Tested by Protein is a key macronutrient that, until recently, was often associated with bulky bodybuilders and hardcore athletes. But overwhelming evidence shows we all need to ensure we’re consuming enough of the muscle-building macro.
“Protein is a vital component in every cell of the body,’’ explains registered dietician Nichola Ludlam-Raine. “It plays a key role in everything from muscle growth and repair to hormone production, brain function and the healthy development of skin, hair and nails.”
It’s also essential for maintaining bone health, which is particularly important for menopausal and post-menopausal women who have a higher risk of osteoporosis.
That’s why presenter and menopause campaigner Davina McCall decided to launch her own protein range in collaboration with popular supplement brand foodspring. “I wanted to come up with two products I thought would be great for women because, as I’ve learnt, protein plays a big part in my diet and it’s important for every part of my body – it's not just about exercise,” she explains.
With the help of Ludlam-Raine, our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute put the protein powders to the test to find out if they deserve a spot in your wellness routine.
Read on to find out the results and learn more about this all-important macronutrient.
What is the foodspring x Davina protein range?
The collection includes two protein powders: Protein + Focus and Protein + Relax. Unlike most supplements, which only contain protein, these are brimming with vitamins, minerals and adaptogens to help the body deal with daily stressors as well as issues such as poor sleep, low energy and tiredness (which are common during menopause).
The Protein + Focus shake, which contains ginseng root, calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamins B12 and C, is designed to combat fatigue, balance your energy levels and support your immune system.
The Protein + Relex shake, featuring ashwagandha, iron and a fistful of vitamins, has been created to help you recover after an intense workout, wind down after a busy day and get a restful night’s sleep.
Why is protein so important for women?
Anojan Arulanathan, retail health lead at Holland & Barrett, explains that protein isn’t just for gym junkies. It’s crucial that all women, regardless of how active they are, get enough of the macronutrient, particularly as they progress into their thirties and beyond.
“The transition into the perimenopause exposes women to the risk of declining lean muscle mass and a reduction in bone mass,” he explains. “As such, it becomes exceptionally important to integrate sufficient protein into your diet to counteract against the bone and muscle loss associated with ageing.”
Arulanathan adds that alongside a high-protein diet, you should also engage in regular exercise, including lifting weights, to sustain your bone strength and increase your muscle mass.
How much protein do women need?
We’ve established that protein is key, but how much should you be consuming? According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, the average adult should consume at least 0.8g of protein per kilogram of bodyweight daily. If you weigh 70kg, that means getting 56g of protein down you each day.
If you’re more active and engage in strength training, Ludlam-Raine recommends aiming for between 1-2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.
Of course, protein needs vary from person to person and depend on a number of factors, including body weight, overall health and what life stage you’re going through. Ultimately, it's about finding what works best for you.
It’s also important to remember that the bulk of your protein intake should come from whole foods like chicken, fish, legumes and tofu. Supplements, such as protein powders, should be used as a tool for topping up your daily protein alongside a balanced diet.
How we test
We asked Ludlam-Raine to judge the two products – Protein + Focus and Protein + Relax – based on their nutritional makeup, quality of ingredients and formulation in line with their intended use.
Once approved by Ludlam-Raine, our expert GHI panel also put both protein powders to the test over a two-week period before rating them on aroma, flavour and texture – because who has time for grainy protein shakes that taste like sawdust?
Our team then collated the feedback from Ludlam-Raine and our panel members to award final scores.
Meet the expert: Nichola Ludlam-Raine (@nicsnutrition) is a specialist registered dietician with over 13 years of experience working for the NHS and with private clients. She has a first-class BSc honours in sport and exercise science, a post graduate diploma in dietetics and an MSc in health science. She is also a qualified personal trainer with a pre and postnatal specialism.
The GHI foodspring x Davina McCall protein powder review
Protein + Relax: Honey & Spices
Score: 80/100
Per 30g serving: 108kcal, 22g protein, 4.2g carbohydrates, 0.3g fat
Our panel raved about the consistency, which was smooth and creamy, without tasting grainy or gritty. It’s delicious with water alone, but we loved it with warm frothy milk for a cosy nighttime treat (this is also Davina’s favourite way to enjoy it).
The flavour, which is rich with sweet honey, fiery ginger, warming cinnamon and black pepper, was a big hit with most of our testers, who found it “perfectly balanced” and “extremely comforting”. Not everyone was a fan of the spices, but that comes down to personal preference.
Those who did enjoy the flavour said it did a stellar job of helping them relax and unwind in the evenings. One tester even said they were able to drift off to sleep quicker after drinking a shake before bed.
Ask the expert
“This protein is made with calcium caseinate and milk protein concentrate, which are both slow digesting. In other words, they provide a steady release of amino acids over time and can help your muscles recover gradually while you sleep,” says Ludlam-Raine.
“The adaptogen used here is ashwagandha, which is a herb traditionally used in ayurvedic medicine, and is known for its stress-reducing, mood-boosting properties. It also has turmeric, cinnamon and ginger, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
“Other ingredients include calcium for bone health and magnesium for muscle function, energy product and sleep. It also contains vitamins C, D3, B2, B6 and B12, which support a range of bodily functions from immune health to energy production.
