5 of the best low-sugar protein powders

If you’ve ever stood in the supplements aisle (or scrolled online) and felt overwhelmed by the wall of protein powders, you’re not alone. Between flashy packaging, confusing nutrition labels and endless promises, it’s hard to know which one is actually worth adding to your routine.

One simple rule I like to follow is to keep an eye on the sugar content. While protein shakes can be a great way to boost recovery after a workout, keep you fuller for longer, or just help you sneak in extra nutrition, a lot of powders are packed with unnecessary sweeteners. Luckily, there are some brilliant low-sugar options that don’t compromise on taste or quality. 

But first, let’s take a look at why excess sugar in protein powders should be avoided.

Why should you avoid excess sugar in protein powder?

Excess sugar in protein shakes can undo many of the health benefits you’re trying to get from them. While a little sugar is fine, regularly consuming shakes that are high in added sugar can lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes, which may leave you feeling tired or craving more sweet foods. 

Over time, too much sugar contributes to weight gain, insulin resistance, and a higher risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It can also undermine the reason you’re taking protein in the first place (whether that’s for the gains, muscle recovery, steady energy, or overall health) by adding empty calories that don’t provide the nutrients your body actually needs.

Here are five protein powders to consider if you’re looking for lower sugar options.

Naked Nutrition Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder (£79.99 for 2280g)

If you like your supplements stripped back and simple, Naked Whey might just be your match. It’s sourced from small non-GMO dairy farms, with cows that are grass-fed, free-roaming, and raised without hormones like rBGH or rBST. Each serving delivers an impressive 25g of protein along with 5.9g of BCAAs, without any additives, fillers or artificial sweeteners. Naked Nutrition keeps things clean and transparent, so what you see really is what you get.

Nutritional info (per 30g serving / 2 scoops):

• Calories: 120

• Protein: 25g

• Fat: 2g

• Saturated fat: 0.5g

• Cholesterol: 50mg

• Carbohydrates: 3g

• Sugars: 2g

• Fibre: 0g

• Sodium: 45mg

• Potassium: 90mg

• Calcium: 98mg

• Iron: 0.2mg

• Vitamin D: 0mg

Vivo Life Clean Protein (£33.99 for 900g)

For a plant-based option that doesn’t compromise on nutrition, Vivo Life’s Clean Protein is a solid choice. Each serving packs 21g of protein and is naturally high in iron, zinc, and selenium for extra energy and immune support. With no artificial sweeteners or flavours, it’s a clean and simple blend designed to work with your lifestyle.

Nutritional info (per serving):

• Calories: 110kcal / 465kJ

• Protein: 21g

• Fat: 1.6g

• Saturated fat: 0.02g

• Carbohydrates: 2g

• Sugars: 0.3g

• Fibre: 1.6g

• Salt: 0.8g

• Iron: 7mg

The Organic Protein Co. Madagascan Vanilla Organic Whey (£59 for 1200g)

This one is all about clean, simple ingredients. With only three on the list—organic whey protein, organic coconut sugar, and ground Bourbon vanilla pods—it’s proof you don’t need a long label to get a great product. The coconut sugar adds a touch of sweetness (still just 2.6g per serving), while the vanilla flavour makes it feel like more of a treat than a supplement. Buy it here.

Form Nutrition Performance Protein (£22.99 for 520g)

If you want a plant-based powder that goes beyond the basics, Form’s Performance Protein is worth a try. With 30g of protein and 5g of BCAAs per serving, it’s designed to support both training and recovery. Added extras like turmeric extract, BioPerine® (for absorption), and a digestive enzyme blend make it stand out from the pack. Bonus: the chocolate hazelnut flavour is rich, nutty, and actually delicious.

Nutritional info (per serving):

• Energy: 645kJ / 154kcal

• Protein: 30g

• Fat: 2.9g

• Saturated fat: 0.2g

• Carbohydrates: 2g

• Sugars: 0.1g

• Salt: 1g

Free Soul Vegan Protein Blend (£24.99 for 600g)

Developed with women in mind, Free Soul’s Vegan Protein Blend is more than just protein. Alongside 17g of plant-based protein per serving, it’s enriched with nutrients like iron, B vitamins, and magnesium to support energy, hormonal balance, and even skin, hair, and nails. It’s free from gluten, dairy, and common irritants, and comes in flavours like salted caramel and berry for something a little different.

