Hands-On Review: Muscle Milk Genuine Protein Powder

Taste | Cost | Nutritional Value | Mixability | Third Party Testing | Comparisons

If you prefer to watch than read, check out our hands-on review on YouTube:

The Review

We evaluated these 7 criteria when reviewing Muscle Milk’s Genuine Whey Protein Powder:

1. Taste
2. Cost
3. Nutritional value
4. Mixability
5. Third-party testing

Taste Test

I kicked things off with vanilla, which is usually my go-to flavor. It didn’t disappoint – Muscle Milk’s vanilla flavor held its own with a solid 8.2 score. It’s got that rich, creamy taste that’s pretty hard to beat if you’re into classic flavors.

Next up, chocolate – I’m not the biggest fan of chocolate protein powders generally, but this one was decent. It didn’t knock my socks off, but it was better than average, and I’d give it a 7.5. It was less artificial-tasting, which is a plus in my book.

Then there was strawberry. I had high hopes for this one, but it was a bit of a letdown. I was looking for that fresh, fruity kick, but instead, it had a kind of medicinal, Pepto-Bismol vibe. Not awful, but not what I was craving! It gets a 6.8 from me.

So, when it comes to taste, Muscle Milk’s Genuine Whey has some solid options. Vanilla’s leading the pack, chocolate’s a safe bet, and strawberry… well, it might be an acquired taste. Remember, taste is subjective, but these are my two cents from the taste test.

Mixability Test

When it comes to mixing, you want a protein powder that blends well without leaving chunks or residue – nobody likes a gritty shake. Starting with the vanilla, it was decent but not perfect, earning a 6.8 out of 10. It was a bit on the thicker side, which might be good for some, but I’m looking for that smooth mix that goes down easy.

Chocolate did better in the mixability department, scoring a 7.6. It leaned towards the more watered-down side, which in this case, means it mixed better than vanilla. I guess it just goes to show that even within the same brand, different flavors can mix up differently.

Strawberry was the surprise here; it nailed a 7.8 for mixability. It found that middle ground between too thick and too thin, making for a pretty good shake.

So, strawberry came out on top for mixability, with chocolate not far behind, and vanilla trailing. Just remember, a good shake is more than just taste – it’s about that smooth mix too.

Bang for your Buck

You’re looking at about $2 per serving, which gets you 32 grams of protein. Now, in the grand scheme of things, two bucks might not seem steep, but when you’re guzzling protein shakes like water, it adds up quick.

I’ve gotta keep it real with you – that price point is a little higher than some of the other options out there. Especially considering you can find proteins with cleaner ingredient profiles that might better suit those looking for a more natural route.

Now, Muscle Milk is NSF certified, which is a big plus, meaning it’s gone through some rigorous testing. But the ingredient list is a bit heavy on the artificial side for my liking. So, if you’re just stepping into the world of protein supplements, it’s an option. But for the seasoned gym-goer with a taste for something cleaner, it might not hit the mark.

Nutritional Value

It’s got artificial flavors, and a longer ingredient list than I’d like. In my book, simple is better. Muscle Milk’s Genuine Whey is okay if you’re not picky, but if you’re looking for something with a cleaner profile, there might be better options out there.

Nutritionally, I gave it a 6 out of 10. If you’re an athlete or just trying to stay on top of your fitness game, you want a protein that supports your goals without compromise. And honestly, in today’s market where more and more people are leaning towards healthier, cleaner ingredients, Muscle Milk’s Genuine Whey Protein may not be the best fit.

Third-party testing

Muscle Milk is NSF Certified. Now, that’s big because it means there are no banned substances in it. That gives it a stamp of approval for safety and quality, which matters whether you’re a casual gym-goer or someone who’s competing.

But here’s where I keep it real: NSF certification is about what’s not in your tub – it doesn’t mean it’s the cleanest or the purest product out there. For me, I like my ingredients list like I like my workouts: efficient, without any extra stuff.

So, while the third-party testing gives it a thumbs-up for safety, it doesn’t necessarily win the clean eating trophy. If you’re aiming for that all-natural vibe, you might want to scout around for something with a shorter, more natural list.

How Does it Compare?

This protein stands out in a few key areas:

Starting with protein – it’s a heavyweight here, serving up 32 grams. That’s significantly higher than the average of 23.3 grams. This means you’re getting a solid protein punch that can be crucial for muscle repair and growth, especially if you’re hitting the weights hard or looking to bulk up.

Calories are another area where Muscle Milk packs a punch – 280 kcal per serving compared to an average of 172.3 kcal. It’s a denser energy source, which can be a double-edged sword. If you’re in a mass-gaining phase, those extra calories might be just what you need. But if you’re cutting calories or trying to lean out, it’s something to keep in mind.

Carbs and fat are also higher in this protein, with 21 grams of carbs and 9 grams of fat, versus the averages of 15.48 grams and 2.55 grams, respectively. It’s richer, which can be a boon for post-workout recovery when your body needs to replenish glycogen stores. However, if you’re on a strict low-carb or low-fat diet, these numbers might be a concern.

It has less sugar and sodium than average. With just 2 grams of sugar and 135 mg of sodium, it sits below the averages of 2.2 grams and 185.38 mg.

Note: This data is pulled from our proprietary database of 350+ protein powders.