METALAB may be a relatively new company in South Africa, but we’ve heard that its protein powder is one of the best in the health industry.

We’re pleased to find that it has different flavours available, such as salted caramel, cookies and cream, birthday cake, caramel peppermint tart, and red velvet chocolate mint.

The company also has a vegan protein powder, although it’s a tad unfortunate that only one kind with only one flavour is currently available.

It’s also a little disappointing that the shop’s protein powder options all come in 1,030-gram canisters. 

As of writing, the only other portions available are the sample packs weighing 25 grams.

Our favourite product from this store would be the high-protein pancake mix, a product that other supplement stores may not offer. 

We like that these pancakes are easy to make and suitable as pre and post-workout meals.

It’s also a plus that this supplement store provides concentrate and isolate protein powder options to cater to customers with dairy allergies.

Another strong point of METALAB is that it currently has 6 online retailers that offer nationwide delivery.

We like that there are other “branches” to check in case a certain protein powder flavour or kind is out of stock at the main store or other physical retailers.

As for returns, we think the company is generous with its 30-day return policy. That said, items for return should stil be sealed and in their original packaging and shipped to METALAB’s main address.

Feel Healthy’s houses several kinds of supplements, powder drinks, and other health essentials that help people feel better and livelier.

In terms of its protein powder inventory, we’re actually pleased that it carries different sizes. Customers can find canisters weighing 250 grams, 500 grams, and 1 kilogram.

While it’s disappointing that Feel Healthy’s selection of protein powder is smaller, we’re going to let this limitation slide as we’ve heard that the powder quality is superior.

We looked into the contents and found that they’re made of 100% plant-based protein sources, such as hemp.

Still, we appreciate the company for developing a protein powder suitable for vegans and vegetarians that won’t cause intoxication or stomach problems.

We’re also giving plus points as the store’s hemp-based protein powder options are kosher, gluten-free, and lactose-free.

As for Feel Healthy’s physical store, we have to give it to them for keeping it organised and well-lit.

During our visit, we were pleased with how neatly the items are organised in shelves. The store was also spacious and easy to navigate, which we think is ideal for customers who are elderly or with disabilities.

It’s also a plus that the company offers 3 different courier services for shipment. We like that shoppers could choose couriers that are most reliable in their area or alternate shipment service in case one is currently unavailable.

On the downside, it’s disappointing to hear that Feel Healthy’s staff aren’t that responsive to customers’ queries.

Given that it also has an online shop, we think that the company should fine-tune its staff’s availability. 

Customers might need urgent answers to their concerns about their orders, the hemp content, or the company’s other services.

We can also somehow forgive the 7-day return period since they’re not the only company with that policy.

However, we’re not so happy about the policy regarding returning wrong items.

Customers will need to process a return one day from receiving the item, which we think is quite inconvenient – especially if they aren’t available to open their packages right upon arrival.

When it comes to offering various kinds of protein powder products, we think Supplement World is the place to go.

We took the liberty of visiting the store and were pleased to find whey protein, mass gainer, protein with collagen, and vegan variations available.

Each kind also comes in different portion sizes, which we think is convenient for those new to protein powder, workout enthusiasts, and experienced trainers.

It’s worth mentioning that certain items sell out quite fast. That said, we’re pleased that Supplement World indicates that it will restock on certain items on its online shop.

We appreciate the heads-up the company gives to customers eyeing specific protein powder brands.

Another favourable point of this supplement store is that it offers free shipping for orders above R300. 

Given that most of its protein powder brands cost at least R500, we think that the free shipping fee is worth availing. 

As for delivery, we think it’s worth mentioning that shipping times vary for different areas within Johannesburg and the city’s outskirts. 

Depending on where you live, you may receive your item 3 to 5 days after purchase.

It’s also worth noting that delivery is limited to weekdays. If you’ve placed an order by Friday, expect to receive it in the next weekday or two.

That said. customers appreciate that they’ve received their items within the time frame they’re promised.

Alternatively, if you live close to Supplement World’s main warehouse, we recommend picking up your orders. 

