Muscle Milk and whey protein are two popular dietary supplements. While whey protein is a supplement marketed by many different companies, Muscle Milk is a specific protein drink designed and released by the California based company CytoSport. Although there are similarities between the two products, whey protein is a more basic product than Muscle Milk, which contains a variety of ingredients.
Uses
Whey protein should be primarily used as a workout supplement or a way to ensure adequate protein intake. Whey is a fast-digesting protein and can aid in the recovery of muscle post-workout. Muscle Milk is effective post-workout or as a meal replacement powder because it contains a blend of different types of protein in addition to some carbohydrates and fat.
Flavors
Muscle Milk offers 25 unique flavors, including Cinnamon Bun, White Chocolate Mousse, and Creme Brulee. Whey protein flavors depend on the brand. Taste among whey protein powders can vary considerably, so it is important to sample different kinds to determine preference.
Nutritional Information
One scoop of whey protein powder contains 120 calories. One scoop of Muscle Milk contains 150 calories. Whey protein contains only small amounts of carbs. Depending on the type of whey protein, the powder may contain trace amounts of lactose from the original dairy source. One scoop of whey protein usually contains around 3g of carbs. While not considered a high-carb product, Muscle Milk contains more carbs than whey protein, about 8g per scoop. The extra carbohydrates in Muscle Milk come from maltodextrin (a thickening ingredient made from corn), fructose and fructooligosaccharide (a slow-digesting sugar).
Each scoop of whey protein powder contains around 24g of protein. Muscle Milk, on the other hand, only contains 16g of protein per scoop. Whey protein contains minute traces of milk fat, and most brands contain 1g or less of fat per scoop. Muscle Milk contains 6g per scoop of a formulated blend of fat from medium-chain triglycerides and other sources. Medium-chain triglycerides may help promote fat loss, but research is inconclusive and more studies need to be conducted.
Vitamins and Minerals
Some brands of whey protein are fortified with vitamins, but most brands contain little to no added nutrients. Muscle Milk contains a variety of vitamins in moderate quantities, including 15 percent of the FDA's daily value for a 2,000-calorie reference intake for vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and each of the B vitamins.
Whey protein naturally contains about 10 percent of the daily value of calcium. Some brands may be fortified with additional minerals. Muscle Milk contains a large amount of minerals such as calcium (15 percent of daily value), iron (15 percent of daily value), phosphorus (20 percent of daily value), iodine (15 percent of daily value), magnesium (15 percent of daily value), zinc (15 percent of daily value), copper (15 percent of daily value), chromium (40 percent of daily value) and potassium (12 percent of daily value).
Price
As of January 2010, a 5-pound container of Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein Powder is $74.99 through the Optimum Nutrition website. The list price for a 4.96-pound container of Muscle Milk Powder is $79.95. Supplements vary widely in price depending on the vendor, so shop around to find the best price.
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