muscle milk review - 19 things you need to know
we’re hearing a lot of buzz about muscle milk. so, our in-depth review focused on the side effects, ingredients, customer care and scientific studies. furthermore, we picked apart hundreds of user comments and customer feedback. then, we summarized and refined to give you the info you need.
muscle milk can be purchased through their official site.
muscle milk video review
what is muscle milk?
muscle milk is a non-dairy protein shake that contains a blend of high-quality proteins. these shakes are specifically designed to provide sustained energy to athletes and those who lead an active lifestyle following a workout or athletic event. the entire line of products (shakes, protein powder, bars) are intended to supply a protein boost to users, but the added protein also results in added calories, which means a consumer of the products may gain weight.
before we jump too far ahead, we want to give you a brief look at what the research says about protein shakes, muscle growth and performance.
- frontiers in nutrition – “there is robust evidence which shows that consuming protein pre- and/or post-workout induces a significant rise in muscle protein synthesis.”
- journal of dietary supplements – however, not all research shares that excitement. other times, it is suggested that protein come from whole foods, not supplements. “it is suggested that the required protein intake should be obtained from natural food sources and protein supplementation should be resorted to only if sufficient protein is not available in the normal diet.”
- nutrients – it appears the only thing journals can agree upon is that more research is needed. “we are opening the debate about the current protein intake recommendations, with an emphasis on evidence-based effects on intestinal microbiota and personalized guidelines regarding protein and amino acid supplementation in sportspeople and lifestyle consumers.”
muscle milk and the bbb
cytosport is the parent 2022足球世界杯德国队分组 for muscle milk and has an “a+” rating with the bbb. there have been no complaints or customer reviews left for the 2022足球世界杯德国队分组 on the site.
their headquarters are located at 4795 industrial way benicia, ca 94510, and their phone number is (888) 298-6629.
other products offered by cytosport, inc are evolve, monster milk, cytomax, cytosport cyto gainer protein powder, cytosport sleeping giant, cytosport aminos + caffeine, cytosport creatine, cytosport cytocarb, cytosport fast twitch, and cytosport creatine.
muscle milk customer service information
you can contact muscle milk customer service the following ways:
address: cytosport, inc. 555 west monroe chicago, il 60661
phone: 1-888-298-6629
hours: monday-friday 9:00am – 5:00pm est
chat or contact form: https://contact.pepsico.com/musclemilk/contact-us
muscle milk competitors
product | review | |
---|---|---|
shakeology | read | |
pure protein | read | |
noom | read | |
how did muscle milk start?
muscle milk was started by cytosport, an american, sport-focused supplement producer that has revolutionized the concept of ready-to-drink forms of protein supplement. muscle milk is a lactose-free, non-dairy beverage free of trans fats, and it does not contain high fructose corn syrup. muscle milk is known for its milkshake-like taste and is available in all the favorite flavors of milkshakes – banana, strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla.
in april 2019, hormel foods sold cytosport to pepsico, which included the muscle milk brand.
we offer a wide range of innovative, high-quality protein products that taste great at home and on-the-go. muscle milk is dedicated to supporting the pursuit of inner & outer strength for all bodies. whether you’re an elite athlete or living an active lifestyle, our portfolio of powders & ready-to-drink shakes can help support you and your fitness goals.
among many other world-class partnerships, muscle milk is a trusted partner of professional athletes tua tagovailoa and candace parker, and is the official sports protein drink sponsor of the national football league. all muscle milk powder products are nsf certified for sport®, meaning they’ve been tested for 280 banned substances in support of safer products.
muscle milk is part of the gatorade portfolio, pepsico is the maker of gatorade. supported by the expertise of the gatorade sports science institute (gssi), muscle milk products offer quality you can trust.
scroll below for one of the best products we’ve seen over the last year.
muscle milk claims
muscle milk claims on its label that an individual can drink muscle milk as a complete supplement instead of a meal. dieticians think that it might not be as simple as that. the 2022足球世界杯德国队分组 also claims muscle milk contains special ingredients that are body-building nutrients that help develop lean muscle mass.
cytosport markets its product as “lean,” even though people have found that it makes them gain weight. muscle milk allegedly contains a protein formula that is very similar to that of human breast milk.
muscle milk ingredients
here is a list of the muscle milk ingredients:
calcium sodium caseinate
sodium caseinate is the scientific name of casein. this can be found in the milk of mammals and is a rich source of protein. casein is used as an additive to food for industrial purposes. it is the main muscle milk ingredient. some people can have allergic reactions to this ingredient.
