitamins help to support your bodily functions while boosting energy and alertness.

NOCCO’s healthy and natural energy drinks come in a range of fruity flavours. These include:

  • Apple
  • Elderflower
  • Ice soda
  • Miami strawberry
  • Passionfruit
  • Red berries
  • Tropical

Once you realise the vast energy-boosting benefits that the drinks provide, getting your hands on different flavours ensures versatility each day.

This is why we think NOCCO’s range is amongst the best natural energy drinks with no caffeine and one we’d suggest checking out in time for your next workout.

#10 – Nau Snse

10 organic energy drinks reviews

Price: $39.99 (approx. £30)

Nau Snse is an interesting one. Designed with gamers in mind, it’s an all natural powder based energy drink formulated to give you a mental rather than physical edge. That said, we think anybody will benefit from these healthy natural energy drinks, which promise a caffeine free boost without any of the associated jitters or crashes.

The powders consist of herbs, vitamins and minerals, which are then dissolved in water. The flavour isn’t as potent or tasty as some of the other offerings on the list, but these natural energy drinks with no caffeine are focussed on pure performance.

They combine a unique set of ingredients not found in other drinks. Spanish sage and garden sage are combined to make a compound called Cognivia, which has been shown to increase cognitive functions including memory, alertness and learning processes. These are bold claims indeed, but everything is backed up by science and these drinks really do give you a mental lift.

There’s an antioxidant rich cranberry infusion and added vitamins including B3, B5, B6 and Magnesium to help fight fatigue. The many cognitive benefits of L-Theanine are well known, and here it’s combined with lemon balm to boost its efficacy still further. The combination increases alertness, focus, and reduces stress.

If you haven’t got the right container to carry your Nau Snse organic energy drink, we’ve got you covered.

Nau Snse drinks are certainly some of the most advanced natural energy drinks without caffeine, and we have to applaud the depth of research that’s gone into producing them. They might not be the best tasting drink on the list, but they do give you a real edge. We think they’d make a perfect mid afternoon pick-me-up, or help you get out of bed for an early start!

#11 – Celsius

11 natural drinks for energy

Price: £26.85 (12 x 354ml)

These natural energy drinks stand apart from the crowd due to their special fat burning capabilities. Celsius drinks are made with movement in mind. When you combine a drink with exercise, it’s scientifically proven to boost your metabolism and increase your body’s fat burn. These credentials make them the ideal drink to combine with fat burning foods if you’re on a weight loss journey.

This alone is enough to justify their position on the list, but they’re also completely natural, contain no artificial preservatives or flavours, no aspartame and no corn syrup. Best of all, they’re very low in sodium, and they come with enough flavour variations to keep you interested.

Each set of drinks is designed to help with a different area of fitness. Celsius Heat is made with performance energy in mind. It contains an impressive 2000mg of L-citrulline and 300mg of caffeine, which will give you a big, long lasting energy boost. BCAA is vitamin and electrolyte rich, and is recovery focussed. High quantities of vitamins and electrolytes help the body replenish itself after a workout, and reduce inflammation.

Celsius Stevia is probably the tastiest line. It’s sweetened with low calorie stevia for a fantastically refreshing taste, and it comes in an array of flavours including orange and pomegranate, and grapefruit. This would probably be our drink of choice to relax, and it still carries many of the benefits of the other varieties.

Celsius On The Move comes in a specially designed bottle with portability in mind. Whatever drink you choose you’ll love the healthy energy boost and the potential to raise your metabolism.

Find out more about boosting your metabolism by reading our article ‘23 Best Metabolism Boosting Foods‘.

#12 – Guru Organic Energy

12 guru natural pre workout energy drinks

Price: $48.99 (approx. £37)

Another set of organic energy drinks which are free from virtually everything, Guru drinks contain no artificial flavourings, are suitable for vegans, free from GMOS, are all organic and derive their caffeine from purely natural sources. They’re great if you’re worried about what goes into your food, or feel put off by the long list of ingredients common to so many other energy drinks.

That said, there’s no compromise on taste, and the Matcha Green tea natural herbal energy drink is our particular favourite. Matcha caffeine releases much more slowly than coffee or tea, so you get a far smoother release of energy without a subsequent crash or jitters. It’s also rich in L-Theanine which helps with concentration.

Other ingredients like ginseng and monk fruit bring an array of health benefits too, and the sweetener of choice is low calorie stevia. Guru Energy Lite comes in at a minuscule 20 calories – so you can certainly enjoy a can or two guilt free!

Natural energy drinks are a great source for sportsmen and athletes to power their performances.

They’re already making quite a splash on social media, and Guru is slowly morphing into a lifestyle brand for those who like an adventure in the outdoors. Whatever your needs, these are some of the best organic energy drinks on the market, and they’re certainly one of the purest.

On an interesting side note, if you enjoy the Guru energy drinks it’s worth checking out their flavoured energy waters too. They don’t pack as big a caffeine hit, but they’re incredibly refreshing and perfect if you’re after a cold, thirst quenching drink post workout.

#13 – MyProtein Sparkling Vitamin Water

natural energy drinks for health

Price: £2.99 per 330ml can

MyProtein is a brand that recognises busy lifestyles can often result in feeling fatigued which is why they’ve created a natural alternative to caffeinated drinks.

Their range of sparkling vitamin water is a zero-calorie and zero-sugar drink that is rich in vitamins B and C to support energy levels and promote alertness.

These vitamins are fused with pantothenic acid to maintain regular mental performance, meaning just 1 drink can help you to stay awake and work towards your goals.

These healthy and natural energy drinks also contain high levels of magnesium which helps to replenish electrolytes lost through sweat when working out.

This sweet tropical drink is a fusion of passionfruit, mango, and lime, a delectable combination of flavours that will be sure to keep you revitalised.

Not quite convinced?

Well, when shopping around for the best organic energy drinks, reviews offer insight into whether they’d be a good fit.

MyProtein’s drinks have 5-star ratings across the board with many enjoying the fruity flavours and feeling of replenishment.

You might not have thought about MyProtein to begin with when searching for the best organic energy drinks, yet their range is one that shouldn’t be overlooked.

At the end of the day, the reviews speak for themselves!

#14 – Glaceau Vitamin Water Zero Defence

healthy organic energy drinks

Price: £1.45 per 500ml bottle

Did you know that drinks with a high vitamin content can provide fantastic energy boosts that rival caffeinated drinks?

Glaceau’s vitamin water is packed full of vitamins and minerals that promote immunity, support bodily functions, and offer a must-needed energy boost.

But what vitamins does Glaceau’s drink contain and what are their individual benefits?

  • Vitamin C helps to support the immune system while being necessary for the growth and repair of body tissues.
  • Vitamin B3 can boost alertness and brain function, thus keeping you energised each and every day.
  • Vitamin B5 is a super important vitamin that supports the body’s blood cell production which converts food into energy.
  • Vitamin B6 helps to maintain a normal amount of amino acids in the blood while also supporting the immune system.

Each bottle contains a mere 5 calories and so can support your workout without diminishing your daily calorie allowance by much.

With these benefits in mind, you might also be curious as to which are the best natural energy drinks for pregnant women.

As mentioned previously, caffeine and pregnancy should never mix, which is why Glaceau’s vitamin-rich drink is a viable alternative that we’d definitely recommend.

Priced at just £1.45 per bottle, this is a great way to provide your body with a great energy boost without relying on caffeine.

#15 – Hi Ball Organic Energy Drink

15 natural energy drinks no caffeine

Price: Currently Unavailable

Hi Ball has done the seemingly impossible and created some great tasting all natural energy drinks that also happen to contain zero calories and absolutely no sugar. It’s an impressive feat, and this alone makes them worthy of the list. These are absolutely the best natural energy drinks for anyone on a tightly calorie-controlled diet, and they have a lot of other things going for them too.

Every can is crammed full of natural ingredients and vitamins. Sparkling water is infused with ginseng, guarana and organic caffeine for a great taste and smooth energy release, with no subsequent crash. The taste is especially lively, and the ginseng gives every can a real kick.

Aside from the obvious benefits of zero sugar and calories, we were particularly impressed with the nutrition profile. These drinks contain some of the highest concentration of vitamins on the list, and every can provides you with a heady mix of vitamins B3, B5, B6 and B12.

B vitamins are especially important for maintaining energy levels, so the energy boost you get from these drinks isn’t solely down to the caffeine content. They also help with brain function and cell health. Flavour-wise you can choose between Wild berry, Grapefruit and Lemon Lime, or you can opt for the variety pack in the first instance.

These are the perfect natural energy drinks for kids, especially young children who you might want to keep off sugary drinks. The B vitamin dense nutrition profile is brilliant for people of all ages though, and these drinks can have a positive impact on your all round wellbeing.

#16 – Grenade Energy Cherry Bomb

natural energy drinks for pregnant women

Price: £1.99 per 330ml can

This next cherry bomb option is one of the best natural drinks to boost energy.

Whether you’re looking to battle through your workout or power through the daily grind, arming yourself with the necessary tools will be sure to enhance your performance.

Grenade’s drink has a high vitamin B count which helps to speed up the rate of recovery even after the toughest of training sessions.

The drinks are packed with electrolytes to replace those that are lost through sweat while also being free from artificial colours and preservatives.

Grenade suggests consuming their cherry bomb drink 30-minutes before your chosen activity to give the caffeine time to get to work.

Now, as ever, when shopping around for natural energy drinks, reviews will help you to decide which is best for you.

On Grenade’s website, the cherry bomb has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars which have been awarded by over 1,300 satisfied customers.

Many reviewers comment that the drink rivals most fruity cocktails while being a fantastic source of energy that gets them through the day.

So, when searching for the best organic energy drinks on the market, why not consider Grenade’s range?

#17 – Dark Dog

17 natural fruit energy drinks image

Price: £24 (12 x 355ml)

Dark Dog’s mission statement is quite simple. They want to produce an energy drink which tastes great, but also meets the high demands of health conscious athletes and adventurers across the world. In fulfilling that aim, they’ve made some of the best organic energy drinks on the market, and we think you’ll love the pure energy on offer here.

Not only does a single can provide a staggering 50% of your daily vitamin C allowance (more than any other drink on the list), but the natural energy boosters drinks are also high in antioxidants and low in sugar and sodium. For extra peace of mind, the packaging is free from BPA.

On top of that, they’re suitable for vegans, gluten free, certified organic and contain absolutely no artificial sweeteners. If you’re searching for natural drinks for energy, but also want to ensure that you’re drinking something totally pure, then Dark Dog is probably for you.

The caffeine comes from guarana, green tea and green coffee, all of which is organic and completely natural. Dark Dog prides itself on providing a crash free, jitter free caffeine boost, so you can consume these drinks without any of the associated downsides.

The same applies to the sugar and sodium content. These drinks contain only organic cane sugar and a minuscule 10mg of sodium. The calorie count is on the slightly higher side at around 110, but we think that the antioxidant properties make up for this. All in all, these are exceptionally tasty energy drinks, and they elevate themselves above the competition with their unusually high vitamin C content.

FAQs

Are Natural Energy Drinks Safe?

Though we see no issue with enjoying natural energy drinks on occasion, and they are a much healthier alternative to your standard sugar-loaded energy drinks, we must advise that if you find yourself relying on energy drinks to get you through your day frequently, it would be in your best interest to find the potential causes of what is destroying your energy.

Like with any caffeinated drinks, they risk causing the following side effects: anxiety, headaches, insomnia, diuresis, gastronomical upset and hyperactivity.

What is the Recommended Daily Caffeine Intake?

NHS guidelines state the recommended caffeine intake is as follows:

  • Healthy adults: 400mg a day
  • Healthy pregnant women: 200mg a day
  • Healthy adolescents and children: 2.5mg/kg a day

How Many Natural Energy Drinks Should You Have?

This will vary from brand to brand, depending on how much caffeine that product consists of, however it is important to keep in mind that the daily recommended amount should not exceed 400mg a day. To put that into perspective for you, the Proper Wild Energy Shots contain 180mg of caffeine in their 71ml shot, so we would recommend having no more than 2 of these.

Many of the drinks on our list consist of an average of between 120-180ml of caffeine, though there are products like Bai that have a low caffeine content of 70mg, and there are also multiple caffeine-free options on our list.

Before You Go!

And that rounds up our list of the best natural energy drinks in the UK! We hope our article has been of good use to you and we have provided you with enough options to find a product that caters specifically for your tastebuds!

Before you head off, check out our CIMSPA-endorsed Level 4 Sports Nutrition Course to develop your own nutrition knowledge and the benefits of natural foods.

Download our latest course prospectus to discover the full range of courses we offer.

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15 Best Gluten Free Protein Bars https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/gluten-free-protein-bars/ Thu, 24 Feb 2022 10:35:00 +0000 https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/gluten-free-protein-bars/ See OriGym's guide to the best gluten-free protein bars, from ones with low carbs & calories through to high protein and low sugar! Bars for every purpose, pre and post workout and meal replacement

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OriGym wanted to find the best gluten free protein bars the market has to offer to give you some help and guidance to ensure you find the right bar for your needs and goals. Whether your opting for a protein bar free of gluten for health purposes or due an intolerance, there is a few key elements you need to consider when picking the right bar for you:Taste – Of course taste is a very key aspect and you will only eat a product that resonates with your taste buds.

  • Protein & Carbohydrate Ratio – This will depend on your fitness goals as if you might want a bar that is high in protein, but low in carbohydrates or high in both if your looking for more energy.
  • Gluten Free – Is the protein bar gluten free? soy free? dairy free?
  • Sugar content – How much sugar is in each bar!
  • Price – Like every product or service, you want value for your money! Cheapest does not always mean “the worse” and neither does the most expensive mean “the best”.

In our list of best Gluten free, low sugar protein bars we have included a variety of different bars that meet different fitness goals and fulfil different purposes, such as pre-workout, post workout and meal replacement, so you can find a bar just right for you!

Before we jump in, if you have a passion for fitness and nutrition and are looking to become a nutritionist, why not go and check out our health and nutrition courses prior to downloading our latest course prospectus here.

#1 – Huel Bar v3.1 Raspberry and White Chocolate

gluten free protein bars

Kickstarting our list of the best gluten free protein bars is UK brand, Huel.

Huel (Human + Fuel) is a nutrition and supplement brand that makes the best protein-rich snacks.

Whether we’re on the move, at the gym, or tiding over to our next meal plan, snacking is something we all enjoy.

However, Huel wants to change the narrative that snacks are ‘unhealthy’ or viewed as ‘junk food’ and have created a range of gluten free alternatives that are packed with nutrients.

Their Raspberry and White Chocolate range contains:

  • 12g of plant-based protein
  • 26 essential vitamins and minerals
  • Sustainable ingredients like oats, peas, and rice
  • 200 calories

Huel notes that the optimal time to eat one of their gluten free protein bars is approximately 30-minutes before exercise.

The high carbohydrate content ensures energy is released slowly and sustainably, keeping you feeling full and invigorated for longer.

This also keeps your mind focussed on where it needs to be – your chosen activity and beating your personal bests.

Huel’s high protein, gluten free bars also come in a range of other flavours, such as:

  • Salted caramel
  • Chocolate orange
  • Coffee caramel
  • Chocolate… just to name a few

This is especially beneficial for those that enjoy changing up their snack selection from time to time as you’ll never be short of options!

Price: £47.78 for a pack of 30 bars (Minimum of 2 boxes per order)

#2 Pulsin

Pulsin Protein Bar

If you’re on the lookout for gluten free soy free dairy free protein bars, Pulsin are quite simply the best of their kind. The company has stacks of awards to its name, including a Best of Health Award from Healthy Food Guide, Gold in the Free From Food Awards and even a Best Healthy Snack for Toddlers award from Mama and Baby.

Obviously, there’s a lot to love here, not least the companies aim to give you a sustained energy boost with no crash. All the bars are plant based, and the only sweetener used is the naturally occurring xylitol, which is found in plants and also happens to be kind to your teeth!

Every bar is high in protein, with around 13g, and they’re all none GMO. Sugar content is fairly low at around the 5.6g mark per bar, and there aren’t too many calories. Everything is certified vegan, and you can choose between caramel chocolate chip and peanut, peanut chocolate, vanilla chocolate or maple and peanut.

When a company attempts to make protein bars gluten free, they often do so at the expense of taste, but this isn’t the case with Pulsin. We loved all the flavours on offer, especially the Caramel Choc Chip & Peanut, which feels dense and has a real crunch. This particular bar is also high in fibre, so it will make you feel fuller for longer.

It’s really no wonder that Pulsin has won so many awards. Their bars taste great and make you feel great too. The high fibre content keeps you feeling fuller for longer, and although the range doesn’t offer as much choice as some of the bigger companies on this list, what Pulsin do, they do incredibly well.

Price: £32.22 for a case of 18 bars

#3 Nature Valley

gluten free whey protein bars

Nature Valley’s gluten free protein bars are world famous. Nature Valley is probably the most famous brand name on the list, and we would be remiss to omit them. For anybody unfamiliar with the company, they make a whole range of snack, cereal and protein bars, always using real ingredients that have been minimally processed.

Nuts and nut butter form the basis of most of the bars, and that’s what makes Nature Valley protein bars gluten free. While these bars might not be right for serious athletes looking to load up on energy, they do strike a good balance between nutrition and taste, so anybody will enjoy them

The gluten free range offers three different types of bar; Protein Peanut & Chocolate, Protein Salted Caramel Nut and Protein Coconut & Almond. All of these account for around 20% of your daily protein needs, and contain 40g of ingredients.

Anyone with a particular fondness for gluten free peanut butter protein bars won’t be disappointed by the Peanut & Chocolate bar, which happens to be our favourite. It’s loaded with peanuts, chocolate and peanut butter, and it tastes decadent. Each bar contains a decent 10.2g of protein and 50% less sugar than an average cereal bar, so you can enjoy this tasty treat guilt free.

All in all, Nature Valley are a trusted brand who make some fantastically luxurious bars that contain a good amount of protein, lower than average levels of sugar and come with a decent calorie/protein ratio. These are some of the best tasting protein bars on the list, and we recommend sampling the whole gluten free range.

