Many post-workout supplements from the United Kingdom have a 2:1 carb-to-protein ratio. The Protein Works Recovery Protein is no exception. This supplement also has other key ingredients which will help you achieve your post-workout goals, as you will find out in this review.
Table of Contents
About The Protein Works Recovery Protein
The Protein Works Recovery Protein “is an advanced formula that’s been designed to provide the body with a comprehensive supply of nutrients immediately after training to help the muscles repair and re-build,” per its official website. Formula notes:
- Good ingredient combo. Maltodextrin, waxy maize starch, WPC, WPI, hydrolyzed whey, glutamine, etc.
- 2:1 carb-to-protein ratio. For glycogen replenishment and protein synthesis.
- Reasonable price. $49.86 for a 2-kg. (4.4-lb.) container.
The Protein Works Recovery Protein Supplement Facts (Chocolate Silk, 2 kg. 1) |
||
Serving Size: 75 g (2 x level 70ml scoops) Servings Per Container: 26 |
||
Nutrient | Per 100g | Per Serving |
Energy (kJ) | 1481 | 1111 |
Energy (kcal) | 353 | 265 |
Fat (g) | 2.0 | 1.5 |
of which Saturates (g) | 1.1 | 0.8 |
Carbohydrates (g) | 54.4 | 40.8 |
of which Sugars | 3.1 | 2.3 |
Fibre (g) | 1.6 | 1.2 |
Protein (g) | 28.2 | 21.1 |
Salt (g) | 0.48 | 0.36 |
Ingredients: Maltodextrin, Waxy Maize Starch, Whey Protein Isolate (Emulsifier: Soya Lecithin) (Milk) Whey Protein Concentrate (Emulsifier: Soya Lecithin) (Milk), Hydrolysed Whey (Milk), Fat-Reduced Cocoa Powder, Glutamine Peptides, Montmorency Tart Cherry Extract, L-Glutamine, IBCAA (L-Leucine, L-Valine, L-Isoleucine) (Emulsifier: Sunflower Lecithin), Natural Flavouring, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Digezyme® (Protease, Amylase, Lactase, Lipase, Cellulase), Electrolyte Blend (Sodium Chloride, Potassium Sulphate, di-Calcium Phosphate), Magnesium Oxide, Sweetener (Sucralose). | ||
Directions: For optimal results, we recommend using post training or exercise. Add 2 scoops (75g) to 500 – 550ml of water in your TPW Master Blender. Then shake well and consume. |
The Ultimate Recovery Formula from the UK
What’s your favorite bodybuilding post-workout supplement from the United Kingdom? We’ve reviewed some, and all we can say is they have tremendous upside.
There’s MyProtein Hurricane XS, which has an impressive 30 grams of protein and five grams of creatine per serving. On the other hand, Bulk Powders Aftermath is no slouch, either – it has 40 grams of protein and five grams of Creapure per 70-gram serving. These UK post-workouts pack a serious wallop, for sure.
Can The Protein Works Recovery Protein be mentioned in the same breath? We certainly hope so. Don’t let the protein label deceive you. The manufacturer dubs it its “Post-Workout Formula” and “The Ultimate Recovery Formula.”
We’ve heard that claim many times before. It sure would be interesting to find out if The Protein Works Recovery Protein exceeds everybody’s expectations.
This product “has been designed to be the most complete recovery shake on the market today. It’s been scientifically engineered to enhance the entire recovery process immediately following training,” per The Protein Works’ official website.
“Recovery Protein contains both an optimal nutrient profile and an array of active ingredients, proven to accelerate and improve the entire recovery process,” per the same source.
Now, that’s what we want to see. A post-workout supplement which covers all the bases scores big points with us, all in the name of shorter recovery time.
We also like these UK manufacturers – most of them emphasize the importance of the post-workout anabolic window on their product descriptions.
“On the most basic level, it’s essential you ingest a sufficient amount of quick-absorbing protein and carbohydrates in the correct ratio that induces protein synthesis and muscle glycogen replenishment,” per the manufacturer’s website.