We’re told that the company currently allows warehouse collection for free.

We also have to give it to Supplement World for being generous in its return period. If you’ve received a wrong product, the company can issue replacements or refunds as long as you ship the sealed item within 14 days of receiving it.

Wellness Warehouse is another store that carries different protein powder brands and variations. 

The store’s current lineup includes bone marrow powder, whey protein, collagen blends, and plant-based protein.

With the availability of different options, customers can select which protein powder brands will go well with their recipes, diet plans, and workout routines.

That said, we found that the store is not that spacious– it also wasn’t that easy to navigate, especially if there are many shoppers inside. 

Admittedly, we expected a little too much from the store’s size and floor area, given that it calls itself a ‘warehouse’. But we’ll let this go since the store was tidy and well-lit.

We were also pleased to find the goods well-organised and easy to find, which we think makes shopping in-store more manageable.

It’s also favourable that Wellness Warehouse has multiple branches in Johannesburg. 

This makes it more convenient for customers to find stocks they need, in case one store lacks inventory.

In case you want to avoid the small and cramped stores, we recommend shopping at Wellness Warehouse’s online store. 

Besides the convenience, the online shop carries all of its protein powder brands.

Customers also highlight the company’s prompt delivery times. Note that delivery times vary depending on where in Johannesburg you are located.

That said, we’re pleased to hear that customers have received their orders within 3 to 5 days, whether they live in the city centre or at fringe areas.

We also appreciate this company for providing gift vouchers that are valid for at least three years (starts on the day of purchase) and can be used at any Wellness Warehouse branch.

Do note, however, that gift vouchers aren’t currently accepted online. The vouchers also aren’t redeemable for cash in case you still have value loaded in it before it expires.

At Youthful Living, we are thoroughly impressed by the exceptional services they offer.

From prompt customer support to lightning-fast deliveries, their commitment to excellence shines through. Our experience was nothing short of seamless and convenient.

When it comes to reputation, Youthful Living stands tall as a beacon of quality and reliability.

Their consistent dedication to producing top-notch protein powder has garnered them a well-deserved spot in the industry’s upper echelon. We find comfort in knowing that we are putting our trust in a company with an impeccable track record.

Convenience is paramount in today’s fast-paced world, and Youthful Living knows this.

Their user-friendly website and streamlined ordering process made our interaction effortless. It’s a refreshing change to deal with a company that values our time as much as we do.

Youthful Living not only delivers on quality but also on affordability.

Their pricing structure strikes a harmonious balance between premium ingredients and budget-friendly options. We appreciate that our investment in health doesn’t break the bank.

However, they don’t offer promos at the present. We suggest checking their website for other affordable deals.

Clicks Pharmacy is one of Johannesburg’s notable pharmacies. Customers highlight its impressive selection of medicine, supplements, baby items, and other health essentials.

In terms of its protein powder inventory, we have to admit that we’re a little iffy about the pharmacy’s smaller inventory.

The largest sizes were also less than 1 kilogram, which we think might not be cost-efficient for those who need to shop in bulk as they live a little farther from the store.

But, we’re going to forgive this as Click’s protein powder selection caters to people with different dietary needs and lifestyles.

Some of the pharmacy’s protein powder lineup include whey concentrates, vegan blends, and collagen.

Clicks Pharmacy also runs occasional discounts on its products, so we recommend checking these out to save some coins on your next purchase.

One of the strong points we think makes this pharmacy stand out is its ClubCard membership. From what we’ve heard, customers get 1 point loaded to their cards for every R5 in their purchases.

Customers can use their accumulated points for select products in any branch. And in case you lose your card, we love that replacements can be claimed at any Click Pharmacy store within the city.

On the downside, we’re not too pleased with the pharmacy’s lack of responsiveness. 

Some customers we spoke to complained that it can be hard to reach the staff via phone or email regarding issues with their orders or their ClubCard memberships.

We think Clicks Pharmacy should improve on its responsiveness, given that its return policy for items bought online requires calling their hotline within 24 hours.