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If you’re looking for the best protein powder, it often comes down to the leading brands, Muscle Milk and Gold Standard Whey. I’ve tested both extensively, So Which is better, Muscle Milk Vs Gold Standard?
Gold Standard mixes easily with a smoother texture and has less fat and carbs with 25g protein per scoop. Conversely, Muscle Milk, acting more as a meal replacement, offers more calories, nutrients, and 32g of protein but has higher fat and carb content than typical whey protein powders.
Keep reading to learn more about each brand’s ingredients and benefits to determine which supplement will suit you best!
Muscle Milk vs. Gold Standard
Muscle Milk Whey Protein
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I recently tried the Muscle Milk Genuine Protein Powder in chocolate after an intense workout session, mixed in 8 fluid ounces of water, and the chocolate flavor was simply delightful.
The combination of slow and fast releasing proteins helped to soothe my muscles and aid in their growth.
The Muscle Milk Genuine Protein Powder is versatile and easy to use. It dissolves easily in water, and you can even add it to your recipes for a protein boost.
The best part? It provides 32g of high-quality protein with just 3g of sugar per serving! Plus, it’s an excellent source of Calcium and Vitamins A, C, and D.
Pros:
- Healthy doses of carbs and calories that help build weight
- Better balance of vitamins and minerals for overall nutrition
- Rich blend of proteins from milk, casein, and whey.
- Certified by NSF for athletes and checked for over 250 ingredients disallowed by major sports organizations.
Cons:
- Too much fats and carbs for people wanting to lose weight
- It is more expensive compared to other protein supplements.
Who Should Consider Muscle Milk?
Muscle Milk may be the better choice for individuals looking to bulk up and add some weight to their frame as they work out. Athletes looking to climb to a heavier category or amateur bodybuilders bolster up with more mass may find Muscle Milk’s ingredients ideal.
Muscle Milk Protein Powder tends to be on the sweeter side, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Moreover, the packaging may vary, and you would need to purchase a shaker bottle separately.
Nonetheless, with its NSF certification for sport, you can trust that Muscle Milk Genuine Protein Powder is free from substances banned in major athletic organizations.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein
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As a fitness enthusiast myself, I recently added the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder to my post-workout regimen.
I was keen on trying the Double Rich Chocolate flavor, and I can honestly say the taste did not disappoint.
The high-quality whey blend, which consists of whey protein isolates, concentrate, and peptides, allows me to support lean muscle mass growth.
It’s also good to know that 5.5 grams of naturally occurring branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are present, which greatly help build lean and strong muscles.
Pros:
- Dedicated protein supplement with 100% whey protein.
- Low in additional fats, carbs, and calories.
- Excellent value for money
- Easy to blend and comes in a variety of delectable flavors
Cons:
- It’s not ideal for athletes looking to bulk up faster or add muscle mass.
- Not enough nutrients to serve as a complete food supplement.
Who Should Consider Gold Standard?
Gold Standard remains an all-time favorite for people who want a pure dose of protein to help with their workouts and diet. The lack of excessive carbs and sugars means that it helps you lose excess weight without losing muscle.
The Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder is an excellent choice for those who prioritize quality and taste in their protein supplements.
With over 20 flavors to choose from, switching between different options can keep your post-workout nutrition engaging and enjoyable.
Muscle Milk vs. Gold Standard: In-Depth Comparison
Ingredients and Nutritional Content
Muscle Milk
Muscle Milk uses a unique blend of whey, casein, and milk protein. Additionally, it contains a host of vitamins, fiber, and critical minerals that help in body development.
The ingredients include protein isolates, sodium & calcium caseinate, and sunflower oil. Notably, it serves more calories per serving (up to 180 cal).
Additionally, compared to the Gold Standard, Muscle Milk provides a greater amount of carbohydrates and sugar per serving, catering to those who might need extra energy for their workouts or daily activities.
Gold Standard
Gold Standard uses whey as the only source of protein for its mixtures. The extracts include whey peptides, whey isolates, and whey concentrates.
It offers a higher volume of BCAA (Branch Chain Amino Acids) and carries lower calories per serving. Gold Standard’s fat, carbs, and sugar content are negligible and almost non-existent in some supplements.
In short, an athlete aiming for leanness may prefer Gold Standard, while the competitive bodybuilder may appreciate Muscle Milk more.
Benefits and Usage
Muscle Milk
Muscle Milk’s rich blend of ingredients makes it ideal for individuals looking to gain muscle and weight as they work out. The additional carbs and calories quickly translate to muscle mass if you follow the correct workout routines.
Given how many vitamins and minerals it contains, you can almost consider it a food supplement. Take it before your gym sessions or as a post-workout shake, depending on your preference.
Gold Standard
Gold Standard is a dedicated protein supplement. So, it works well for people looking to build lean muscle without gaining too much weight. The Gold Standard is the better choice for people looking to cut down on weight and get shredded.
It doesn’t have as many associated nutrients as Muscle Milk. Focusing on pure protein means less room for additional supplements in the mix.
Taste and Flavors
Both supplement brands offer enough flavors for users to enjoy. Muscle Milk offers more limited options with six flavors, relying more on their chocolate and vanilla crème flavors to woo buyers.
On the other hand, Gold Standard comes in 14 unique flavors catering to buyers’ tastes and preferences. The Double Rich Chocolate flavor remains the most popular option among buyers.
However, according to the manufacturer other flavors like Mocha Cappuccino, French Vanilla, and Rocky Road also sell like hot cakes.
Price
Gold Standard is the more expensive brand between the two. However, you may encounter price variations depending on the type of supplement, flavor, and container sizes.
In most instances, Muscle Milk is the cheaper alternative when you consider the money paid per serving. Optimum Nutrition, the brand behind Gold Standard, holds a distinguished reputation in the realm of protein supplements.
Consequently, their pricing often mirrors the premium stature the company has attained in the industry.
What Do People Say About It?
Muscle Milk Reviews
Muscle Milk users report that this supplement provides additional energy during workouts and the buildup of body mass. Most users agree that the servings are good value for money.
Some users report that consuming it right before a gym session leads to some discomfort. So, making it a post-workout shake may serve some users better.
Read what others say Muscle Milk Reviews
Gold Standard Reviews
The majority of users claim that Gold Standard remains their top choice for protein supplements today. Developing lean muscle mass, delectable flavors, and affordable pricing are some common reasons they use to make this claim.
Most buyers are long-time users who admit they’ll continue using Gold Standard as their primary choice of protein supplements.
Read what others say Gold Standard Reviews
The Final Verdict: Which One is the Winner?
Muscle Milk comes out as the better alternative if you want to bulk up and build mass while getting some important nutrients outside of your daily diet.
However, the Gold Standard remains superior if you prioritize building lean muscle without becoming huge and hefty.
Want to delve deeper into the specifics of other supplement brands? Here’s our breakdown of how MyProtein and Optimum Nutrition stack up against each other!