We agree 100 percent. You put your body through a lot of stress during training. Your muscles also undergo some serious wear and tear. The clear takeaway: take advantage of the post-workout anabolic window. The Protein Works Recovery Protein should help you in that regard.
TPW Recover Carb Blend
Most post-workout supplement manufacturers from the United Kingdom also place emphasis on the 2:1 carb-to-protein ratio for optimal recovery. Some experts even say a 3:1 or 4:1 ratio is better. We’ll tell you this much: it’s hard to find a post-workout with either. A 2:1 carb-to-protein ratio should suffice.
The Protein Works Recovery Protein has 40.8 grams of carbohydrates (two level scoops).
This product’s TPW Recover Carb Blend features two key ingredients: maltodextrin and waxy maize starch. This combo “serves to replenish muscle glycogen levels and synergistically work with the protein to deliver nutrients to the muscles rapidly and efficiently,“ per the manufacturer’s official website.
Glycogen is a form of carbohydrate which your muscles use for energy during exercise. Once your last rep is over, you have depleted glycogen stores. It’s imperative you replenish them as soon as possible for faster recovery.
Maltodextrin is a polysaccharide (complex carbohydrate) and is a by-product of corn, potato, or rice starch. This post-workout carbohydrate high glycemic index rating allows your body to absorb it quickly. It also creates a massive insulin spike. This creates an anabolic environment where you enjoy increased energy levels.
For its part, waxy maize is a by-product of corn. It isn’t as fast-absorbing as maltodextrin but helps increase sustained energy and endurance. Fitness experts also believe waxy maize helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Here’s the major takeaway for The Protein Works Recovery Protein’s TPW Recovery Carb Blend: it helps keep your body in an anabolic state longer. You can take a hint from its fast-absorbing and slow-absorbing carb components. A longer anabolic state is the best environment for muscle growth and faster recovery.
TPW Recovery Protein Blend
Next up are 21.1 grams of this supplement’s TPW Recovery Protein Blend per serving.
“The hydrolysed whey and whey isolate blend delivers a quick supply of protein to the muscles to kickstart protein synthesis,” per the company’s website.
Many post-workouts from the UK are big on the combo of whey protein concentrate (WPC), whey protein isolate (WPI), and hydrolyzed whey.
These three different types of whey have different absorption rates – hydrolyzed whey has the fastest (as fast as 15 minutes after consumption) while whey protein concentrate has the slowest (40 minutes or so after consumption).
The takeaway: you will be in muscle-building state throughout the entire post-workout anabolic window. The good thing about having all three kinds in one supplement is you enjoy all of their benefits:
- WPC has a high immunoglobulin (a special group of proteins which help regulate the immune system) content.
- WPC has the best taste.
- WPI has less fats and carbs than WPC.
- Hydrolyzed whey protein has a lightning-fast absorption rate.
The only shortcoming (albeit a minor one) of this TPW Recovery Protein Blend is it doesn’t measure up to the likes of MyProtein Hurricane XS (30 grams per serving) and Bulk Powders Aftermath (40 grams per serving) in terms of protein content.
It’s understandable why more muscle-conscious consumers will flock toward the two other UK post-workouts.
However, 21.1 grams of protein per serving isn’t bad at all – it can still help you muscle up in conjunction with regular exercise, sound nutrition, and ample rest. In fact, you need ample amounts of protein to make your post-workout carb consumption effective.
Naturopathic doctor Freda Tam of Canada’s BODYMED Rehabilitation Centre, Inc. says, “These extra carbohydrates will only be helpful if you consume optimal amounts of protein in your pre-game and post-game recovery meal, and also throughout the day.” Therefore, the TPW Recovery Blend and TPW Recovery Carb Blend work synergistically to give you the best possible post-workout results.
Other Ingredients
The Protein Works Recovery Protein’s iBCAA and glutamine peptide content will help boost your muscle growth aspirations. iBCAA stands for “instantized branch-chained amino acids.” These “aid protein synthesis, (and) promote lean recovery and muscle mass,” per the manufacturer’s website.
BCAAs also help restore a positive protein balance, increase endurance, and repair muscle tissue – all great post-workout benefits. We’re stoked they’re in The Protein Works Recovery Protein.