according to the human kinetics journal, it may be more beneficial to drink your casein before bed for optimal results.
milk protein isolate
milk protein isolate is used in supplements, energy drinks, and bars to boost protein content and improve flavor and texture. it is also added to milk and yogurts to improve their nutrition levels. research in the journal nutrients shows that milk protein isolate digests at an intermediate speed with casein digesting slower and whey digesting faster.
whey protein concentrate
studies show that when wheat protein is ingested during strength training, it gives increased muscle size and helps create a lean body mass.
lactoferrin
lfcin is released from the protein lactoferrin. lfcin has strong antimicrobial and weak antiviral properties. lactoferrin also has immunological and anti-tumor properties, according to the cellular and molecular life sciences.
other ingredients include sunflower oil, canola oil, and medium-chain triglycerides. there are also artificial colors and flavors added.
does muscle milk work?
none of the 2022足球世界杯德国队分组 ’s claims have been scientifically proven, but there is general agreement on the muscle-strengthening properties of some of the supplement’s main ingredients, according to nutrients.
protein promotes a sense of satiety, which helps keep a person from overeating, but this doesn’t warrant the 2022足球世界杯德国队分组 ’s claim that this supplement aids weight loss. this supplement is not necessarily a better choice for healthy eating than real food sources of protein.
perhaps, muscle milk might be a useful option if someone cannot ingest natural food protein due to other health conditions.
muscle milk benefits and results
if the goal is to gain muscle, calorie-dense muscle milk nutrition is worth a try. two scoops of the product contain 310 calories, and many users have expressed satisfaction with the effectiveness of this shake. many have opined that muscle milk could replace a skipped meal (and was easier since it is ready to drink).
details on muscle milk and weight loss
there is no evidence that muscle milk is a supplement that aids weight loss. some users have complained of weight gain. the low-calorie, no-sugar version, muscle milk light, was introduced as a better choice for those who want a high protein supplement intake without gaining weight. one can potentially reap the muscle milk benefits but still lose weight by using this shake as a meal replacement.
how to take muscle milk
the product is available as a ready-to-drink supplement and also in protein powder form.
the beverage is available in many flavors such as:
- banana creme
- cake batter
- chocolate
- real chocolate
- peanut butter chocolate
- cookies ‘n creme
- strawberries ‘n creme
- vanilla creme
potential muscle milk side effects?
each serving of muscle milk contains an average of 330 calories, though the actual caloric amount will vary depending on the flavor. for example, the chocolate flavor is 280 calories. as these protein shakes come in handy ready-to-drink containers, they are convenient to carry around and drink whenever one is hungry. this can cause a gain in weight.
muscle milk rtd and all other types of this shake contain 88 i.u. of vitamin d, and 1,100 i.u. of vitamin a. excess of these vitamins cannot be excreted easily. vitamin toxicity can occur, resulting in nausea, headaches, and vomiting.
gas, diarrhea, stomach cramping, and bloating have been reported.
protein drinks such as muscle milk are reported to have worrisome amounts of cadmium, lead, and other heavy metals. when consumed regularly, these protein drinks can pose serious health issues to vulnerable people such as pregnant women and children under 18.
excess cadmium can be harmful as it can accumulate in the kidneys. too much protein can also damage the kidneys. the bad news is that since protein drinks are regarded as dietary supplements, makers don’t have to test them and ensure that they are safe. except for six star muscle professional strength whey protein, which mentions a daily intake limit, none of the other products have any prescribed limit. this could lead to the consumption of excessive levels of a product.
many athletes tend to use protein supplements such as muscle milk to add nutrients to their daily diet. when more nutrients than necessary are consumed, the nutrient will not improve performance. the body will either increase excretion or store excess nutrition.
any muscle milk lawsuits?
there are quite a few lawsuits against muscle milk. cytosport, the 2022足球世界杯德国队分组 that makes muscle milk, has frequently been sued. nestle usa claims that the product’s name itself is misleading; it is wrongly named and marketed as “milk,” but it is a non-dairy drink that does not contain milk.
according to fuerst ittleman david & joseph, nestle contends that the name muscle milk misleads the general public as does the 2022足球世界杯德国队分组 ’s claim that it is a nutritional shake. the term shake immediately conjures the image of a tall, frothy milkshake when the product is water-based without a trace of milk.
