Skinny Minnies ZMA

Overview

Here’s what Skinny Minnies have to say:

Effectively recovering from a workout is just as important at the workout itself and our ZMA is specifically formulated to aid recovery. Each pack contains 2 months’ supply to enhance sleep quality and support muscle tissue repair.

Stimulates the Growth of Muscle Tissue

Helps Recovery After Exercise

Improves Sleep Pattern

Nutritional Information

Zinc Glutonate   18mg

Magnesium       138mg

Vitamin B6          2mg

You take 2 easy to swallow (although slightly powdery tablets) before bed.

This is slightly under-dosed for men but in the “recommended” zone for women.

Taste

None – although the tablets are slightly powdery.

Side Effects

None

Price

£9.99 for 2 months supply.

Results

I regularly use a ZMA products, not for the anabolic effects, but because of how much it improves the quality of my sleep and as we all know that’s when muscle building and recovery takes place. I view ZMA as one of my more essential supplements, I put it right up there with a multivitamin.

This is a good ZMA choice for women who lift weights regularly, it is effectively dosed and works wonders for recovery and sleep quality. This won’t alone take away 100% of your muscle aches but will be an excellent starting point.

The price is unbelievably cheap for the amount and quality of the product. It is exceptional value.

I have no reservations in recommending this for any women out there, men should be using a ZMA too but opt for one with higher quantities of Zinc, Magnesium and Vitamin B6. 9/10

You can buy ZMA here

Super 7 Super Charge

 

Overview

Here’s what Super 7 have to say:

Maximise your gains, optimise your performance and fuel the superhero inside with Super7. 7 Key ingredients blended by our experts to fuel the most hardcore workouts, feel the buzz and get lifting and take things to the next level.

Each serving packs a serious punch energising your workout with a revolutionary blend containing creatine, AAKG, B- vitamins and quality carbs. What if one more rep was worth more than every rep that came before? That's what Super 7 pre-workout is for. The rep of a lifetime; the workout that pushes you over the top, makes you and your workouts a blast; pushes you to and beyond the threshold.

Super7 ultra concentrated Pre-Workout formula was designed in such a way that your body and mind connect perfectly - assuring that every workout may be one of the sickest workouts of your life! Thanks to the unique blend of creatine, AAKG, B vitamins and quality carbs, you can achieve awesome mind-muscle connection and unbelievable muscle strength and endurance.

Nutritional Information

	Per 30g
Energy kcal/Kj	106/450
Carbohydrate (g)	26.5
(as sugars g)	26.5
Protein (g)	nil
Fat (g)	nil
Creatine (mg)	500
L-Carnitine (mg)	250
AAKG (mg)	250
Caffeine (mg)	200
Riboflavin (mg)	1.40
Vitamin B6 (mg)	1.40
Pantothenic Acid (mg)	6.00

Fast acting sugar’s fuel your workout and the extra ingredients (creatine, carnitine, vitamins) make sure you make the most out of your session.

The creatine is generously dosed as is the L-Carnitine and AAKG. Realistically you don’t need more than that to get the most from your workout, Riboflavin (Vit B2) and Vit B6 are included to help convert the sugar into fuel for your muscles more effectively.

The caffeine content isn’t overdosed at 200mg so you never feel drained or experience an energy crash at the end of your session. 200mg of caffeine is about 2 medium sized cups of coffee so no worries about overdosing or sleepless nights.

Taste

I had the blackcurrent flavour and it tastes like slightly fizzy Ribena. It’s very pleasant and easy to drink. There are no mixing problems either.

Side Effects

None

Price

£34.99 for 30 servings.

Results

This preworkout is geared more towards energy and making the body more efficient during the gym than focusing on massive skin splitting pumps. It knows what kind of product it wants to be and it accomplishes that with ease. It is very good and giving you an energy boost, Super Charge only takes about 15-20 minutes to kick in and you feel energized and ready for the task ahead. Muscle contractions feel easier and rather than a muscle pump you get a hardening feeling which I actually really liked.

You never get an energy crash with Super Charge, I was always able to complete my workout and still have some left in the tank, once the preworkout had worn off you felt normal and not depleted like some can leave you feeling.

