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The best protein powder for you is the one that fits your diet, budget and routine. This shortlist compares four options across whey concentrate, whey isolate and plant-based protein, rather than declaring one universal winner.
Research checked on 31 October 2026. We reviewed manufacturer information, not samples: we have not taste-tested these powders or independently tested their contents. Formulas and availability vary by flavour and country.
Quick answer
For a straightforward dairy-based option, compare Myprotein Impact Whey. For a higher protein concentration in the specific labels below, consider Impact Whey Isolate or Kaged Whey Protein Isolate. For a vegan formulation, consider Impact Plant Protein. These are conditional choices, not clinical recommendations for everyone over 40.
Comparison at a glance
| Product / checked version | Type | Protein / powder serving | Main consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myprotein Impact Whey, UK Vanilla | Whey concentrate | 22 g / 30 g | Contains milk and soya |
| Myprotein Impact Whey Isolate, UK Natural Vanilla | Whey isolate | 25 g / 30 g | Contains milk and soya |
| Kaged Whey Protein Isolate, Vanilla | Whey isolate | 25 g / 31 g | Check local label and delivered cost |
| Myprotein Impact Plant Protein, displayed UK panel | Pea and fava bean blend | 22 g / 30 g | Vegan; facility also handles milk |
These are selected label values, not promises for every flavour. Serving sizes differ. The sources for each entry are linked below; check the product you will actually receive before ordering.
1. Myprotein Impact Whey: a starting point for dairy users
The checked UK Vanilla listing provides 22 g protein and 114 kcal per 30 g. Its ingredients include whey concentrate, milk, soya and sucralose. It is a practical candidate if those ingredients suit you, but the final price determines whether it is good value. Manufacturer details.
Our full Impact Whey review explains the label and a method for comparing cost. Start with a modest pack if you do not yet know whether you like the flavour.
2. Myprotein Impact Whey Isolate: compare protein concentration
The UK Natural Vanilla product lists 25 g protein and 108 kcal per 30 g, with whey isolate, milk, soya and sucralose among its ingredients. On these particular labels it supplies 3 g more protein per 30 g than the concentrate above. That is a measurable difference, not proof of better results. Natural Vanilla label and ingredients.
Choose it only if its composition and price make sense for your needs. The word isolate does not make a milk-based product suitable for someone who must avoid milk.
3. Kaged Whey Protein Isolate: another isolate to compare
Kaged’s Vanilla label shows 25 g protein and 110 kcal per 31 g scoop. The product page describes added digestive enzymes. We have not verified that these make the powder easier to tolerate for an individual buyer, so we do not treat the brand’s stomach-friendly claim as a guarantee. Kaged product and label information.
Check the exact flavour, allergens, shipping destination and full delivered price. A US offer and a UK offer are not comparable until currency, shipping and any import charges are accounted for. This is a comparison candidate, not a reason to pay a premium automatically.
4. Myprotein Impact Plant Protein: a vegan formulation
The current UK product uses pea and fava bean proteins. Its displayed panel lists 22 g protein and 115 kcal per 30 g; the manufacturer identifies it as vegan and notes production in a facility that also handles milk. A vegan formulation should not be assumed to meet every allergy requirement. Impact Plant Protein ingredients and nutrition.
This is the most relevant starting point in this shortlist if you want plant-based protein. Check the current ingredient list for your flavour, and do not rely on an older review of the previous Impact Vegan Protein formula.
What matters more than an age label
Protein contributes to muscle maintenance, but powder is optional. The NIH supplement guide explains that protein-containing foods can meet an athlete’s needs, with supplements helping when needed. It also notes that much supplement research involves young adults, so broad claims should not be mistaken for evidence specific to everyone over 40.
Look first at the problem you want to solve: an inconvenient meal schedule, a dietary restriction or a genuine gap in your food intake. A higher number on a packet is not automatically a benefit if the product does not fit that problem.
Compare value without being distracted by discounts
Use the price you will pay, including delivery. Calculate cost per 25 g protein as: final price divided by total grams of protein in the pack, multiplied by 25. This avoids rewarding a product merely for using a smaller scoop.
For example, a hypothetical £30 pack containing 600 g protein costs £1.25 per 25 g protein. A £40 pack containing 1,000 g protein costs £1.00. These are calculation examples, not live offers. A cheaper large pack is still poor value if you will not finish it.
Before you buy
Check ingredients and allergens, the exact serving size, the final delivered price and any subscription terms. If you have a medical condition or a prescribed diet, ask a qualified healthcare professional before changing your supplement routine.
Our recommendation
Choose by suitability first and value second. The concentrate is a useful reference point for dairy users; the isolates let you compare higher protein concentration in the listed servings; the plant blend serves a different dietary preference. None earns an overall winner label without considering your own needs.
Read our research approach or return to all protein reviews. Images are AI-generated editorial illustrations, not branded product photographs or evidence of testing.