I Tried Muscle Milk Plant Protein and Here’s My Reaction

When I came across Muscle Milk Plant Protein on a recent trip to Walmart, I was intrigued by its promise of a clean, plant-based protein source because I remember how enjoyable and effective my past experiences with Muscle Milk were.

Muscle Milk Plant Protein is a plant-based alternative to traditional protein supplements.

As a professional basketball player with a master’s degree in Nutrition Education, I’m constantly seeking products that can enhance performance, support recovery, and provide useful dietary solutions for myself and others.

Protein supplements are a staple in my diet, providing the necessary nutrients to repair and build muscle after intense training sessions and games.

When I was younger (in my college years), I used to love Muscle Milk.

At my college (Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York), one of the main dining areas I had access to only had a few snacks I could grab between classes, and Muscle Milk was one of the only convenient options.

For those four years I drank an incredible amount of Muscle Milk protein shakes and I had great results!

Of course, I was only about 20 years old, and my body tolerated lactose well, but my relationship with Muscle Milk has always been endearing.

I decided to give it a try, and I was unfortunately dissapointed.

I was hoping Muscle Milk Plant Protein was going to be a new, on-the-go solution for me with their ready-made plant protein drinks, but unfortunately, the taste was nothing like the original, and the price per bottle isn’t affordable enough for many people.

What is Muscle Milk Plant Protein?

Muscle Milk Plant Protein is a product of the well-known Muscle Milk brand, which has built a strong reputation for its high-quality protein supplements.

Known primarily for their whey-based protein products and enjoyable flavors, Muscle Milk has expanded its line to include plant-based options, catering to those who prefer or require non-dairy protein sources.

The plant protein variant aims to provide the same muscle-building benefits as their traditional products but with ingredients derived from plants.

Ingredients and Nutritional Information

Muscle Milk Plant Protein is crafted from a blend of plant-based proteins, including pea protein isolate and brown rice protein.

Each serving typically contains around 20 grams of protein, making it a robust option for meeting daily protein needs.

The supplement also includes essential amino acids, which are crucial for muscle repair and growth. In addition to protein, it offers a moderate amount of carbohydrates and fats, along with vitamins and minerals, to support overall health.

Notably, it is free from artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners, aligning with the growing demand for cleaner, more natural supplement options.

I don’t have any specific issues with the nutritional formula for Muscle Milk Plant Protein, and it is a viable on-the-go protein shake option.

Nutrient	Amount per 14-ounce bottle
Calories	220 calories
Fat	5g
Sodium	450mg
Carbohydrates	10g
Fiber	3g
Sugars	5g (includes 5g added sugars)
Protein	30g
Vitamin B12	120%
Iron	25%
Potassium	15%
Calcium	10%

Muscle Milk Plant Protein contains the following ingredients: water, pea protein isolate, sugar, natural flavor, canola protein isolate, cocoa (processed with alkali), brown rice protein isolate, high oleic sunflower oil, potassium phosphate, sodium gluconate, sunflower lecithin, potassium chloride, purified stevia leaf extract, gellan gum, l-tryptophan, and cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12).

Canola Protein Isolate: Canola protein isolate is derived from canola seeds, primarily known for their oil. It is rich in essential amino acids and has a balanced protein profile, making it a suitable alternative to traditional animal-based proteins. Canola protein isolate is often used for its high solubility and digestibility, which can contribute to muscle repair and growth effectively.

Pea Protein Isolate: Pea protein isolate is extracted from yellow peas and is a popular plant-based protein due to its high protein content and excellent amino acid profile. It is hypoallergenic, making it a great option for those with dairy, soy, or gluten allergies.

Brown Rice Protein Isolate: Brown rice protein isolate is derived from brown rice and is another excellent plant-based protein source. It is hypoallergenic and easy to digest, with a good balance of essential amino acids. Brown rice protein is often combined with other plant proteins, such as pea protein, to create a complete amino acid profile that supports muscle recovery and growth.

My Experience

Although I loved the taste (not the ingredients) of the original Muscle Milk formula, I was quite unimpressed with the Muscle Milk Plant Protein chocolate flavor I tried.

The drink was mixed well, but it was heavy and chalky, and the chocolate flavor was even a bit bitter and difficult to drink.

Muscle Milk bottles have a significant advantage since they are convenient and offer a healthy on-the-go snack.

However, at over $4 per bottle in Walmart (I saved some money on my bottle of Muscle Milk by using Ibotta), I don’t think Muscle Milk Plant Protein is a good value.

For this price, you could purchase a ready-to-go whole foods smoothie with a bit of plant protein added and have more nutrient density and a better taste.

If you buy online, the plant-based Muscle Milk is more affordable and makes more sense to purchase.

Also, I didn’t experience any stomach or digestion issues, though, which is a big plus.

Digestion issues are the main reason I switched to plant protein powders, and I usually choose Garden of Life Raw Protein & Greens because it is the healthiest and most effective plant protein I have found.

Although Muscle Milk Plant Protein bottles are convenient, they aren’t going to crack my list of the best protein powders available at Walmart.

Final Thoughts – Should You Buy Muscle Milk Plant Protein?

When I came across Muscle Milk Plant Protein on a recent trip to Walmart, I was intrigued by its promise of a clean, plant-based protein source.

My past experiences with Muscle Milk had been enjoyable and effective, making me optimistic about this plant-based alternative.

Protein supplements are a staple in my diet, providing the necessary nutrients to repair and build muscle after intense training sessions and games.

During my college years at Marist College, Muscle Milk was one of the few convenient snack options available to me, and I consumed it regularly with great results.

However, as I have grown older and my dietary needs have evolved, my relationship with Muscle Milk has changed.

I decided to give Muscle Milk Plant Protein a try, hoping it would be a convenient on-the-go solution.

Unfortunately, I was disappointed.

The plant protein drink’s taste did not compare to the original Muscle Milk formula, and the price per bottle isn’t affordable for many people.

Although the drink mixed well, it was heavy and chalky, and the chocolate flavor was bitter and difficult to drink.

While Muscle Milk Plant Protein offers the convenience of a ready-made drink and did not cause any stomach or digestion issues, it is still too expensive.

There are better plant protein options available that are more natural, priced better, or taste better.

For example, Garden of Life Raw Protein & Greens is my preferred choice for a plant-based protein powder, as it is the healthiest and most effective option I have found.