Price: £13 for a pack of 26 bars

#4 – Amfit High Protein Gluten Free Bars

Amfit Protein Bar

Amfit’s high protein gluten free bars are perfect for fitness enthusiasts and athletes who are dedicated to their training.

Each bar contains:

  • 20g of protein
  • 20.3g of carbohydrates
  • 6.8g of fibre
  • Less than 200 calories

Whether you want a pre-workout snack or want to supercharge yourself after the gym, these pocket-sized protein bars are a must-have.

The bars have a crunchy outer shell that is softened by a cakey interior, complimented by a gooey layer of flavoured caramel leaving you feeling like it’s cheat-day every day.

Some examples of these flavours include:

  • Blueberry yoghurt
  • Chocolate fudge
  • Cookies and cream
  • Jaffa cake

Working out at just £1.40 per bar, this is a cost-effective way of getting your protein fix and one we’d definitely suggest giving a try.

It is noteworthy to mention, however, that Amfit suggests consuming just 1 protein bar per day as more can cause flatulence effects.

Consider keeping Amfit’s bars reserved as a pre/post-workout snack to reap the full benefits.

Price: £17.10 for a pack of 12

#5 – Nakd Bars

low calorie gluten free protein bars image

Another huge brand, you’ve probably seen Nakd bars hovering temptingly around the till whenever you visit the supermarket. These are some of the best gluten free dairy free protein bars on the market, and they’ve successfully made the jump from niche energy snack into mainstream consumption.

Each bar is made from 100% natural ingredients and consists of a mixture of fruit and nuts. Nakd put nature at the heart of their agenda, so none of the bars undergo heat processing and they don’t include sugar syrup or any other additives.

Bars come in a range of flavours, and our favourite is probably the Blueberry Muffin. It really does taste like its much more unhealthy namesake, and it’s loaded with enough fruits to count as one of your five a day. The ingredient list is refreshingly simple, and the bar contains an impressive 58% dates and 15% cashews, with a few more nuts and fruits thrown in for good measure.

The classic Berry Delight is also worth sampling, as is the more luxurious Strawberry Sundae. Whatever you choose, you can be assured that you’re getting a big dose of protein and an array of other healthy, natural ingredients too.

We also recommend that you check out the Nakd website, where you’ll find a collection of recipes, most of which incorporate gluten-free protein bars. Gluten free cupcakes, knickerbokerglorys and even a cheesecake are all there for the making, and the recipes are easy enough for anyone to follow.

Price: £27.54 for a case of 48

#6 Quest

gluten free sugar free protein bars image

Quest bars are great for anyone looking for high protein, low sugar snacks to keep them going during training. In fact, these gluten free low sugar protein bars are some of the most nutritious on the list, and they come in a wide variety of flavours (over 20!) so you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Without a doubt, nutrition is the main draw here. Each bar packs an impressive 21g of protein, some of the highest on the list, and less than 1g of sugar. They only have 3.6g of saturated fat. Salt levels are low too, making Quest bars by far some of the healthiest that you’ll find. The protein to sugar ratio is really impressive, and makes these bars perfect for athletes.

The only complaint we have with these vegan gluten free protein bars is that the flavour isn’t as great as some of the other bars listed here. There’s a lot of variety on offer, ranging from birthday cake to chocolate sprinkled doughnut, and while we were fans of the taste, it doesn’t quite match up to some of the other bars.

They are reasonably priced though, and you can grab a multipack of 12 for under £20. Quest has managed to produce some of the best gluten free protein bars uk athletes and sports professionals can lay hands on. While the taste might not be as strong as some of the other offerings on the list, Quest bars certainly deliver in the protein and energy department.

Price: £19.26 for a case of 12 bars

#7 Go Marco

gluten free peanut butter protein bars image

Go Marco bars are a little different. While they still pack a big protein punch, they are a little higher in sugar than some of the others bars on the list, so they might not be suitable for someone searching for gluten free low sugar protein bars. They are, however, some of the best tasting energy bars we’ve ever sampled, and they make a great, high protein treat!

As you might expect, there are quite a few flavours on offer, including dark chocolate and almonds, blueberry and almonds and the inventive sunflower butter and chocolate. If you’re looking for gluten free peanut butter protein bars you’ll absolutely adore the peanut butter version, which might be our personal favourite too.

Ingredients are all natural, and there’s a heavy focus on using organic products. The bars all contain a very healthy amount of protein, ranging from 11g all the way up to 20g. Each bar comes with its own recommended use, so you can choose accordingly. The banana and almond butter version is suggested for prolonged energy release, the peanut butter variant for protein replenishment and the mocha chocolate chip for help waking up.

We like this approach, and we appreciate being able to choose a bar appropriate to our immediate needs. Some will be put off by the additional sugar (as much as 13g in the chocolate and almonds bar, which is recommended for “decadence”), but the natural ingredients and high levels of protein do go some way to offset this.

All in all, these are great bars for anyone who wants to load up on protein but treat themselves at the same time!

Price: £26.93 for a box of 12 bars

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To find out more about healthy food choices, check out our articles below:

#8 Rise Bars

protein bars gluten free image

Rise Bars tend to rank very highly among nutritionists, and with good reason. Rise prides itself on using no more than 5 ingredients per bar, so you always know exactly what you’re getting, and there aren’t any additives or other unwanted additions. We love this emphasis on simplicity and purity of recipe, and Rise bars also provide some of the most balanced nutrition available.

Nut butter, natural sweetener and protein powder form the basis of every bar, with other ingredients like coconut or almond thrown in for flavour and that extra hit of protein. It’s rare to find any foodstuffs as pure as this, and these are very high protein gluten free bars, with the majority containing over 15g.

Sugar content is (obviously) low, and you won’t find any GMOs or preservatives either. We particularly enjoyed the Mocha Almond bar, which packs a nice caffeine hit that’s absolutely perfect for an early morning run. The coffee and almond combination works really well, and the bar tastes great.

At a mere 260 calories and containing 15g of protein, it’s a treat that you won’t need to feel guilty about (If you enjoy the taste of coffee, check out how drinking it can benefit you with our article 15 Health Benefits of Black Coffee).

Rise also offers a great selection of gluten free whey protein bars, perfect for anybody in search of whey based protein. It’s the simplicity of these bars which really makes them stand out. In the modern world it can be difficult to keep track of, or even really know, what goes into your food, but the five ingredient rule means that you can enjoy these bars with absolute confidence.

Price: £21.56 for a box of 12 bars

#9 – Lexi’s Low Calorie Gluten Free Protein Bars

protein bars no gluten

If low calorie gluten free protein bars are what you’re after, Lexi’s range is most certainly worth checking out.

Thanks to the bars being made with natural chicory root, the bars contain just 155 calories.

They also have 10g of protein and 7g of fibre, keeping you energised and pumped throughout your workouts.

Lexi is a plant-based and free-from brand that prides itself on selecting only the highest quality, local ingredients for their products. This is with the aim of reducing their carbon footprint.

So, if you consider yourself to be a sustainability-conscious person, this option may be the best suited to you.

The bar itself is packed full of smooth, plant-based chocolate chips that are cushioned by a layer of sweet marshmallow.

Now, when searching for the best low calorie and gluten free bars on the market, reviews may help you to decide which to go for.

Lexi’s range has an average rating of 4.7/5 stars on Amazon with copious reviewers noting how difficult it is to find bars that accommodate niche diets that taste so delicious.

With that, we think that these are amongst the best gluten free protein bars in the UK that we’d recommend giving a go.

Price: £14.44 for a pack of 12

#10 – Misfits Gluten Free Low Carb Protein Bars 

protein bars without gluten

Misfits’ gluten free and low carb protein bars are a great way to fuel your body before a workout or as a quick breakfast.

They contain 15g of protein and so can certainly help you work towards your gym goals while equally not eating away at your calorie allowance; each bar is just 189 calories.

Plus, at under 1g of sugar and 7g of carbs, this is a great option for those wanting healthy, low carb snacks to keep them energised for long periods.

Misfits’ bestseller is their gluten free peanut butter protein bars.

They have a soft and gooey consistency that is coated in plant-based chocolate and so are perfect for adding some guilt-free indulgence to your day.

What is especially useful about Misfits’ range is that they ship internationally and can be found in supermarkets up and down the UK.

It’s never been easier to get your dose of peanut protein – simply pop into your local Sainsbury’s or Tesco to get your hands on a pack.

Alternatively, head over to Amazon to get a pack of 12 for £20. This works out at just £1.60 per bar which is very reasonably priced when compared with other bars on the market.

So, if you’re on the hunt for the best protein bars that are gluten free, you now know where to find them!

Price: £20.00 for a pack of 12

#11 Pure Protein Bars

best gluten free protein bars uk image

Pure bars stand out in the world of gluten free protein bars due to their superior sugar to protein ratio. They contain an impressive 20g of protein per bar, which makes them one of the most protein dense products on the list. Couple this with low sugar (just 3g) and you’ve got a bar that you can enjoy without compromising your diet.

The bars are designed to give you a quick but sustained burst of energy, and Pure recommends eating one about an hour before your workout, and then another one afterwards to help your muscles recover.

Pure hasn’t compromised on taste either, and they offer a great variety of flavours, including the particularly decadent birthday cake. Best of all, there aren’t big nutritional differences between each flavour, so you can go where your taste buds take you.

Chocolate deluxe has the most protein at 21g, but that’s only 1g more than the rest of the range. The deluxe and chocolate chip contain the most sugar at a measly 3g, but again that’s only 1g more than the rest.

Anybody searching for gluten free low carb protein bars that perform well in all areas need look no further. It’s no wonder that the bars hold an impressive 4.6/5 rating on Amazon (from 1,399 reviews!), and we’re sure you’ll be another satisfied customer.

Pure is an American brand, but if you’re looking for gluten free protein bars uk delivery, you can find them on Amazon, and they’re routinely stocked in fitness shops around the country.

Price: £10.29 for a pack of 12 bars

#12 Detour

gluten-free protein bars image

Detour’s gluten free protein bars are renowned for their low calorie count, making them some of the healthiest bars on the list. Anybody on a strict calorie counting diet will love these bars, especially as they still pack enough protein to keep you fuelled through a gruelling workout. Detour has worked hard to lower the calories, but they haven’t compromised on taste or protein.

There’s a good selection of bars available, including some original flavours like cookie dough and cookies n cream, which are rarely seen anywhere else. Cookie dough has an especially sumptuous, gooey texture which we really loved, and we felt that it resembled the real thing quite closely, just minus the calories.

Everything is gluten free, none GMO, and ingredients are all natural. The bars contain an average of 10g of whey protein each, 2g of sugar, and come in at a negligible 120 calories. They also contain quite a bit of fibre (3g), which will keep you feeling full for longer and help stifle the urge to snack.

Whey protein is probably the best form of protein available. It’s processed quickly by the body, so you’ll feel the benefits in a very short space of time. It’s also packed with amino acids, which are required to maintain and build healthy muscle in the long term.

Detour believe that people are more likely to eat healthily if the food tastes good, and they’ve created a range of gluten-free protein bars which are tasty in their own right. We’d be more than happy to eat these at any time, even if weren’t working out.

Price: £19.28 for a 12 pack of protein bars

#13 – Tribe

 high protein gluten free bars image

Tribe’s website is adorned with videos of athletes cycling, running and training in the natural world, which gives you a really good idea of what this company is about. They pride themselves on “natural performance nutrition,” which will help you unlock the forces of nature. All of their products are made from natural ingredients and unrefined wholefoods, and they’re also free from preservatives.

Each bar contains around 10g of protein, and calories hover around the 200 mark. Sugar, happily, stays below 10g regardless of which bar you choose.

Expect to find combinations of fruits, nuts, and pea and rice proteins making up the range. There’s a lot of choice, including chocolate brownie, white chocolate and raspberry and double chocolate. The bakewell tart flavour is a nice addition, and since it’s only 213 calories and contains 9g of protein, you can enjoy it guilt free. Cake flavoured protein bars are usually a mixed bag, but we’re pleased to confirm that this one actually tastes great, and really does resemble a cherry bakewell!

It’s notoriously difficult to find gluten free sugar free protein bars, but Tribe bars at least contain no added sugar, and they have some of the lowest sugar content on the list. Plant based protein is the order of the day, and a back to basics reliance on nature to provide all the energy you need is certainly refreshing.

Tribe offers some of the best gluten free protein bars uk shoppers are likely to find, and we recommend them for anyone who wants to get back to nature.

For another natural way to boost your energy, have a read of our list of the 17 Best Natural Energy Drinks.

Price: £22.00 for 12

#14 Ridiculous Vegan Bar

gluten free low carb protein bars image

These bars get their name from what the company considers the ridiculous nature of their existence, since it shouldn’t be possible to make a bar that tastes so good but doesn’t compromise on any of the health benefits offered by competitors.

There’s a lot going on beneath the wrapper, but the first thing you’ll notice is probably the multi-layered texture, something quite unusual for gluten free low carb protein bars. The different layers give each bite real depth, and make the bars feel very indulgent, despite containing less than 1g of sugar and under 200 calories.

Each bar offers around 15g of protein and a decent amount of fibre to keep you feeling full for longer. There are no artificial flavours, colours or preservatives, and the bars are naturally sweetened. Plant based proteins are the name of the game here, and everything is completely natural.

Better still, Ridiculous is an eco friendly company. The bars don’t contain any intensively farmed palm oil, and plant based ingredients aren’t a drain on the planet. Ridiculous has gone to great lengths to prevent waste, even taste testing their bars to determine what the optimum size is. They discovered that a 50g bar generates too much needless waste, and settled on an optimum 47.5g.

We love this emphasis on the environment, and Ridiculous bars are some of the tastiest around. The multiple layers of flavour really make a difference, and you could easily replace a whole desert with the Chocolate Caramelicious. All things considered, it’s no wonder that the Ridiculous bar was named #1 vegan protein bar by Women’s Running Magazine.

Price: £21.99 for 9 pack of bars

#15 Trek

gluten free soy free dairy free protein bars image

Treck bars are made with sustainable energy in mind. They won’t give you the sudden sugar spike of other protein bars or energy supplements, and they’ll keep you going much longer due to their slow release, high quality plant proteins. Bars consist of a mixture of oats, nuts and fruits, which Trek has baked into a few delicious combinations.

Peanut Power, Berry Buster and the sumptuous Cocoa Chaos all taste great, and while Trek doesn’t offer the variety of other companies, this has allowed them to really pour all of the efforts into their flagship bars. The results are impressive, and these bars manage to be healthy and tasty at the same time.

Each one contains 10g of natural protein, and although that’s not the biggest number on the list, the addition of fruits and nuts means that just one bar constitutes one of your five a day. Everything is designed with that all important, slow release energy in mind, so a bar will easily see you through a race or workout.

All ingredients are natural and raw, and they haven’t undergone any artificial processes. They’re dairy free too, vegan friendly and contain no added sugar. We loved the flavour, and these bars are wonderfully crunchy with a great texture

If you’re looking for low calorie gluten free protein bars that are especially nutrient dense and can even substitute for one of your five a day, then Trek is probably the bar for you.

Price: £27.22 for case of 36 bars

Before You Go!

That wraps this up for the best gluten free protein bars! Before you leave us, why not follow your passion for health & nutrition with our Level 4 Sports Nutrition Course and start a career your truly passion about!

Find out more by downloading our course prospectus or get in touch with our team today.

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13 Best Hydration Tablets to Fuel Your Body (2025) https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/hydration-tablets/ Fri, 18 Feb 2022 11:20:00 +0000 https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/hydration-tablets/ Hydration tablets are key to replenishing the loss of electrolytes through sweat! Here at OriGym, we have created a list of the best products out there.

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So, you’re looking for the best hydration tablets on the market? You’ve come to the right place, as we have the top products that are essential for rehydration and maintaining optimum fluid balance.

We will cover how hydration tablets work if you’re new to them and why they could be a good addition into your lifestyle. Feel free to skip to our list here right away if you know all about hydration tablets already.

Before we get straight to it, don’t forget that if you’re a lover of all things nutrition you can become a nutritionist by taking our Level 4 Advanced Sports Nutrition Course. Alternatively, find all of our health and fitness courses that we offer here in our downloadable course prospectus.

How Hydration Tablets Work & Why You Should Consider Them

what are the best hydration tablets

It goes without saying that if you are dehydrated, you can combat this by drinking lots of water.

While this should always be your first action when you’re thirsty, the truth is that without replenishing what you have lost in electrolytes, your body will struggle to absorb as much of the water that you drink.

Taking sports hydration tablets is one of the most effective ways to maintain hydration. This is because they become responsible for replacing the missing electrolytes lost through exercise (as well as replenishing your fluids).

Normally hydration tablets contain a combination of salts, minerals, and glucose which will aid in the absorption of sodium, (an essential element for rehydrating efficiently) through the wall of the intestine. When you correct the electrolyte balance in the blood, it will then allow the body to rehydrate by transporting water to where it’s needed most.

You must be wondering; are hydration tablets good for you and why you should even consider taking them – so allow us to explain.

best hydration tablet

Electrolyte or hydration tablets offer a method of replenishing fluids, and are convenient for individuals or athletes who place themselves under a lot of physical stress.

When you take sports hydration tablets you are automatically avoiding sports drinks, which often contain high levels of sugar.

If the drink contains more sugar than sodium, these ingredients will not be absorbed correctly; In fact, they will actually cause a build-up in the intestines rather than replenishing hydration levels, which does more harm than good.

Many athletes who use hydration tablets often consume them during physical activity, as this prevents them from sustaining an electrolyte imbalance and therefore underperforming or becoming unwell.

Now that we’ve discussed how hydration tablets work and the benefits that they bring, it’s time to take a look at the products that made it onto our shortlist.

13 Best Hydration Tablets

#1 Wiggle Nutrition Hydration Tablets (UK)

Price: £3.99

how to use hydration tablets

Whether you’re a moderately active person or an elite athlete, hydration tablets can help you get the most out of the water that you drink, which is essential for keeping optimum hydration.

If you’re wondering how to use hydration tablets, all you need to do is mix 500ml of water with one hydration tablet for a low-calorie drink that will help to maintain your hydration levels either before or during your workout.