We can say the same thing about the glutamine peptide content. Glutamine peptides are special because they’re bonded to amino acids. Because of that, the body assimilates them more efficiently.
This product also has regular l-glutamine (although the manufacturer didn’t specify how much it has per serving), which has the following benefits:
- Helps preserve muscle mass
- Increases human growth hormone (HGH) levels
- Replenishes glycogen stores
- Boosts muscle cell hydration
- Helps keep protein breakdown in check
- Keeps free radicals at bay
- Regulates the digestive and immune systems
No wonder l-glutamine is a bona fide post-workout superstar. The good news: any time your post-workout has both glutamine peptides and l-glutamine, you will reap the benefits of high-quality uptake, absorption, and stability.
Fitness experts swear by it. That’s why this is a strong selling point of The Protein Works Recovery Protein.
Another great asset is the Electrolyte Blend which features sodium chloride, potassium sulphate, di-calcium phosphate, and magnesium oxide. Long story short, electrolytes are substances which help your body work to its optimum potential.
You use up a good amount of these after exercise, so replenishing with a good electrolyte blend is key. The Protein Works Recovery Protein helps you do that.
Unfortunately, the manufacturer fails to list the precise amounts of most of the electrolytes (it only divulges the sodium amount). That would have been helpful, to say the least.
All in all, The Protein Works Recovery Protein relies heavily on its 2:1 carb-to-protein ratio to produce optimal post-workout results. The inclusions of BCAAs, glutamine peptides, glutamine, and key electrolytes make it one well-rounded product worth considering.
Let’s check out the formula ingredients:
- Energy (kJ), 1,111: The United Kingdom uses the metric system of measurement. “kJ” refers to kilojoules, which represent the amount of energy you expend during exercise. When you supplement with The Protein Works Recovery Protein, you expend 1,111 kJ.
- Energy (kcal), 265: As the category implies, “kcal” refers to a unit of energy. “One kilocalorie is the same as one calorie,” per Nutrition.gov. With that in mind, this product is somewhat high in calories because most post-workouts have between zero to 150 calories.
- Fat (g), 1.5: Based on our computation, The Protein Works Recovery Protein has a measly 2.3 percent of the daily value for fats. Simply put, it has low fat content (a maximum daily value of five percent is low).
- Of which saturates (g), 0.8: This supplement also has a low saturated fat content at just four percent of the daily value.
- Carbohydrates (g) 40.8: The Protein Works Recovery Protein has almost 14 percent of the daily value for carbs, which is at par with most post-workouts from the United Kingdom. However, if you’re on a low-carb diet, better skip this one.
- Of which sugars (g), 2.3: We’re impressed. Many post-workouts go overboard on their sugar content. Not this one. This much sugar per serving won’t wreak havoc on your exercise and nutrition goals.
- Fibre (g): The Protein Works Recovery Protein is not a significant source of fiber at slightly less than five percent of the daily value.
- Protein (g), 21.1: We already laid out the facts for you in terms of this product’s protein content – it’s solid, but it lags behind other big-name post-workouts from the United Kingdom. Nonetheless, it can still help you build muscle mass. Its iBCAA, l-glutamine, and glutamine peptide content should help offset this shortcoming.
- Salt (g), 0.36: We tip our hats off to the manufacturer for keeping this post-workouts sodium level in check at just 1.5 percent of the daily value, which is fine for individuals who are monitoring their sodium intake.
Formula Analysis
After a thorough analysis, we say The Protein Works Recovery Protein is a well-formulated post-workout which can be a tremendous asset to your fitness program.
This supplement relies heavily on its 2:1 carb-to-protein ratio (40.8 grams of carbs and 21.1 grams of protein per serving). Like the manufacturer already pointed out, this much will help replenish depleted glycogen stores, kickstart protein synthesis, and build muscle mass.
We like the maltodextrin and waxy maize combo. A potent one-two punch of fast- and slow-absorbing carbs will help you remain in an anabolic state longer.
It also bears repeating: having all three kinds of whey protein in your post-workout supplement assures you will be in a muscle-building state for the entire post-workout window.