Preworkouts are rather notorious for tasting terrible, although that is becoming a lot rarer these days, it still a nice surprise to find a product like this that tastes nice. It mixes easily and doesn’t leave a nasty aftertaste in your mouth.

Super 7 Super Charge is a great preworkout choice for those who are more interested in energy than pumps, worried about caffeine content or looking for a great tasting preworkout to power them through a tough gym session. 8.5/10

You can buy Super Charge here

Sci-MX Ultra Whey Review

 

Overview

Here’s what Sci-MX have to say:

Voted the best whey protein in countless surveys, ULTRA WHEY PROTEIN is formulated with premium cold process, micro-filtered whey protein isolate, hydrolysate and concentrate. This rapid action formula contains 35g of the finest quality whey per serving and sets the standard for quality, taste and efficacy.

LEAN MUSCLE GAIN: Premium quality whey protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of quality muscle mass.

HIGH IN BCAAs: Naturally high in branched chain amino acids (L-leucine, L-isoleucine and L-valine) to prime trained muscle groups.

RAPID MUSCLE RECOVERY: Fast acting formula to rapidly penetrate muscle with growth-essential amino acids.

HIGH IN L-GLUTAMINE: Naturally high in L-glutamine for optimum replenishment during intense training sessions

ISOLATES & HYDROLYSATES: Provide the ideal forms of whey protein for athletes engaged in intense weight training.

MICRO-FILTERED WHEY: Superior cold filtration process prevents any damage to the natural structure and quality of proteins.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional information	Per 45g Serving (2 heaped scoops)
Ultra-Whey Protein™ Complex	35g
BCAAs*:	6.1g
(of which L-leucine*)	2.8g
(of which L-isoleucine*)	1.7g
(of which L-valine*)	1.6g
L-Glutamine	4.7g

Nutritional profile	Per 45g Serving
Energy	746kJ / 177kcal
Fat (saturates)	2.3g (1.1g)
Carbohydrates (sugars)	5.9 (2.4g)
Fibre	3.2g
Protein (on dry matter)	35g
Salt	0.4g

You won’t find any filler material in here, this is as stripped down and back to basics as it gets. This is a whey protein product and that’s it, it doesn’t pretend to be anything that its not. This has one purpose and that’s to help you hit your MACROs.

The Sugars are slightly higher than I like to see but the overall carbs and fats have been kept nice and low.

Taste

I had the Strawberry flavour and its tastes very pleasant, not grainy or overly sweet but a nice flavour with a good consistency.

Side Effects

None

Price

£35.99 for a 908g tub which has 20 servings in.

Results

This is the new formula of Ultra Whey that Sci-MX have put together, the old one had some problems, it didn’t taste great and it had some mixing issues, these have all been ironed out and what we are left with is an excellent Whey product that tastes great and mixes with ease.

You get a big protein hit with 35g , a manageable amount of carbs and fats and thrown in as a bonus a decent helping of BCAAs and a nice serving of Glutamine.

The purpose of products like this are to help you hit your MACROs but as a wonderful side effect it will build, repair and feed your muscles but its not a gainer, it will assist you in losing body fat but its not a diet protein. The results you get from this will depend entirely on what your goal is, it can be slotted into any nutritional program and cycle. It is incredibly versatile.

It is slightly pricey so it’s a good thing that Sci-MX nearly always have a special offer on their website. Every little helps.

Overall this is a massive improvement on the previous formula and it would be an excellent addition to your supplement stack. 8/10

You can buy Ultra Whey here

Multipower ISO Drink

 

Overview

Here’s what Multipower have to say:

Iso Drink is an isotonic drink mix with a special carbohydrate matrix, l-carnitine, minerals and BCAAs for optimum hydration and energy supply.

Nutrition Information per	35 g
Energy	550 kJ / 129 kcal
Protein	0,2 g
Carbohydrate	31 g
of which Sugars	20 g
Fat	< 0,17 g
of which saturated fatty acids	< 0,1 g
Dietary Fibre	< 0,1 g
Sodium	0,28 g
Niacin	4,8 mg
Vitamin B1	0,33 mg
Vitamin B6	0,42 mg
Vitamin C	24 mg
Vitamin E	3,64 mg
L-Carnitine	150 mg
Pantothenic Acid	4,55 mg

Asides from the quick acting sugars to give you energy this also contains L-Glutamine, L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine and L-Valine to assist with performance and muscular endurance, recovery and growth.

