I’VE been a regular at the gym for over 15 years, and tested more wellness and protein products than I can count — with some hits, and many misses.
With an active schedule and a commitment to performance-based nutrition, I’m always on the lookout for supplements to include in my wellness regimen.
Recently, I set my sights on Protein Works, a brand gathering serious momentum in the sports nutrition space.
Whether it’s the clear collagen, advanced hydration blend or high-flavour protein powders, each product promises to support recovery and boost performance.
The brand also boldly claims to have “the best shakes on the planet”, so naturally, I had to put them to the test.
I tested out Six Protein Works products over the course of a few weeksCredit: Supplied
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How I tested Protein Works
Over the past few weeks, I’ve trialled six of Protein Works’ bestsellers to see how they held up during Hyrox (my current fitness obsession) prep, post-gym recovery and everyday convenience.
From taste to texture, mixability to macros, I looked at whether these functional formulas are truly worth the shelf space.
To really see what these products were made of, I used them across different points in my fitness routine.
I tested protein powders both as traditional shakes and as mix-ins for things like overnight oats or post-training smoothies. I assessed how they mixed, how full or energised I felt after drinking them and whether they left me bloated or heavy.
With the greens and hydration blends, I paid close attention to flavour, how easily they dissolved, and whether they made a difference to my hydration and overall feeling throughout the day. Some went into smoothies, some were taken on their own.
I also considered value for money, packaging and, importantly, whether I’d buy and use Protein Works regularly as part of my training diet.
Protein Works Genesis Hydration Drink review
I was sceptical about the “next-gen” claims of this product but it pleasantly surprised meCredit: Supplied
Genesis Advanced Hydration (makes 30 shakes), £31.99 £19.99
Pros: Natural sweet flavour, easy to drink, doesn’t feel heavy, sugar-free and vegan-friendly, boosts energy, gentle on the stomach
Cons: Needs vigorous shaking, not fizzy like tablets
Rating: 9/10
I’ve used plenty of electrolyte products over the years, from basic hydration tablets to souped-up pre-workout mixes, so I’m always a little sceptical when something claims to be “next-gen”.
However, the Genesis Hydration Drink pleasantly surprised me.
First off, Berry Burst is a win. It’s sweet but not sickly and has a subtle natural flavour that doesn’t leave a weird aftertaste like some cheaper powders.
It reminded me more of a light juice than a supplement, which made it a lot more drinkable during long training sessions.
Unlike electrolyte tablets that dissolve slowly by themselves, Genesis comes as a powder and needs a proper shake. That said, it mixes pretty easily after a vigorous shake and doesn’t foam up or clump.
I appreciated that it didn’t leave me feeling overly full, which is important if you’re using it before an intense training session.
Plus, it’s sugar-free, vegan-friendly, and contains a solid mix of electrolytes, B-vitamins and coconut water powder, providing more bang for your buck than your standard hydration tab.
After a few days of using this before morning training, I noticed improved energy levels and less of the afternoon fog I sometimes get after a heavy session.
It also didn’t upset my stomach, which I can’t say for all hydration supplements.
If you’re training hard, especially in warmer weather, Genesis is a great choice.
Just don’t expect a fizzy tablet-style experience; this is more performance-focused than lifestyle hydration.
Protein Works Whey Protein 360 Extreme review
This is easily one of the best-tasting protein powders I’ve triedCredit: Supplied
Whey Protein 360 Extreme (makes 17 shakes), £36.99 £17.49
Pros: Great taste, smooth texture, versatile for shakes and oats, excellent macros, high protein but low sugar, easy on the stomach, aids recovery
Cons: May be too sweet for some
Rating: 9.5/10
Next up was Protein Works’ Whey Protein 360 Extreme in White Choc Bueno — and… wow.
As someone who’s taste-tested a truckload worth of protein powders, this one stands out not just in terms of flavour but in overall usability.
Let’s start with the obvious: the taste. This really is one of the best-tasting protein powders I’ve ever tried.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth or a soft spot for the hazelnut and white chocolate combo of a Kinder Bueno, you’ll be obsessed.
The flavour is rich without being too artificial and blends smoothly into shakes or oats without leaving that dreaded whey aftertaste.
Where this product shines is in its versatility. I used it both as a post-gym shake and as a mix-in for overnight oats, and the results were delicious across the board.
It mixes beautifully with water or milk (oat milk in my case), with no lumps or gritty texture to speak of, which is more than I can say for many similarly flavoured proteins on the market.
Nutritionally, it punches above its weight, too.
The macros are excellent — it’s higher in protein and lower in sugar than other dessert-inspired blends I’ve used in the past.
Each serving delivers around 23g of protein with just over 100 calories, depending on how you mix it. This makes it an ideal choice if you’re trying to stay lean while still hitting your protein goals.
