Our ReviewGNC AMPSustained Protein Blend

Micellar casein is a slow-digesting protein, releasing amino acids over up to 7 hours, making it an excellent choice for prolonged muscle recovery, especially overnight or between meals. This feature makes the product useful for those seeking to maintain muscle mass and avoid muscle breakdown throughout the day. Whey protein isolate is one of the cleanest forms of whey available, rapidly digested and absorbed by the body, which supports immediate post-workout recovery. Additionally, whey protein hydrolysate is pre-digested, allowing for even faster absorption, making it a great inclusion for those looking for a protein that is gentle on digestion and efficient for quick muscle repair directly after a workout. Lastly, egg white protein provides another slower-digesting, highly bioavailable source of protein, rich in essential amino acids, making it an effective option for promoting lean muscle growth.

In terms of added ingredients, there are both pros and cons. The inclusion of a creamer blend with sunflower oil, maltodextrin, and sodium caseinate adds a bit of creaminess to the shake, enhancing texture, but for those trying to avoid processed oils and carbs, this may be seen as a drawback. The product does also include sunflower lecithin, which aids in mixability, ensuring a smooth shake, which is helpful for a better drinking experience.

However, it's worth noting the presence of artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium. While these are commonly used in many protein powders to keep the product low in calories, some may prefer to avoid them due to potential digestive sensitivities or a desire for more natural ingredients. Additionally, carrageenan, found in the gum blend, has been a topic of debate for its potential inflammatory properties, so those with digestive sensitivities might wish to be cautious.

Despite these inclusions, the absence of digestive enzymes, which could aid in better protein utilization and gut health, is somewhat disappointing.

Overall, the ingredient list reflects a product that is primarily designed for muscle recovery and maintenance, with a well-thought-out blend of fast- and slow-digesting proteins.

The core of its effectiveness lies in its protein blend, which combines four types of proteins: native micellar casein, whey protein isolate, whey protein hydrolysate, and egg white protein. Each of these proteins has a different digestion speed, contributing to both immediate recovery and longer-term muscle maintenance. Whey protein isolate and hydrolysate are absorbed quickly by the body, offering a rapid source of amino acids, making them ideal for post-workout consumption when the body is most in need of protein for muscle repair. Micellar casein, on the other hand, is a slow-digesting protein that continues to release amino acids over several hours, ensuring that muscle breakdown is minimized during periods of fasting, such as overnight. This makes the product a versatile option for athletes looking to prevent catabolism while sleeping or in between meals.

Each serving delivers 25g of protein, which is a robust amount for supporting muscle growth and recovery, especially for those aiming to build or maintain muscle mass. The complete amino acid profile provided by the mix of whey, casein, and egg white proteins ensures that the body gets all the essential amino acids needed for muscle protein synthesis. This is particularly beneficial for those following high-intensity workout programs or endurance athletes who require continuous muscle repair.

From a macronutrient perspective, the product’s relatively low carbohydrate content (4g per serving) and fat content (1.5g per serving) make it suitable for a range of dietary goals, including those on low-carb or calorie-restricted diets. This nutritional profile keeps it in the "lean protein" category, which is ideal for those aiming to increase protein intake without adding extra calories from carbs or fats. The 1g of sugar per serving is also quite low, further supporting its effectiveness for individuals looking to limit sugar intake.

However, while the product excels in its core purpose of providing sustained muscle recovery, it lacks some additional components that could further enhance its effectiveness. The absence of digestive enzymes, for instance, might affect the ease of digestion for those with sensitive stomachs, particularly when consuming a blend with casein, which can be harder to digest for some individuals.

Overall, the product achieves its intended goals of supporting muscle recovery through a varied release of amino acids and a complete protein profile. It’s particularly effective for athletes looking for a versatile protein that works throughout the day and night.

The product offers 25g of protein per 35g scoop, a decent protein-per-serving ratio, especially considering the blend of fast- and slow-digesting proteins. The inclusion of whey protein isolate and hydrolysate adds value because these are high-quality protein sources that are rapidly absorbed and easy on the digestive system. Additionally, the micellar casein provides sustained release, making the product more versatile. This blend of fast- and slow-digesting proteins increases the overall effectiveness of the product for a variety of goals, providing a good balance for those who want consistent muscle support throughout the day.

However, some considerations may affect its perceived value for certain consumers. The inclusion of artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium, while standard for many protein powders, might deter those seeking more natural ingredients. Additionally, the creamer blend with sunflower oil and maltodextrin adds some processed elements, which may be a downside for those focused on clean eating. If the product had incorporated more natural sweeteners or omitted some of the artificial additives, it might be viewed as offering greater value to health-conscious consumers.

Overall, the GNC AMP Sustained Protein Blend strikes a good balance between quality and cost. It provides a solid protein source at a reasonable price, especially considering the use of micellar casein and whey hydrolysate, both of which are more expensive protein forms. While not a luxury or premium product, it delivers enough in terms of ingredient quality and protein content to justify its price, making it a strong mid-range option in the protein powder market.