The Wiggle Hydration tablets contain several important electrolytes that you will lose through sweat. Each hydration tablet contains less than 7 calories per serving, which is a great alternative to the calories that sports drinks contain.

By using Wiggle’s sports hydration tablets you’re sustaining a more cost-efficient way to replenish your lost electrolytes in your workouts when compared to sports drinks – which are significantly more expensive than tablets even when sold in bulk.

You need not worry about taste either, as they’re available in a variety of light and refreshing fruit flavours. These flavours work well alongside other products that you may already be using, such as running gels or performance-boosting energy bars.

The action of balancing electrolytes that the Wiggle tablets provide will help to provide better carbohydrate absorption to help you avoid low blood sugar levels. These are hydration tablets that are excellent value for money and could be your next buy.

#2 OTE Sports | Hydration Tablets

Price: £7.50

what are the best hydration tablets

OTE sports offer what they describe as one of the best ways to help your body rehydrate.

Each tablet is naturally flavoured including:

  • Blackcurrant
  • Strawberry
  • Orange
  • Lemon

One single packet includes 20 tablets so it is great value for money and if you want to buy in bulk, you can opt for a box of 6 for £40.50.

These tablets of course support electrolyte hydration and it is as simple as dissolving one tablet in 500ml of water.

These are perfect for the athlete who needs to stay hydrated or just about anybody who may find themselves needing some assisted hydration on a hot, humid day.

With just 8kcals per tablet, you need not worry about adding these tablets into your diet if you’re calorie counting; they will simply keep you hydrated without you having to worry about it disturbing your meal plan.

#3 O.R.S | Hydration Tablets

Price: £5.40

when should you take hydration tablets

Next up is O.R.S. which offers a budget-friendly method of hydration. You can get 24 tablets in one tube which is great value for your money.

O.R.S boast great taste and hydration while also being great for travelling, especially in hot climates.

There is no need to worry if you have any specific dietary requirements either, as these hydration tablets are not only gluten-free but also vegan-friendly.

To use these tablets all you will need to do is pop 2 tablets in 200ml of water and drink up when it is dissolved.

O.R.S hydration tablets obtain a scientifically balanced formula of electrolytes and glucose profile and are perfect for anybody who needs a quick fix or boost in hydration.

So if you’re somebody on the go and need to rehydrate, pop some O.R.S. in your bag before heading out!

#4 High5 Zero Hydration Tablets

Price: £4.19

what are the best hydration tablets

If you’re looking for one of the best hydration tablets on the market then this could be your pick. With added vitamins and nutrients that include sodium, magnesium and potassium, the ZERO hydration tablets help to support a healthy immune system.

The magnesium in the ZERO tablets contributes to electrolyte balance and reduces fatigue, which in turn helps with protein synthesis.

They can be used for a range of sporting activities such as running, cycling, swimming, rugby, and countless more! They can also be used for individuals who work in hot environments as well, even if they’re not particularly active.

What’s great about this product is that you don’t have to stick to one flavour. You will be able to try up to 10 different flavours, one of which is neutral. The neutral flavour is essentially flavourless, which would be ideal for anyone who just wants to add the product to their cordial or diluted juice to create a zero-calorie sports drink.

If you head over to Wiggle.co.uk directly there are exclusive flavours such as apple, cinnamon and mango, making it one of the most exciting products out there in terms of flavour!

Like the previous products, it comes with 20 dissolvable tablets which is a very cost-efficient method of getting needed electrolytes which are lost during sweat.

#5 SiS Hydro Tablets

Price: £7.00

when should you take hydration tablets

SIS are a well-known brand in the sporting community, so if they’re selling sports hydration tablets, you know you can put your trust in them.

These tablets are designed to ensure nothing but peak performance, they will quickly dissolve in water and ensure that you’re topped up with electrolytes without having to consume extra calories. They will also meet your sodium requirements, which are proven to help with much better hydration compared to drinking water alone.

When you do moderate to intense exercise, you could potentially lose up to a litre of sweat depending on environmental conditions. It’s important to note sodium is probably the most important electrolyte which helps to stimulate thirst, improve taste and promote absorption and retention of water.

Dehydration regularly occurs when fluids and electrolytes are not replaced, and can often lead to fatigue, which is not only dangerous but can lead to a loss of overall motivation. SIS GO Hydro contains a specific mixture 300mg of electrolytes, and can be used either before exercise or during your sessions.

Another way to gain extra energy from the SiS Hydro Tablets is by selecting the additional caffeine option, which will improve alertness and overall concentration.

The product is great as it comes in a choice of 6 flavours and costs only £7.00 per pack considering it’s vegan-friendly, perfect for just about anybody.

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#6 Nutrition X | Hydra 10 

Price: £24.99

how do hydration tablets work

This product provides optimal electrolyte hydration, it contains additional magnesium and B vitamins which are both beneficial for the body. You’ll be glad to know that the taste of the powder is not gritty, which certainly helps you to drink more of the solution, which in turn promotes a good level of hydration.

Any athlete needs to drink additional fluids containing electrolytes either before, during, or post-workout. It’s important to refuel as fluid loss impacts exercise and performance. The Hydra 10 has a unique formulation of glucose polymer to help ensure optimised hydration.

As mentioned earlier, there are 2 added components to this mixture which are magnesium and B vitamins. Magnesium is one of the key electrolytes which is lost during sweat and if not replaced, can often lead to cramping of the muscles during exercise.

B vitamins are a bonus as they help boost your energy levels and your immune system, which is vital in helping you to recover as quickly as possible whether it be from a run, weight training, or any other form of intense physical activity.

So if you’re looking to buy in bulk for something that will keep you hydrated over a longer time period, why not invest in Nutrtion X?

#7 Phizz | Hydration Tablets

Price: £7.99

what is a hydration tablets

If you’re looking for one of the best hydration tablets on the market, this brand has taken the market by storm! Phizz has been formulated to the World Health Organisation’s oral rehydration standards, which ensures that it is a quality product.

Phizz acts as a water multiplier, with an amazing 13 vitamins and minerals for wellness and recovery.

The electrolytes help to hydrate the body, regulate nerve and muscle function, and rebuild damaged tissue. Phizz contains 5 electrolytes which include chloride, bicarbonate, magnesium, calcium, potassium and sodium. Phizz also contains 8 B vitamins which include Niacin (B3) and Riboflavin (B2) which can also help reduce tiredness and fatigue while promoting brain function.

What’s added to an already amazing list of vitamins and minerals is Vitamin C and Zinc which have powerful antioxidant properties that boost the immune system. Vitamin C is vital to help the body release energy and recover from tiredness and fatigue post-workout.

You don’t even need to use the tablets for workouts, as you could still use them safely when you are dehydrated after a flight, or had a restless night prior.

In terms of price, the product costs £7.99 and comes with a choice of 2 flavours (apple and blackcurrant or orange). So why not fill your water bottle with a pick me up over your regular water today?

#8 Skratch Labs | Sports Hydration Drink Mix

Price: £28.73 per 20 Pack

cycling hydration tablets

Skratch Labs hydration mix is full of natural ingredients that can replenish the all-important electrolytes that are lost during physical activity.

What makes Skratch unique is the formulation of its hydration product. The development of this product came off the back of the failure of products with a similar goal.

Many hydration products are made with artificial ingredients which don’t do much good at all they can intensify stomach issues.

Thus, Skratch Labs brought a solution without overcomplicating it. Instead, they formulated the perfect solution that has natural ingredients, is flavoured with real fruit and is easy on the stomach.

Of course, it boasts great taste and the USP is simplicity, you can avoid lists of chemicals but instead count on a formula that contains 10% more electrolytes to replace what is lost in sweat.

With a non-GMO, vegan and gluten-free recipe, this is a great pick.

#9 Nuun Sport | Hydration Tablets

Price: £5.51

electrolyte hydration

Nuun Sport has created a tasty and hydrating blend of electrolytes for a budget-friendly price. With this range, you can choose from 8 different flavours and choose if you want the extra boost of caffeine or not.

Whether you want a one-time purchase of 10 servings or 8-pack boxes in bulk – they have you covered. This is perfect for those who want to keep stocked up on extra hydration tablets and save money all the while.

They are confident in their serious hydration promise when you’re breaking a sweat! Not only that but you can be sure that incorporating these handy tablets into your life can help aid of normal muscle function, as you know by now, loss of electrolytes can cause unwanted cramping after a workout so Nuun will help you to avoid this at all costs.

Nuun’s hydration tablets can be used for cycling, running or just on those hot days when the sheer importance of staying hydrated escapes us.

With over 1300 reviews, this is a product you can trust. Their best seller is citrus fruit, so why not make this your first try from Nuun!

#10 Bulk Powders | Complete Hydration Drink

Price: £10.99 (500G)

what is a hydration tablets

This is another product from Bulk Powders which is a high-performance drink that can be mixed to make an isotonic solution and is a great alternative to hydration tablets!

This hydration tablet alternative contains an advanced blend of 3 carbohydrates which consists of dextrose, maltodextrin and fructose to take advantage of different carbohydrate absorptions.

There’s also added BCAA into the formula alongside 4 electrolytes which are sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Along with these is Vitamin B6 which helps contribute to normal energy metabolism.

If you usually use market-leading brands during your workouts but you are looking for something that will save you money in the long run as well as provide excellent value for money, then this product is for you.

There have been studies that have shown that adding dextrose and fructose results in better and higher carbohydrate oxidation than just glucose alone. Also, vitamin B6 is known to help reduce tiredness and fatigue, which is exactly what we are trying to combat!

This product would be suitable for endurance athletes, whether they’re runners or cyclists. From just a 500g bag you would get up to 12 servings, the perfect investment for any athlete.

#11 Electrolytes Plus Tablets

Price: £10.99

 what does hydration tablets do

This product from MyProtein is fantastic if you want to replenish the loss of electrolytes. If you are wondering when to use hydration tablets, this product is ideal for properly rehydrating post-workout, especially with these electrolyte-plus tablets.

If you’re looking for a way to simply top up your essential minerals to stay functioning as you should be during exercise, these electrolyte-plus tablets are especially useful after intense training sessions and when you have been sweating a lot.

This product would help to maintain salt balance and contains all the essential electrolytes! All you need to do is to take one tablet twice per day, especially if you’re working out.

This is a little different compared to the hydration soluble tablets because you will just need to take them with water and food, but some people do prefer this method, especially if they’re struggling to find soluble tablets with a neutral taste.

This will make it easier to not bring these tablets with you on your runs or cycles and instead just take them at home after your workout. If you want to go for a run but are struggling to find your groove, this article on the top running apps for beginners will help you!

#12 Bulk Powders Electrolyte Powder

Price: £19.99

what are the best hydration tablets

If you’re looking for alternative hydration tablets in the UK, many electrolyte products only contain two electrolytes, whereas this product from Bulk Powders contains several electrolytes such as Sodium, Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium.

When you add carbohydrates to electrolyte powder it will help maintain endurance performance for longer periods. The electrolyte powder will also allow you to control the amount of electrolytes which would be relative to your carbohydrate drink. You could potentially use this powder to increase levels of electrolytes if they are low!

Consuming electrolyte powder has several benefits. It will help to contribute to your electrolyte balance and ensure that you will have vital electrolytes when you lose them through sweat. The powder will help endurance athletes as it will help contribute to normal muscle function after intense sessions.

In terms of price, you can pick up a 100g powder for £4.99 but you will save £5.04 overall if you buy the 500g powder!

#13 Trace Minerals | Electrolyte Stamina Tablets

Price: From £14.69

Best electrolyte tablets

Last but not least is Trace Minerals who offer an electrolyte replacement for those who are especially active.

The electrolyte stamina is ideal for sports performance, people working in high temperatures or just about anybody who expects to lose fluid.

With the help of these hydration tablets, you can avoid nagging muscle cramps, maintain your overall muscle stamina and support ATP production.

One thing that shows just how confident Trace Minerals is in its product is the money-back guarantee. They promise that if you don’t feel the difference, you can get your money back, so there is nothing to lose.

This product comes from America’s #1 Trace Mineral brand, is 3rd party-tested and uses only the best manufacturing practices to keep you safe.

With 90 tablets under £20 and a gluten-free and vegan recipe – nothing is stopping you from giving this a go!

Before You Go…

After following our list, you should have found one or more choices for your hydration needs.

We know how difficult it can be to choose something like this when there are masses to choose from, but with our help we are sure you’ll find your right pick.

Don’t forget, if you want a career in fitness and nutrition, find out more about how you can turn your passion into a career by studying our Level 4 nutrition course onlineOr simply download our latest prospectus here for more info on our range of fitness courses.

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How To Make A Meal Plan For Beginners https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/meal-plan-for-beginners/ Tue, 08 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/meal-plan-for-beginners/ With our guide on how to make a meal plan, you'll be on the right track to a healthier lifestyle by successfully planning your own meals.

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By asking ‘how to make a meal plan’, you’re already on the right track to a healthier lifestyle. While it may seem a daunting task at first, the results of planning meals will provide you with plenty of great benefits and can help with training goals.

Contents:

If you’re looking to pass on your meal plan tips and nutrition expertise in a more formal way, completing a specialist Level 4 Sports Nutrition Course provides the ideal first step on your journey to become a nutritionist

You’ll be able to build upon your existing knowledge of diet and wellbeing and apply that to a career working alongside athletes, clients, and those at the very peak of their physical fitness. Download our course prospectus to find out more or get in touch with our team today!

6 Steps For Planning Meals

Meal planning doesn’t have to be a stressful situation. To help keep the process as simple as possible, follow our step-by-step guide to make your meal planning goals a success!

#1 – Check Your Schedule

how to meal prep

The first thing you need to do when asking ‘how to make a meal plan’ is review your schedule. You need to figure out when you will cook so you can decide which recipes will work best on certain days.

Having the time and energy to cook is important when creating weekly meal plans. The last thing you want is to be planning more time-consuming meals on days when you’re home late or feeling too drained to cook a certain meal.

Even if you choose one day to prepare meals for the whole week, this still needs to be a period you can keep free and dedicate to cooking.

This is also when you can see what style of meal planning you want to have. Some questions you should ask yourself are:

  • Do I want quick meals and recipes to cook during weeknights?
  • Will I prefer to cook once and have the same meals for the rest of the week?
  • Would I rather use a slow cooker recipe and batch cook while I do other tasks?

how to do a meal plan

These questions will also help you later when deciding on what recipes you want to cook.

The most important thing to do is locate some gaps in your schedule and essentially view these as ‘appointment’ times for you to cook.

A good idea is to get a calendar or weekly planner. This can either be physical or digital, as long as it can be used visually for you to see exactly what you need to do. 

Writing tasks down can be a great way for them to stick in your mind, and having a calendar set up in your kitchen will help remind you what you need to be cooking or eating on which particular day.

#2 – Search Your Cupboards For Meal Plan Ingredients

how to create a meal plan

To save some money when creating weekly meal plans, you should search your kitchen cupboards, pantry, and refrigerator to see if there is anything available to start creating your meals with.

Check their expiry dates to see if there are any that need to be used up  This can also help influence the recipes you decide on as you can build them some meals around the ingredients you already have available. 

Foods that have a long shelf life include: 

  • White rice
  • Oats
  • Pasta
  • Grains
  • Dried beans (like kidney or black beans)
  • Lentils

Items such as pasta and rice are inexpensive and can form the basis of many healthy meals.

Checking what food you already have available is great for deciding what meals you want to cook, as you can determine what meals you already enjoy and plan from there.

how to meal plan for weight loss

Something to keep in mind is the difference between a best-before date and an expiry date. A best-before date is about the quality of a product, not safety. Food is perfectly safe to eat after it passes this date, it just won’t be as fresh. 

Use-by dates are based on safety and must be consumed before or on the date that is printed on the packaging. After this date passes, don’t eat, freeze, or cook this food!

However, products such as meat and milk can be frozen before the use-by date and still be used.

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Enjoying this article so far? Check out these for some more inspiration:

#3 – Choose Your Recipes

how to create a meal plan

If you did manage to locate some frozen or refrigerated ingredients while searching your kitchen, it’s important to have these readily available if their shelf life is limited.

When beginning to plan meals, it’s a good idea to stick with foods you’re already familiar with. You should also decide whether you’re going to plan your meals or if your family is going to join in. If so, you’ll have to pick recipes you all enjoy.

You could try household favourites or if you enjoy cooking, improvise without a recipe. Try to add new variations a couple of times a week by mixing up flavours or adding different ingredients.

Try shaking your diet up with some of the best metabolism-boosting foods or the best foods for energy, especially if you’re looking to achieve your fitness goals.

why should you meal plan

There’s no point experimenting with recipes, only to prepare a list of meals and find you don’t like most of them. This will be a waste of time and will likely put you off meal planning altogether. 

Something to consider is to plan at least one meatless day a week. By doing this, you could potentially reduce the risk of cancers and heart disease by avoiding processed meat. 

If lacking protein for a day is a concern, you can still receive it from products such as:

  • Eggs
  • Tofu
  • Beans
  • Lentils
  • Peanut butter

There are plenty of benefits of a vegan diet and many alternatives to meat so you can still receive enough protein when working out.

You may also want to avoid recipes that require specific or expensive ingredients. This method of planning meals should save you money, so avoid recipes where you have to buy things once and don’t use them again. 

However, if it’s a recipe you want to try, you could make it but leave out that particular ingredient or substitute it with something else.

recipe meal prep

It’s also important to consider seasonal meals as certain fruits and vegetables such as strawberries and blueberries are more expensive if they’re not in season, particularly in winter.

Something to keep in mind is that it’s perfectly fine for you to have the same meal a few times a week. Don’t feel you need to find a unique recipe every day of the week!

#4 – Create A Meal Plan Shopping List & Shop!

meal plan

Once you’ve settled on a few different recipes, it’s time to create your list. Most of the time, people will often have a shopping list in their head, only to arrive home and find they’ve forgotten things off their list.

You can create a list on your phone or simply write it down, crossing each item off when it’s in your basket – this way, you know for certain you have it. 

All of this should save you time. The last thing you want is to be taking multiple shopping trips a week because you keep forgetting things!

When you start buying the same kinds of ingredients each week and familiarize yourself with a list, your trips will be quicker.

