SiS Whey20

Post-ride recovery is all the rage, with many claiming it is as critical to get right as the training itself. A large part of that is needing sleep, but it is also about taking on the correct amount of protein after your training. These SiS Whey20 sachets are the perfect solution for busy individuals who would otherwise struggle to eat in the 30-minute post-exercise window.

The 78ml sachets, which come in two flavours – lemon and strawberry – contain 20g of protein. There are two of each in a packet of four, but you can also buy packs of 12 in a single flavour (£23.99). I would highly recommend testing them first with a multi-pack because the flavours are very different. As you'd expect, the lemon is a little sharp, while the strawberry is much sweeter, so it'll be very much up to personal preference.

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The texture is, according to SiS, like a flavoured yogurt, which is a slight stretch. I would say they're similar to SiS Electrolyte gels, with a thicker consistency. They have added sweetener, which helps, but you can also notice a 'powdery' texture to the 'gel', which I wouldn't exactly call pleasant. I certainly wouldn't go taking them constantly, but they're perfect to take at the end of a tough, wet and cold ride when you're desperate to get in the shower.

Using the sachets removes the need for a shaker and water to go with your protein powder, and certainly makes the whole process far simpler. They are small and easy to pack, whether to take to a race or training, without the worry of leaking or powder going everywhere.

The whey protein used is the same as that found in milk and is released more quickly than milk protein alone. It contains 7g of BCAAs, which are essential amino acids for muscle regeneration, and only has 1.8g of carbohydrates and 0.1g of fat per sachet, making the proteins the primary focus for your body.

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At £8 per box, it's not far off what you'd spend on an energy gel, but it's substantially more expensive than the equivalent powder. For example, for the same 20g of whey protein per serving, a powder shake such as MyProtein would cost 25p or less, compared with £2 for the Whey20.

But, as I have already said, the real benefit is in the simplicity and removal of the need for shakers and water. They seem like a good solution for post-racing or training before driving home, but perhaps not part of your regular post-ride ritual. At the current price, they're not going to replace the protein shake, but it might be useful to have a few at the ready.

Verdict

A useful and easy way to start your post-ride recovery