In terms of performance, I found it to be a great post-training option. It didn’t leave me bloated or overly full, and thanks to the added digestive enzymes and premium protein blend, it was easy on the stomach and helped me feel recovered and ready for the next session.
All in all, if you’re looking for a tasty protein powder that doesn’t compromise on quality or macros, 360 Extreme in White Choc Bueno is one to beat.
Whether you’re bulking, cutting or just maintaining, it’s an easy addition to your routine — and it doubles as a dessert hack too.
Collagen Whey Protein
Although it’s slightly lower in protein than I’d like, I love the natural flavour of this collagen proteinCredit: Supplied
Collagen Whey Protein (makes 15 shakes), £25.99 £15.59 with code COLLAGEN
Pros: Light and natural flavour, smooth texture, blends well in shakes and oats, lower calories, added collagen for joint and skin health
Cons: Slightly lower protein per serving than others I tested
Rating: 8.5/10
Collagen has been on my radar more and more recently — not just for its benefits to skin and joints, but as a solid recovery tool for high-intensity training.
So I was really keen to try Protein Works’ Collagen Whey Protein in Strawberries ‘n’ Cream to see how it stacked up compared to typical whey protein powders.
First impressions? It’s delicious. The flavour is light and creamy with a natural strawberry profile — think more strawberries and yoghurt than candy-sweet strawberry milkshake.
It’s refreshing and feels a little less rich than the Bueno-inspired Whey 360, which made it perfect for days when I didn’t want something super indulgent.
Texture-wise, it mixes just as well as the Whey 360. A quick shake with either water or oat milk was enough to create a silky smooth shake without any foaming or gritty residue at the bottom.
I also tested it in oats, and it blended in seamlessly with no weird aftertaste or overpowering scent, which can sometimes happen with berry-flavoured proteins.
Nutritionally, this one is a bit lighter than the Whey 360, with slightly fewer calories and less protein per serving (around 20g).
That said, it’s formulated with added collagen, which provides additional benefits for joint health and skin elasticity — a huge plus if, like me, you’re clocking up heavy training sessions or long runs and need that extra support for recovery.
While this wouldn’t necessarily be my go-to for serious bulking due to the slightly lower protein count, it’s a fantastic option for recovery, especially when you want a tasty shake with fewer calories.
Protein Works Vegan Protein Extreme review
The flavour wasn’t standout, but this is still one of the best vegan protein powders I’ve testedCredit: Supplied
Vegan Protein Extreme (makes 14 shakes), £27.99 £10.59
Pros: Smooth vanilla flavour, no chalky aftertaste, excellent protein-to-calorie ratio, complete amino acid profile, high in fibre, added vitamins and minerals, gentle on digestion
Cons: Flavour is pleasant but not standout
Rating: 8/10
I’ve tried more plant-based proteins than I can count, and been disappointed more often than not.
So I’ll admit my expectations were low when it came to Vegan Protein Extreme. But once again, Protein Works delivered something pleasantly surprising.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t quite as decadent as the whey options, but it’s one of the best vegan blends I’ve tried.
The Vanilla Crème flavour is smooth, slightly sweet, and doesn’t have the earthy or chalky aftertaste that often comes with plant-based powders.
I tested it both on its own with oat milk and as part of a smoothie with banana and frozen berries, and it held up well in both scenarios.
Where this product really excels is in its macronutrient profile.
It boasts an impressive protein-to-calorie ratio, with each serving delivering around 25g of protein and under 120 calories.
It’s made from a multi-source blend (pea, rice, hemp and sunflower proteins), which ensures a complete amino acid profile — critical if you’re relying on this for recovery and muscle growth.
It’s also high in fibre and includes added vitamins and minerals, making it a well-rounded option for those on a plant-based diet or looking to come off dairy temporarily.
And, unlike some vegan blends, it didn’t cause any digestive discomfort even after daily use over a week.
That said, it’s not my favourite flavour out of the Protein Works range; Vanilla Crème is pleasant but lacks the wow factor of the White Choc Bueno or Strawberry.
But if you’ve been burned by vegan proteins in the past (like me), this could easily be the one that changes your mind.
Protein Works A.I. Greens review
Protein Works’ Greens Powder is competitively priced and nutrient-denseCredit: Supplied
“All In” A.I. Greens (makes 30 shakes), £49.99 £34.99
Pros: Nutrient-dense with 13 plant-based ingredients, supports digestion and immunity, boosts energy levels, blends well in smoothies, affordable compared to rivals
Cons: The grassy and earthy taste isn’t enjoyable on its own
Rating: 7.5/10
Greens powders are one of those things we all know we should be taking, but most of us rarely actually commit to trying.