Before you head out to the store, it may be worth double checking you didn’t write down something you already have in, especially if it’s something refrigerated.

When you’re shopping, stick to your list as close as possible but still try to remain flexible. Don’t become frustrated if you can’t find a particular item or it’s out of stock – simply substitute it with something similar.

#5 – Cook & Repeat… 

meal plan ideas

Once you’ve brought your ingredients home, it’s time to start cooking! Depending on what day you do your food shopping, you may decide to prep if you know you’re going to be busy throughout the week.

If you’re free on the weekend, it may be an idea to go shopping on a Sunday so you have the day to prepare for the week ahead. 

This could be simple things such as:

  • Chopping vegetables
  • Measuring spices
  • Making packed lunches
  • Dicing fruit portions 

You could even just prepare some simple snacks, anything that saves you a bit of time during weekday evenings. 

Some people even like to prepare all their meals for the week by batch cooking, rather than doing it each day.

Another thing to keep in mind is that while you should try and stick to your meal plan, unexpected things can often happen. 

This means you should remain flexible and have some backup meals available just in case things happen beyond your control and you have to prepare something quick and easy.

Reasons to Make a Meal Plan

how to meal prep

Creating weekly meal plans may seem overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t need to be! There are many reasons why you should meal plan – benefits you can experience as soon as you start.

#1 – Meal Planning Ensures Healthier Eating

how to make a meal plan

One of the main reasons people ask how to make a meal plan is because they want to eat healthier foods, and better control their portion sizes. 

It’s understandable that you would, especially when there are plenty of benefits of healthy eating for the body and mind!

Asking how to build a meal plan for weight loss means you’re already on the right track. Planning what to eat every day is a great way to do this as you are in better control of what you are putting into your body. 

Having meals already prepared or written down is a great way to stop you from ordering takeaway, or relying on quick and easy junk food. 

Already having a set list of meal plans for the week ahead will motivate you to eat healthier as everything will be prepared and organised in advance. 

Depending on how you’ll be planning meals, whether batch cooking or making meals from scratch each night, this will stop you from calling for fast food because you’re unsure of what to eat.

#2 – Planning Your Meals Saves Money

how to meal prep

While there is some debate about this, buying ingredients and cooking from scratch does work out cheaper than buying fast food a couple of times a week. 

It certainly does if you’re already doing a weekly food shop and are buying fast food on top of this too.

Having a list of things to buy will make your shopping trips much more focused! You’ll be purchasing ingredients you’ve already planned to buy, rather than having a basket full of food you’ve bought on impulse. 

If you go into a supermarket with a set list and stick to it, you will save money, rather than letting cravings take over, or buying food that never ends up being eaten. 

People are much more likely to give in to these cravings when they’re unsure of what to buy, so preplanning your shop can keep this unnecessary spending at bay. 

Having a list before you enter a shop means you can focus only on the things you need and know you’re going to use.

#3 – Reduces Mealtime Stress

how to meal prep

Although making a meal plan may seem stressful in the beginning, once you’re used to the process, it will seem like less work in the long run. 

Having weekly meal plans means you no longer have to worry each day about what you’re going to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

It also means you don’t have to think about what you’re going to eat and continually have to search for a different recipe every time you set foot in the kitchen to cook. 

If this is all prepared beforehand, it requires less effort, meaning you will likely stick to it long-term.

Having set meal plans for the week means you no longer have to worry each day about what you’re going to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

For instance, you might choose to buy a bag of healthy granola to ensure you’ve always got a quick and nutritious breakfast, or opt for convenience with options like overnight oats.

#4 – Meal Planning Saves Time

how to meal prep

While it may seem like meal planning will take up a lot of your time in the beginning, once you’re used to doing it, the process will become much quicker and more efficient.

It will save you time as you will know exactly what to make, so you won’t have to spend time in the evenings trying to think of a variety of meals to cook.

If you go food shopping and get everything you need for the week, this will also save you a lot of time. 

It reduces having to make multiple trips a week if you keep forgetting to buy certain ingredients or need more because you’ve only just planned what to eat.

Also, if you’re already familiar with any recipes you’re following, this can save you time as you can streamline the cooking process, and are likely already familiar with specifics like cooking times and seasonings.

#5 – Less Food Waste

how to make a meal plan

When you’re thinking of meal plan ideas, likely, you will only buy ingredients you need, instead of purchasing without a meal in mind, and letting them go bad. 

There’s also more chance you will use all of these ingredients too, especially if you’re batch cooking, as anything else can be used for leftovers. 

This reduces the risk of buying extra foods and then either forgetting you’ve purchased them or realising you didn’t need them in the first place. 

Reducing this waste is also an eco-conscious way to prepare food, decreasing the chance of it going into landfill, and ultimately reducing your carbon footprint.

What To Consider When Planning Meals

The most important thing you need to do before meal planning is to consider certain factors that will be vital in whether you are successful in your goals.

#1 – Budgeting For Meal Plans

how to meal plan for weight loss

You can certainly build a meal plan on a budget. Outlining how much money you want to ideally spend is one of the first things you should do when asking how to create a meal plan. 

It’s important to be realistic when deciding what meals you are going to plan and shop around for. There’s no point creating weekly meal plans and writing a shopping list only to be hit with a large bill when you come to pay. 

Set aside an amount you can afford each week and build your meal plans around this. The goal is to save money, not spend more of it!

how to meal plan for a family

If you are increasing your shopping list, you should decide whether the shops or supermarkets you buy from are the cheapest ones. 

Plenty of people wonder how to make a meal plan on a budget and this doesn’t have to be difficult. Simple things such as buying in bulk and choosing unbranded products are great ways to reduce the cost of your shopping bill.

This is why batch cooking may be the cheaper option when planning meals. You can have a few meals using less ingredients instead of having to buy a week’s worth of ingredients for separate meals. 

#2 – Working Hours

how to do a meal plan

Time is a major factor when deciding to plan your meals. As mentioned above, you should be saving yourself time rather than starting to use more of it. 

If you work a typical 9 to 5 job, this makes it easier for you to stick to a routine, as you can more effectively plan for the hours you’ll be at home. 

You can have breakfast before work, lunch at a regular time, and then come home and cook in the evening. 

However, if you work unusual hours, or have an irregular schedule, this can make it more difficult to stick to cooking. 

Whatever hours you work, you need to set some sort of routine. Working unusual hours is even more of a reason to begin meal planning.

You’ll likely be more tired when you get home if you don’t have set hours so plan simple meals that are easy to cook but also satisfy your hunger.

#3 – Other Commitments When Planning Meals

how to meal plan on a budget

It’s important to have a life outside of work so you should factor in other commitments – both social events and hobbies. 

One thing to remember is that you don’t always have to cook when meal planning. You don’t have to sacrifice unexpected plans just because you’ve planned a week of meals. 

It’s unhealthy to do this as you shouldn’t let it dominate your life, and effective meal planning will allow you to work around social commitments, like meals out.

As long as you stick to your dietary requirements when you go out for food, not cooking for every meal isn’t the end of the world.

If you do find you have a lot going on outside of work, this makes it even more important to choose meals that are easy to cook and aren’t time-consuming. 

#4 – Fitness Schedule

how to meal plan for a family

If you’re serious about living a healthier lifestyle and are asking how to create a meal plan for weight loss specifically, you need to consider your fitness schedule. You should be consuming meals that complement your fitness goals and exercise routine.

Maybe your goal is to build lean muscle. If so, your meals should consist of foods such as:

  • Eggs
  • Chicken
  • Tuna
  • Lean beef
  • Beans
  • Chickpeas

You should also ensure you’re eating plenty of protein after a workout as this is important for providing muscles with amino acids, necessary to repair and rebuild them. 

If you have a plant-based diet, you should look for some vegan & vegetarian protein sources such as pulses or quinoa when wondering how to create a meal plan.

how to meal plan for the week

Exercising in the morning or before you go to work may be your best option. While you may have to wake up earlier, this means you’ll have more time in the evening to cook. 

As breakfast can be a quick meal such as Greek yoghurt with fruit or healthy porridge, you don’t need to dedicate as much time to it as you should with an evening meal. 

If you choose to exercise in the evening, this means you will have to do a workout and then cook. You may likely be too tired, meaning there’s more of a chance you won’t stick to your fitness schedule.

#5 – Food Preferences For Meal Plans

meal plan tips

To ease you into meal planning, you should start with meals you already enjoy. If you need to, try tweaking recipes to make them slightly more healthy so you can stick to your fitness goals.

Eating healthy shouldn’t be about depriving yourself of foods you already like, but moderating and controlling how much of them you have. 

Prepare meals you’re already familiar with so you can become used to the process before experimenting with recipes.

The last thing you want is to create a list of different meals or batch cook a few, only to find you dislike the majority of the ones you’ve prepared. 

Not only will this be a waste of time but it will likely put you off the process of meal planning altogether.

Planning meals can be a difficult and time consuming process. If you’re going to put time and energy into it, then you should ensure your hard work pays off and you can enjoy the food you’ve spent time preparing.

#6 – Allergies

how to meal plan for the week

While we don’t want to insult your intelligence, if you have any food allergies, always double-check the ingredients of meals you’re unfamiliar with preparing. 

Although most food allergies affect children under the age of 3, some common ones include:

  • Milk
  • Peanuts
  • Eggs
  • Shellfish
  • Tree nuts

If you have a severe allergy, it’s worth taking the time to ensure there aren’t any ‘hidden’ ingredients so check the back of packaging and jars if you’re unsure. 

Some ingredients may not directly contain the product you’re allergic to but may contain traces of it, such as in the example below:

how to make a meal plan

This doesn’t mean the product does contain the ingredient you’re allergic to. It just means the manufacturers believe the food is at a possible risk of contamination from an allergen. This could be when nut-free biscuits are baked on the same line as biscuits containing peanuts.

Now, this doesn’t mean you have to avoid certain recipes completely. If the allergen is only a small ingredient, either disregard it or replace it with something similar.

#7 – Meal Planning for Children

how to build a meal plan

As mentioned earlier, when wondering how to make a meal plan for a family, you should decide whether you’ll be planning for children too.

While it may work out easier and cheaper for your household to follow the same set of meals, it can be difficult to plan meals that everyone likes. 

You should also consider whether you want to build a meal plan to be healthier, or if you have particular fitness goals in mind.

If you have specific fitness goals in mind, it may be better to plan for yourself instead. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean there’s more work for you to do. 

You could alternate between meals you know your family will eat and ones that may be better for you to eat alone.

Effective Tools For Planning Meals

While it can seem difficult to plan for meals in the beginning, there are tools out there that can help with this. 

Having certain apps or websites at your disposal could be beneficial for making the process smoother.

Tesco Meal Plan

how to make a meal plan

The Tesco meal plan is a tool you can use if you’re looking for some new dinner inspiration and want a simple way to create meal plans. 

As demonstrated above, all users have to do is answer a few quick questions about:

  • How long you would like to plan for
  • Which day of the week you would like to start your meal plan on
  • What meals you would like to include in your plan
  • The most amount of time you’d like to spend preparing and cooking the main meal
  • Your dietary preferences

If you’ve been asking ‘how to meal plan on a budget’, there’s also an option to tick for this. You will be provided with a weekly meal plan filled with budget-friendly recipes.

Most of the meal planner recipes provided serve 4 – great if your whole family is taking part! However, if you’re doing this alone, you’ll have to adjust the quantities where necessary.

Eat This Much

how to make a meal plan

With Eat This Much, you can create personalised meal plans based on your food preferences, budget, and schedule. 

You can customise popular eating styles to match your needs and preferences, and also reduce food waste by adding what you already own to your virtual pantry.

Then you can review your plan to make sure you’re happy with everything and use the grocery list to shop for your ingredients.

Mealime

how to make a meal plan

Mealime is a way for singles, couples, and families to plan meals and eat healthier. These plans are highly customisable so you can personalise plans that work with your lifestyle.

Using this app means each week you will have tailored meal plans with healthy recipes that are catered to your needs and preferences. 

You can also cook exactly how you want to eat and with minimal waste. By personalising your meals, you’ll have them adjusted to meet your dietary requirements, including:

  • Vegan 
  • Vegetarian
  • Pescetarian
  • Gluten-free

Mealtime is free to download and use. However, you can upgrade to Mealime Meal Planner Pro, which offer an auto-renewing subscription option at just under £5 a month.

FAQ

Can your meal plan on a budget?

why should you meal plan

If you’re asking ‘how to meal plan on a budget’, the answer is simple. Many people wonder how to create a meal plan simply because they’re on a budget!

Limiting your amount of food waste, taking fewer shopping trips, and reducing the amount of fast food you order are all meal plan tips that will cause your food bill to shrink. 

Other meal plan tips for when you’re on a budget include swapping more expensive products such as turkey for more budget-friendly choices like chicken. 

Most supermarkets also have a reduced section for discounted products that are either damaged, were sold for a limited time, or are reaching their use-by date. 

how to do a meal plan

These items will often have a yellow sticker on them, pressed on either first thing in the morning, after lunch, and just before closing time. This is a great way to get cheaper sandwiches after lunchtime or ingredients for meals you plan to cook and eat that same day.

Bulk buying is also good for reducing your shopping bill. This is because it often works out cheaper per unit, rather than buying individual products. It also saves you from paying for public transport or petrol and buying unnecessary items by making multiple trips.

Buying food and freezing it is also a great way to reduce shopping trips. Meat such as beef and lamb can be kept in the freezer for months before being used. Milk and bread are also items that can be bought in bulk and frozen. 

What is the best day to plan meals?

why should you meal plan

When it comes to planning meals, many people find it easier to plan on a Sunday. This is mainly because it’s a day when you will have more free time to create and shop for the week ahead.

However, this is mainly psychological, and it doesn’t matter which day you choose to plan for. 

The most important thing is picking a day or evening when you have enough time to set aside and plan.

It’s also crucial to ensure this is a time you know you will be free each week. There’s no point in continually switching up which day you schedule this task every week as it needs to align with the days you’ve planned.

Consistency is crucial here! It isn’t necessarily based on the best day but the best time for you to do this.

Before You Go!

If you’d like to turn your interest in meal planning into a career, why not complete a Level 4 Sports Nutrition Course? Find out more about what this involves by contacting us today or download our complete course prospectus.

By writing specialised nutrition plans for clients, you could help clients reach their specific exercise and sporting goals and advertise yourself as a qualified nutritionist.

The post How To Make A Meal Plan For Beginners appeared first on OriGym Centre of Excellence.

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19 Best Sports Nutrition Brands to Support Your Workouts https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/sport-nutrition-brands/ Mon, 20 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/sport-nutrition-brands/ Whatever your fitness regime, this list of the best sport nutrition brands features tons of products than can support your overall health and wellbeing. Read here for our 17 top picks of 2023.

The post 19 Best Sports Nutrition Brands to Support Your Workouts appeared first on OriGym Centre of Excellence.

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Whatever your fitness regime is, it can be a minefield deciding how to support your workouts with the best sport nutrition brands.

By the end of this list you will feel confident about who to trust, what products to invest in, and what the best options are for you.

Before we start, enhance your knowledge of nutrition and learn the best way to fuel your body by completing our Sports Nutrition Course. This can lead you on the path to become a nutritionist or nutrition coach and advise clients about how to improve their quality of life.

Alternatively, browse our downloadable course prospectus to see how you can turn your passion into a career!

17 Best Sports Nutrition Brands to Try

So, without further ado, let’s dive into our list of the 17 top sports nutrition brands!

1. NGX – Nutri Genetix

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Nutri Genetix is one of the only sports nutrition brands in the UK that use your genetics to meet your goals. Hugo and Jeremy, the co-founders, started the company to create products with exact, DNA-specific nutrition.

Everyone’s bodies and goals are different, and everybody’s workout varies based on those things. So, even though NGX focuses solely on drinks powders, they’re one of the top brands for tailor-made products.

Our genes affect how we metabolise, process, use, and store nutrients. Even if we’re following a balanced diet, our genetics can mean we struggle to absorb certain elements from our food.

This can then lead to deficiencies and reduced physical and mental performance. So why not take NGX’s DNA Nutrition Test first?

This unique approach makes NGX one of the best sports nutrition brands in the UK for shakes and drinks.

There’s no lock-ins to their subscription service, you can pause delivery whenever you need to, and you will get a delivery every four weeks, working out at just £2.12 per meal!

2. Huel

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Huel was started by Julian Hearn, in 2015, with a mission “to make nutritionally complete, convenient, affordable food, with minimal impact on animals and the environment.”

This makes them one of the best nutrition companies foregrounding health and sustainability with a long shelf life, less packaging, and a lower carbon footprint.

Good for all you vegans out there too as there’s zero animal products or palm oil. Most of their products are even free of allergens like nuts and soy that normally crop up in protein bars!

All of their meals contain 26 essential vitamins, minerals, protein, essential fats, carbs, and phytonutrients.

Having trouble picking just one? Huel’s holistic range of products can also be bought together in one of their bundles.

Their top products also include powders, drinks that are naturally gluten-free, and high protein snacks that are low calorie, affordable, and have more essential amino acids per gram than whey protein. If you’re looking for more gluten-free protein snacks, check out our article here – ‘15 Best Gluten Free Protein Bars‘.

3. Nourished

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Founder and CEO of Nourished, Melissa Snover, started off avidly buying vitamins herself. Soon, however, she got sick of taking multiple pills from different existing nutrition companies.

She thought there must be a better way to get the best supplements available? And the rest was history: Nourished was born!

These high impact, stacked vitamins are vegan, sugar free, their packaging is plastic free, AND they’re 3-D printed to provide optimum design and nutritional value. Pretty cool right?

There is a range for adults, as well as kids, and different packs available to suit specific needs. They’re one of the top sports nutrition brands offering tailor-made vitamins for any kind of workout.

Their Inner Strength Stack improves endurance and stamina, boosts your energy, supports recovery, and contributes to good muscle and bone health.

Or, if you’re looking to lose weight, their Shape Up Stack prevents carbohydrate absorption, supports your digestive health, and naturally boosts your metabolism.

Can’t choose? Fear not; catering to you is what Nourished do best. You can take a quiz on their website to personalise your own stack suited to your lifestyle, goals, and particular activities.