Plus, the inclusions of instantized branch-chained amino acids (BCAAs), l-glutamine, and glutamine peptides will supercharge your results. Expect more efficient muscle tissue repair and increased endurance, muscle preservation, and muscle cell hydration, among other things.
Other pluses: The Protein Works Recovery Protein is low in fats, saturated fats, sugars, and sodium. These bode well for your long-term health.
The inclusion of Digezyme (a multi-enzyme complex) is also a nice finishing touch. It will help you absorb the nutrients and improve your digestive health. More importantly, your overall results will soar.
We also think this product has a reasonable price (approximately $49.86 for a 2-kg. 2 container). It won’t put a massive dent on your wallet like other post-workouts.
The Protein Works Recovery Protein has several great upsides. Unfortunately, it also has a few downsides.
First is the so-so protein content (21.1 grams per two scoops). While this is decent, it is a far cry from those of other UK post-workouts such as MyProtein Hurricane XS and Bulk Powders Aftermath.
While the manufacturer did disclose the main ingredient amounts, it didn’t reveal those for other key ingredients such as glutamine, the Electrolyte Blend, and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). Because of that, the manufacturer’s transparency takes a huge hit.
Finally, it has a dirty ingredient in sucralose (Splenda), an artificial sweetener which has several suspected side effects. Stevia, a natural sweetener which helps regulate blood pressure levels, would have been the better option.
Nevertheless,The Protein Works Recovery Protein’s pros outweigh its cons. It’s still a post-workout supplement worth adding to your supplement stack.
The Protein Works Recovery Protein Benefits
The Protein Works Recovery Protein has the following benefits, per its official website:
- Accelerates recovery process
- Helps enhance muscle repair and growth
- Offers a comprehensive supply of nutrients
We agree with all of these claims. We are confident The Protein Works Recovery Protein can be an asset to your fitness program.
Who Takes It?
The manufacturer intended The Protein Works Recovery Protein for healthy and active individuals who are at least 17 years of age who want to build muscle mass, shorten recovery time, increase endurance, and achieve their daily fitness goals.
Any Side Effects?
The Protein Works Recovery Protein contains sucralose (a.k.a. Splenda), an artificial sweetener which fitness experts have linked to certain side effects.
If this, or any other ingredient, makes you feel doubtful, please consult your physician before buying The Protein Works Recovery Protein.
The Protein Works Recovery Protein Summary
Pros
- Good ingredient combo. Maltodextrin, waxy maize starch, WPC, WPI, hydrolyzed whey, iBCAAs, and l-glutamine.
- 2:1 carb-to-protein ratio. For glycogen replenishment and protein synthesis.
- TPW Recovery Carb Blend. Combo of fast- and slow-absorbing carbs helps one remain in an anabolic state longer.
- Low in fats, saturated fat, sugars, and sodium. Bode well for long-term health.
- Has Digezyme. For better digestive health. Not too many UK post-workouts have this.
- Good reputation. Customers swear by this product.
- Reasonable price. Approximately $49.86 for a 2-kg. (4.4-lb.) container.
- Flavor options. Comes in Chocolate Silk and Strawberries N’ Cream varieties.
Cons
- So-so protein content. 21.1 grams per serving is fine, but it lags behind other U.K. post-workouts.
- Inconsistent transparency. Company lists main ingredient amounts, but overlooks those for glutamine, the Electrolyte Blend, and Vitamin C.
- Dirty ingredient. Has sucralose, an artificial sweetener which may increase obesity.
Pricing & Buying Info
- 1 2-lb. (4.4-lb.) Container (27-Day Supply): $49.86
- Available online and in retail
Final Word on The Protein Works Recovery Protein
The Protein Works Recovery Protein did well in several aspects. We like the ingredient combo, the 2:1 carb-to-protein ratio, its low fat, saturated fat, sugar, and sodium content; and reasonable price.
However, we weren’t all that impressed with its so-so protein amount, Splenda content, and inconsistent transparency.
All in all, The Protein Works Recovery should be a reasonable purchase which should give you a good return on your investment. It may not be the best UK post-workout, but it can help you achieve your fitness goals.
[yasr_overall_rating]
Leave a Reply