Taste

I had the Fresh Orange flavour and I really liked the taste of this product, it wasn’t too tart or sour as some of them are but was actually quite refreshing. No heartburn or nasty aftertaste and more importantly for an intra-workout product it doesn't bloat you or impair your performance.

Side Effect

None

Price

£11.99 for a tub with 21 servings in. Great value.

Results

You can take this ISO drink as a preworkout or as an intra-workout. It was really easy to mix and dissolved really well. The was no grit left at the bottom of the shaker and only need 10-15 seconds of a standard shaker to thoroughly mix the product. I found it very refreshing and felt strangely hydrated even after a long workout. This was especially apparent during cardio sessions when usually after sweating for 45 minutes I feel a bit drained and dehydrated, I found that sipping on ISO Drink allowed me to replenish and re-hydrate as quickly as I was sweating it out.

I think that this works much better as an intra than as a preworkout also I feel that its probably more geared towards sports and cardio rather than weight lifting.

With its combination of vitamins and its hydrating effect this is a very well rounded product that can be used as part of your daily routine even if you’re not working out. Just have a glass and get an energy boost. 7/10

You can buy ISO Drink here

PPS Nutrition Thermo-X

 

Overview

Here’s what PPS have to say:

Extreme Thermo-X tablets will stoke your metabolism up to burning point! The powerful blend of fat incinerating compounds in these tablets is only for people who are serious about shedding weight and getting slim. This ultra-potent blend of Caffeine, Guarana, Green Tea, Niacin and N-Acetyl-L-Carnitine facilitates effective fat metabolism and doubles as a pre-Workout supplement which will deliver you explosive energy like you wouldn’t believe.

Nutritional Information

 

As you can see you get a serious caffeine kick with 592mg. Guarana is included further upping the caffeine content really give you a buzz and fire up your metabolism. Green Tea and L-Carnitine are both proven fat burning ingredients. Niacin is excellent for fighting cholesterol among other things but can cause slight stomach upset in some people if taken on an empty stomach.

Taste

None – no aftertaste from the tablets either.

Side Effects

Due to the very high caffeine content I would suggest starting on a single pill and working your way up to having 2 a day as they can affect your sleep pattern especially if you take them later in the day!

Price

£19.95 for a months supply (if you take maximum dosage)

Results

I like Thermo-X a lot it is a very good product and the tablets are easy to take. It is suggested that you take Thermo-X before a workout but equally you could take them in the morning if you don’t have a workout scheduled that day, personally I have been known to forget to take tablets if it is a busy day so any tablet that can be taken in the morning is a plus in my book. If you are using them as a preworkout remember they are a substitute for a liquid stimulant based preworkout don’t have both and overdose on caffeine! If you must have a separate preworkout make sure it is caffeine free.

You can tell when you have taken it as you get a great boost about 25-30 minutes after taking them. You, rather surprisingly, don’t have a crash after they wear off. Thermo-X works great as a fat burner setting your metabolism on fire and helping you to shift those stubborn bits of fat. You do feel very hot when you take these those for a good hour so as a bonus you can save on your heating bill. 8/10

You can buy Thermo-X here

Multipower Power Pack

 

Overview

Here’s what Multipower have to say:

With 28 % high-quality protein the Power Pack Vanilla is a good protein source to support recovery after training. The optimum ratio of protein: carbs:fat also makes it ideal as a snack in between meals.

Nutritional Information

Nutrition Information per	35 g
Energy	574 kJ / 136
Protein	10 g
Carbohydrate	16 g
Fat	3,7 g

So a relatively small amount of protein and a modest amount of a carbs means this is probably geared more towards being a healthier option for a snack than a protein bar to help you hit your macros.

The calories are lower than most chocolate bars and the macros are definitely better so its essentially a healthy chocolate bar.

Taste

It tastes great, it’s a little bit chewy but not to the point where it’s a problem. The chocolate coating actually tastes like real chocolate which makes the whole bar more appealing. It doesn’t have a bad after taste and it never repeated on me.