Nutritional info (per serving):

• Energy: 428kJ / 101kcal

• Protein: 17g

• Fat: 2.2g

• Saturated fat: 0.5g

• Carbohydrates: 3.8g

• Sugars: 0.1g

• Fibre: 0.5g

• Salt: 0.77g

• Thiamine: 0.3mg

• Riboflavin: 0.4mg

• Niacin: 4.8mg NE

• Vitamin B6: 0.4mg

• Folic acid: 60mcg

• Vitamin B12: 0.8mcg

• Biotin: 45mcg

• Pantothenic acid: 1.8mg

• Chloride: 90mg

• Calcium: 120mg

• Magnesium: 100mg

• Iron: 6mg

• Sodium: 58mg
  

Choosing a protein powder doesn’t have to mean compromising on health or flavour. Whatever your preferences, these low-sugar options prove you can keep your nutrition clean and still enjoy your shake. The only hard part is deciding which one to try first…

Craft Your Calm: Bedroom Elegance Reimagined

As the pace of everyday life accelerates, your bedroom should be the one place where time slows down. In 2025, bedroom styling goes beyond aesthetics, it’s about designing a restful, intentional space that nurtures sleep, soothes the senses, and mirrors your personal style. And it all begins with one essential element: your bed sheets.

High-quality sheets are no longer a luxury, they’re a necessity for restorative rest. Whether you’re drawn to the silky drape of sateen, the breathable coolness of linen, or the cosy embrace of brushed cotton, the right sheets can redefine your entire sleep experience. Maison Elowen’s 2025 collection brings you an elevated range of materials that marry form and function, from silky bamboo-cotton blends to ultra-fine long-staple cotton and environmentally friendly organic fabrics.

These materials are chosen not only for how they feel, but for how they support your wellbeing. Thermoregulating, hypoallergenic, and crafted to last, our range is designed with conscious comfort in mind. Each fitted sheet and quilt cover is tailored for today’s deeper mattresses, ensuring a smooth, snug fit that maintains its shape and style from morning to night.

Minimalism Meets Texture: Styling Your Bedroom for Tranquillity

In 2025, the new look of luxury is understated and tactile. Think soft, tonal palettes layered with texture and depth. Introduce interest through contrast: a linen duvet paired with a chunky-knit throw, or a velvet cushion set against a crisp percale base. This year’s most sought-after hues draw from nature—muted clay, eucalyptus green, storm grey, and mineral blue—to evoke calm and balance.

Intentional styling doesn’t mean clutter. Choose a few high-impact accents that elevate your space while keeping it clean and breathable. A sculptural bedside lamp, a wooden tray for your wind-down essentials, or an artful cushion stack can create harmony without overwhelming the room.

When it comes to updating your space, small seasonal swaps go a long way. Refresh your quilt cover or introduce a new colour story with accessories to give your room a fresh yet cohesive feel. And don’t underestimate the power of fragrance: a lavender linen spray or sandalwood candle can amplify the feeling of sanctuary.

A Bedroom That Reflects Your Rhythm

At its core, a luxurious bedroom isn’t about trends—it’s about how it makes you feel. Whether you’re designing a cosy cocoon for winter or a breezy retreat for warmer nights, your bedding should work in harmony with your routine and rhythms.

Maison Elowen believes in everyday luxury that lasts. That’s why our sheets and bedding accessories are crafted for durability, breathability, and timeless beauty—so you can sleep deeper and live better. In 2025, give yourself the gift of a bedroom that restores, recharges, and reflects who you are.

Rest, redefined. Style, simplified. This is bedroom living—elevated.

Embracing Luxury Through Lingerie

In a world where true refinement is often found in subtlety, designer lingerie remains one of the most personal and powerful expressions of luxury. It’s not about extravagance for show—it’s about how fine fabrics, tailored silhouettes, and exquisite detail can make you feel when worn close to the skin. In 2025, high-end lingerie—especially elegant bottoms and statement g-strings—is stepping into the spotlight, reimagined as everyday indulgence for the modern, self-assured woman.

The Evolution of Everyday Intimates

No longer reserved for evenings of seduction or tucked away for special moments, lingerie bottoms are having a renaissance. Designers are elevating briefs, bikinis, and g-strings with rich textures like Chantilly lace, stretch silk, and sheer mesh—delivering a tactile experience that’s both luxurious and liberating. The fit is flawless, the construction seamless, and the designs effortlessly blend elegance with edge.