4. Grenade

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Grenade was built with a simple mission: to create weight-loss products that would make them the best sports nutrition brand.

Flash forward and they cater to everyone from athletes to the military, to everyday people fitting their workouts around work, family, and hectic schedules: so there is something for people at all levels!

You may already be familiar with Grenade’s power bars, high in protein and low in sugar, especially their best-selling “Carb Killa”.

Available in over 10 flavours, this bar is designed to feel indulgent without compromising on health. They can be enjoyed any time of the day but are perfect for a post-workout boost!

Grenade doesn’t only offer power bars though. You can shop on their website by product or by goal: do you need an on the go healthy snack? To boost your energy levels? Or supplements and powders for recovery or weight loss?

They’ve got you covered! There’s a bit of everything from BCAAs to glutamine.

5. Maximuscle

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Focusing on protein, Maximuscle is another one of the workout supplements brands dedicated to diversity in their products. With its “goal selector” you can answer some basic questions to receive the perfect products for you.

Whether you want to lose weight, bulk up, tone up, or increase your strength there’s a different set of products available.

Boasting a list of ambassadors ranging from personal trainers to professional athletes, Maximuscle has a firm connection to the upper echelons of sport and fitness.

So, if you’re an athlete and you’re wondering which nutrition brand and product is best for you: take a look at the ambassadors’ favourites.

Though these products are popular with athletes, you don’t have to be a professional to make the most of them!

Even if you’re just looking to build yourself up, have a healthier lifestyle, or increase your fitness on the whole, you can find the protein powder or protein rich snack bar for you!

6. Sunwarrior

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Though Sunwarrior is not a UK based sports nutrition brand, they are readily available in health shops like Holland & Barrett and independent ones in your local area.

In fact, Sunwarrior started off in the back of one of these health food shops themselves! The two friends who started the company wanted to reject the synthetic, unhelpful, or even unhealthy ingredients that can be in some protein powders.

Their motivation to create products with the top plant-based, organic ingredients makes them one of the best workout supplements brands for vegans. They also prioritise sustainability with packaging that is both recyclable and used from recycled materials.

Based on the philosophy that plants provide the cleanest and most powerful nutrition, they specialise in powders rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and phytonutrients often missing from other protein powders.

7. Lyma

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After Lyma’s founder, Lucy Goff, suffered from septicaemia, she realised how many supplements and nutrition products don’t deliver the benefits they claim to. This is what led her to create one of the top UK based nutrition brands.

With scientific rigour, and dedication to testing, Lyma’s vitamin pill provides a one-stop-shop for preventing inflammation. The root course of so much disease and ageing, this is also key to your sports and exercise regimes.

This supplement contains nine powerful ingredients all designed to promote your immune system, your performance in exercise, sleep hygiene, beauty, and help to prevent anxiety.

The nine powerful ingredients are: vitamin D3, beta glucans, ashwagandha root extract, citicoline, turmeric extract, lycopene, vitamin K2, keratin, and saffron extract.

Some of these you might have heard of already and some of them may be new to you, but Lyma’s formula are patented versions all designed to target the aforementioned benefits!

This is a very high end product so it’s not the cheapest. However, if you’re looking for the best sports nutrition supplement available, this may be worth the extra monthly amount.

8. Udo’s Choice

supplements for bodybuilding image

So, what is the best nutrition company in the world? Obviously, this may feel impossible to answer. Udo Erasmus though, the founder of Udo’s Choice, started with the mission “to provide you with the best and most effective health support in the world”.

Pretty good start, right?

Udo is an expert in healthy fats and nutrition. The range of products from Udo’s Choice tackle some of the most neglected areas of our diets: greens, microbiotics, digestive enzymes, and “good” fats (essential fatty acids).

According to research omega oils are good for exercise, especially strength training, because they’ve been shown to help the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Their anti-inflammatory properties help fight against muscle damage.

In some studies, these supplements, taken before bicep curls, lead to more repetitions, better range in motion, and lower levels of a particular inflammatory!

Udo’s Choice’s bestsellers include vegan “Beyond Greens” powder and “Ultimate Oil Blend” (in both oil and capsule form).

This oil offers a plant-based, vegan source of Omega 3, Omega 6, B12 and Iron. They’re affordable too, starting at £13.99 for the oil and £16.99 for capsules.

All this makes Udo’s Choice one of the best supplement companies providing support for when you exercise!

9. Optimum Nutrition

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Helping performance athletes in particular, Optimum Nutrition is one of the top sports nutrition brands in the UK for every bit of your workout.

Based in Middlesbrough they ship globally providing everything from powders and protein shakes, to creatine and protein bars.

Optimum Nutrition boasts being the preferred performance nutrition supplier for huge sporting organisations such as England Rugby, The English Institute of Sport, and England and Wales Cricket Board.

Want to see for yourself? Like Maximuscle, this brand has a list of credible athlete ambassadors on their website.

Like some of the other brands on our list, Optimum Nutrition offers shopping by goal or by product. They even offer bundles, designed specifically for specific goals, making them one of the best sports performance nutrition brands.

Their range of Essential Amino Energy products is also something that helps them stand out. Amino acids are one of the best supplements for bodybuilding, increasing muscle growth and improving recovery time, as well as helping minimise fatigue.

10. bulk

which best sports performance nutrition brands

Whether you’re a professional or amateur athlete, want workout accessories, vegan supplements, food, or you just want to holistically boost your wellness, bulk has a little bit of everything!

Starting in a spare bedroom in 2006, two passionate gym-goers Adam Rossiter and Elliot Dawes started bulk, dedicated to creating products to accommodate everyone.

There’s familiar top sports supplements and vitamins, in tablet or powder form, alongside an array of different snacks.

As well as a huge variety, bulk has a specific ‘sports nutrition’ page with products to support everything from intensive sports to running, weightlifting and more.

It is also one of the best sports performance nutrition brands with a selection of products specifically designed to boost performance in your workout!

bulk may showcase a huge range of products but it’s also one of the best brands in terms of value for money. They offer 25% student discount and £10 for recommending to a friend, as well as the affordable prices of the products themselves!

11. Myprotein

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Myprotein is one of the best sports nutrition brands in the UK. Based in Manchester, they also boast offices and operations in over 70 countries with a diverse team of influencers, athletes, and staff.

So what makes Myprotein unique? They combine a broad selection of products, at great value, with a speciality in a range of dietary needs. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, or gluten-free, each customer is catered for!

They are also one of the best UK based sports supplement brands offering vitamins for weight loss, omega oils, amino acids, not to mention staples like protein powder.

Don’t worry though: if you’re after must-have snacks for training they’ve got plenty of protein bars, wafers, and cookies too.

They also produce everything in-house to cut down on third-party costs; a saving that they extend to you with their affordable prices.

12. Matrix Nutrition

which nutrition brand is best? image

Another UK based sports nutrition brand, Matrix Nutrition specialises in workout supplements. Whether you’re aiming to remain lean or bulk up and add huge muscle mass, these are one of the best providers of supplements for bodybuilding.

Their bestsellers include Matrix Anabolic Gold, a powerful supplement designed to add huge amounts of muscle mass with 86% protein, whilst being low on sugar and saturated fat!

Matrix doesn’t just cater to bodybuilding however; products like Night Shredder is both a weight loss supplement and an aid to rest and recuperation, for body and mind.

Their mission is to provide the best sports supplements available even if what you’re aiming for is just general health and wellbeing. They’re super affordable and have a discounts section on their website for deals and reductions.

Their wellness range also contains multi-vitamins, to take alongside their protein powders and other supplements, to support specific goals. Find out more about boosting your energy with natural vitamins by reading our article ‘13 Best Vitamins for Energy: Health & Purchase Guide‘.

13. Neat 

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Neat Nutrition’s simple purpose is to provide a collection of plant-based supplements to support modern living, from managing stress to boosting immunity, and to be one of the best nutrition companies to promote recovery.

Founders Lee and Charlie met 20 years ago as members of the British Swimming Team, and hung up their respective goggles to focus on supporting others’ wellbeing and fitness goals. Now they’re one of the best supplement brands in the UK combining attention to fitness with holistic support.

Neat specifically promotes their plant-based products as being for everyone, not just the vegan community.

If you’re environmentally conscious, this nutrition brand uses plant-based products because they use far less water, and emit less greenhouse gases, than animal products.

As well as protein powders they also provide nootropics designed for focus and sleep, containing vital ingredients for improving cognitive function and concentration. These help maintain good sleep hygiene and properly restorative sleep.

This may not be the first thing you think of when you’re looking for sport nutrition brands. However, both focus and sleep are vital to reducing biological stress, combating fatigue, and making sure you’re maintaining optimum overall wellbeing!

14. Science in Sport (SIS)

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If you’re looking for sports performance nutrition brands foregrounding science then look no further! The clue is in the name: Science in Sport aims to provide optimal performance focusing on energy, hydration, and recovery.

Through their research and innovation programme they formulate evidence-based products for the best results.

Though they cover a little bit of everything, SIS is one of the best sports nutrition brands for runners. They offer affordable gels in a box, either in mixed or single flavours, protein bars, and vitamin gummies.

To support your run however, go for GO electrolyte. This product is the perfect on-the-go drink to maintain endurance and protect against cramps. Available in three flavours, and low calorie to boot, this is a great product to support your regime.

Don’t just take it from us though! SIS is another one of the best sport nutrition brands backed by official partners and ambassadors. Since 1992 their products have been used by olympians, world record holders, and world champions across different sports.

15. OTE Sports

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OTE is one of the top sports nutrition brands in the UK simply because they’re made by athletes for athletes. Free from artificial sweeteners and colours, in plenty of flavours, you can also search OTE’s unique products by specific sport.

Maybe you’re a runner looking for a gel, a cyclist looking for recovery drinks, or need super carbs for your triathlon training? Whatever sport you do, OTE has a huge range of products to support your performance in the best way possible.

This sport nutrition brand is perfect for cyclists. Their soya protein drinks, in particular, are designed to help repair and rebuild muscles, speeding up your recovery after exercise.

With essential protein and carbohydrates, this drink specifically takes care of the refuelling process by adding electrolytes, and aiding rehydration, with no excess calories.

It will even boost your immune system with essential vitamins, speeding up your recovery even more!

For a natural way you can boost your immune system, have a read of our article ‘Can Happiness Boost the Immune System?

16. Youth Sport Nutrition

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YSN has the market niche of being one of the only sports nutrition brands aimed specifically at younger athletes. Young adults, especially athletes, have heightened nutritional needs. The founders were working in top tier professional football when they realised that there was a huge gap in the market – there was little to no sports performance nutrition to tackle the specific barriers younger athletes face!

So what are those barriers? Youth athletes are more likely to develop nutritional deficiencies with their bodies changing all the time.

With rapid periods of growth and inconvenient meal schedules, on top of the high demand of their sports, it can be difficult for young adults to get exactly what they need.

Though they believe in a ‘food first approach’ YSN know as well as you do that there are several barriers to youth athletes achieving optimal nutrition.

From gaps in education, the time constraints of parents juggling their own responsibilities, and the often fussy eating of younger athletes, YSN’s products are specifically designed with these obstacles in mind.

If you’re a parent looking for the best sports nutrition brand for your child: YNS and their PRO-TEEN shakes may be the answer!

17. Tribal Active Nutrition

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If you’re wondering why this is one of the best nutrition brands specifically designed for sports: it’s all down to the Baobab.

Whether you’re gym-based, or take your workout outside with hiking, surfing, or cycling, this magical ingredient might just give you that extra edge!

The African superfruit is the centre of all of Tribal Active’s products. Great for pre-workout, during exercise, or post-workout, it can reduce negative effects as well as promoting positive ones.

High levels of vitamin c (more than its equivalent serving of fresh oranges), 50% more calcium than spinach, and plenty of potassium; the list goes on.

As well as improving adrenal gland function, helping to prevent muscle breakdown, it actively promotes fast regeneration and recovery, can improve skin elasticity, support weight loss, and improve cardiovascular health! See? We did say superfruit.

Whether it’s a protein or energy boost you’re looking for, Tribal Active smoothies are the perfect sports nutrition product to supplement your workout!

 

18. Tribe

sports performance nutrition brands uk

Tribe started, and is still driven by, a simple mission: to lead a plant revolution. Packed with natural plant based energy these snacks are an ideal accompaniment to any workout (as well as just your everyday health, wellbeing, and performance!)

Like some of the other best sports nutrition brands on our list, Tribe offers a subscription service which you can pause, cancel, or update anytime. You can buy a 12 pack of bars and bombs, a 16 pack of bars, or build your own and mix and match!

The range also includes protein shakes if you want a vegan, plant-based alternative to some of the other products we’ve featured here.

These vegan protein snacks range from bites to bars in a variety of flavours from choc peanut to vegan honeycomb. They aren’t just good for on-the-go snacks though.

One of the attractions of this company is their range of breakfast products! All based on an oat formula that’s full of protein, vitamins and minerals, and probiotics, you can get a taster bundle, a pot, or a pouch of their pure active oats+. Yum!

19. Myvitamins

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Last, but certainly not least, is Myvitamins, one of the best sports supplement companies for products with raw, high quality ingredients backed by science. Their vitamins are ideal for supporting exercise with everything from ZMA, to omega oils, to pure caffeine.

You don’t just have to be in the market for tablets though! Looking for something easier to incorporate on-the-go? Their Recharge Sparkling Vitamin Water is designed to support your electrolyte balance throughout the day and provides essential daily nutrients.

These include vitamin c, B vitamins, and chromium. All of these things help to support your immune system, prevent cells from oxidative stress, and help maintain normal blood glucose levels. So it’s the perfect drink for any time during, or after, your workout!

They’ve also got energy bites that are high in both protein and fibre. The benefit of this sports supplement brand? You know your snacks will be chock full of the highest quality vitamins, minerals, and natural ingredients, because that’s what they specialise in.

Their snacks are formulated to privilege not just taste, but the vital B vitamins that help prevent fatigue during your regime. For more information on this, check out our list of ‘13 Best Vitamins to Combat Tiredness & Fatigue‘.

Before You Go!

That concludes our list! We hope that it has left you feeling clued up on not only the range of products available, but which nutrition brand is best for you and your individual goals.

Remember, if you’re interested in nutrition, check out our Level 4 course in advanced sport nutrition! Or you can browse our downloadable course prospectus to see which career in fitness suits you best!

The post 19 Best Sports Nutrition Brands to Support Your Workouts appeared first on OriGym Centre of Excellence.

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19 Best Sports Nutrition Brands to Support Your Workouts https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/best-kombucha-brands/ Mon, 15 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/best-kombucha-brands/ Whether you're a fan of this beverage and want to find a new kombucha brand to try, or you're new to the drink all together, we have a list of the best brands for new and old consumers to try!

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There are plenty of fantastic kombucha brands eager to tell you about their range of medicinal drinks. Some offer jazzy, tarty flavours while others like to keep things simple to accommodate a range of palettes.

So, let’s see what we will cover within this article more specifically:

Without further ado, let’s get stuck into OriGym’s list of the 13 best kombucha brands in the UK. Just one more thing, if you have a passion for all things nutrition, why not check out our level 4 course in advanced sports nutrition or browse our downloadable prospectus to see how you can turn your passion for health and fitness into a career.

What is Kombucha?

kombucha brands

Kombucha is a fermented and slightly fizzy drink that is made from sweetened black or green tea.

The basic ingredients of kombucha are water, yeast, sugar, and black or green tea. Each is mixed together and left for at least a week to ferment. Acids and bacteria then form in the drink, creating a film of liquid termed a ‘SCOBY’ (Symbiotic Colony Of Bacteria and Yeast).

The fermentation process can last anywhere between 7-30 days. For a mild flavour, a 7-day brew is recommended and for a more intense flavour, leaving it for up to 30 days is best.

The fermentation process is believed to be where kombucha’s health benefits stem from. These include helping with digestion, boosting energy levels, ridding the body of toxins and even helping to reduce the risk of certain cancers. Many also regularly consume kombucha to help enhance weight loss effects as it assists metabolic functions.

When it comes to the origin of Kombucha, it came from China approximately 2,000 years ago and has been a popular drink to consume in Europe since the 20th century.

The drink is homebrewed by many around the world. However, since it can take a lot of time and effort to create your own batch, many have established their own kombucha brands to deliver right to your door.

With that in mind, let’s get stuck into the best kombucha brands in the UK!

13 Best Kombucha Brands to Try

#1 – BT Kombucha

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BT Kombucha was established 20 years ago, and they’ve crafted top quality products ever since using only classic brewing methods. 

The brand actively works to boost awareness about health issues, as well as supporting the organic production of kombucha ingredients through the farmers that they partner with. The bottles they use are also 100% reusable and recyclable which says a lot about their values. 

Speaking of values, they’re outlined in their About Us page – health, vitality, honesty, transparency, and choice. It’s clear you’d have to go a long way to find a more sincere and trustworthy brand than BT Kombucha. 

The brand has a variety of best-selling products within their Kombucha Raw & Organic range, comprising of:

  • Green Tea
  • Clarity Green Tea
  • Raspberry Ceylon Black Tea
  • Original Black Tea
  • Green Tea with Lemon

Each product is made with all-natural ingredients, including Japanese bancha green tea, pilsner laden water and organic cane sugar. 

You can rest assured that there aren’t any additives lurking in the small print, making BT Kombucha a great choice when it comes to choosing a go-to kombucha brand!

#2 – Left Field Kombucha

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Created in 2016, Left Field Kombucha are pretty new on the scene. Don’t underestimate their greatness, though – their teas are award-winning, and even won the title ‘Most Innovative New Product’ at the Scotsman Food & Drink Awards in 2019. 

Not only this, but they also made it onto the BBC Good Food list of Best Kombucha to Buy, beating many other established brands due to their innovation. 

After all, they don’t add any extra flavourings after the fermentation process is complete, which re-defines the way that kombucha should be made through making it healthier. No wonder they go with the catchphrase ‘the healthiest fizz in the fridge’!

Want to make an ethical choice when it comes to selecting the best kombucha brand for you? You’ll be glad to know that Left Field Kombucha only sources teas from members of the Ethical Tea Partnership, so you can be safe in the knowledge that their products are fully fair and sustainable. 

