Meet the winners of this year's Women's Health Sports Nutrition Awards
As you sketch out your fitness goals for the year ahead, we know that you know your success primarily hinges on your dedication to showing up for yourself – be it for chilly morning runs or squat rack sessions after a working day. But supporting your training with nutrition matters, too. And while whole foods are the foundation of proper fitness fuel, discerningly chosen supplements and snacks can be genuine performance difference-makers.
Anyone who exercises – and sweats – a lot is well aware of the importance of not just hydrating by drinking water regularly but replenishing your electrolytes and refuelling correctly with protein-rich meals and, when needed, supplements. But with so many products to choose from – each featuring long lists of unfamiliar ingredients – those new to protein powders, gels or energy drinks might find it hard to know which is the right one for them.
Here at Women’s Health, we know how overwhelming the sports nutrition aisle – and its many digital equivalents – can be. It’s why we’re constantly trying new releases and testing out shakes, powders, tablets and chews to bring you our annual edit of the best sports nutrition products money can buy.
Here, you’ll find a list of hand-selected products that our editors actually use to fuel their training, day in, day out. These are products we rate for how they make a noticeable difference to how our bodies feel and recover. Here’s hoping they elevate your 2025 fitness game, too.
A note on the Informed Sport accreditation
Nutrition products with the Informed-Sport logos signify that the product has undergone rigorous testing and is approved for athlete use. Sophie Mackintosh, sports nutritionist at Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, works with the club’s women’s first team and says that any sports nutrition products used by the players must bear the Informed-Sport seal of approval.
‘We have to make sure that all of the supplements we give players – whether that’s vitamins, electrolytes or protein powder – are batch-tested to make sure there’s no trace of any kind of banned substance that might come up in an anti-doping test.’
Of course, for mere mortals not competing in the Olympics or playing for a professional football team, the Informed Sport badge isn’t nearly as important. But for those looking to compete at a high level, it’s worth making sure you choose products that are Informed-Sport tested.
How we tested
During the testing process, we looked at how much protein each powder offered per serving, and compared flavour, ease of use, cost per serving and added nutritional benefits.
We tried various protein bars both pre- and post-workout, after training in the gym and tempo run sessions and mid-way through long cycle rides out on the bike, to see which ones delivered on taste, high protein and low sugar.
We also tested electrolyte tablets and energy drinks, looking at how well the tabs dissolve in water, taste and how hydrated we felt. Between our four judges, we’ve completed hundreds of long-distance events–so we know what to look for, and what to avoid, in an energy product.
Meet the judges
The triathlete
Alice Barraclough, nutrition editor
The runner
Jess O'Donnell, e-commerce editor
The strength trainer
Amanda Ngonyama, WH Collective trainer
The yogini
Priyankaa Joshi, health and wellbeing writer
Best whey protein powders
Impact Whey Protein Powder
My favourite budget-friendly protein powder just so happens to be MyProtein’s bestseller, so clearly I’m not the first person to call themselves a fan of the supplement. With 20g of protein per serving and 40 flavours to choose from, this powder is a crowd-pleaser. I’ve tried a few of the flavours, but I always come back to my number one: chocolate peanut butter. JOD
Calories: 111, protein: 20g, carbs: 3.2g, fat: 1.8g
Informed Sport certified? No
Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder
There’s a reason Optimum Nutrition is the world’s bestselling whey protein: it works. I’m pretty picky when it comes to a post-gym shake (I don’t like protein powder mixed with just water; it has to be milk), but this, in double-rich chocolate, is the only one I’ve tried that passes the water taste test. Plus, it delivers 24g protein per serving to support muscle growth. Win-win. AB
Calories: 116, protein: 24g, carbs: 1.6g, fat: 1.4g,
Informed Sport certified? Yes
£14.99 at optimumnutrition.com
