Protein powder is concentrated dietary protein in a convenient form — a way to top up the amino acids the body uses to build and repair muscle, skin, enzymes and hormones when whole food alone doesn't reach the mark. What separates one tub from the next isn't the flavour on the front but two things underneath: the source the protein is drawn from, and how completely the body can actually use it. Our protein powder collection brings together whey, pea and fermented plant proteins, collagen peptides and single-ingredient training aids, so you can match the source to the goal rather than choosing on taste alone.

How protein is judged — completeness and the leucine trigger

All protein is broken down into amino acids, nine of which are essential, meaning the body cannot make them and has to get them from food. A protein is called complete when it supplies all nine in useful amounts — and this is the single most important idea when comparing powders. Whey, a dairy protein, is complete and unusually rich in the branched-chain amino acid leucine, which acts as the switch that signals the body to begin building muscle protein. Most single plant proteins fall a little short in one or two essentials — pea is lower in methionine, rice in lysine — which is why well-made plant powders blend their sources, each covering the other's gap to reach a complete profile.

What to look for — the forms we stock

• Whey concentrate (WPC) vs isolate (WPI). Both come from milk; the difference is filtration. Concentrate is around 70–80% protein and keeps a little of the naturally occurring fats and lactose. Isolate is filtered further to roughly 90% protein with most of the lactose removed, which makes it lighter, faster-digesting and gentler for those sensitive to dairy sugar. Concentrate offers broader value; isolate suits lactose sensitivity and a lean macro count.
• Pea and blended plant protein. A dairy-free, vegan option. Pea isolate is a solid base, and multi-source vegan blends combine it with other plant proteins to round out the amino acid profile toward complete.
• Fermented and sprouted plant protein. Some plant powders are sprouted or fermented before processing — a step that begins breaking the protein down and helps reduce the compounds that can make legumes and grains harder to digest, so more of the protein is absorbed comfortably.
• Collagen peptides. A structural protein for skin, joints and connective tissue rather than a muscle-building complete protein — its amino acid profile is deliberately different. See our Collagen range for the detail.
• Single-ingredient training aids. Alongside the proteins sit creatine, glutamine and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) — targeted, single actives for recovery and training support rather than a meal-replacing protein. See Amino Acids.

Who may benefit

Active people supporting recovery and lean muscle, those raising a daily protein target that food alone doesn't meet, plant-based eaters wanting a complete amino acid source, older adults maintaining muscle, and anyone using a shake as a convenient balanced snack. Protein contributes to the normal growth and maintenance of muscle and to the upkeep of bones.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between whey concentrate and whey isolate?
Filtration. Concentrate (WPC) is around 70–80% protein and retains small amounts of fat and lactose; isolate (WPI) is filtered further to about 90% protein with most lactose removed, making it leaner, faster-digesting and better tolerated by those sensitive to dairy sugar. For most people concentrate is the value option and isolate the choice where lactose or macros matter.

Is plant protein as good as whey?
It can be. Whey is naturally complete and high in leucine, so it's a strong single source. A single plant protein is often short in one or two essential amino acids, but a well-formulated blend that combines sources reaches a complete profile — the key is choosing a blend rather than relying on one plant alone.

Does collagen powder build muscle?
Not in the way whey or a complete plant blend does. Collagen has a different amino acid profile aimed at skin, joints and connective tissue, and is low in one of the essential amino acids for muscle building. Use it for structural support, and a complete protein for training and muscle maintenance.

Explore related ranges in our Sports Nutrition, Collagen, Amino Acids and Weight Management collections.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, take medication or have a medical condition, talk to your healthcare professional.