Side Effects

None

Price

£25.99 for a pack of 24.

Results

Power Pack is great when you need a quick boost in between meals. These kind of bars aren’t supposed to be a daily treat, they are supposed to be used when you would normally be reaching for a chocolate bar and to keep yourself on track you have the healthier option instead.

The protein content is a little low so this wouldn’t be used for recovery or muscle building and there are no fat burning ingredients included so its not a diet bar, it has no primary purpose other than to be a healthy alternative to a chocolate bar. This could be slotted into any nutritional plan but if you’re looking to bulk then I would personally go with a slightly higher protein/calorie bar. These would be a great for a maintenance or cutting plan though, keep them handy for when you can’t go another minute without some kind of treat.

They are slightly more expensive than a chocolate bar at £1.08 per bar but with 24 in a pack they should last you quite a few months.

Power Pack when used correctly (as a treat and not a daily snack) will help you stick to your diet plan and achieve your body goals. 6/10

You can buy Power Pack here.

PPS Nutrition Hybrid

 

Overview

Here is what PPS Nutrition have to say:

Hybrid All-in-One combines all the essential supplements you need to achieve your training and physique goals in one great- tasting protein shake.

Each tub delivers 37 servings, each packing over 30 grams of quality protein, for a phenomenal value price. This premium All-in-One can’t be beat as a total recovery solution.

Hybrid All-in-One combines a premium protein blend (inc. Whey Concentrate & Whey Isolate) with added L-Glutamine to promote muscle gains, H.M.B to prevent muscle breakdown, Pre-Biotics to assist in effective protein absorption and Creatine Monohydrate to aid lean muscle development and lifting power.

Nutritional Information

All-In-One’s like this should aim to give you most, if not all, of your supplements in one shake. Along side the 31.2g of protein we have creatine, glutamine and HMB. That is more or less what you expect to see, nothing particularly ground breaking in there.

The protein itself is made up of Whey Concentrate, Casein and Soy (don’t panic). The carbs are mostly quick acting sugars to help with recovery and there are some healthy fats thrown in as well.

Taste

This is the first Banoffee flavoured shake that I have liked, it mixes up very well with about 250-300ml of water and creates this thick shake with a great flavour. There is no after taste or powdery texture.

Side Effects

None

Price

£39.99 for a 2.25kg tub with 37 servings in.

Results

Some people are against All-In-One supplements and prefer to handle the exact quantities and timing themselves but I think they can be quite convenient and sometimes cheaper than buying the individual supplements.

Hybrid is probably most effective when used post workout but it could just as easily be slipped in between meals. As with most all-in-one’s you probably wouldn’t want to take more than one serving a day. It’s not a bulking supplement you could easily use this during a cutting cycle as the glutamine and HMB would actually help muscle retention.

I imagine people have already picked up on that this has Soy protein in and before you grab your pitchforks and start a lynch mob let me just say that there is no evidence that Soy protein lowers testosterone or has any negative side effects especially when taken in this kind of quantity. The “soy studies” were sketchy at best.

PPS Nutrition’s Hybrid seems to have it all, it has a good nutritional breakdown even including HMB (personally I think its an underrated supplement), no side effects, great taste, easy to mix and its priced very competitively. I like Hybrid, in fact I like pretty much everything about it. It is easily one of the better all-in-one products that I’ve tried. 9/10

You can buy Hybrid here.

Scitec BCAA Xpress

 

Overview

Here’s what Scitec have to say:

The Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAA's) are an important group of essential amino acids consisting of Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine. The BCAA's are among the nine essential amino acids for humans, because our body can’t manufacture them. Their only source is our daily food or food supplementation. On the other hand, they account for 35% of the essential amino acids in muscle proteins. Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine are indispensable amino acids provided by mixed dietary protein intakes from different sources. BCAA's can also be consumed as food supplements, especially suggested around intense workouts or physical work. BCAA XPRESS contains a 2:1:1 ratio of Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine; and because it is in a powder-drink form, as a liquid, it can absorb faster than a tablet formula. Also, it can conveniently sipped during a workout.

Nutritional Information

Serving size: 7 g (approximately 1 heaping teaspoon)

L-leucine          2500 mg                                              

L-isoleucine      1250 mg                                              

L-valine            1250 mg

The classic 2:1:1 ratio is being used here. Scitec aren’t doing anything new or unheard of here but sticking with tried and tested formulas that work.