In terms of the products that Left Field Kombucha produce, their most popular products include:

  • Yunnan Black Kombucha
  • Sencha Green Kombucha
  • Oolong Kombucha
  • Darjeeling Kombucha

As you can see there is quite a range in terms of flavour, and they really do provide something for everyone. We chose them as one of our best kombucha brands for their unique contribution to the market, as well as the quality of their products!

#3 Mighty Brew 

kombucha uk

Mighty Brew was founded by Julia and Peter 15 years ago when they moved to London from the Baltic Coast in Denmark to embark on a new journey. They shared a passion for brewing their own fermented kombucha and wanted to provide others with beautifully raw and organic drinks.

Mighty Brew’s kombucha uses an advanced three-stage water filtration system to ensure purity in each and every drink. Their products are also free from any artificial colours, flavourings, preservatives and GMOs while also contained in recycled glass and PVC lids.

The brand’s best selling kombucha is their Organic Sencha Kombucha, a green tea drink that is derived from Japan. Sencha shares a similar taste with light apple juice, cider and champagne, and is considered to be the finest type of green tea on the planet.

For this reason, Mighty Brew thought it necessary to recreate a product that lives up to Sencha’s prestige. They believe that their range is the most authentic and pure sencha kombucha that promises to nourish the mind, body and soul.

There are numerous ways of consuming this Japanese delicacy; either combined with prosecco, champagne or white wine which is perfect for a special occasion. It also works well with apple juice or just on its own to share with friends. Whatever the occasion, Mighty Brew’s best selling kombucha will be there for you.

Now, when buying kombucha, reviews may help you to decide which is the best for you. On Trustpilot, Mighty Brew has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, showing that customers are certainly satisfied with the taste and quality of the brand’s kombucha. Why not give it a try today to see what all the rage is about?

#4 Nutra Kombucha

best kombucha

Did you know that drinking kombucha can help to support a range of bodily functions? These include promoting a healthy gut, supporting digestive functions and your immune system, all of which contribute towards leading a healthy and happy lifestyle.

This is where the Nutra Kombucha was born.

Owners, Colin and Margaret Wynne, were searching for refreshing and healthy alternatives to soft drinks that didn’t include unnecessary flavours, colours and preservatives. So, they started to homebrew their own kombucha using a special blend of teas.

Colin and Margaret turned their brewing hobby into a nationwide brand which is now ranked as the best kombucha for gut health.

Their Original Kombucha is a blend of water, sugar, green tea, and SCOBY (symbiotic culture of Bacteria and Yeast). Through the fermentation process, a drink is produced that is nutritiously alive, promising drinkers elevated energy and a detoxified body. Each sip brings a tangy and sweet taste with a hum of fizz to make your drinking experience grand and special.

Nutra Kombucha believes that since their Original drink is so powerful, they recommend only drinking one a day as this is sufficient in attaining the health benefits it provides. But, if the Original drink doesn’t quite take your fancy, Nutra Kombucha also has a selection of other refreshing flavours.

These include: Lemon & Mint, Ginger & Turmeric and Chilli Fruits are just a handful of Nutra Kombucha’s drink variations.

Additionally, all of Nutra Kombucha’s drinks are vegan-friendly, gluten-free and dairy-free, thus catering for a diverse range of dietary requirements in one brand. If you want some dairy free foods to go along with your new beverage, check out our article on the best vegan protein sources here.

#5 Freshly Fermented 

kombucha drinks

Freshly Fermented is a brand that is on a mission to offer a range of vegan and organic food and drink options for those wanting to take better care of their gut. A bad gut can truly turn a great day into a nightmare, but with the aid of kombucha, you needn’t worry about this anymore!

The brand notes that it can be difficult to sell kombucha on a large scale as it has to be consumed within 3 months of being brewed. Most supermarkets sell dilated kombucha and often artificially carbonate the drink to increase the shelf life.

However, Freshly Fermented is determined to bring you the most authentic, raw kombucha straight after it’s brewed so that you can take advantage of its copious health benefits from the offset.

The Black Orange Kombucha is made using strong and malty Assam tea, black tea derived from India. It has a tarty flavour that has a dark red hue, but once fermented, forms a warm orange. It is mixed with organic SCOBY, organic sugar, orange juice and filtered water offering a subtly sweet and fruity flavour.

Each drink is packed with a full spectrum of bacteria and yeasts helping to keep you feeling energised and your gut happy. For this reason, Freshly Fermented suggests embracing the murky texture of the drink – it is not dirty, it is simply fermented. This is the environment required for kombucha’s bacteria and yeast to thrive to support your gut.

As well as Black Orange, the brand also offers dark chocolate and ginger and lemon kombucha, providing some variety in regards to flavours. The starting price per bottle is £2.99, so while delicious and supportive, the drink is also affordable.

So, if you approached this article wanting to get a better insight into the best kombucha for gut health, the Freshly Fermented brand should definitely be considered!

#6 Momo Kombucha 

buying kombucha

Momo Kombucha is a brand that sells kombucha drinks and teas that are delicious, organic and supportive for a range of bodily processes. Founders, Josh and Lisa Puddle, were travelling around New York when they first discovered kombucha and were mesmerised by the vast health benefits a single drink provides.

By the end of their travels, Josh and Lisa felt truly rejuvenated after having a kombucha drink each day. They felt less bloated and had more energy to take on whatever plans lay ahead. For these reasons, they were deflated when they returned to London to find that very few establishments supplied their newfound favourite drink.

So, they took matters into their own hands. Momo Kombucha’s drinks are now fermented, bottled and distributed from Josh and Lisa’s very own brewery in the heart of London’s New Covent Garden Market.

The brand operates by providing a case of their kombucha drinks. You can either opt for a case of one flavour, or a mix of each. These flavours include Elderflower, Raspberry-Hibiscus, Ginger & Lemon, and Turmeric, the latter two of which have each won the Great Taste Award in 2020.

Each is produced with water, sugar, SCOBY and different teas to provide a rich and fruity flavour to your chosen kombucha drink. The fermentation process brings a slight fizz to your drink that is both refreshing and quenching while also naturally rich in probiotics and healthy organic acids.

Josh and Lisa handpick your chosen bottles and offer free delivery to anywhere in mainland UK to keep your costs down.

So, if you want to get a better insight into the best kombucha in the UK, Momo Kombucha is a brand that has it all. They have a plethora of drinks flavours, have won Great Taste awards and offer affordable prices and delivery costs. So, follow the link above to discover more about Momo Kombucha!

#7 Mother Kombucha 

best kombucha uk

Are you looking to lead a healthier lifestyle? Perhaps you’re looking for low calorie and sugar drinks that aren’t just flavourless fruit squashes.

If so, we have the best kombucha for your weight loss journey – Mother Kombucha!

Mother Kombucha is a brand that is conscious about the earth, people and above all, your health. Founder, Tonya Donati makes products that aren’t just flavorful and moreish, aren’t just low in calories and sugar, but are also cleanly sourced and fairly made.

This alone may be enough to convince you that this is the best place to purchase your kombucha drinks from. But, how do they achieve this?

Tonya and her team obtain all of their teas from local community gardens. They also harness the heat needed to brew their products through solar roof panels as a means of reducing their carbon footprint. This is especially useful since Mother Kombucha is located in the Sunshine City (Florida, USA) so warm, sunny weather is easy to come by.

Tonya notes how their multi-phase fermentation process is by no means the quickest or simplest way of making kombucha. However, making sure it tastes incredible and provides an array of health benefits is vital for all customers.

The Grapefruit Sparkling Water is one of the best kombuchas for your weight loss journey. Containing just 4 calories and 1 gram of sugar per can, this is a fantastic go-to drink to have along with meals that won’t hinder your weight loss efforts while also supplying a range of health benefits.

It is a tarty, refreshing drink that contains naturally occurring organic acids and is rich in Vitamin B, an essential vitamin that assists the body in producing new cells. It also boosts your metabolic functions to better support your weight loss goals.

Turmeric and Ginger Kombucha Lemonade is one of Mother Kombucha’s best-sellers. It is a refreshing blend of turmeric, ginger root, galangal, lemongrass and lemon myrtle. The ginger offers a subtle spice while the lemon grass provides a zingy undertone that works so well with the other flavours.

#8 Lenny Boy

best kombucha brand

Lenny Boy is a kombucha brand based in New Carolina and has been supplying Americans with a range of revitalising products since 2012. Lenny himself is proud to say that he handmakes and supplies kombucha drinks that will guarantee to give you an energy boost each day.

Each of Lenny Boy’s beverages are made with filtered water, kombucha culture, cane sugar and a certain type of tea, which will differ depending on the flavour of your chosen drink. There are a plethora of kombucha drinks on offer, some sweet, some savoury and others that are only released at certain times of the year.

Let’s run through some of these options.

Sweet 

Lavenderade is Lenny Boy’s newest kombucha drink which contains the crisp tartness of fresh lemons accompanied by the calming effects of lavender flowers.

Strawberry is another sweet option for you which is sweetened, raw strawberries with a subtle hum of lemongrass for added freshness.

Lost Rose offers something a little different. It is made with a blend of rose petal and nettle leaf which creates a light floral taste. Both leaves are also rich in vitamin C, magnesium and calcium, vital nutrients that can better support your body each day.

Savoury

Sweet Potato Pie makes the perfect seasonal kombucha to enjoy over the autumn season. It contains locally-sourced North Carolina sweet potato accompanied by cinnamon.

Fresh Basil is fantastic for a warm afternoon to quench your thirst. All basil used is also collected from local farms.

Seasonal

Merry Cranberry is one of Lenny Boy’s seasonal drinks. It contains cranberries and lemons for a zinginess which is a perfect way to end a merry winter’s evening.

If you’re considering buying this kombucha, you can find them across nineteen states across America. Retailers include Whole Foods, Harris Teeter, Earth Fare, Stop & Shop, and Giant. So, go ahead and pick your favorite flavour!

For some great nutritional resources read our articles below:

 

#9 Fermentory 

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Next up on our list of the best kombucha drinks is a brand called Fermentory. They craft a whole selection of natural drinks made from raw and locally-sourced ingredients in a bid to reduce their carbon footprint.

Fermentory believes that you must fuel your body with foods that are rich in herbs, fruit, vegetables, and good bacteria as each has an array of medicinal properties that can enhance your wellbeing. Fermentory’s best sellers include their Wild Blueberry kombucha, an organic juicy drink that has a beautiful thick texture made from organic Maine blueberries.

Another great option is their Ginger Root drink, a potent kombucha that works as an excellent pairing with cocktails.

Additionally, The Toasted Oak offers something a little different that other kombuchas don’t appear to. Each drink is produced with the concentrated tea of toasted oats which provides subtle notes of vanilla, this is a hearty and healthy drink that offers a slight bit of indulgence.

It is noteworthy that should you be interested in Fermentory’s kombucha drinks, they are currently only available to US retailers. So, keep an eye out on the shelves for these fantastic fermented drinks to start supporting your body’s functions to keep it happy and healthy.

#10 Qula 

best kombucha for weight loss

Next up on the list of best kombucha brands is Qula!

Qula is a brand that operates differently from other kombucha seen so far. They supply a range of clinically proven probiotic tablets that dissolve in water. The tablet aims to replicate the fizziness and fruity flavour from regularly brewed kombucha without the murky texture or SCOBY from forming.

One of Qula’s popular flavours is the Orange Mamba, a fusion of blood orange and rosemary kombucha. Made from black and matcha teas, both of which are known for their fantastic energy-boosting properties to help you feel prepared for the day ahead. What better way to start your morning than this?

The tablet’s rich electrolyte content also makes this the perfect drink to consume for rehydration, especially important at the start of your day since you’ve spent numerous hours without consuming anything!

All that you need to do is drop one or two tablets into the water – this can be in still or even sparkling water if you enjoy bubbly textures. It’s important to let the tablet ferment and dissolve for at least 10-minutes before consuming, and to stir with a spoon after to ensure all parts of the tablet are mixed with water.

Another fantastic benefit of Qula’s kombucha tablets is that they each contain very few calories and are low in sugar. The Orange Mamba contains just 5 calories and less than 1 gram of sugar, which is ideal if you’re on the hunt for the best kombucha for weight loss. You needn’t worry about fizzy drinks ever eating away at your daily calorie allowance again.

Now, as well as Qula’s Orange Bamba range, they also have other flavours for you to choose from. These include:

  • Pink Sunshine: A fusion of raspberry and cucumber kombucha.
  • Upriser: A tropical kombucha made from mango and pineapple flavours.
  • Queen of Cups: Guava and rose kombucha, offering something a little different.

Do you like the sound of them all? Well, very conveniently Qula also offers a tasting pack containing a mixture of each flavour for you to try! This also works out better value for money and means additional purchases aren’t necessary.

#11 Better Booch 

best kombucha for gut health

Trey, the founder of Better Booch, discovered that when travelling around the US, there were very limited healthy food and drink options to choose from. He craved a sense of community and connectedness to lead a healthier lifestyle, which is when he found that he could achieve this himself.

Trey then started to brew his own kombucha tea after discovering his 24-year-old sister had been diagnosed with cancer since the kombucha brews possess anti-cancerous properties which she could benefit from.

After some years’ of brewing, experimenting with new flavours and ample taste tests, Trey’s sister successfully overcame her cancer and the family’s business Better Booch was born!

Better Booch’s drinks each have their own set of health benefits that you ought to try and take advantage of. Their best selling range is the Variety Pack, containing a selection of the brand’s best selling brews. The pack includes 3 x Morning Glory, 3 x Ginger Boost and 3 x Golden Pear.

Morning Glory is a peach and black tea drink that contains high L-theanine, an amino acid that can help foster a state of calm and focus when navigating situations. For example, your morning commute, tasks at work or a strenuous workout.

Ginger Boost is a blend of spicy ginger that is softened by fresh mint – a match made in heaven. Both help to improve digestion, support your gut and enhance cognitive functions.

Golden Pear is a fusion of turmeric, black pepper, tulsi, and pear each of which contains fantastic immune-boosting qualities that aim to ward off free radicals. Free radicals are atoms that if found in too great numbers, pose risks to your health and wellbeing.

Just a single tin can offer a wealth of benefits for your body. For this reason, you should definitely consider Better Booch in your search for the best kombucha brands on the market!

#12 Remedy 

kombucha brands uk

Sarah and Emmet Condon have been brewing their very own kombucha drink for years. Their children loved it, their friends were hooked, and family members visited the couple to try out all of their new flavours. This is where Sarah and Emmet decided to take a leap of faith and turn their love for brewing kombucha into their very own business.

Remedy is a brand that prioritises health and wellbeing over anything else, which is why Sarah and Emmet decided not to include any additional sugar in their brews. They want their drinks to only contain live cultures, organic acids and antioxidants to keep your body healthy and happy.

Remedy’s Cherry Plum kombucha is one of their signature flavours. Containing a fusion of red cherries and Kakadu plum, this drink will be sure to set your taste buds tingling. It provides very subtle undertones of liquorice which brings an extra depth with each sip.

It’s floral, fruity and so refreshing, perfect for accompanying with an exotic meal or to cool you down after a sweaty workout. Whatever the occasion, the Cherry Plum fizz is certainly worth bringing with you.

Each 250ml contains a mere 7 calories and 0g of sugar. This low sugar content is down to Remedy’s traditional long-aged fermentation process which results in no sugar remaining in the brew.

When buying your kombucha, reviews may help you to decide which is the best brand for you and your palette. Over on Remedy’s website, their Cherry Plum range currently has a 100% 5 star track record, with reviewers boasting Remedy as providing an incredible alternative to alcoholic drinks.

This goes to show that the product’s description certainly lives up to customer satisfaction, and you ought to take advantage too!

#13 REAL

kombucha reviews

Next up, we have another option that could be the best kombucha tea in the UK for you!

REAL is a brand that hand-picks all of their loose-leaf teas with care and precision to make the highest quality drink for you to enjoy from home. They have a handful of small gardens all over the world and work closely with their tea experts to pick the leaves when they’re at optimum growth for fermentation.

The brand has also experimented with over 150 different types of tea to bring customers the best blends of flavours. These are used in bars all over the UK for cocktails and by some major chef’s including Gordon Ramsay and Tom Kerridge.

REAL’s Royal Flush drink is their best selling product. This is a tea brew that boasts rich floral tones, accompanied by notes of rhubarb, white peach and blackcurrant. Spices are added to bring out a delicate zing to each sip.

The drink is incredibly versatile – try it along with a fresh dish, as a champagne alternative at an event or in the summer sun. There are so many ways that you can incorporate a glass into your day.

Royal Flush has won the Best No & Low Wine or Wine Alternative and the Sommeliers’ Choice No & Low Award in 2020. This suggests that the experts in the food and drink world truly know the value that REAL’s range is worth, which is why they want you to experience the same from the comfort of your own home.

Why not stock up on REAL’s kombucha for your next event? Whether it be for Christmas, New Year or for a birthday celebration, be sure to offer your guests a non-alcoholic alternative that is still rich in fruity flavour.

#14 Hip Pop

kombucha review

Are you on the hunt for the best kombucha in the UK? As we have another fantastic option for you that you ought to try!

Formerly Booch & Brew, Hip Pop was founded by couple Emma and Kenny. The brand first started when Kenny first told Emma of his tummy troubles, to which Emma brewed up some of her very own homemade kombuchas. Within only a few weeks, Kenny’s suffering with IBS had drastically improved, transpiring in him building his own microbrewery.

Locals in their area caught wind of the incredible benefits that the medicinal drink provides, which is when Emma and Kenny decided to quit their jobs and start their very own family-run kombucha business in Cheshire.

They use only nutritious organic ingredients that are collected from local areas that are not processed or fused with sweeteners. Emma and Kenny are determined to bring their customers only the freshest and raw kombucha that has the same positive effect as it did Kenny.

Hip Pop’s Apple & Elderflower Organic Kombucha is a must-try. It has deliciously tarty flavours, compliments to the apple, which is paired with a floral kick of elderflower. The drink has a subtle bubble, making it all the more thirst-quenching after a long day.