Today’s g-string is not a whisper of fabric hidden for practicality. It’s a design statement—sleek, feminine, and striking in its minimalism. Whether adorned with fine embroidery, gold-tone hardware, or cut to enhance the natural lines of the body, these pieces celebrate both form and function. They glide invisibly beneath tailored trousers or a slinky dress, offering a foundation of poise that stays with you all day.

Craftsmanship that Celebrates the Individual

True luxury doesn’t shout. It’s felt—in the buttery softness of silk against your skin, the way lace lays perfectly without irritation, or the confidence that comes from wearing something made for your body, not just your size. Today’s leading lingerie houses are championing inclusivity, offering expanded ranges and adaptive silhouettes that honour individuality. Whether you gravitate towards structured shapes or more fluid forms, there’s a bespoke feel in every pair.

At the forefront of this modern lingerie movement is Honey Birdette, renowned for redefining bold sensuality with refined craftsmanship. Their latest collection of designer lingerie bottoms and g-strings features architectural precision paired with decadent detailing. Each piece is a wearable reflection of desire and design—a reminder that indulgence can (and should) be an everyday affair.

The Lifestyle of Lingerie

Lingerie in 2025 is not just what you wear—it’s a way of being. It’s the quiet confidence that comes from starting your day in something beautiful. It’s the deliberate decision to invest in quality and comfort, even when no one else sees it. Designer lingerie reflects a lifestyle of self-respect and attention to the details that matter.

In a curated wardrobe, the foundation sets the tone. Premium lingerie isn’t simply an accessory—it’s the base layer of your elegance. From sculpted g-strings to high-rise lace briefs, every choice is a chance to feel more like yourself—refined, empowered, and unapologetically feminine.

Mastering Fit: The Key to a Timeless and Confident Wardrobe

In the vast landscape of fashion, true sophistication isn’t just about labels or trends—it’s about achieving a flawless fit that enhances your unique body shape. The perfect fit elevates an outfit from ordinary to extraordinary, creating an air of confidence and refinement. Whether you admire the precision of tailored suits or the effortless charm of well-fitted denim, mastering the art of selecting garments that complement your physique is an invaluable skill. From foundational lingerie to bespoke tailoring, let’s explore essential strategies to curate a wardrobe that seamlessly blends style and comfort.

The Undergarment Foundation: Enhancing Every Outfit

The first step toward impeccable fit begins with selecting the right undergarments. These often-overlooked essentials play a critical role in shaping the way clothes sit on your body. A well-fitted bra, for instance, provides support and ensures a smooth silhouette under any outfit. Since body measurements can fluctuate over time, regular fittings are key to maintaining the perfect foundation.

Beyond bras, seamless underwear and shapewear contribute to a polished look by preventing visible lines and offering subtle sculpting. Whether it’s full-coverage briefs for smoothing or compression garments for added definition, investing in high-quality lingerie enhances the overall fit of your wardrobe.

Finding the Perfect Swimwear for Your Shape

Shopping for swimwear can feel overwhelming, but understanding what flatters your body makes all the difference. The key is to highlight your natural assets while ensuring comfort and confidence. For those with a fuller bust, structured one-pieces or bikini tops with strong support provide balance and security. If you prefer to elongate your legs, high-cut styles create a lengthening effect. With modern designs catering to diverse body types, finding swimwear that makes you feel unstoppable has never been easier.

Achieving the Ideal Fit: Dresses and Suits

The quest for the perfect dress or suit begins with precise measurements. Knowing your size across different brands allows you to navigate size charts with ease, selecting pieces that naturally complement your proportions. Comfort is just as important as fit—garments should contour your body without feeling restrictive. If you discover a piece that almost fits but needs slight tweaks, alterations can work wonders. Tailoring transforms off-the-rack items into personalized statement pieces that feel like they were made just for you.

The Transformative Power of Tailoring

Even the most stylish outfit can fall flat if the fit isn’t right. Since no two bodies are exactly alike, tailoring is an essential tool in achieving sartorial perfection. A skilled tailor can refine everything from the taper of a trouser leg to the cinch of a waist, ensuring a flattering, made-to-measure look. Whether shortening sleeves, adjusting hemlines, or sculpting a blazer to fit like a glove, alterations bring a level of refinement that takes any wardrobe to the next level.