in response, cytosport argued that it had never marketed protein muscle milk as dairy milk, but it had modeled its products after another milk. the high-protein products are all made with nature’s best-balanced food in mind – human mother’s milk.
in 2013, the 2022足球世界杯德国队分组 was served with a class-action lawsuit for false advertising claims. the muscle milk products are labeled as “lean” and are said to contain “lean lipids,” giving consumers the wrong impression that they have lower fat than products made by the 2022足球世界杯德国队分组 ’s competitors, but this is far from true, top class actions reports.
muscle milk products are fortified with canola and sunflower oils, which are sources of fat.
according to top class actions, the proposed class-action suit was partially certified in september 2018.
in january 2015, the maker of muscle milk and other supplements was served with another lawsuit that alleged that the 2022足球世界杯德国队分组 engaged in deceptive marketing tactics to persuade consumers to purchase its range of products, the new york times writes.
according to the lawsuit, the 2022足球世界杯德国队分组 gives its customers the false impression that its products do not contain an excessive level of fats and oil by classifying some of the muscle milk products as “lean.” this creates the impression that protein muscle milk products have less fat than other similar products.
the plaintiffs also complain that muscle milk protein powder, muscle milk nutrition, and muscle milk light, and other similar muscle milk products do not contain the ingredients advertised. the 2022足球世界杯德国队分组 further advertises that the muscle milk products’ protein blend includes an amino acid, l-glutamine, that helps muscle recovery, but the lawsuit alleges that the products do not contain the amino acid in any appreciable amount.
muscle milk underwent legal action again in 2020 for mislabeling of their ready-to-drink products. in this lawsuit, muscle milk was successfully charged with mislabeling certain products as having lean protein, lean muscle protein, or lean lipids when they did not have such ingredients, according to top class actions. the case ended with a $12 million settlement, though the 2022足球世界杯德国队分组 denied the allegations made in the suit.
what are muscle milk alternatives?
there are several alternatives to muscle milk on the market. muscletech premium gold whey is manufactured by iovate sciences. it contains whey, but in its hydrolyzed form, which is very easily absorbed. it is less expensive than muscle milk, but it contains soy, lactose, and artificial sweeteners. it also doesn’t have any digestive enzymes.
pro jym protein is the brainchild of dr. jim stoppani, a ph.d. in exercise physiology and a senior writer in this arena. this protein shake has 24 gm of protein. it is a slow-digesting shake that can be consumed at any time and has high micronutrient levels, especially calcium.
what is the muscle milk pro series?
the muscle milk pro series contains a huge serving of protein, almost 50 grams. this powerful protein powder is intended to be an excellent source of protein for building muscles and for fueling recovery after strenuous exercise. this powder mixes easily with smoothies, milkshakes, and other recipes. the drink can be consumed before exercise, after a workout, and before bedtime. to take full advantage of this protein, an individual must take this powder 30-60 minutes after a workout.
is muscle milk light available?
muscle milk light is available on amazon and in many online stores. muscle milk light has 0 gm of sugar. these light protein shakes contain a blend of proteins that provide energy and strengthens muscles. the shakes are available in two flavors, vanilla and chocolate. this protein shake has 150 calories with 0 grams of sugar and a negligible 1.5 gm. of fat. while the fat content is low, the drink still provides 28 gm of rich protein. it is available in 500 ml ready-to-drink containers. however, muscle milk light is no longer available on their website, it is replaced by muscle milk zero protein shake which contain 100 calories 0 grams of sugar and a negligible 1 gm. of fat.
muscle milk vs. whey protein
in muscle milk, whey protein is an ingredient in the form of whey protein isolate, whey protein hydrolysate, and whey protein concentrate in addition to casein. several scientific studies have proved the efficacy of whey protein in contributing to lean muscle gains, better body composition, and fat loss, says nutrition and metabolism. though muscle milk also makes similar claims, they have not been verified by the fda or the u.s. department of agriculture.
whey can be digested very quickly to promote muscle protein synthesis and is called a “fast-acting” protein. casein, on the other hand, contains a different group of amino acids and is a “slow-acting” protein. it promotes better recovery following endurance exercises. when following a recovery plan, the national strength and conditioning association suggests that an individual is better off using a combination of both these proteins.
however, it is worthwhile realizing that neither form of the protein is guaranteed to transform the body. the effect of each will depend on several factors such as age, weight, sex, diet, and the level of physical activity.