Hip Pop’s range is rich in vitamins B and C to help support your bodily functions. Vitamin B has a vital role in helping the body convert food into energy, while vitamin C is particularly beneficial in helping to keep your immune system strong and well. Moreover, each of Hip Pop’s drinks contains friendly bacteria.

Each help to support digestive and metabolic functions, thus working wonders for those who experience IBS symptoms. Just one glass of Hip Pop’s kombucha a day can help you go about your activities without the worry of feeling poorly.

You can get your hands on your very own Apple & Elderflower kombucha for just £27.99 for a 12-bottle case, working out at just over £2 per drink. This is a cost-effective way of fueling your body with a wealth of vitamins, helping to support your digestive functions all the while tasting beautifully fresh. Why not try the best kombucha tea in the UK today?

#15 Jarr 

kombucha

If you’ve gotten this far into this article, the chances are you’re seriously considering buying some kombucha. But, before you make your decision, we have one last kombucha brand that could help you to select which is the best for you.

Jarr opened its doors to a commercial business in 2015. Owner, Adam, and his close-knit team, Tom, Jess and Neil owned a tiny garage located in the heart of London where they served Jarr’s hand-brewed kombuchas to the masses. This was the first kombucha tap-room to open in Europe!

After stocking their products in local London stores and Harrods for a few years, Jarr then began construction of their very own, state of the art kombucha brewery in Belgium. This is where all of your premium range kombucha is now made, and where Jarr is always experimenting with new innovative flavours that will leave you wanting more.

Jarr’s Original Kombucha is the most special to the brand as it’s what kick-started Adam’s wonderful business venture. It possesses the perfect balance of sweet and sour tones that can be likened to green apples and fresh citrus fruit. It’s the perfect way to start any day for a guaranteed energy boost.

Jarr suggests accompanying the kombucha with ice and a slice of green apple to truly accentuate the fruity tones.

Each of Jarr’s kombucha is packed full of antioxidants thanks to each ingredient being 100% organic. Each brew is also suitable for vegans, vegetarians and kosher, accommodating a diverse range of dietary requirements.

Moreover, in 2019, Jarr was awarded the Great Taste award for their Original kombucha, which is all the more reason for you to give this humble blend a try!

As always, when buying your kombucha, reviews may help you to decide which brand is the best for you. On Jarr’s Facebook site, their kombucha averages at 4.5/5 stars, many reviewers commenting on how it’s the best kombucha they’ve tasted and how they’re always left wanting more.

You definitely shouldn’t miss out on this opportunity to try one of the best kombucha in the UK. So, follow the link above to check out Jarr’s rich and flavourful brew.

FAQs

kombucha drinks

How Many Kombucha Can I Drink A Day?

With the vast healthy benefits that kombucha provides, it’s no surprise that you might want to consume it each and every day.

However, it’s important to note that since kombucha drinks contain a lot of antioxidants, bacteria, and yeasts, not everyone will have the same reaction.

It’s recommended, therefore, that you try just one cup of kombucha a day to see the effects that it has on your body. It may take a week or two to feel the health benefits it provides, so this may be a good time to gage whether it’s a drink your body can tolerate.

That way, you can gradually increase the amount of kombucha you consume each day to truly maximise the benefits!

How Long Does It Take To Brew Kombucha?

As this article has touched upon, the fermentation time of kombucha can take a while, with most kombucha brewers fermenting their drinks between 7-30 days.

If a mind flavour is what you’re after, it’s encouraged to brew your kombucha for a shorter amount of time. Conversely, if you want a bolder flavour, a longer brew time is recommended.

The longer you brew your kombucha, the more vinegary the brew becomes. This is because the sugar needs time to ferment and this can take a long time.

Moreover, it might be easier for you to purchase your kombucha from your local supermarket, in bars, restaurants or online via the retailers outlined in this article. So, why not consider referring back to this article on the best kombucha in the UK to see which brand is most suited to you?

Are There Any Negative Effects Of Kombucha?

Since there are so many benefits of kombucha, you might be thinking “well, what’s the catch?”

Truthfully, there have been very few reports of drinkers experiencing negative side effects of kombucha.

So, for those whose stomachs can’t quite handle the effects of kombucha, this can result in a feeling of nausea and vomiting. It’s encouraged, therefore, to try kombucha once a day before incorporating numerous glasses into your day.

Moreover, there is also a risk of you experiencing an allergic reaction from an ingredient contained in the drink. For this reason, it is recommended to study the drinks food labels and/or nutritional information online to determine whether the drink contains anything that may cause an allergic reaction to occur.

Ultimately, kombucha is a very healthy drink with a plethora of health benefits. As the age-old philosophy goes, too much of anything can make you sick. So, being mindful of how much you consume and its nutritional content is suggested before drinking.

Before You Go!

So, there we have the best kombucha brands in the UK for you to try! We hope that this article has given you a better knowledge of the process behind making kombucha drinks as well as showing you which brands are best to try.

If you love all things nutrition, why not make it your career by studying a level 4 course in advanced sports nutrition? Or, browse through all of our fitness courses here in our downloadable course prospectus to see how you can pursue a lucrative career in the fitness industry.

The post 19 Best Sports Nutrition Brands to Support Your Workouts appeared first on OriGym Centre of Excellence.

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17 Best Granola Brands For Making A Healthy Breakfast https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/best-granola/ Fri, 29 Oct 2021 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/best-granola/ Finding the best granola can be a struggle, especially in such a diverse market. OriGym's guide explores all the top choices, as well as what you should be looking for in your ideal granola.

The post 17 Best Granola Brands For Making A Healthy Breakfast appeared first on OriGym Centre of Excellence.

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Numerous brands advertise themselves as selling the best granola, but it can be difficult to make an informed decision. Here at OriGym we’ve created a comprehensive guide detailing the best healthy granola brands so that you can make an informed decision of which to opt for. So, let’s get stuck into it! 

Contents

If the right nutrition is something you’re passionate about, though, then turn that enthusiasm into a lucrative career with OriGym’s nutrition course. Or browse our full range of fitness courses by downloading our FREE complete prospectus.

17 Best Granola Brands


#1 – The Original Grain-Free Granola

Price: $8.99 (approx. £6.51)

Kickstarting this list of the best healthy granola brands is Paleonola’s signature Grain-Free range. Made from a blend of nuts, seeds, berries and unsweetened coconut, this is a great option for those wanting a grain-free cereal for breakfast. 

There are a plethora of ways that you can enjoy this granola: 

  1. Simply mix a handful of granola into a bowl of yoghurt with a drizzle of honey
  2. Mix in with porridge and jam 
  3. Use as a topping for pancakes 
  4. Have as a cereal with your choice of milk

With each of these different ways of enhancing your breakfast, you’ll never get bored of Paleonola’s signature granola! The main ingredients are almonds, honey and cranberries which have a range of health benefits. But, what are these benefits? 

Almonds are rich in Vitamin E, magnesium, zinc and potassium and help to support and maintain bodily functions from the inside out. Honey possesses natural energy-boosting properties which is a perfect way to start your day. 

Cranberries are a powerful berry containing high levels of proanthocyanidins (PACS), a chemical compound that gives cranberries antioxidant properties. They also contain high amounts of Vitamin C to support your immune system. 

Paleonola’s range is also non-GMO, low in carbohydrates and has no unrefined sugar, most certainly ranking it as one of the best granola cereals on offer to you. 

#2 – Grandy Oats Original Coconola

Price: $8.99 (approx. £6.51)

Next up, we have a product by Grandy Oats – the Original Coconola!

This option is a coconut-based granola accompanied by cashews, pecans, seeds and coconut chips. Each batch is made in Grandy Oats’ solar-powered bakeries with only organic, fair trade and non-GMO ingredients. If raw and natural granola is what you were after, then this may be the best option for you!

Grandy Oats make their granola by lightly baking the grains and healthy nuts until lightly brown before mixing in the coconut chips for an extra nutty flavour.  Every mouthful promises to provide you with sustained energy to power you through all your adventures, being the ideal way to start your day. 

Now, if you’re on the hunt for the best healthy granola brands on the market, referring to reviews may help you to decide which is best. Over on Grandy Oats’ website, their Original Coconola has an average rating of 5 stars, each reviewer praising the product’s rich and fruity flavour. Reviewers also comment on how filling Grandy Oats’ range is, making it one of the best breakfast options to choose from if you want to feel satisfied until lunchtime. 

Why not give it a go today? You can either opt for a one-time purchase or benefit from a 10% discount with Grandy Oats’ subscription service. Simply select how frequently you want your granola (every month, 2 months or 3) to redeem your discount. 

#3 – Jessica’s Gluten-Free Butterscotch Granola

Price: $41.94 for 8 bags (approx. £30.40)

Jessica’s Natural Foods is an independently run business that specialises in gluten-free granola. Founder and CEO, Jessica, strived to produce a granola brand that was accessible to all, regardless of allergies and intolerances. 

She wanted to create a range of products for others that eliminates the often laborious process of checking hundreds of different labels when shopping. This is where Jessica’s Natural Foods was discovered, and she’s here to share her incredible butterscotch granola with you! 

The gluten-free butterscotch range is a rich, deeply flavourful granola packed with creamy butterscotch pieces, injecting an element of indulgence into your breakfast. Each mouthful promises a wonderful sweetness which you might not get from other healthy cereal bars and brands. 

Each batch is also made with all-natural and non-GMO produce so you can be sure to rely on Jessica’s brand should you want only natural ingredients for your breakfast. 

Every purchase provides 6 bags of gluten-free butterscotch granola along with 2 free products of your choice. Extra flavours include almond cherry, chocolate chip, chocolate hazelnut plus many more. 

This is a fantastic way of filling your kitchen shelves and not worrying about re-purchasing your granola each week. It is also a cost-effective way of purchasing your granola which is a win-win!

#4 – Go Raw Organic Sprouted Bar

Price: $52.99 for a box of 20 (approx. £38.42)

Go Raw’s mission is to help you to eat better, feel great and be the best version of yourself. To achieve this, Go Raw created “the world’s tastiest sprouted seed snacks” so that you feel energised every single day.

In particular, The Pumpkin Seed Sprouted Bar is packed full of wholesome pumpkin and flax seeds to provide a nutty and earthy flavour. Pumpkin seeds are highly nutritious and packed full of antioxidants to support your body from the inside out while flax seeds are high in protein and fibre, providing a great energy boost while supporting digestive functions.

These bars are ideal for a quick breakfast, an ideal paleo-friendly snack to take with you to work or after a workout. Regardless of where your day takes you, Go Raw’s bars are perfect for fuelling your day.

All of Go Raw’s products are minimally processed and made with very few ingredients which, in turn, means no complicated labels to read. As well as this, their products are all non-GMO, gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, vegan and kosher. This alone might be enough to convince you that Go Raw is amongst the best healthy granola brands on the market. 

You can either opt for a box of 10 small-sized bars or a box of 20 larger bars, meaning there’s plenty of choice to suit both budget and tastes.

#5 – Gr8nola Superfood

Price: $10.00 (approx. £7.25)

Gr8nola’s range of Superfood Granola is comfortably among the best granola cereals to have on a cosy autumn morning. 

Containing warm flavours such as cinnamon, honey and almonds, when mixed with yoghurt, milk or fruit is a delicious go-to for boosting your energy levels every day. This is an exciting new take on traditional granola if you’re wanting something a little bit different.

Each mix also comes with digestible ground flaxseeds, a fibre rich superfood and omega-3. Omega-3s are fatty acids that have an array of benefits including supporting your brain functions, bodily processes and reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

All ingredients are also coated with a light layer of coconut oil for added flavour and texture. Coconut oil is a healthy fat that the body needs for fueling the mind and body which is another fantastic reason to begin implementing this range into your morning. 

Finally, Gr8nola’s Superfood is one of the best low sugar granolas on the market. With just 5g of sugar per serving promises to boost your energy while not eating away at your total sugar allowance for the day. It’s hearty, healthy and incredibly delicious – what’s not to love? 

#6 – Eat Natural Gluten-Free Granola

Price: £3.00 (Tesco)

Next on the list of the best granola is UK-based company Eat Natural, who have been supplying cereal products around the world since 1997. 

Chunky, jumbo oats and crunchy buck-wheat are the essences of this gluten-free granola. Eat Natural then add a naturally sweet honey glaze around oats and wheat with a touch of rapeseed oil before slow roasting. 

Each nutty mix is also combined with roasted chickpeas for additional protein with a dash of coconut shreds for extra flavour. A blend of sunflower, pumpkin and linseeds are the final ingredients that make up more than a quarter of the mix.

There are also some fantastic ways of eating this granola for your breakfast. You could have it as cereal by adding milk or natural yoghurt with extra honey, or mix in melted peanut butter and leave it in the fridge to make your very own granola bars to take with you on the move. 

These often make ideal high-protein vegan snacks, and can be a perfect option on a long run or cycle.

Eat Natural’s Gluten-Free range can be purchased at a range of retailers including major supermarkets and health shops. You can also keep your eye out for other Eat Natural products stocked in gym vending machines too, perfect for a natural post-workout snack! 

#7 – MyProtein Granola

Price: £5.49 

If you’re looking for a high protein, low calorie granola then MyProtein has a selection of great flavours to start your day right.

MyProtein believes that fueling your body with protein-rich foods in the morning and after a workout is of the utmost importance. This simple yet flavoursome granola is packed with protein to help to support your training goals, and re-energise you wherever you are. 

There are 3 indulgent flavours for you to choose from, designed to suit all tastes. These include Chocolate, Almond and Honey, and Raspberry and Blackberry. To enjoy, simply mix 40g of granola over 150ml of milk of your choice. Or, sprinkle a handful of granola over some yoghurt with fresh fruit. 

Each 40g serving of their signature Chocolate granola contains the following: 

  • 167 calories
  • 8.4g protein
  • 19g carbohydrates
  • 5.6g fat
  • 3.2g fibre

My Protein’s low calorie granola is a great way of fueling your body with the necessary nutrients to start your day right, while not eating into your daily calorie allowance too much. 

So, follow the link to take advantage of one of the healthiest granolas to have for breakfast or as a post-workout refuel. Make sure to also check out the next option if low calorie granolas are what you’re after for breakfast. 

If you’re looking for more products to help you bulk up your protein intake, check out our list detailing the best cheap whey protein powders.

#8 – Deliciously Ella Original Granola

Price: £4 

Are you on the hunt for the best granola in the UK? Perhaps you’re wanting something made with simple ingredients that has a flavourful twist. If so, Deliciously Ella has a wonderful product that could help you start your morning right. 

Deliciously Ella’s granola started in their very own independent cafe, but since customers loved it so much, the minds’ behind Deliciously Ella thought that you’d like to also enjoy it from home. 

The main components of The Original Granola range are crushed almonds and gluten-free oats. The flavourful twist is thanks to a sprinkle of cinnamon, orange juice, a drizzle of maple syrup, raisins, coconut chips and a healthy range of seeds. 

Each batch is baked to a perfect crunch so that even when milk or yoghurt is added, a soft crisp texture remains. We’d encourage you to try it with oat milk, which provides an extra level of sweetness.

With each serving being 174 calories, this is certainly one of the healthiest granolas on offer to you. This flagship granola also caters for a diverse range of dietary requirements as it is suitable for vegans, vegetarians, kosher and gluten-free. This provides a worry-free experience whenever making your breakfast regardless of your dietary needs. 

Additionally, did you know that Deliciously Ella also has their own app? It contains over 500 recipes waiting to inspire you each meal time. It presents new and exciting ways to use your granola such as for pancakes, waffles, and even smoothies. 

#9 – Bio&Me Low Sugar Granola

Price: £3.70

Bio&Me is the best low sugar granola in the UK. Created by The Gut Health Doctor, an online blogger that discusses the ways that you can take better care of your gut, the blog encompasses everything you need to know about maintaining good gut health using their specially-designed granola. 

The Low Sugar Granola is packed with 15 nutritious ingredients including superfruits, vegetables, wholegrains, legumes, nuts and seeds each of which helps your body to work at its max. This is why Bio&Me’s granola is the perfect breakfast option to best prepare you for the day ahead.

Each 60g serving offers the following nutritional information:

  • 281 calories
  • 2.8g sugar
  • 29.8g carbohydrates
  • 7.7g protein
  • 8.3g fibre
  • 12.7g fat

Consuming a bowl of Bio&Me’s granola with milk, yoghurt or stirred into a fruit smoothie will keep you full and satisfied all the way through till lunch-time, all while being entirely plant-based. 

So, if you wanted to discover the best low sugar granola in the UK, Bio&Me is most certainly one of the best on offer for you and your family to try. 

#10 – Kind Healthy Grains Peanut Butter Clusters

Price: £3.16

Are you looking for a low fat granola that won’t cut into your daily calorie allowance? If so, Kind’s Peanut Butter Clusters won’t disappoint. Containing just 130 calories and 3.5g fat per portion, this is one of the healthiest granolas on offer to you. 

Kind’s Healthy Grains are an artisanal blend of the most natural whole grains and superfoods each hand-picked to give you a range of fantastic health benefits in each mouthful. Each batch is slowly roasted to provide a warm flavour, perfect for a winter morning before your walk to workearthy

The Peanut Clusters are also a great source of protein while also containing 16g of whole grains. But why are both of these important for your body and health? 

Proteins in the body are made up of amino acids that the body needs to build, repair and protect your bones, muscles and skin. Foods that are protein-rich are also great for providing energy. 

Whole grains are naturally fibre-full which helps you to feel satisfied for longer. Fibre also supports your digestive functions. Kind’s range is a great option for those who enjoy cereals for their breakfast but are also mindful of the number on the scales. 

At just 130 calories per serving, this low fat granola is a fantastic option if you’re aiming for a calorie deficit but also want to feel satisfied. It is noteworthy that Kind’s range does contain peanuts, dairy and soy so it is important to be mindful of this before purchasing for those who have food allergies. 

 

#11 – Lizi’s High Protein Granola

Price: £3.70

Lizi have been supplying the best granola to UK customers since 2003. Crafted by true foodies, science enthusiasts and organic farmers, each batch of granola is brought to you with passion and love. 

At Lizi, they believe that you should feel satisfied and fulfilled for all of your endeavours and their High Protein range offers just that!