“There’s multienzyme complex to support digestion as well as lactase, an enzyme that helps you to digest lactose, and lactoferrin, a protein found in cow’s milk that can help with iron absorption.”
Protein + Focus: Cocoa
Score: 72/100
Per 30g serving: 109kcal, 20g protein, 3g carbohydrates, 1.2g fat
The rich cocoa flavour was a hit with our testers. They thought it had just the right level of sweetness, making it “deliciously moreish” and “easy to drink”. In fact, one panellist said it was the best chocolate protein powder they’d ever tried, and another said they’d happily continue buying it after our trial.
It scored top marks for mixability, creating a smooth, lump-free drink when mixed with water. It’s also delicious when blended up into a smoothie with frozen banana, peanut butter and milk as a satisfying post-workout shake.
What about performance? Panellists confirmed it made them feel energised before a workout and helped them focus when their concentration levels started to dip come 4pm. It also kept the satiated when they consumed it after exercise.
Ask the expert
“In terms of the key ingredient, this blend contains whey protein isolate and concentrate, which are easily digestible and contain all the essential amino acids to support muscle repair and growth,” says Ludlow-Raine. “It also has sunflower seed protein, which is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins.
“It includes ginseng root extract, which is an adaptogen designed to boost energy levels and serotonin (the happy hormone), as well as magnesium and calcium to reduce tiredness and support bone health.
“It provides a good source of vitamins, including vitamin C to support immune function and skin health, vitamins B5 and B12 to support energy metabolism and overall nervous system health and zinc oxide, to boost immunity and reduce inflammation.
“The addition of multienzyme complex is designed to support digestion, while inulin – a type of soluble fibre – acts as a prebiotic and supports the gut.”
The GHI verdict: Is the foodspring x Davina protein range worth it?
If it’s a quick answer you’re looking for, then it’s a resounding “yes” from us. Not only did our expert give both protein powders her stamp of approval thanks to their impressive ingredients lists, but they also went down a storm with our panel.
Unlike many protein powders, which can be lumpy, grainy and unpleasant to drink, both blends genuinely tasted good.
The Protein + Focus powder is an excellent choice if you find yourself suffering from mid-afternoon energy slumps and need a boost. The sweet cocoa flavour will also satisfy your sweet cravings and prevent you from delving into the biscuit tin. “I had the shake every afternoon and I found it kept me going until dinner and improved my energy and concentration levels,” said one tester.
Look to the Protein + Relax shake if you tend to exercise in the evenings or need some help winding down before bed. “Not only does it help me reach my protein goals after an evening workout, but I also find it so soothing; it’s become a non-negotiable part of my bedtime routine!” one panellist commented.
If you’re struggling to hit your daily protein target in your day-to-day diet, these supplements are a convenient – and seriously tasty – way to support your health and wellbeing. We’re sold.
The Foodspring x Davina protein range is available to buy from Amazon and foodspring.
More GHI Approved protein powders
Score: 95/100
Form proves that vegan protein doesn't have to taste grainy and unpleasant. When blended with water, the consistency was surprisingly thick and creamy, and there was no bitter aftertaste.
The organic blend includes pea, brown rice and pumpkin protein and is bursting with energy-boosting ingredients such as BCAAs, turmeric and digestive enzymes. The packaging is 100% plastic free and compostable.
Score: 94/100
If you're not a fan of the traditional milky protein shake, this foodspring offering is an excellent alternative. Our testers likened it to a fruit squash or still lemonade and said it was extremely light and refreshing to sip on when sweaty.
It packs a hefty 26g of whey protein isolate and all nine essential amino acids to help you recover post workout. The ingredients list is snappy and free from tonnes of artificial flavours.
Score: 94/100
ON's protein powder is popular among gym goers, and for good reason. Not only does it include 24g of protein and 5.5g of BCAAs to help prevent muscle soreness, it actually tastes great.
Our panel loved the gentle cocoa flavour, which wasn't sickly sweet or overpowering and they loved the creamy, lump-free consistency.
Score: 93/100
Designed to “feel and taste just like a dairy shake”, this is a top choice for those new to plant-based protein.
It’s made with a blend of pea, brown rice, pumpkin and soy protein to aid recovery and help you feel rejuvenated after a tough run or gym session. The screw-on lid means it's easy to keep things fresh and there are dozens of flavours to choose from if banana isn't for you. Think chocolate caramel biscuit, blueberry cheesecake and cookies & cream. Yum!
Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Kim Hawley is our health and fitness product tester. Her career in fitness has spanned over 30 years. Prior to joining the Good Housekeeping Institute, she worked as a personal trainer, writer and fitness instructor for some of London’s most prestigious health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Passionate about women’s health and fitness, especially in pre/post menopause, she is also a Level 4 PT and holds a professional nutritional qualification. Kim is responsible for rigorously testing everything from cross trainers to smart watches.
