Best Protein Powders On A Budget in the UK (2025)
Which supplement gives you the most protein per pound/scoop?
If you’re training on a budget, you don’t have to sacrifice quality. The UK market is packed with protein powders under £30 — but which one actually gives the best protein content for your money?
We compared some of the UK’s most popular brands, including Optimum Nutrition, Per4m, Mutant, and Applied Nutrition, to find out which delivers the most protein per pound, scoop, and serving.
Quick Comparison: Protein Powders Under £30
Here’s a breakdown of the top picks so you can see protein per serving, value for money, and calories at a glance.
| Product | Price | Protein (per serving) | Cost per 1g Protein | Calories | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ON Clear Whey + Collagen | £19.99 | 20g | ~£0.05 | Very low | Lean muscle + joint health |
| ON Gold Standard Whey | £29.99 | 24g | ~£0.04 | 120 | Overall recovery & growth |
| Per4m Whey | £27.99 | 21g | ~£0.04 | 110 | Everyday use + flavour choice |
| Applied Nutrition Plant | £29.99 | 22g | ~£0.03 | 110 | Vegan / lactose-free option |
| Mutant Whey | £29.99 | 22g | ~£0.04 | 140 | Bulking + taste variety |
Best Protein Powders Under £30 (UK 2025)
1. Optimum Nutrition Clear Whey + Collagen – £19.99
Light, fruity, and refreshing — this is not your typical heavy shake. Each serving packs:
20g protein (10g whey isolate + 10g collagen peptides)
Zero fat, low sugar, 0.1g salt
Added Vitamin C & D for joint support and collagen synthesis
Why choose it?
✅ Great for lean goals
✅ Supports recovery + joint health
Small tub (240g), higher cost per 100g
Best for: Lean muscle & active lifestyles needing joint support.
2. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey – £29.99
The UK’s most popular whey for a reason. Each serving delivers:
24g protein from isolate, concentrate & hydrolysate
5.5g BCAAs + 4g glutamine
Just 1.4g fat & 0.7g sugar
Why choose it?
✅ High-quality blend, proven formula
✅ Mixes smooth with great taste
Right at the £30 budget limit
Best for: Overall muscle growth & recovery.
3. Per4m Whey Protein – £27.99
Known for its huge flavour range, this UK favourite offers:
21g protein per scoop
Low fat (0.9g) and moderate carbs (3.5g)
Wide choice of flavours to keep things fresh
Why choose it?
✅ Excellent taste & flavour variety
✅ Good balance of macros
Slightly more carbs than ON Gold Standard
Best for: Everyday use with lots of flavour choice.
4. Applied Nutrition Critical Plant Protein – £29.99
A complete vegan protein blend (soy, pea, rice) with:
~22g protein per serving
Huge 1.8kg tub (best cost per protein gram)
Dairy-free, lactose-free, easy on digestion
Why choose it?
✅ Best protein-to-price ratio here
✅ Vegan-friendly, clean ingredients
Texture/taste slightly different to whey
Best for: Plant-based athletes or anyone avoiding dairy.
5. Mutant Whey – £29.99
The legendary 5-stage whey protein blend, developed over 28 months:
22g protein per scoop
5g carbs + 3g fat (higher calorie profile)
Designed for slower & faster release absorption
Why choose it?
✅ Amazing flavours (dessert-like shakes)
✅ Suited for bulking & muscle mass
Higher calorie, not ideal if cutting
Best for: Bulking & flavour fans.
Final Verdict: Which Protein Wins?
💸 Best Value per Gram: Applied Nutrition Critical Plant Protein
Best Overall Whey: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey
Best Tasting: Mutant Whey
Best Lean Option: ON Clear Whey + Collagen
Best Flavour Variety: Per4m Whey
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the best protein powders under £30 in the UK, these five are unbeatable for value, taste, and results.
Choose Applied Nutrition Plant if you want maximum protein per £.
Go for ON Gold Standard Whey if you want the most trusted all-rounder.
Pick Mutant Whey if you want indulgent flavours for bulking.
👉 No matter your goal — lean, bulk, or plant-based — there’s a budget-friendly option here to fuel your gains.
