Back in September 2016 we asked you to tell us, via an online poll, what your favourite performance-enhancing bars, pills and powders were.

We simply added up the votes and over the following pages, we present the results.

BEST FOR… More energy
WINNER
OPTIMUM NUTRITION GOLD STANDARD PRE-WORKOUT

Getting hyped before a workout can be a great help, but you need serious energy to fuel the intent. ON’s Pre-Workout contains 175g of caffeine per scoop so intensity is guaranteed. This is backed up with beta-alanine and creatine, meaning your body can cash the cheques your mental focus is writing.


BEST FOR… Fat burning
WINNER
MEDI-EVIL EXCALIBUR

Convincing your body to use its fat stores as energy is the Holy Grail of lasting fat loss. With quantities of green tea, bitter orange, guarana, L-carnitine, L-tyrosine and capsicum Medi-Evil Excalibur contains all the big hitters needed to give you a metabolic boost. Each capsule also contains 250mg of caffeine so you can use it as a pre-workout pick-me-up, too.

BEST FOR… Strength
WINNER
OPTIMUM NUTRITION GOLD STANDARD 100% WHEY POWDER

With 24g of the purest whey protein per serving, you can be confident you’re getting the best quality muscle-building shake out there. Plus flavours such as Birthday Cake and Cookies & Cream go down as easy as they are on your stomach.

BEST FOR… Recovery
WINNER
PHD TRICELLAR WHEY

With both fast- and slow-acting whey proteins, this product from PhD fulfils your immediate post-training needs as well as drip-feeding protein to your muscles for the hours after.

BEST FOR… Definition
WINNER
USN PURE-GF1 PROTEIN

A sustained release protein blend that can help to reduce hunger and cravings while supporting muscle growth. Its high-protein, low-carb content is ideal for using during cutting phases, but also works as an all-rounder for a variety of goals.

BEST FOR… Muscle growth
WINNER
USN MUSCLE FUEL ANABOLIC

With a healthy 77g of carbohydrate coupled with 55g of protein, this shake is a great all-rounder, containing the fuel for your training as well as the full complement of recovery ingredients. Good for bulking phases and supporting big lifting sessions.

BEST FOR… On the go
WINNER
GRENADE CARB KILLA

Containing 23g of protein Carb Killa is that rarity among protein bars: it actually tastes good. With a variety of flavours, it’s a great alternative to a mid-afternoon tin of tuna or chicken breast. Your work colleagues will agree, too.

BEST FOR… Endurance
WINNER
OPTIMUM NUTRITION BCAA TRAIN+SUSTAIN

BCAAs are an athlete’s secret weapon as they maximise muscle recovery, increase energy and aid muscle growth. The problem is they normally taste awful. Not so with ON’s Train + Sustain. Anyone for Raspberry Pomegranate?