The Art of Dressing with Confidence

Fashion is more than just clothing—it’s an extension of your personality and how you present yourself to the world. By prioritizing fit, you enhance your aesthetic appeal while cultivating a wardrobe that exudes self-assurance. The confidence that comes with well-fitted clothing is undeniable, empowering you to carry yourself with grace and poise in any setting.

Featured image c/o Aiony Haust on Unsplash

7 Tips for a Successful Digital Detox

In today's hyper-connected world, our devices have become like an extra limb—always attached and hard to ignore. While technology offers numerous benefits, our constant screen time can lead to stress, anxiety, and a host of other issues. Enter the digital detox: a deliberate break from digital devices to rejuvenate your mind and reclaim your life.

What Exactly Is a Digital Detox?

A digital detox involves intentionally disconnecting from electronic devices—think smartphones, computers, tablets, and social media platforms—for a set period. This break allows you to reset your relationship with technology, reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance real-life connections.

With the average person spending nearly 7 hours a day in front of screens, it’s no wonder that more people are feeling the effects of digital fatigue. Excessive screen time is linked to increased anxiety, poor sleep, and a reduced attention span. By stepping away from constant digital stimulation, you give your brain a chance to unwind, reconnect with your surroundings, and rediscover activities that don’t involve swiping or scrolling.

The Benefits of a Digital Detox in Everyday Life

A break from screens can have surprising benefits:

• Better sleep: Blue light from screens disrupts melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. Reducing screen time, especially before bed, can improve sleep quality.
• Reduced stress and anxiety: Social media can be overwhelming, with endless notifications and pressure to stay updated. A detox can ease that mental load.
• Improved productivity: Without digital distractions, you can focus better on work, hobbies, or simply enjoying the moment.
• More meaningful connections: Without a phone in hand, conversations become more engaging, and relationships feel more authentic.
• Enhanced creativity: Boredom often sparks creativity. When you step away from screens, you allow your mind to wander and generate new ideas.

The Stress Epidemic in the UK

Stress is a significant concern in the UK. A survey found that 74% of adults have felt so stressed at some point over the past year that they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope. Factors such as work pressure, financial worries, and social expectations all contribute to this growing problem, but one often-overlooked culprit is our excessive screen time.

With smartphones constantly buzzing, emails demanding immediate attention, and social media feeding us a never-ending stream of news and comparison traps, it’s no wonder our stress levels are through the roof. The pressure to be always ‘on’ can make it difficult to switch off, leading to anxiety, sleep disturbances, and even burnout.

This is where a digital detox can make a huge difference. By stepping away from screens, even for short periods, we can:

• Reduce Information Overload – A break from emails, notifications, and news alerts gives your brain time to rest and recharge.
• Improve Sleep Quality – Less screen time, especially before bed, helps regulate melatonin levels, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.
• Strengthen Real-Life Connections – Face-to-face interactions foster deeper, more meaningful relationships than digital communication.
• Boost Mental Clarity – Without the constant distraction of devices, it’s easier to focus, make decisions, and feel more in control.
• Encourage Mindfulness – Disconnecting from technology allows us to be present in the moment, reducing feelings of stress and overwhelm.

By incorporating regular digital detoxes—whether it’s a few hours a day or a full weekend offline—you give yourself the chance to reset, refocus, and reclaim your mental well-being.

7 Tips for a Successful Digital Detox

1. Set Clear Boundaries

   Define specific times to unplug. Whether it's during meals or the first hour after waking up, having set periods without screens can help you stay committed.

2. Inform Your Circle

   Let friends, family, and colleagues know about your digital detox. This sets expectations and reduces the fear of missing out.

3. Find Offline Activities

   Rediscover hobbies that don't require a screen. Reading, painting, or taking a walk in nature can be refreshing alternatives.

4. Use Technology to Your Advantage

   Ironically, apps can help monitor and limit your screen time. Utilise them to track usage and set reminders to take breaks.

5. Create Tech-Free Zones

   Designate areas in your home where devices are off-limits, like the bedroom or dining area, to promote relaxation and face-to-face interactions.

6. Reflect on Your Experience

   Keep a journal to note changes in mood, productivity, and overall well-being during your detox. This reflection can reinforce the benefits of unplugging.

7. Gradual Reduction

   If a full detox seems daunting, start by reducing screen time incrementally. Small steps can lead to significant changes.

Embarking on a digital detox can be a game-changer for your mental health and overall well-being. By implementing these tips, you can break free from digital overload and engage in a more balanced, fulfilling life.