‘I made one change to my meals and lost weight, felt fuller and cut down my caffeine’

I tried out Sune’s protein shakes for women for one week – the health benefits were immediate, from less bloating to more energy

As someone who’s never dipped a toe into the world of protein shakes, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I decided to try Sune for a week. I’ve been looking for a quick and easy way to improve my overall health in recent months, and with a reported 75 health benefits, this daily drink felt like the ideal solution.

My usual morning routine revolves around tea (and lots of it) and often skipping breakfast entirely – a habit that hasn’t helped my gut health, especially after a bout of food poisoning last year that left me managing ongoing IBS symptoms. But after a week with Sune, I’m surprised at just how seamlessly it’s slipped into my daily routine, not to mention how much better I feel for it.

Sune describes itself as ‘a premium protein shake formulated by women, for women ’. The main question people then tend to ask is, what makes it different from any other protein shake on the market – what makes it so tailored to women’s needs?

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Sune said: “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.”

As such, 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 aren’t the only brand to be offering female-centric protein shakes, though, with Free Soul offering a blend of pea protein isolate and white hemp protein from £19.99.

Meanwhile, 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 trialling Sune, given my sensitive stomach and low energy levels, I was especially curious to see how it would perform. I used it over the course of 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 seemed to disperse into the milk really well with no lumps, and while the shake does have a mild powdery finish, as most do, my dad (who has tried over a dozen brands) reliably tells me, it’s still incredibly silky and easy to drink straight from the shaker. However, if you don’t drink it quickly, it can settle at the bottom, so you need to remember to keep giving it a little stir before sipping, if drinking more leisurely.

I expected to miss the comfort of my morning cuppa, but to my surprise, Sune gave me the same kind of lift, and dare I say that, on a sunny May morning, it was perhaps even better than having a hot drink to start the day. As for any noticeable differences, the main thing was that I wasn’t craving lunch by 11 am and spending the rest of my morning clockwatching for an appropriate time to make dinner.

Throughout the week, I tried having the shake at different times to see what suited me best. I also alternated between the chocolate and salted caramel flavours and found the chocolate to be really rich, indulgent and almost dessert-like. It felt like a real treat, which helped me curb my usual chocolate cravings in the evenings. But my personal favourite – though it was a close choice – was the salted caramel. It was lighter and more refreshing, with a subtler flavour that was really drinkable. I particularly liked putting it in a glass with ice and a straw, which almost felt like a flavoured iced latte, but without the coffee.

I do wish there was a little more variety in the flavours, because both of the current offerings are quite buttery and cake-like, so I’d be really keen to see them launch something fruity, like strawberry.

As well as drinking the shake first thing in the morning, I also trialled a mid-afternoon shake at my usual 3pm slump, where I find myself rooting through the fridge for a pick-me-up. This really helped me cut down on my snacking, keeping me full until teatime, and focused for the rest of the working day, which makes sense, seeing as improved cognitive function is one of the 75 approved health benefits.

Some days I’d drink the shake before going to the gym or working out at home, and I found I was able to do longer workouts before I started to get bored. When drinking it after the gym, it helped me refuel without bloating , 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 thing that had previously put me off trying protein shakes was the suggestion that many formulas can cause flatulence. 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 notable ingredients include B Vitamins and Iron, which I’ve previously taken supplements for, but I often forget to take them and give up on the habit. They’re a powerful combination for fighting fatigue, and if I can ditch capsules and gummies in favour of a multitasking liquid, I absolutely will.

After a week, the main changes I had noticed in myself were feeling fuller for longer and not craving snacks 24/7. I also found myself less bloated and more energised during training and generally less tired throughout the day, meaning I was reaching for the kettle less and was able to cut down on caffeine. I was hoping that I’d shed a few pounds during my trial, but the scales only shifted by 2lb (I blame the Bank Holiday) – but a loss is still a loss, right? I’m certainly going to stick it out and continue using the Sune protein shakes alongside a balanced diet and exercise to help me achieve my weight loss goals.

So far on the Sune website, there are only three reviews from shoppers, but each of them is five stars. One read: “I love the taste of this product and I feel much better.”

“I have lost so much weight thanks to PW and am nearly at my ideal BMI,” said another. “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 added: “Have tried both flavours and they taste amazing. Definitely feeling the benefit, better mood and energy levels.”

Sune is usually £29.99 for a 600g tub, which lasts approximately three weeks. It’s currently on offer for £26.99, which works out at £1.35 per shake. Alternatively, there are 1.2kg and 1.8kg options available, with the latter being the most cost effective. It was £87.99 but is reduced to £69.99, which will last two months at £1.17 per shake. Plus, readers can get 10% off with the code PW10, which would take the largest tub to £62.99, or £1.05 per shake. Shoppers can explore the range of Sune shakes here.