Quick answer
Informed Sport on a protein powder means LGC's laboratory tested every batch of that product for more than 285 substances banned in sport before it went on sale. Informed Choice runs the same tests on samples bought from shops, at least 12 batches a year rather than every batch, and Informed Protein checks something else entirely: that the protein on the label is in the tub. If you're drug-tested, buy an Informed Sport product such as Myprotein Impact Whey Elite, £34.49 for 1kg on myprotein.com, checked by WheyWise on 3 October 2026.
Three similar-looking logos turn up on UK protein tubs, and they don't mean the same thing. All three are run by LGC, a laboratory group, and we read the rules for each on its Informed Sport vs Informed Choice and Informed Protein pages on 3 October 2026.
What does Informed Sport mean on a protein powder?
It means every batch of that product was tested for more than 285 substances banned in sport before it was released for sale. LGC says Informed Sport was developed in 2008 with UK Anti-Doping, uses ISO 17025 accredited test methods and is the only global programme that tests every single batch, with further blind tests on products bought from shops after certification. You can check a batch yourself by searching the brand, product or batch number on sport.wetestyoutrust.com or in the Informed Sport app.
What is the difference between Informed Sport, Informed Choice and Informed Protein?
Informed Sport and Informed Choice test for the same 285-plus banned substances with the same methods; the difference is how often. Informed Choice tests products bought at random from shops and websites, at least 12 batches a year, so LGC says it is not guaranteed that every batch has been tested. Informed Protein is a different check altogether: it verifies that the protein figure on the label is accurate.
| Mark | What it checks | How often | Aimed at |
|---|---|---|---|
| Informed Sport | More than 285 banned substances | Every batch before sale, plus blind retail tests | Elite athletes and drug-tested personnel such as the military |
| Informed Choice | The same 285-plus substances | Shop-bought samples, at least 12 batches a year | Active people not under strict doping control |
| Informed Protein | Protein matches the label; free amino acids, common adulterants, facility audits | Not stated by LGC | Anyone who wants the protein they pay for |
From LGC's own pages on wetestyoutrust.com, read 3 October 2026. LGC says the schemes help reduce the risk of banned substances, rather than guarantee a product.
Which protein powders carry which mark?
Myprotein Impact Whey Elite carries Informed Sport and Informed Protein, Myprotein Impact Whey carries Informed Choice and Informed Protein, and PhD Diet Whey lists Informed Protein Certification, according to each product page checked on 3 October 2026. PhD's Diet Whey page names no Informed Sport or Informed Choice certification, so its mark backs the protein claim only. The free amino acid check matters because added amino acids can inflate a protein figure, which we explain in protein spiking.
Informed Sport: every batch tested
MyProtein Impact Whey Elite
1kg bag
The Myprotein whey to buy if you are drug-tested in sport, at close to the price of standard Impact Whey.
or compare all UK prices →Informed Sport: every batch tested
MyProtein Impact Whey Elite
1kg bagPros
- + Informed Sport and Informed Protein certified, according to myprotein.com
- + 22g of protein and 113 kcal per 30g scoop (Natural Strawberry)
- + £1.17 per 25g of protein in the 1kg bag at £34.49, checked 3 October 2026
Cons
- – Fewer flavours than standard Impact Whey: Myprotein lists three
- – Sweetened with sucralose
●Nutrition per scoop · 22.2g protein in 30g▼
Protein makes up 74%
of this 30g scoop · 114 kcal total
Informed Choice: random batch testing
MyProtein Impact Whey Protein Powder
960g bag
Fine for everyday training; competing athletes should step up to Impact Whey Elite.
or compare all UK prices →Informed Choice: random batch testing
Pros
- + Informed Choice for banned substances and Informed Protein for label accuracy, according to myprotein.com
- + 22g of protein per 30g Vanilla scoop
- + £1.16 per 25g of protein in the 3.6kg bag, checked 3 October 2026
Cons
- – Informed Choice tests at least 12 batches a year at random, not every batch
- – Not the right pick if you are drug-tested in sport
●Nutrition per scoop · 21.6g protein in 30g▼
Protein makes up 72%
of this 30g scoop · 113 kcal total
For the full list of batch-tested whey and plant powders worth buying, read the best third-party tested protein powder in the UK.
Frequently asked questions
Is Informed Sport the same as Informed Choice?
No. Both test for more than 285 banned substances using the same methods, but Informed Sport tests every batch before it goes on sale, while Informed Choice tests products bought from shops, at least 12 batches a year at random, according to LGC, which runs both. Drug-tested athletes should look for Informed Sport.
Does Informed Protein test for banned substances?
LGC describes Informed Protein as protein verification: it checks that the protein on the label matches the product, the free amino acid content, a targeted screen for common adulterants and facility audits. Its banned-substance programmes are Informed Sport and Informed Choice, which is why Myprotein lists Informed Choice for banned substances and Informed Protein for label accuracy on Impact Whey.
How do I check if my protein is Informed Sport certified?
Search the brand, product name or batch number on sport.wetestyoutrust.com, or use the Informed Sport app, and match it to the batch number on your pack. LGC says this is how athletes confirm that a batch of a certified product has been tested.