is muscle milk organic available?
the organic version of muscle milk ready-to-drink protein shakes are available and are advertised on amazon. these shakes are certified organic and are sweetened with organic cane sugar and organic stevia. the shakes contain almost 20 grams of high-quality protein per serving. this is a gluten and soy-free formula.
what is muscle milk gainer?
muscle milk gainer is a high protein supplement powder available in three delicious flavors that are favorably rated. this supplement is intended for those who wish to gain weight. the flavors are chocolate and vanilla crème. the 5 lbs muscle milk gainer contains 32 gm of protein, 650 calories, and 109 gm carbs per serving. it is gluten-free, contains no banned substances, and is enriched with 20 essential minerals and vitamins. users have reported moderate weight gains.
how are muscle milk reviews?
customers’ overall view using muscle milk products is that they do not quite live up to the hype surrounding them. muscle milk contains excessive sugar (three types of sugars are used – sucralose, acesulfame potassium, crystalline fructose). still, even all of that sugar cannot mask the bad taste, according to one review.
what users are saying
“i loved this product. it is very tasty and great for nutritional value.”
“it does have that artificial taste but i needed the added protein. they don’t taste chalky or anything and they are easy to drink fast.”
“the taste is bad. it’s too sweet and there are too many sugar alcohols in this product.”
the bottom line on muscle milk
so, does muscle milk work for weight-loss? well, we like that it contains a few natural ingredients and that we found some favorable customer comments. also, we’re a bit skeptical due to customer reviews talking about the poor taste, especially from the artificial sweeteners.
if you are looking to lose those extra pounds, we suggest going with a clinically-tested program made to help its users make healthier choices and lose weight along the way.
among the best weight-loss apps we’ve seen this year is one called noom. the program includes human coaching, customized health information, food tracking, personalized meal plans, and more to help its users live a healthier lifestyle.
also, noom is so confident in their program, they’re offering a free trial offer to dietspotlight readers for a limited time.
learn more about noom »
i’ve been using muscle milk for a few weeks now, but i regretibly will say that i will not be buying it again – it is way too sweet for a protein shake and although it does contain the “essentials” for me, there are other products out there who actually incorporate quality ingredients into their product instead of wasting that money on packaging, branding and advertising – give me what i want! i want a top quality protein shake and muscle milk, unfortunately, does not deliver. if they stop using garbage in their product, they could actually promote a quality product…just saying
i am unsure which muscle milk many of you are drinking, but i have never had an issue with the powder or ready to drink bottles. i do however, most often mix mine with my mini blender ( i mix 1 shake a day with a shaker bottle, water and the powder. i use it for a quick snack at work). i am currently drinking muscle milk pro series 50. it tastes delicious and is great for an after workout shake, before dinner. i am a 46 year old female, currently work out 4-5 days a week and weigh 120 pounds at 5’2″. i eat 5-6 meals a day and i am very lean, thanks to muscle milk. i opted for the pro 50 series as i am looking to gain more muscle mass. protein shakes are a very convenient way for me, to get in the amount of protein my nutrionist advised ( any one looking to use supplements of any type should always consult a health professional). the packaging notes that muscle milk is not a weight loss supplement. i occassionally mix my protein powder with fruit and/or fruit and almond butter for a filling breakfast shake. i always use almond milk as my liquid base, except when i am at work. as for digestive issues (bloating, gas) the cookies and cream flavor is the only flavor to cause me any bloating ( unlike other brands). i think we should be reminded each person’s body system is different. i love the flavor, have not experienced any mixing issues and only had minimal bloating (from the cookies and cream flavor. i saved my receipt and returned it to my local rite aide pharmacy).
is muscle milk natural?
muscle milk does not contain any artificial sweeteners or flavors and uses stevia as a sweetener.
try replacing the water with milk and add blueberries, it doesn’t get rid of it altogether but helps a ton.
can muscle milk be used as a meal replacement?
hi krystal. muscle milk contains healthy fats, proteins, and carbohydrates that are needed on a daily basis but are not equivalent to the amount of nutrition that is needed for a typical meal.
is all muscle milk lactose free?
hi terry. muscle milk is considered the be non-dairy because the fat and lactose have been filtered out of the proteins. although it’s lactose-free, it’s the fda requires a label to state that it’s “derived from milk.”
