Best Value Protein Powder Deals NZ? Training for Half Marathon + Gym Classes

tdbnz on 16/05/2026 - 11:48

Christchurch based and needing some help from the gym/protein experts here 😅

I’m around 80kg and training to get fitter + prep for a half marathon next year. Currently doing around 5 gym classes a week including spin, box fit, and cardio/functional classes, plus biking to and from the gym.

I’ve got a Community Services Card and Hāpai Access Card too, so I really need the BEST value deals possible, not the super expensive influencer stuff 😅

Mainly after a protein powder that:

  • tastes decent
  • mixes well with oats/cereal
  • works with water after workouts
  • helps recovery
  • can actually be affordable long term

Currently looking at Musashi 100% Whey since Chemist Warehouse seems to have it around the $60 mark for 900g.

But before I buy:

  • what protein powders are people ACTUALLY buying now in NZ?
  • best cheap deals you’ve seen recently?
  • best flavours for oats?
  • is Musashi decent long-term or should I spend more on something else?

Would love to hear what everyone recommends because protein prices in NZ are wild 😭

General Discussion

Comments

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  • ABCDEFG on 16/05/2026 - 12:58

    I've been using NZ Protein for a few years now. I don't know if they're the cheapest but they provide a good quality, NZ sourced product that has never given me any issues. They also have genuinely outstanding customer service and dispatch faster than any business I've ever dealt with.

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  • Mat on 17/05/2026 - 08:22

    Pak n Save - Zealea Whey Protein Powder 1kg $39.99 cheapest I have found and good quality, chocolate or vanilla, our local sells out quick but it gets restocked quickly

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    • AhhNo on 17/05/2026 - 09:17

      I buy this also, tried yesterday actually. Sold out, happens to me all the time! It’s a good product. I also buy from nothing naughty, they have good deals sometimes and their travel/sample packs are my goto when I travel.

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    • ScoobyNZ on 17/05/2026 - 14:34

      $30 currently in Petone 😁😁

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    • arn0ld93 on 18/05/2026 - 14:38

      thats awesome mate, it'll be great if this had a protein water section.

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      • reti on 28/05/2026 - 09:46

        I've been building out other categories over the last few days actually, creatine and pre-workout. I will add protein water for you today.

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        • arn0ld93 on 29/05/2026 - 11:26

          thank you!

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  • icecold on 16/05/2026 - 20:37

    Nowhey protein (1kg bags) from xplosiv, buy 3bags and you get it sub 45$ kg.

    Whey price skyrocketed in the last 12months hence the prices we're seeing nowadays.

    Be wary of some of the others that look like good value but contain fillers and lower protein per serve or serves per KG.

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  • rebound7 on 16/05/2026 - 12:03

    Currently using this - try a sample pack - was sold after. Found some other brands causing issues for me personally, same issue with creatine.

    https://gogood.co.nz/

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    • Lieutenantdave on 16/05/2026 - 15:24

      Been using gogood for a couple years, pretty decent, great taste.

      Theyve hiked the prices up twice in the last 12 months so not sure how the pricing is compared to other brands.

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  • kinetic9 on 16/05/2026 - 14:02

    I would consider changing to a pea protein as it's cheaper. I've been using NZ Protein's one recently and it's good enough for me, has almost the same protein per serve as whey. $38.00 per KG. You can also get a cheaper price if you buy in larger quantities. Xplosiv/NoWhey's plant protein is around the same price, but a little less protein per serve. Musashi is pretty expensive IMO. Personally wouldn't mix with cereal myself so don't know how well it does that.

    Would also be a good idea looking at your dietary habits and seeing where you can get more protein that way rather than relying on powders. You can add a lot of extra protein through meals. Things like greek yoghurt, cottage cheese, eggs, other plant based sources if meat is too expensive - nuts, lentils, chickpeas etc. Or wait for chicken to go on sale at the supermarket and fill your freezer.

    • 1
    • Slogan on 16/05/2026 - 18:33

      Pea protein is definitely the cheapest way to go but a lot of people complain about the taste.

      I don't mind it myself. Besides, you need to combine it with other foods like milk to get the amino acids necessary to make it fully bioavailable.

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      • kinetic9 on 16/05/2026 - 20:17

        Yeah some of the cheaper ones can taste off. The NZ Protein one I've found to be pretty good without being grainy. They also have the option of having it mixed with stevia or sucralose depending on preference. There's a lot of options now that whey prices have skyrocketed. I dropped whey protein a long time ago due to bloating and lactose intolerance and find pea easier on my stomach.

        I personally blend mine with water and some other stuff, but I'm not to worried about amino acid profiles, I'm not a body builder or anything. I try more often to get protein from proper food, but the protein shake for breakfast is too convenient and saves a bunch of time in the morning.

