Protein Blend
There’s nothing that makes Cytosport Monster Blend stand out above the rest. If you’re looking for a protein powder with some delicious, unique flavors and a unique ingredient profile, Cytosport Monster Blend isn’t your best option. However, if you are looking for a safe bet, just an average protein powder with effective ingredients, Cytosport Monster Blend may be worth looking in to.
- Ingredients
- Flavor
- Value
- Mixability
- Effectiveness
Monster Blend by Cytosport is just as it sounds, a monstrous blend of protein powder, designed to improve muscle recovery and protein synthesis for greater muscle growth.
Let’s take a look at everything there is to know about Cytosport Monster Blend to see if it both packs enough protein and provides enough additional ingredients to make it stand out among other protein powders.
Ingredient Profile
Cytosport Monster Blend provides the standard 25 g of protein per serving. It’s relatively low calorie as well, and provides 6 g carbohydrates.
Here’s a closer look at the protein forms and other important ingredients in Cytosport Monster Blend’s formula:
Milk Protein Isolate (15 g)
This protein form has much of the lactose removed. The finished dry product is said to be about 90% protein by weight, contains casein and whey proteins, and its amino acid profile is impressive. [1]
Whey Protein Isolate (10 g)
Whey protein is a very common protein powder found in many sports supplement protein powders because it improves lean mass and muscle protein synthesis for improved muscle growth. [2]
L-Leucine (1 g)
One of the three branched-chain amino acids, L-leucine is involved in improving muscle recovery, and it is studied in particular for its ability to initiate protein synthesis. [3] Enhanced protein synthesis means more muscle growth.
Protease Enzymes (ProHydrolase) (125 mg)
This ingredient is added into the formula to improve protein catabolism and support digestion.
Overall, the ingredients look pretty solid, nothing too unique, but a good formula nonetheless. If you have problems with dairy, I don’t think you’ll run into much trouble with this protein powder, considering both forms are isolates and the addition of ProHydrolase.
How Should You Use Cytosport Monster Blend?
You should use Cytosport Monster Blend like any other protein powder. You can use it before or after workouts.
Depending on your daily protein requirements and workout regimen, mix 1 scoop with 8 fluid ounces of water, 1-3 times per day.
If you want to increase the calories per serving, go ahead and mix the scoops of Cytosport Monster Blend with milk or add some peanut butter for additional protein.
Pricing and Availability
Cytosport Monster Blend comes in 2 bottle sizes: a 23-serving and a 43-serving bottle. Depending on where you decide to purchase Cytosport Monster Blend, each bottle retails around $38 and $47, respectively.
As far as flavor options go, Cytosport Monster Blend comes in the standard vanilla and chocolate flavors.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Cytosport Monster Blend is an average protein powder. Its ingredients are decent, and the price per bottle is affordable.
There’s nothing that makes Cytosport Monster Blend stand out above the rest. If you’re looking for a protein powder with some delicious, unique flavors and a unique ingredient profile, Cytosport Monster Blend isn’t your best option. However, if you are looking for a safe bet, just an average protein powder with effective ingredients, Cytosport Monster Blend may be worth looking in to.
References
[1] American Dairy Products Institute. ADPI. Available from: https://www.adpi.org/DairyProducts/DryMilks/MilkProteinIsolate/tabid/358/Default.aspx
[2] Tipton KD, et al. “Ingestion of casein and whey proteins result in muscle anabolism after resistance exercise.” Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2004 Dec;36(12):2073-81. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15570142
[3] Layne E. Norton and Donald K. Layman. “Leucine Regulates Translation Initiation of Protein Synthesis in Skeletal Muscle after Exercise.” J. Nutr. February 2006 vol. 136 no. 2 533S-537S. Available from: http://jn.nutrition.org/content/136/2/533S.full
