What is a mixed protein blend?
A mixed protein blend contains a mixture of protein - typically whey protein staples, both concentrate and isolate, and sometimes hydrolysates, too. These fast digesting proteins are complemented with medium and slower digesting protein sources like egg, soy, pea, hemp and caseinates. Whey is the superior protein source due to its complete amino profile. It passes through the digestive system at a rapid rate, faster than any other protein sources, and while that's desirable first thing in the morning or pre / post-workout, your body also benefits equally from a sustained release protein.
Mixed protein blends are well suited to most people involved in sport. If you're not in a position to eat, a mixed blend shake could be consumed an hour or two after your post-workout shake.
Mixed protein blends almost always cost more than a whey protein concentrate, so a good tip is to buy both and mix them together. If you buy from a bulk provider it's possible to buy a combined 10kg for £100 - £120.
Would a mixed protein blend suit me?
In short, yes, providing you're not allergic to any of the ingredients. Mixed protein blends are great because they're so versatile and well suited to all types of athletes. If we had to choose one category from the list as being the “best overall type†this is what we'd recommend. Mixed type blends offer a full spectrum of fast and slow digesting proteins. They are suitable for people on diets because carbohydrates and fats are kept to a minimum and hence more controllable. For those looking to increase mass, the shake can quite easily be complemented with dextrose, maltodextrin, instant oats, bran or barley. If you're able to eat a bowl of cereal with it, you can quite easily turn a mixed blend shake into a lean gainer that is akin to a meal replacement shake. You can even go one step further and up the quantity to make a fully packed weight gainer.
The bottom line
If you're looking for a "one size fits all" type of protein shake that is versatile, that can be used post-workout, during the day or as part of a meal replacement, then a mixed blend comes as a recommended choice.
If you're still not sure, you can find a supplement that will suit your goals with our protein finder.