Containing 13.5g of protein per portion, this is a fantastic way to start your day or to have it as a post-workout snack. This provides a whopping 27% of your daily requirements, helping to contribute towards your muscle maintenance and as part of a balanced, nutritious diet. 

The granola includes a range of grains including oat flakes, bran and barley along with walnuts and almonds. Each mouthful will provide a subtle coconut flavour and a touch of sweet syrup to make your breakfast all the more delicious. 

Lizi offers a range of recommendations of how you can enjoy their granola: with fresh fruit, yoghurt, with milk of your choice or just straight from the packet as a snack. Whatever your preference, Lizi promises to follow through, which is why they’re ranked as one of the best healthy granola brands on the market. 

You can purchase Lizi’s range on their main website or from supermarkets including Ocado, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s. 

#12 – Made Good Crispy Light Granola

Price: £4.52

Want to find the best granola for weight loss? If so, Made Good has a fantastic option for you. 

The Crispy Light Granola contains just 130 calories per snack serving, helping you to maintain a calorie deficit while fueling your body effectively. Each mouthful provides a light, crispy texture even when mixed with low-fat yoghurt or milk, both of which we’d recommend if you’re trying to be mindful of your calorie intake. 

Each serving includes brown rice crisps and gluten-free oats along with unsweetened chocolate chips, making your meals feel all the more indulgent even though they’re low calorie. Every serving will also provide a wealth of vitamins (including essential vitamins for energy) to support and regulate bodily functions. 

For example, Vitamin A helps to support your immune system, B helps the body to break down foods for energy, D regulates the nutrients in your body and E helps to maintain eye and skin health. 

So, as well as opting for a low calorie granola to help support your weight loss journey, you’re also fueling your body with a range of essential vitamins to keep you healthy and well. This product is also vegans, kosher and gluten-free, thus catering for a range of dietary requirements. 

Make sure to also check out the next option if you’re on the hunt for the best granola for weight loss! 

#13 – Troo Super Berry Granola

Price: £3.99

Troo is a food brand that prioritises a healthy gut. Each portion of Troo’s granola contains at least 25% of the daily recommended fibre intake, while still being low in calories. This is perfect if you want to support and maintain bodily functions while also helping you to  lose weight! 

For more products that can help you reach bodily goals, check out our list on the best herbs for weight loss.

Each 35g portion of the Super Berry Granola contains just 157 calories, perfect for adding some yoghurt and fruit without being a calorically dense breakfast option. 

This granola contains a toasty blend of gluten-free oats, seeds and nuts with freeze dried blackberries, blueberries and blackcurrants for added flavour and texture. This also means that every portion is rich in Vitamin C which has a range of benefits on the body. But what do these include? 

Vitamin C firstly helps to support your immune system while also protecting your cells and helps to maintain healthy skin, blood vessels, bones and cartilage. It’s often considered an ideal vitamin to combat tiredness, as well as keeping your energy levels high throughout the day.

The Super Berry Granola is also suitable for vegans, gluten-free and dairy-free that has also been made without additives, preservatives and flavours, making it one of the healthiest granola options on offer to you. 

#14 – Rude Health Low Sugar Granola

Price: £3.50

The best low sugar granola in the UK is Rude Health’s range of almond and hazelnut cereal grains. 

Rude Health believes that granolas shouldn’t be packed full of sugar like so many products often do, which is why they’ve created a low sugar granola range to cater for those who are wanting to have a balanced and nutritious diet. Each serving contains just 1.9g sugar which is 7g less than most mass-market granolas on the market. 

Each pack contains Mediterranean almonds and Turkish hazelnuts, lightly baked with Rude Health’s hearty oats to bring you a satisfying breakfast with a subtle, crunchy texture. It’s also an ideal granola to have with milk that won’t turn into a soggy consistency as other cereals do. 

Rude Health’s recommended preparation for this low sugar granola is to sprinkle it over a bowl of yoghurt with some fresh strawberries – an easy, no-nonsense way to start your morning that will satisfy you through to lunchtime. 

You can purchase Rude Health’s low sugar granola directly from their website or in most supermarkets including Waitrose and Sainsbury’s. Why not give it a go today? 

#15 – Quaker Oat Granola

Price: £2.99

Next up, we have a product by Quaker, who have crafted breakfast foods for everyone around the world since 1877. 

Quaker’s oat granola is made with 100% whole grain oats that are coated in a delicious sweet honey glaze. Each comes with granola clusters for added texture, perfect for adding milk or yoghurt without it turning into an unappetising consistency. 

Moreover, when you combine this golden granola with fresh or dried fruit, and a sprinkle of nuts, you’ll be able to enjoy extra depth to your morning meal. We’d suggest combining this with a cup of beneficial black coffee to kickstart the day.

Quaker is a brand that prides themselves on making products that have 30% less fat compared with other granola brands, making it one of the healthiest granola options for you. This also helps to lower high cholesterol which poses risks of developing coronary heart disease.

Furthermore, opting for a Quaker product for your breakfast means that you’re keeping your body healthy and happy. 

Each 45g serving of the oat granola contains 193 calories, 3.9g of protein and 3.2g of fibre which helps to keep your muscles, bones, skin healthy and digestive functions supported each day. Plus, the healthy 32g of carbohydrates per serving will guarantee to keep you energised and full. 

So, why not opt for one of the best healthy granola brands on the market? Quaker’s ranges can be purchased either online or in all major supermarkets. 

#16 – Cocoa Keto Granola

Price: £6.99

For this next option, we have something a little different to offer you by Keto Hana – their best organic granola. 

Keto Hana is a brand that makes products that are suitable for those leading a keto lifestyle; a high-fat, adequate-protein and low-carbohydrate diet. Many refer to keto diets as a way to lose weight as the body burns fat rather than carbohydrates when in a calorie deficit. 

This Cocoa Keto Granola contains almonds, coconut, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, hazelnuts and cocoa powder to bring you a low carbohydrate breakfast that will still keep you full for hours. Accompanied by your choice of yoghurt or milk is a perfect way to begin your day or as a snack.

Each 30g serving contains 186 calories, 4.5g carbohydrates, 5.8g protein and 16g fat. This is a fantastic breakfast option for you to keep your carbohydrates low and fats high.

Moreover, Keto Hana are very selective about what they put into their products, as they believe that using the most natural ingredients helps to support our bodies from the inside out. They want to provide their customers with products that promote satisfaction and make you feel amazing both physically and mentally. 

So, if you’re wanting to find the best granola for weight loss, why not consider opting for a keto diet to facilitate your weight loss goals? Keto Hana’s Keto Granola can be the best way to start your day each morning. 

#17 – Jordans Super Berry Granola

Price: £4.00 

Finishing up OriGym’s list of the best granola in the UK is a product by Jordans, who have been producing a wide range of healthy cereals and breakfast options since the mid-1800s. 

Jordans Super Berry Granola is made with lightly baked wholegrain oat flakes and freeze dried berries for natural sweetness. The berries include blackcurrants, blueberries and cranberries, each of which are packed full of minerals and vitamins to help support your body each morning. But, what are these and how do they benefit the body? 

Each berry contains a healthy dose of Vitamin C, a vital mineral that helps to support your immune system, muscles, bones and skin while also providing you with an energy boost to start your day right. The berries are also rich in Vitamin K, another essential vitamin that the body needs for blood clotting and helping wounds heal.

As for minerals, each berry contains manganese to assist the body in forming connective tissues and bones while also boosting your metabolism each morning. Finally, they all also contain calcium to build bones and keep your teeth healthy. 

Each serving of Jordans oat berry granola also contains almonds for an extra crunch and just a touch of honey for sweetness. 

Customer reviews comment that Jordans granola range is the perfect way to start the day, keeping you full and satisfied all the way through to your next meal. So, if you’re searching for the best healthy granola brands available to you, you won’t be disappointed with Jordan’s. 

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Benefits Of Eating Granola 

The benefits of eating granola are plentiful, and can revolutionise the way you plan out your daily meals. This section will run through these in more depth and demonstrate how incorporating a bowl of granola into your morning routine can help to keep your body happy, healthy and supported.

#1 – Can Promote Weight Loss

One of the great benefits of fueling your body with granola each morning is that it can help to promote weight loss. It is a light yet filling food that can keep you energised, and fuller for longer. This also reduces the chance of you snacking in between meals and from craving any unhealthy foods which pose risks to you sticking to your diet. 

However, the key point to take from this benefit is that it can promote weight loss. It’s important to refer to a granola brands’ label before incorporating it into your diet. While granola can be a healthy option for your breakfast, some granola brands add unnecessary sugar to a product to make it taste nicer. 

For example, honey, syrups and/or chocolate additives are sometimes added to granola, and these can contribute large amounts of calories to your breakfast. Furthermore, it’s important to study a food’s label before incorporating it into your diet, especially if you are to rely on it to lose weight. 

#2 – Promotes Good Heart Health

A fantastic by-product of opting for granola for breakfast is that it helps to promote good overall cardiovascular health. But, how does it help with this? 

High cholesterol is also associated with the risk of developing Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), a disease that is caused by a build-up of fatty substances in the blood vessels. This means that efficient blood flow is hindered, resulting in an increased risk of heart attacks. According to the British Heart Foundation, CHD affects 7.6 million people in the UK alone. 

Granolas that contain almonds and nuts are also beneficial for the heart. Both are high in omega-3 fatty acids which are good for lowering triglycerides in the blood. Triglycerides are what the body produces when the food you eat isn’t immediately converted into energy and are instead stored as fat. 

Moreover, oats are a good source of beta-glucan, a type of fibre that helps to reduce levels of bad cholesterol in the body. Ultimately, opting for granola for your breakfast can help to promote good heart health which also helps to reduce the risk of developing serious heart diseases such as CHD and the risk of heart attacks. 

#3 – Reduces High Blood Sugar

Did you know that incorporating a bowl of granola into your morning routine can also help to reduce high blood sugar levels in your diet? This is especially beneficial for diabetics who need to monitor their blood sugar levels each day. 

This is because granola is rich in manganese, a mineral that helps to support metabolic functions while also being a blood sugar regulator that can either stimulate or inhibit insulin release. A 2014 study found that those who have high blood manganese levels have a decreased chance of developing Type-2 diabetes. 

This suggests that fueling the body with a granola-rich breakfast helps to reduce sugar spikes and drops in diabetic patients. We’d strongly advise combining this granola with a balanced diet that contains plenty of metabolism-boosting foods to fully see the benefits, though.

However, with reference to the previous point, some granola brands add sugary products, such as honey and syrups to their granola to make it tastier. This may cause harm to diabetics, hence the importance of referring to a food labels to see whether it’s suitable for your diet. 

#4 – Help to Improve Digestion

Another one of the benefits of eating granola for breakfast is that it is a great digestive aid. This is largely thanks to the high fibre content of most granolas.

A high fibre diet can help with bowel movements, making it easier for waste to pass through the digestive tract. It can also stimulate peristaltic motion, whereby the muscles in the intestines soften, thus helping digested food to move easier. 

Moreover, fibre can help alleviate symptoms of constipation which can lead to copious health issues. For example, long-term constipation can lead to haemorrhoids (piles) and bowel incontinence (leakage of stools), as well as stomach cramps and discomfort.

It is imperative, therefore, that you fuel your body with a high fibre breakfast to help prevent experiencing such issues. A fantastic by-product of granola is that it is naturally high in fibre, thus helping to promote healthy digestive functions each day.

#5 – Boosts Antioxidant Levels

A great reason to incorporate a bowl of granola into your morning routine is that it helps to boost antioxidant levels. There are a whole range of ingredients typically found in granola that are rich in antioxidants. These include oats, coconut, chia seeds, nuts and many fruits. So, opting for a granola that contains each can also boost your antioxidant count. 

Antioxidants are substances that help to protect your cells against free radicals. Free radicals are unstable atoms that can damage cells, resulting in you feeling ill, ageing and even exposing the risk of cancer. 

Exposure to direct sunlight, pollution and excessive alcohol consumption and cigarette smoke increase free radical rates in the body, thus posing risks to your health and wellbeing. While the body can deal with some free radicals in the body, it’s always beneficial to fuel your diet with antioxidant-rich foods to keep your body healthy. 

How To Find The Best Granola Brands?

Since this article has run through some of the best granola cereal brands on the market and detailed some fantastic benefits of granola, you may be curious as to how to find the best granola brand for you.

Dietary Requirements

Firstly, studying the granola’s label is the best way to determine whether it’s the right one for you. Should you want granola that is suitable for vegans, vegetarians, kosher or gluten-free, or not contain a certain ingredient due to allergies, studying the label is imperative in determining whether a granola brand is right for you. 

You may also want a granola brand to accommodate other dietary requirements such as being low in calories, low in sugar or high in protein. Again, studying the food’s label is a great way of seeing whether the granola will do what you want it to before purchasing. 

It’s also important to consider more stringent dietary guidelines you might be adhering to. As healthy as many granola brands are, they may not necessarily be low-carb enough to work for a ketogenic diet, or have too high a sugar content for those sticking to a paleo diet. 

If you’re curious about the restrictions each of these plans bring, check out our complete overview of paleo, keto and whole30 diets.

Accessibility

When selecting the right granola brand for you, you might want to consider how accessible it is to purchase the product. 

Some granola brands only operate online, while others have expanded their business out to supermarkets, making it easier for you to make a purchase of your favourite granola when doing the food shop. 

For this reason, you may wish to study the cereal aisle’s shelves of what options there are for you. This will also help you to find the best granola brand for your needs.

Alternatively, if you’re happy to shop online, we’d encourage you to check out the review section to find out further information from those who’ve purchased the product previously. You’ll also be able to conduct your own research into key components of your chosen granola. 

Flavours

There is a diverse range of granola flavours available for you to choose from, as well as those that opt for a more natural, unflavoured flavour profile.

Whether you prefer nutty flavours, granola with fruit, more indulgent chocolate options or just plain and simple, there’s a vast array of options in our list of the best granolas that ensures you’ll be able to find a granola that suits your palette. 

This article also highlights a range of different combinations of flavours to keep your tastebuds satisfied. All that you need to do is try a couple from this list to determine which is your favourite flavour. 

If you’re struggling to decide, we’d suggest opting for a few options so that you can determine your favourite, and then incorporate that into your diet. This then allows you to plot around your breakfast, and plan out meals that include other immunity boosting foods to really reap the benefits.

Price

Perhaps one of the more important factors in choosing the best granola for you is the price, especially if you’re looking to eat healthily but have a tight budget.

If you’re someone who prefers simple granola, then you can expect to find a range of options for a very affordable price. Conversely, if more extravagant flavour combinations are your cup of tea, you may find the granola is a little more expensive.

Additionally, as with some options in this list, some companies only offer bulk purchases on their products meaning numerous units are to be purchased rather than just one.These often function similarly to recipe boxes, in that you’re able to cancel online at any time. This does mean it is a more expensive initial outlay, but potentially cheaper per unit. 

Ultimately, when finding the best granola for you, the price of the product may be the deciding factor in which you go for. When you do choose, consider referring back to our list which includes a range of granolas differing in price to accommodate your budget. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Is The Best Granola Brand?

Now that we’ve cover

ed a spectrum of granola brands available to you, you may be wondering which is the best granola cereal for you. Unfortunately, there’s no single answer – it’s entirely down to your reasons for choosing granola. 

If you’re wanting to lose weight, you may want to consider selecting a granola that is low in calories, fat and sugar. While granola is rich in grains, nuts and fruit, it can also contain high amounts of sugar from added syrups and flavourings. This, in turn, can significantly increase the calorie content per serving, making it more difficult to achieve a calorie deficit. 

If you’re wanting to gain muscle, then you may want to select a granola that is high in protein. Granola can then become a great breakfast, post-workout snack, and even a dessert that can rival a healthy ice cream.

Conversely, you may not be wanting to lose weight or gain muscle mass, meaning you may simply want to find a granola that suits your palette. There’s a whole range of options in this list, including chocolate-flavoured granolas, fruity options and some simpler flavoured granolas. 

Whatever your reasons, this list outlines the best granola cereals on the market for you to make an informed decision of which is the best for your needs. 

Is Granola Healthy?

Granola is typically considered to be a healthy breakfast cereal. With a combination of oats, nuts, seeds and fruit, these are all ingredients that many look for when wanting a healthy, hearty and satisfying breakfast.

However, many granola brands may also add syrups and honey into the granola to make it sweeter which might not be suitable for everyone. For example, diabetics may need to monitor their glucose levels each day, meaning that granola with added sugar may not be a suitable breakfast option. 

Furthermore, it’s important to refer to a food product’s label to identify whether it’s suitable for your type of diet. Some may contain ingredients that you’re allergic to, or have an intolerance of, and therefore might not always be suitable.

Ultimately, granola can be a very healthy breakfast option as the base ingredients are nuts, oats, seeds and fruit, but it does depend on any added extras that are part of the granola brands you choose. 

Which Is The Best Granola For Weight Loss?

Yes – granola can be great for weight loss!

However, with the previous point in mind, it’s important to opt for a healthy granola. While most granola-based products are rich in grains, nuts and fruit, they can also be added with syrups, chocolate chips and flavours which makes them less healthy. 

If you’re wanting to be mindful of your weight, it’s recommended to opt for a low calorie and low sugar granola to help you to achieve a calorie deficit. This is imperative for weight loss to occur, so selecting healthy granola will help with this. 

Consider double checking food labels before purchasing so that you know that you’re selecting a granola that won’t hinder your weight loss efforts.

Before You Go!

Whether you want a low calorie option, granola with high protein or low sugar, this list encompasses a diverse range of different granola brands so that you can make an informed decision of which is best for you and your dietary requirements. 

If you’re already comfortable with your nutritional choices, however, then perhaps a career in nutrition could be your calling. Check out OriGym’s prestigious sports nutrition course to get started, or download our FREE prospectus to learn more about how it could be perfect for you.

References:

  1. Koh, E., Kim, S., Yoon, H., Chung, J., Chung, S., Park, C., Chang, Y. and Shin, S., 2014. Association of blood manganese level with diabetes and renal dysfunction: a cross-sectional study of the Korean general population. BMC Endocrine Disorders, 14(1).

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