Taste

I had Pink Lemonade and the taste was spot on, it tasted like it came out of a Schweppes bottle. It wasn’t hard to drink at all and more importantly it didn’t bloat you whilst taken as an intra workout supplement.

Side Effects

None

Price

£38.09 for a 700g tub with a massive 100 servings in.

Results

BCAA’s are vital to supplement with for any serious lifter. If you aren’t currently using them then you seriously need to look into them. Scitec BCAA Xpress is a very good choice as well. They use the tried and tested 2:1:1 ratio that is proven to be the most effective, there are other variations floating around 4:1:1 even 8:1:1 but neither have proven as good (yet!).

Pure BCAA products have a reputation for not tasting very nice but not this one, the Pink Lemonade tastes excellent. It’s recommended that you take up to 3 servings a day but to be honest I think one before a workout and one either after or during should be sufficient. The price may be a sticking point for some although it’s a pricey £38 it does have 100 servings in so it’s only 38p per drink.

I think that Scitec have made a very solid BCAA product and if you never used a supplement like this then it may be the missing ingredient from your supplement stack. 8/10

You can buy BCAA Xpress here

Scitec Whey Protein Superb

 

Overview

Here’s what Scitec have to say:

The first aspects one experiences when using a protein is mixability and taste. Everything else comes after these! 100% WHEY PROTEIN SUPERB is supremely awesome tasting, mixes easily, and of course provides protein from one of the finest protein sources on Earth. On top of it all, it has real fruit pieces, chocolate shreds or whey-rice crunchy crisps (depending on the specific flavour)! Is there a better, tastier way to deliver your desired amount of protein in one sitting?
100% WHEY PROTEIN SUPERB is a tremendously high-quality protein exclusively from cold-processed whey. Dietary proteins are a source of nitrogen and essential amino acids, which the body requires for tissue growth and maintenance. That’s why 100% WHEY PROTEIN SUPERB contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass, and also to the maintenance of normal bones. Whey protein from milk is a complete protein, because it provides the body with all the necessary types of amino acids, including the 9 amino acids the body cannot synthesize and must be supplied by the diet (“essential” aminos): Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine,
Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Valine.

Nutritional Information

Serving size: 30 g Chocolate flavour with chocolate shreds (1 scoop), Strawberry flavour with fruit pieces, Vanilla flavour with crunchy whey crisps (1¼ scoops)
Amount per serving			Amount per serving
Calories	110 kcal		Sugars			1.7 g
Calories from Fat	21 kcal		Dietary Fiber			0 g
Total Fat	2.3 g		Protein			20.5 g
Saturated Fat	1.1 g		Potassium			155 mg
Cholesterol	26 mg		Taurine			990 mg
Total Carbohydrate	1.8 g		L-Glutamine			300 mg

At only 20.5g of protein (100% whey) it’s slightly on the low side but the Carbs and Fat are kept to manageable levels.

There isn’t much else to this shake, asides from a few extra added amino acids, it’s purely designed to be a nice tasting shake to help you get in extra calories and protein.

Taste

I had the Vanilla flavour which did taste exceptionally nice, the flavour itself is much better than a normal shake, it’s very smooth as well. The strange bit though is the crunchy whey flakes that they put in. It didn’t taste bad but just made it look like the shake hasn’t mixed properly even when it had.

Side Effects

None

Price

£22.94 for a 900g tub with 30 servings in.

Results

I like products that focus on one primary purpose and do it well. Whey Protein Superb is all about providing a protein boost in the best tasting whey (bad pun alert). Scitec fully accomplish this as Superb tastes amazingly good. As it only delivers 20.5g of protein it is likely that you will need another shake it your stack but that’s fine as this isn’t supposed to be a post workout or recovery shake, I used it as a dessert, Superb is a healthy, muscle building treat.

Its fairly cheap at only 75p per serving meaning you can treat yourself without breaking the bank.

It mixes well and taste amazing, the decision to add a bit of texture and crunch to the shake doesn’t quite work for me but you might love it. 9/10

You can buy Whey Protein Superb here