So I approached Protein Works’ A.I. Greens with a little caution, especially since my previous experience with similar products has involved nose-holding and regret.
But I’ll be honest — this one isn’t bad. Not amazing, but manageable.
Again, let’s start with the flavour. On its own, it’s… not great.
There’s a distinct “grassy” taste that’s common in these sorts of superfood blends — slightly too green, a bit earthy, with a faint bitterness.
But unlike some green powders I’ve tried, it doesn’t have an overpowering, lingering metallic aftertaste.
And more importantly, it blends well with fruit-based smoothies, which is exactly how I ended up using it for this review.
The real win here is the nutrient density. A.I. Greens is packed with over 13 plant-based ingredients, including spirulina, kale, matcha, spinach, wheatgrass and chlorella, plus digestive enzymes and probiotics.
It’s an all-encompassing formula that supports digestion, immunity and general energy levels, all in one scoop.
I felt less sluggish on the days I used it, especially when combined with protein in a morning shake.
It’s also more affordable than a lot of rival green blends (like AG1 or Huel Daily Greens), which makes it a good entry point if you’re trying to introduce more micronutrients into your diet without blowing the budget.
This isn’t a “treat yourself” product like the protein powders — it’s functional, and it tastes that way.
But for me, it’s an easy and effective way to level up your nutrition if you’re willing to blend it with fruit or yoghurt to mask the flavour.
Rating: 7.5/10Clear Collagen 360
You can get 35% off this collagen protein with a discount codeCredit: Supplied
Clear Collagen 360 (makes 32 shakes), £21.99 £13.19 with code COLLAGEN
Pros: Flawless mixability, refreshing when diluted, supports skin and joint health, light juice-like texture, convenient and high-quality
Cons: Sweetness can be intense, slightly pricey per serving
Rating: 9/10
Of all the products I tested, Clear Collagen 360 in Orange and Mango might be the one that surprised me most.
I’m a huge fan of clear protein powders in general and tend to opt for them over traditional whey powders in my day-to-day routine.
Over the years, I’ve collected a few brand and flavour favourites, and I’m happy to confirm that Protein Works’ offering has been added to the list.
The mixability is flawless. I’ve never had a clear protein blend dissolve this quickly or cleanly — no frothing, no clumps, no residue.
Within seconds of shaking, I had a clear, juice-like drink, with no worrying about little sticky pieces at the bottom of my protein shaker.
Flavour-wise, it’s tasty and tropical, although I did find the sweetness a bit intense when mixed exactly to the recommended water ratio.
I started adding more water (around 750ml instead of 500ml), and it became a perfect refreshing drink to end the working day.
Each serving contains 15g of collagen peptides, plus added vitamin C, zinc and selenium to support skin, joints, and connective tissues.
For someone like me who trains multiple times a week and does a lot of joint-intensive movements (think sled pushes, wall balls and long runs), the added collagen is genuinely helpful for recovery and joint health.
What sets this apart is that it doesn’t feel like a “protein shake” at all. If you’re someone who struggles with milky textures or thick shakes, Clear Collagen 360 is a fantastic alternative — it’s more like a sports drink with added benefits.
It’s not the cheapest per serving, but given the quality, convenience, and ingredient list, I’d say it’s worth it.
This is one I’ll be keeping in regular rotation.
Where can I buy Protein Works?
All of the products mentioned in this Protein Works review are available directly from the brand’s website, which often features bundle deals, first-time buyer discounts and seasonal sales.
You can also find selected items on Amazon and other online supplement retailers, but the best range and pricing are usually on its official site.
If you’re unsure where to start, Protein Works also offers curated starter packs, bundles, and mix-and-match sample boxes, which are great for testing out flavours and product types before committing to full-size tubs.
After several weeks of integrating Protein Works products into my fitness routine, I can confidently say that this is one of the most well-rounded, flavour-forward supplement brands I’ve used.
Whether I was fuelling early-morning Hyrox prep, recovering from strength sessions or just trying to hit daily nutrition goals between meetings, each product slotted into my routine with minimal fuss and maximum impact.
The variety on offer is a real strength. From high-quality dairy-based whey to surprisingly enjoyable vegan options, Protein Works covers all the bases.
The standout for me was the Whey Protein 360 Extreme in White Choc Bueno — a genuinely indulgent shake with elite-level macros.
But the Genesis Hydration Drink and Clear Collagen 360 also impressed me with their taste and functionality. Even the less exciting products like the A.I. Greens still brought something worthwhile to the table.
As a seasoned gym-goer and someone who’s tried nearly every wellness brand under the sun, Protein Works strikes a great balance between premium feel and practical value. Their products taste great, mix easily, and do exactly what they promise.
Overall rating: 9/10