THE GREAT PROTEIN POWDER SHOWDOWN

Powder Power: The Protein Showdown for Men Over 50

Alright, gentlemen, before I dive into a full-on protein powder face-off, let’s take a moment to chat about why protein becomes a VIP guest at your table after you hit 50. For all the protein gurus out there, feel free to skip ahead – I won’t take it personally. But if you’re still asking yourself, “Why do I need this stuff now?” - I’ve got you covered.

Here’s the deal: Once upon a time, your metabolism burned through burgers like a furnace. But as you hit the big 5-0, your metabolism starts to slow down to more of a polite simmer, and even your muscles are considering early retirement. That’s where protein powder enters the scene as your new best friend.

Yep, you heard me right. Protein powder, once reserved for ripped 20-somethings in stringer tanks, is now a secret weapon for men over 50. If your muscles are filing early retirement requests, it’s time to remind them they’re still in demand – and the way to do that is with protein.

The Age-Old (Literally) Protein Problem

As you age, your body’s ability to turn protein into muscle starts to decline. It’s like your body’s software is no longer getting automatic updates. This phenomenon, known as ‘anabolic resistance,’ means you need more protein to do the same job. But who has the time, the stomach, or even the budget to eat chicken breasts like they’re going out of style? Enter protein powder, your muscle-building sidekick.

Keep What You’ve Got – And Build More

Let’s be real: You might not be eyeing a Mr. Universe title, but maintaining muscle mass as you age is crucial for staying healthy, mobile, and looking sharp in that plain white T-shirt. Enter whey protein. It’s packed with high-quality amino acids that your body can absorb easily. Whey is quick to digest, making it perfect for post-workout recovery. But if dairy’s not your thing, don’t worry—there are plenty of options, like casein (great for slow-release protein at night) or plant-based powders if you're going dairy-free.

Battle the Belly – Without Losing Muscle

As metabolism slows down, that dreaded middle-aged spread can sneak up on you. You know the drill: “Relaxed-fit” jeans are doing a little too much relaxing. But protein can help fight the dad bod battle. It helps keep you full, curbs cravings, and stabilises blood sugar levels. Plus, it aids in muscle repair after those “I swear I didn’t pull anything” gym sessions. And here’s the kicker: The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn at rest. So, essentially, protein powder helps turn you into a more efficient calorie-burning machine. Who said we can’t get back to those glory days?

Say Goodbye to Post-Workout Soreness

Ah, the joys of post-workout aches. When you were younger, a tough workout might’ve left you sore for a day, but now it feels like your muscles are staging a full rebellion. Many protein powders are packed with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which help reduce soreness and speed up recovery. Instead of waddling around like a John Wayne extra after leg day, you might actually feel like moving like a normal person.

Convenient, Fast, and Versatile

Let’s be honest: Preparing a high-protein meal every time you need a muscle boost isn’t always realistic. You’re busy. Life is happening. That’s where protein powder comes in as your ultimate fast-food fix that won’t throw you off track. Toss a scoop in your morning smoothie, mix it with water after a workout, or get creative with protein-packed pancakes. It’s the most versatile tool in your nutritional arsenal. And let’s face it, it beats the heck out of eating boiled chicken breast for the third time in one day.

Conclusion: Embrace the Power of Protein Powder

So, men over 50, it’s time to embrace the power of protein powder. Whether you’re smashing your workouts, managing your waistline, or just trying to keep Father Time from stealing your hard-earned muscle, protein powder is your ally. Dust off that blender, throw in a scoop of the good stuff, and give your body the fuel it needs to keep going strong. Because trust me—no one’s ready to hang up their muscles just yet.

So, now that’s out of the way, let’s get to it. I have chosen to pit against each other 3 popular options, widely available in the UK today. MYProtein’s Impact Whey, Bulk’s Pure Whey Protein and finally PHD’s Smart Plant Protein. I have tried to select the most like for like options across the brands, considering price point and nutrient values. The obvious outlier being PHD’s plant protein, which has been selected to show a vegan option, or simply one more suitable for those who struggle with lactose (the dreaded protein farts).

For a little context I have been using protein consistently for over 30 years. Through times as a dedicated athlete to the years when I have just been ticking over and l have used and enjoyed each of these brands multiple times. For the purpose of this test, each was used consistently for 1 month and taken according to the guidelines set out by each producer. First up, and in no particular order:

1. MYProtein Impact Whey - Chocolate Smooth

Highlights Per 30g Scoop: 21g Protein; 112kcals; 1.4g Sugar; 2g Fat; 5g BCAA’s

Let’s start with a classic from the UK’s number 1 protein brand. Established in 2004 MyProtein has been around since before most of us had grey hairs, so they must be doing something right. This stuff mixes like a dream, which is a relief because no one wants to stand there shaking a protein shaker like it’s a maraca for five minutes.

Plus, with over 40 available flavours you are bound to find one that you like. My tip would be to stick to the chocolate derivatives and maybe avoid the banana which has a whiff of some strange protein flavoured science experiment. There is also a vegan option available, along with a Whey Isolate and a diet version which offers slightly reduced calorie & sugar content.

Key Benefit for Men Over 50:

It comes loaded with over 20 grams of high quality whey protein per serving and a healthy dose of essential BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids). Essential because your body doesn’t make them on its own - you have to get them from food or supplements. For us guys over 50, that means muscle maintenance without feeling like we’re back in boot camp. As we age, it’s not about bulking up like a bodybuilder (although, hey, if that’s your goal, more power to you!). It’s about preserving muscle and the MyProtein Whey will certainly help you do just that.

