Written by Rachel Orriss | Last updated July 2026 | 5 min read
Protein Powder UK 2026 — How to Choose and What to Look For
Protein powder is one of the most widely used supplements in the UK, but the market is crowded and confusing. This guide covers the key differences between protein types, what to look for on the label, and how Herbalife Protein Drink Mix compares.
Quick answer: For most people using protein powder to support weight loss or general health, a blended protein providing 20–25g protein per serving at under 150 calories is the practical target. Herbalife Protein Drink Mix (PDM) provides approximately 15g protein per serving at around 60–70 calories — designed to be added to a Formula 1 shake rather than used alone, giving a combined 33–35g protein per meal.
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Types of protein powder explained
Whey protein
Fast-absorbing dairy-based protein. High in leucine, which stimulates muscle protein synthesis. Best taken around workouts. Not suitable for dairy-free or vegan diets. The most widely available and typically the cheapest per gram of protein.
Casein protein
Slow-digesting dairy protein. Releases amino acids over several hours, making it useful before sleep or between meals. Less commonly sold as a standalone product in the UK but often included in blended proteins.
Blended proteins
A mix of whey, casein, and sometimes plant proteins. Provides both fast and slow protein release. Herbalife PDM uses a soy and whey blend, which provides a sustained amino acid profile suitable for use as a meal addition rather than a post-workout shake.
Plant proteins
Pea, rice, hemp, and soy proteins. Suitable for vegan and dairy-free diets. Pea protein is the most complete plant protein and the most widely used. Typically lower in leucine than whey, which means slightly less effective for muscle building per gram, but adequate for general health and weight management.
What to look for on the label
| Criteria | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Protein per serving | At least 20g for a standalone shake; 15g+ if used as an addition to a meal replacement |
| Calories per serving | Under 150 kcal for weight loss; 200–300 kcal if used as a meal |
| Sugar content | Under 5g per serving — many flavoured proteins contain significant added sugar |
| Artificial sweeteners | Common in low-sugar proteins — check if you are sensitive to sucralose or acesulfame K |
| Protein source | Whey for post-workout; blended or casein for between meals; plant protein for dairy-free |
How Herbalife PDM fits in
Herbalife Protein Drink Mix is not a standalone protein shake — it is designed to be added to a Formula 1 shake to increase the protein content of the meal. Two scoops of PDM added to a Formula 1 shake brings the total protein to approximately 33–35g per serving, which is a substantial meal-level protein intake.
Used this way, it is more comparable to a high-protein meal replacement than a traditional protein powder. At £30.96 for 588g with approximately 40 servings, the cost per serving is around £0.77 — reasonable for the protein content when used as an addition rather than a standalone product.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best protein powder for weight loss in the UK?
For weight loss, look for a protein powder providing at least 20g protein per serving at under 150 calories, with low sugar content. Whey protein is the most widely available and cost-effective option. For a combined meal replacement and protein approach, Herbalife Formula 1 with PDM provides approximately 33–35g protein at around 280–300 calories.
What is the difference between whey and casein protein?
Whey is fast-absorbing and best taken around workouts. Casein is slow-digesting and better suited to between meals or before sleep. Most blended proteins contain both.
Is Herbalife Protein Drink Mix a protein powder?
It is a protein supplement designed to be added to a Formula 1 shake rather than used as a standalone protein powder. It provides approximately 15g protein per serving at around 60–70 calories.