Blue Lab Whey Protein Powder
Enjoyably creamy and super smooth, USN’s chocolate caramel whey protein powder is one of my go-tos post-strength training. With up to 25g of protein per scoop, this gourmet powder is designed for consumption at any time of the day, offering tremendous consistency and providing prompt-release protein for my post-workoutgains, pre-workout pump or even a late-night snack. AN
Calories: 126, protein: 24g, carbs: 2.3g, fat: 1,8g
Informed Sport certified? No
Best vegan protein powders
Vegan Protein Blend
One scoop of this powder – which has been specifically designed with women in mind – contains 20g of protein along with a healthy dose of Peruvian maca, ginseng, iron and magnesium to support hormone regulation and boost energy levels. It dissolves well in water, but it’s best whizzed up with a frozen banana. The vanilla flavour is mellow, fruity and hits the perfect level of sweetness. PJ
Calories: 101, protein: 20g,carbs: 3.8g, fat: 2.2g
Informed Sport certified? No
Vegan Protein
Throwing in a whopping 25g of plant-based protein, Protein Works has created an affordable, mouth-watering powder that not onlyaids my muscle recovery but also tastes delicious. The chocolate Bueno flavour tastes just like a Kinder Bueno – one of my favourite childhood chocolate bars – and eliminates feelings of sluggishness, tiredness or fatigue during my workouts. AN
Calories: 109, protein: 25g, carbs: 2.2g, fat: 0.4g
Informed Sport certified? No
Performance Protein
When my stomach acts up, I try to steer clear of most protein powders, but this one from Form gets a free pass. As someone whose digestion can be sensitive, I find the vegan formula (with 30g protein from pea, pumpkin seed and brown rice) gentle on my tummy. I like the chocolate peanut flavour, and mix it into my overnight oats to help keep me full until lunch. JOD
Calories: 154, protein: 30g, sugar: 0.1g, carbs: 2g, fat: 2.9g,
Informed Sport certified? Yes
Best energy gels
Gel 100
If, like me, you find sweet gels overwhelming, you’ll appreciate the neutral flavour of this one. The thick, jelly-like consistency also means you’ll avoid a mid-race mess. Each sachet contains just six simple ingredients – essential water, sugars and minerals – and no unnecessary chemicals. The only downside is they’re on the expensive end of the scale, but if it’s good enough for Sir Mo Farah... PJ
Calories: 100, carbs: 25g, sugar: 25g, salt: 0.05g
Informed Sport certified? Yes
Beta Fuel Gels
These gels were invaluable during my London Marathon training. After weeks of me hitting the wall on my long runs, my nutritionist advised taking a Beta Fuel gel every 45 minutes, and it worked. The maltodextrin to fructose ratio is 1:0.8 of 40g of carbohydrates, helping your body use carbs more efficiently and boosting endurance. They’re gentle on my stomach, too. JOD
Calories: 158, protein: 0g, sugar: 19g, carbs: 40g, fat: 0g, salt: 0.03g
Informed Sport certified? Yes
Energy Gel Aqua
If you’re not a fan of the gloopy texture of a Maurten gel, or the powerful, sticky flavour of an SiS gel, then I recommend trying one of High5’s energy aqua gels. They’re more like a sports drink than a syrupy gel, and I’ve used them to power through many a half marathon. The berry flavour is my personal fave, but the orange is also great, as they’re made using real fruit. No artificial sweeteners or colourings here! AB
Calories: 95, protein: 0g, carbs: 23g, fat: 0g, salt: 0.07g
Informed Sport certified? No
Best protein bars
SiS Protein20 Bar
It’s difficult to find a vegan protein bar that contains 21g of the muscle-building macro, but SiS has managed to achieve the impossible. The salted caramel flavour is incredibly moreish and, thanks to its high fat content and dense texture, it makes for a satisfying post-gym treat or on-the-go snack. PJ
Calories: 249, protein: 21g, carbs: 21g, fat: 13g, salt 0.32g
Informed Sport certified? Yes
Barebells bar
I’ve been a fan of Barebells bars for quite a long time – they don’t have the chalky, fake-chocolate taste of so many protein bars. One of the brand’s latest flavours – Coco Choco – has quickly become my favourite. With a chocolate coating on the outside and a soft, chewy coconut centre, it’s almost like eating a Bounty bar – only with 16g of protein and no added sugar. AB
Calories: 217, protein: 16g, carbs: 20g, fat: 11g, salt: 0.21g
Informed Sport certified? No
Protein bar