2. Bulk Pure Whey Protein - Chocolate

Highlights Per 30g Scoop: 23g Protein; 113kcals; <1.5g Sugar; 1.2g Fat; 5g BCAA’s

Bulk was established in 2006 originally as Bulk Powders and since which time it has become a global force to be reckoned with in the field of sports nutrition. They are a bit like that kid we all knew in high school, you know, the one that was good at everything, only less annoying. Their range of Creatine is stand-out and my personal go to. Sure, they may have a few less flavours on offer compared to MyProtein, 30 rather than 40, but that’s still plenty enough to stop you hitting repeat too often. Personally I find Bulk’s flavours to be a little ‘truer’ but I am sure legions of out there will disagree.

And while the MyProtein powder mixed well, Bulk’s offering definitely has a silky smooth profile making it hard to put down. Maybe something to do with the addition of a little sunflower lecithin, post in the comments if you have any idea what that is!

Key Benefit for Men Over 50:

Definitely a quality product and the Bulk’s guys attention to detail shines through. Again, fast absorbing Whey protein means your muscles get what they need, exactly when they need it, which can also help reduce any post gym muscle soreness. So is it any better than MyProtein? Well maybe, maybe not. That’s the definitive, clear as day answer you were looking for, no? But the simple truth is, for the majority of us over 50 weekend warriors, we aren’t going to notice any difference. Both you will give you what you need and both will keep you cracking walnuts between your biceps to impress the grandkids.

3. PHD Smart Protein Plant - Chocolate Cookie

Highlights per 25g Scoop: 20g Protein; 96kcals; 0g Sugar; 0g Fat

This well regarded, versatile offering is approved by the Vegetarian Society and since the protein comes entirely from plants it is also lactose free. So, if you are lactose intolerant or your stomach just isn’t what it used to be, this is the one for you. Protein without the unexpected sprint to the bathroom post-shake, who’s not up for that?

My wife swears by this one, personally I find it mixes a little thicker and the chocolate flavour is a fraction more bitter. The mix can easily be remedied with a drop more milk and its

density might explain why it lends itself so well to mousses and pancakes, which means you can hit your macros while satisfying your sweet tooth.

Key Benefit for Men Over 50:

The plant nature of this one makes it especially friendly for those of us who might have developed a bit of “sensitivity” to certain foods (looking at you, dairy). Plus, with a low calorie count and minimal fat & sugar this powder helps preserve lean muscle mass, but it doesn’t stop there. The guys at PHD have been kind enough to throw in a few extra minerals and vitamins to help us hit our RDA’s.

Final Thoughts

Personally, I’d say you are not going to go wrong with any of these quality offerings. My favourite is Bulk but that’s purely down to how it tastes and the consistency of its mix. If you’re lactose intolerant or just need something light on the stomach, PHD’s Smart Plant has to be your go-to. My frustration with all of the companies is their yo-yo pricing. At the time of writing Bulk are offering discounts of 75% & MyProtein 70%. Really, 5-10% is a credible discount, 70+ just means your policy is to overprice so you can discount. But, that’s probably just the grumpy old man in me!

So, shake it up and let’s keep things moving - even if it’s just to the blender and back

FAQ’s:

Q: Why should men over 50 care about protein powder?

A: After 50, maintaining muscle mass becomes more challenging thanks to good old aging. Protein powder can help preserve muscle, aid recovery after workouts, and keep your metabolism humming along. It’s an easy way to get the protein your body needs, without having to eat a mountain of chicken breasts every day.

Q: How much protein do I actually need?

A: The general recommendation for men over 50 is about 0.6-0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight. If you're active, lifting weights, or trying to build/maintain muscle, aim closer to the higher end of that range. But don’t panic - protein powder helps you hit those numbers without turning every meal into a protein feast.

Q: What’s the difference between whey concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysate?

A: Whey concentrate is the most common and includes small amounts of fat and carbs. Whey isolate has been further processed to remove most of the fat and lactose, making it higher in protein and easier to digest. Hydrolysate is pre-digested for faster absorption, but it can cost a bit more. For most men over 50, whey isolate strikes the right balance between high protein content and easy digestion.

Q: Will protein powder make me bulk up like a bodybuilder?

A: Not unless you’re eating truckloads of protein and spending every waking hour at the gym. Protein powder helps maintain muscle, but you won’t start looking like a professional wrestler unless you’re specifically training and eating to bulk up. For most men over 50, the goal is to maintain muscle and strength - not turn into The Hulk.

Q: Can I take protein powder if I’m lactose intolerant?

A: Yes! Whey protein isolate or hydrolysate is lower in lactose, for those with a little sensitivity and there are plenty of lactose-free options like PHD’s Smart Plant. Many powders also add digestive enzymes to help with any potential tummy troubles. So, you can still enjoy the benefits without worrying about running to the bathroom mid-workout.

Q: Should I drink protein shakes only after workouts?

A: Post-workout is prime time for protein, since your muscles need repair and recovery. But protein shakes can also be a great snack or even a meal replacement if you’re in a rush. Just make sure you're spreading your protein intake throughout the day, as your body can only process so much at once.

Q: Can protein powder help with weight loss?

A: It can! Protein helps you feel fuller for longer, which can curb cravings and reduce overeating. Plus, building and maintaining muscle helps boost your metabolism. Just make sure you’re choosing a powder low in sugars and unnecessary fillers.