'I swapped my morning coffee for a protein shake and was shocked by the results'

North Wales Live

3 days ago

As someone who's never ventured into the realm of protein shakes, I was curious about what to expect when I decided to give Sune a go for a week. In recent months, I've been on the lookout for a straightforward way to boost my overall health, and with Sune boasting 75 health benefits, it seemed like the perfect daily pick-me-up.
My typical morning involves copious amounts of tea and often missing breakfast – a habit that's done no favours for my gut health, particularly after last year's food poisoning episode, which led to persistent IBS symptoms. However, after a week on Sune, I'm genuinely impressed by how easily it has become part of my daily routine and the noticeable improvement in my well-being.
Sune markets itself as 'a premium protein shake formulated by women, for women'. Naturally, this leads to the question: what sets it apart from other protein shakes? What exactly caters specifically to women's needs?
Sune explained: "Amongst many differences, women are more likely to experience tiredness as a result of low iron status, are more likely to experience digestive conditions with more intense symptoms, and experience regular hormonal fluctuation.
"This creates unique nutritional needs that do not fit a one-size-fits-all approach." Their protein shakes are specifically designed with a blend of plant-based protein, superfoods, and added vitamins and minerals that are designed to support hormone balance, energy, and digestion in women.
Sune isn't the only brand offering female-centric protein shakes, with Free Soul also providing a blend of pea protein isolate and white hemp protein from £19.99, at The Mirror reports.
Women's Health rated the Foodspring Clear Whey Raspberry Mojito as the best clear whey protein powder in 2024. It's a low-fat, low-lactose protein powder from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows, offering 26g of protein per serving for £39 a tub.
When testing Sune, given my sensitive stomach and low energy levels, I was particularly interested to see how it would perform. I used it over seven days to see what results I might find - but truth be told, after one glass, I was sold. On the first day, I swapped my usual morning tea for a Sune protein shake. I got both the chocolate and salted caramel flavours to try, and on day one, decided to give the chocolate version a go.
To make the shake, I added one 30g scoop of powder into my Protein Works shaker along with 300ml of semi-skimmed milk and gave it a shake for around 10 seconds. Each 30g serving provides 20g of plant-based protein, which is the equivalent of a 75g grilled rump steak, one cup of plain low-fat Greek yoghurt or three large eggs.
The powder blended seamlessly into the milk, leaving no lumps. Despite a slight powdery aftertaste, which is common with most shakes, my father (a seasoned shake drinker) assures me it's incredibly smooth and easy to sip straight from the shaker.
However, if not consumed promptly, it can settle at the bottom, so remember to give it a quick stir before each sip if you're enjoying it at a leisurely pace. I anticipated missing my morning brew, but surprisingly, Sune provided a similar boost. I might even go as far as to say that on a bright May morning, it was perhaps even more enjoyable than starting the day with a hot beverage.
The main noticeable difference was that I wasn't waiting for lunch by 11 am and spending the rest of my morning eagerly awaiting an appropriate time to prepare dinner. Over the course of the week, I experimented with consuming the shake at various times to determine what worked best for me. I alternated between the chocolate and salted caramel flavours, finding the chocolate to be rich, indulgent, and almost dessert-like.
It felt like a genuine treat, helping me resist my usual evening chocolate cravings. But my personal favourite - though it was a close call - was the salted caramel. It was lighter and more refreshing, with a subtler flavour that was really palatable. I particularly enjoyed serving it in a glass with ice and a straw, which felt akin to a flavoured iced latte, sans the coffee.
I do wish there were a bit more diversity in the flavours, as both of the current options are rather buttery and cake-like. I'd be quite keen to see them introduce something fruity, like strawberry.
In addition to having the shake first thing in the morning, I also tested a mid-afternoon shake during my typical 3pm slump, when I find myself rummaging through the fridge for a boost. This really helped me reduce my snacking, keeping me satiated until dinner time, and focused for the remainder of the workday, which makes sense, given that improved cognitive function is one of the 75 approved health benefits.
On some days, I'd have the shake before heading to the gym or working out at home, and I found I could do longer workouts before I started to get bored. When having it post-gym, it helped me refuel without feeling bloated, which is something I've struggled with when trying to eat solid food after workouts.
The combination of probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes means Sune helps reduce bloating and discomfort, perfect for someone like me with IBS symptoms. One factor that had previously deterred me from trying protein shakes was the suggestion that many formulas can cause wind. This is usually because they contain ingredients like lactose.
Sune's formula is completely free from gluten, lactose, and soy, so it is not only easier to digest than whey-based alternatives, but it's also suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Other key components are B Vitamins and Iron, which I've taken as supplements before but often forget to take regularly, leading me to abandon the routine. They're a formidable duo for combating fatigue, and if there's an option to swap out capsules and gummies for a multi-benefit liquid form, I'm all for it.
Within a week, I noticed that I was staying fuller for longer and my constant snacking had subsided. I also experienced less bloating, more vitality during workouts, and overall less fatigue, which meant fewer trips to make tea and a reduction in caffeine intake.
Although I had hoped to lose more weight during the trial, I only saw a 2lb drop (perhaps the Bank Holiday is to blame) – still, any loss is welcome, isn't it? I plan to keep using Sune protein shakes in conjunction with a balanced diet and exercise to reach my weight loss targets.
On the Sune website, there are currently just three customer reviews, yet each one boasts a five-star rating. One customer commented: "I love the taste of this product and I feel much better."
Another shared their success story: "I have lost so much weight thanks to PW and am nearly at my ideal BMI," and added, "I saw this the other day and thought I would try. It's super delicious and has all the right ingredients and makes me feel full afterwards."
A third review mentioned: "Have tried both flavours and they taste amazing. Definitely feeling the benefit, better mood and energy levels." Sune is typically priced at £29.99 for a 600g tub, which lasts roughly three weeks. It's currently discounted to £26.99, equating to £1.35 per shake.
There are also 1.2kg and 1.8kg options available, with the latter being the most economical. Previously priced at £87.99, it has been reduced to £69.99, which will last two months at £1.17 per shake. Additionally, readers can avail of a 10% discount with the code PW10, bringing the cost of the largest tub down to £62.99, or £1.05 per shake. Shoppers can browse the range of Sune shakes here.