Which protein powder gives you the most value per scoop?

Building muscle doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune on supplements. In fact, some of the best protein powders in the UK cost under £30 — the key is knowing which ones actually deliver the most protein for your money.

For this guide, we compared top brands like Optimum Nutrition, Per4m, Mutant, and Applied Nutrition to see which powders give you the best protein-per-pound ratio, taste, and performance.

What to Look For in a Budget Protein Powder

When choosing a protein under £30, here’s what beginners and budget-conscious buyers should consider:

• Protein per serving: Aim for 20–25g per scoop.

• Protein per £ spent: How much protein are you really getting for your money?

• Macros: Low sugar & fat if cutting; slightly higher carbs/fat are fine if bulking.

• Flavour & mixability: If it doesn’t taste good, you won’t stick with it.

• Extra benefits: Some include collagen, added vitamins, or digestive enzymes.

Best Protein Powders Under £30 (UK 2025)

1. Optimum Nutrition Clear Whey + Collagen – £19.99

Light, fruity, and refreshing — this is a protein shake you can sip like juice.

• 20g protein per serving (10g whey isolate + 10g collagen peptides)

• Zero fat, low sugar – great for lean goals

• Added Vitamin C & D for collagen synthesis & joint support

• Perfect alternative if you don’t like thick, milky shakes

👉 Best For: Beginners or lean muscle goals where joint support & light texture matter.

2. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey – £29.99

The world’s most trusted whey protein, sitting right under the £30 mark.

• 24g protein per scoop from isolate, concentrate & hydrolysate

• 5.5g BCAAs + 4g glutamine for recovery

• Just 1.4g fat & 0.7g sugar

• Smooth mixability with consistently good flavours

👉 Best For: Anyone who wants a proven, all-round protein with decades of results behind it.

3. Per4m Whey Protein – £27.99

One of the UK’s favourite proteins thanks to its flavour range.

• 21g protein per scoop

• Balanced macros: 3.5g carbs, 0.9g fat

• Huge flavour selection (Chocolate Brownie, Cookies & Cream, Strawberries & Cream, and more)

👉 Best For: Beginners who want tasty everyday shakes and plenty of variety.

4. Applied Nutrition Critical Plant Protein – £29.99

A plant-based protein that competes with whey on taste and performance.

• ~22g protein per serving (soy, pea & rice blend)

• 1.8kg tub – best protein-per-£ value here

• Dairy-free, lactose-free, vegan-friendly

• Smooth digestion compared to many plant proteins

👉 Best For: Vegans or anyone who struggles with whey digestion and wants maximum value.

5. Mutant Whey (908g) – £29.99

The original 5-stage whey blend, developed to fuel long-lasting gains.

• 22g protein per scoop

• Unique multi-stage absorption for staggered release

• 5g carbs + 3g fat – slightly higher calorie profile

• Indulgent, dessert-like flavours

👉 Best For: Lifters who want a thicker, creamier shake and extra calories for bulking.

Quick Comparison: Best Proteins Under £30

Final Verdict: Best Protein Under £30

• Best Value (Protein per £): 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

Finding a great protein powder doesn’t mean overspending. These five options prove you can get quality, flavour, and performance for under £30.

• Choose Applied Nutrition Plant if you want the most grams of protein per £.

• Pick ON Gold Standard Whey if you want a trusted all-rounder.

• Go for Mutant Whey if you love dessert-style shakes.

👉 No matter your goal — lean, bulk, or plant-based — there’s a budget-friendly protein here to support your training.