the new “genuine” muscle milk is horrible. please, please, please bring back the old formula. i used to drink 24 cartons of the old version a week. it was my breakfast, post workout drink, and snack drink. can’t stand the taste of the new formula. i’ll have to find something else if you don’t bring back the old version. i used to buy it at sam’s club, where the product sold very quickly. the new version just sits on the shelf. nobody likes it. bring back the old version!!!!
i agree 100%! i will switch to something else like equate nutritional drinks if they don’t bring back the old formula. i have been buying two containers a month for years and i am disappointed with the new formulas ingredients and taste. i have no idea why they chose to tamper with a winning formula.
richard (verified purchase)
i been drinking muscle milk for about a year i actually love the taste, if it taste like cake add a little bit more water or milk to it,or buy the pre made bottles,i use 1%milk, and i do mix at times with water but i put an ice cube to make it nice and cold.
brian borelli (verified purchase)
i just started this product yesterday it seems to keep me full i dont mind the taste at all maybe it taste like cake batter but i have had way worse like medicines you have to take like immodium liquid when your sick that taste awful.
your name
can a 14yr and 16 yr old drink muscle milk.
our football coaches recommend that we use muscle milk as high school athletes, from freshman to seniors. it works good but i hate the taste
janet (verified purchase)
i live off muscle milk “love the taste” i can’t swallow solid foods due to paralyze throat from bacteria meningitis muscle milk has kept me alive i drink 10 cases a month am having bathroom problem any suggestions?
d. mcquillon (verified purchase)
how do i use muscle milk?
i add about 1/3 cup of peanut butter with my 1 and 1/2 scoops of vanilla muscle milk powder with 16 oz. milk. i blend it all together and it is delicious. give it a shot.
hi d. muscle milk is created to be used as a protein-rich snack that has 20 grams of protein and makes it easier to increase satisfy your hunger.
mekeia
what kind of protein is in muscle milk?
hi mekeia. the blend of proteins includes milk protein isolate, whey isolate, whey hydrosolate, and calcium sodium concentrate.
i’ve never drank muscle milk with the idea of losing weight, i don’t think they imply that either. it’s for building lean muscle, losing fat is a side effect of building muscle, so the idea goes, but building muscle doesn’t make you lose weight because muscle has weight as well.
can you get muscle milk without the sweetners?
bern
my husband had gastric bypass. they told him to drink protein drinks. would muscle milk help to with muscle mass. and how much should he drink
you may want to read the livestrong review. a dietician recommended the ensure active. 25g protein at 210 caleries. i had a similar surgery and try to get protein first; i’ll have to for the rest of my life.
if your getting the big jug use to scoops with silk milk and that’s what help me with mass
rod at muscle milk side effects (verified purchase)
very detailed article about muscle milk the problem i have with muscle milk is that i’m lactose intolerance and the side effects can be pretty bad side effects because of the milk content, and when i do take any kind of protein drink i have to mix it with water, not a very good taste….not sure if my post went through so i posted again…sorry admin
they have muscle milk soy ( non lactose ) it’s in every grocery store.
i mix my whey into maple sugar oatmeal makes the chocolate peanut butter fast great with no milk
try silk almond milk it’s the best with it with few cubes of ice
yes do this! tastes great!
dale f stockstill (verified purchase)
i am 65 years old and was in a very bad industrial accident 3 yrs ago that left me with a smash up right leg. i lost 50 lbs and was down to 143 pounds. my daughter got me started on muscle milk and i have been able to regain 20 lbs back to 163 lbs in 6 months. so the produt can be used in more ways than one.
sincerely,
dale
hello ms dale … i’m trying to gain my weight back as well and i would like to know how many times a day did you take the muscle milk? and did it affect your kidneys after the 6 months was over ?
bj smith
muscle milk has “metal” in it can it cause my muscles in my legs to hurt?
sam doucette (verified purchase)
i’m wondering if the sweetners in muscle milk meal relacement will hinder my weight loss? im using 1 scoop in the morning for breakfast and 1 scoop in the afternoon for lunch….. is this wise?
u want to try the protein meal replacrment shake i been using for the past 5 months its tastes sooo good not only is it exellent for protein and a satifyin meal replacement it also helps wir weight loss cuz it helped me loose 19 in less than a month and i gained around 13 pounds in muscle
what meal replacemrnt shake helped you shed 19 pounds in one month? please tell.
can muscle milk make you gain weight?
hi lolava! muscle milk may lead to weight gain if you exceed your daily calorie needs.
read before you speak, 19in not 19lbs