This Oreo-flavoured snack is just one of 13 delightful flavours in the popular Grenade collection. Complete with a biscuit layer and a smooth chocolate coating, it offers the perfect level of sweetness and a satisfying crumbly texture. And, for the ultimate no-brainer, it’s low in sugar, packs 20g of protein and is an easy option for when I’m on the go, whether it be a training day, active recovery or rest day. AN
Calories: 233, protein: 21g, carbs: 20g, fat: 10g, salt: 0.35g
Informed Sport certified? Yes
Best energy drinks
Performance Energy Drink
Short of time to scoop, shake or stir? I’ve got you! The refreshing, fruity C4 energy drink jump-starts my workouts and is ideal for guzzling en route to the gym (the US-only Skittles flavour is my fave, with the Millions options a close runner-up for the UK). Its intense caffeine hit (160mg per can) makes me feel unstoppable. It helps me push harder through my workout, initially spiking my energy, alertness and ability to focus. AN
Calories: 19, protein: 0g, carbs: 0g, fat: 0g, salt: 0g
Informed Sport certified? No
Natural Energy Drink
I’ll be honest, I’m not a huge fan of traditional energy drinks. But Tenzing is my go-to when I need a natural pre-workout boost. One can contains 106mg of caffeine from green tea and green coffee, as well as vitamin C and electrolytes from corn, fruit juices and Himalayan rock salt. I love the fruity flavour and the carbonation levels are spot on. Plus, they’re B Corp certified and transparent about their carbon footprint. PJ
Calories: 48, carbs: 11.25g, protein: 0g, fat: 0g, salt: 0.25g
Informed Sport certified? No
Drink Mix 160
This isn’t a typical energy drink – there’s no caffeine and it’s high in carbs – but I turn to it again and again when heading out on a long bike ride. Maurten is known for revolutionising the sports fuel industry and this drink mix is no different – it’s easy on the stomach, it maximises carbohydrate availability and it’s trusted by elite athletes worldwide. Ideal for long endurance training sessions or races. AB
Calories: 160, carbs: 39g, protein: 0g, fat: 0g, salt: 0.4g
Informed Sport certified? Yes
Best electrolytes
Hydro Tablets
As a very sweaty person who’s no stranger to a long run, I’ve tried my fair share of hydration tablets. Some are overly sweet, others far too salty. But I find that the Hydro Tablets from SiS nail it. The effervescent tablet dissolves in 500ml of water, and the sodium concentration is scientifically proven to produce superior hydration than water alone. The pineapple and mango flavour is my go-to. JOD
Calories: 7, protein: <0.5g, sugar: <0.5g, carbs: 0.7g, fat: <0.5g, salt: 0.87g
Informed Sport certified? Yes
Zero Electrolyte Hydration Tablets
If you’re a heavy or very salty sweater, like I am, you’ll know that water alone doesn’t cut it when it comes to hydration. When the temperature rises, I pre-load with an electrolyte and take a bottle with a dissolved tablet with me. High5’s pink grapefruit sugar-free electrolyte tabs are my favourites – they’re mild in flavour, quench my thirst, reduce my fatigue levels and enhance my endurance. AB
Calories: 1.7, protein: 0g, carbs: 0g, fat 0g, salt: 0.26g
Informed Sport certified? No
Hydro Electrolyte Tablets
Whether I need to bounce back after a tough session, I’m travelling or I’m just feeling a bit ropey, these tabs help to get me on the road to recovery. They’re packed with key electrolytes, including sodium, potassium and magnesium, and seven essential vitamins. They dissolve well and the mouthfeel is pleasantly fizzy. PJ
Calories: 9, protein: 0g, carbs: 0.5g, fat: 0g, salt: 0.63g
Informed Sport certified? Yes
WH loves
Perform
This female-founded brand is box fresh (it launched earlier this month), but after trying an early sample of Perform after my morning runs, I’m already putting in my next order. Both products – Perform and Nourish – are plant-based, free from sweeteners and bulking agents and specifically designed with the female body in mind. Nikki Osman, editor
Calories: 165, protein: 20g, carbs: 10g, fat: 2.3g, salt: 0.06g.
Informed Sport certified? No
Black EditionSalted Caramel flavour
Huel is my go-to high-protein breakfast on office days when the chaos of family life means I barely have time to get myself dressed, let alone make breakfast. I whizz up a shake knowing it contains everything I need for a complete meal.I love the taste, too.Claire Sanderson, editor-in-chief
Calories: 400, protein: 40g, carbs: 18g, fat: 17g, salt: 1.2g.
Informed Sport certified? No
Read next
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