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        • amcheapdude on 17/05/2026 - 08:44

          On that last line, it's those amino acid profiles and bioavailability that make it worth taking in the first place otherwise you may as well be drinking water. Don't have to be a body builder to benefit from them. Just a minor correction Incase someone sees this and thinks those are irrelevant. I think you said the most important think prior, about trying to get most of your proteins from meats (more complete essential acids for recovery) and just topping off with supplements.

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          • kinetic9 on 17/05/2026 - 15:34

            @amcheapdude: Agreed on getting most of it through actual food. I think most people aren't taking protein shakes as a meal replacement though and as long as the rest of your diet is varied and healthy, it'll be fine. IMO splitting hairs on bioavailability and the amino acid profiles is pointless for probably 95% of people, unless you're competing or some kind of elite athlete. There's just so much marketing fluff in the supplements industry made to sell products, not actually improve performance.

            It's not like pea protein has 0 bioavailability or amino acids, it's just lower than whey, which is fine for the average person.

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  • gmmtjah on 16/05/2026 - 19:01

    I get Musashi. I usually buy it from sprintfit, 2 x 2kg for $200: https://www.sprintfit.co.nz/product/6163/musashi-high-protei… - used to be $160 before general whey price increases. At $50 per kg I still find it the best bang for buck.

    I remember coming across a deal for Nowhey that was cheaper but it was gross tasting to me so couldn't buy it again. Same with pea protein; i just couldn't handle the taste. I tried lots of different brands and couldn't enjoy it despite the lower price.

    • 1
  • bot on 17/05/2026 - 10:17

    Should look into Creatine too, pairs well with protein, when building muscles.

    • 1
    • tdbnz on 17/05/2026 - 20:03

      Thanks buddy got a sample pack a week or so ago off here when it was posted been having creatine daily for the past week so good 😊

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  • ScoobyNZ on 17/05/2026 - 14:34

    It's been mentioned already but Zealea is a brand I've used in the past and was pretty good, good value too. Pak n save sells it, and our local in Petone currently have 1kg bags in store for $30. Best value anywhere!

    • 1
  • staghr on 16/05/2026 - 18:45

    The texture of pea protein is really bad, maybe if you're not used to whey you could get used to it.
    NZ Protein is consistently cheapest for regular prices, you can find some clearance deals elsewhere but these are usually expired products with limited options.
    Also I think Whey is more digestible for your body but if price is your main factor then it's up to you.

    • 0
  • limepanda on 17/05/2026 - 09:00

    Sportsfuel does their in house brand Clean Nutrition whey for $50 per kg. It has good taste and mixability.

    • 0
  • Kiri007 on 17/05/2026 - 14:49

    Recommend NZ Protein also. I use the caesin protein they offer. Very cheap and a good product.

    • 0
    • Bargain-Hunter on 18/05/2026 - 09:17

      How do you find casein compared with whey for taste, texture, and mixability?

      • 0
      • Kiri007 on 01/06/2026 - 08:03

        I like the slightly thicker texture that it has, and it mixed well in my wee blender. Taste to me seems the same.

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  • apieceofpie on 18/05/2026 - 14:45

    INC 100% Dynamic Whey Vanilla from Chemist Warehouse, I wait until it's on sale and then get a couple of 2kg tubs.
    It occasionally goes 50% off though I've not seen it that low for a while and I'm on my last tub, so hopefully it does soon…

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    • tdbnz on 18/05/2026 - 14:49

      Awesome :) great insight thanks :)

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      • Bargain-Hunter on 29/05/2026 - 11:47

        The INC 100% Dynamic Whey is currently $109.99 at chemist warehouse or $99.99 with the $10 off discount.

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        • bigcheese on 29/05/2026 - 12:19

          There is another Chemist Warehouse catalogue due to start next week on Thurs 4th June.
          Here's a sneak peak of a graphic from the catalogue - looks like it could go up to 25% off but I don't know as it is 'Up to 25% Off'

          • 1
          • Martz5 on 29/05/2026 - 12:32

            @bigcheese: Would you be able to share the full catalogue please? Looking to buy a few things but wondering if i should hold off till next week

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        • apieceofpie on 29/05/2026 - 15:10

          I'm still working on my last tub from when it was $47.50…but that was a year and a half ago and I think I'm dreaming to ever hope it'll be that price anytime soon.

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  • mpc on 31/05/2026 - 14:56

    If you want the absolute cheapest get 20kg of protein powder from Davis Trading https://shop.davis.nz/products/p/?search=Protein, and share it amongst friends. It's sourced from Fonterra so is top notch stuff. Though it is unflavoured so you'll need to mix it with a favouring, if you're not chucking it in a blender with other stuff.

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    • alanimal on 31/05/2026 - 17:07

      What’s 20kg sting ya

      • 0
      • mpc on 31/05/2026 - 17:41

        Ring Davis to find out. Have seen WPC for $400 ex GST for 20kg.

        • 0
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