Our ReviewMusclePharmCombat 100% Whey
MusclePharm Combat 100% Whey is a protein supplement designed to support muscle recovery and growth with a blend of whey protein concentrate and isolate. Each serving provides 24 grams of protein, making it a solid choice for post-workout nutrition. With 130 calories, 3 grams of carbs, and 2.5 grams of fat per serving, it fits well into most dietary plans aimed at building lean muscle. Whether you're an athlete looking to boost your protein intake or someone striving for muscle maintenance, this whey protein could be a useful addition to your regimen.
Ingredients
MusclePharm Combat 100% Whey utilizes a blend of whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate as its primary ingredients, ensuring a high-quality protein source that supports muscle growth and recovery.
The addition of natural and artificial flavors, cellulose gum, guar gum, xanthan gum, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, and soy lecithin, contributes to the product's texture, taste, and mixability. These thickeners and sweeteners ensure that the protein powder is enjoyable to consume and easy to blend, although some users might prefer fewer artificial additives. Sucralose and acesulfame potassium are widely used non-nutritive sweeteners that are generally considered safe but can be a point of concern for those who prefer to avoid artificial ingredients.
Soy lecithin, included to improve mixability, might be another ingredient some individuals choose to avoid, especially those with soy allergies or sensitivities. The absence of digestive enzymes is noticeable, especially for those sensitive to lactose, as whey concentrate can contain lactose. Including enzymes like lactase could improve digestibility for these users.
Effectiveness
MusclePharm Combat 100% Whey is designed to support muscle recovery and growth, and its effectiveness in achieving these goals is quite solid. Each serving provides 24 grams of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and development after intense workouts. The blend of whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate ensures a balanced protein intake, combining fast and moderately fast-digesting proteins. This combination is particularly beneficial post-exercise, as it provides an immediate surge of amino acids from the isolate and a more sustained release from the concentrate.
The high-quality protein sources used in this product are well-regarded in the fitness community for their bioavailability and amino acid profiles. Whey protein isolate, in particular, is known for its purity and high protein content per gram, making it effective for those aiming to increase their protein intake without adding excess calories. The presence of whey protein concentrate adds some beneficial nutrients found in milk, though it also introduces more lactose, which may be a concern for those with sensitivities.
In terms of macronutrient distribution, MusclePharm Combat 100% Whey contains 130 calories per serving, with 3 grams of carbohydrates and 2.5 grams of fat. This low-carb and moderate-fat content makes it suitable for various dietary plans, including low-carb diets. The low calorie and carb content is advantageous for those looking to manage their weight while still meeting their protein requirements.
One notable aspect is the absence of added digestive enzymes, which can aid in protein digestion and absorption, especially for those with lactose intolerance. Including enzymes like lactase could enhance the product's effectiveness for a broader range of users.
The product's cholesterol content is on the higher side at 100mg per serving, which is 33% of the daily value. This might be a consideration for individuals monitoring their cholesterol intake.
Taste
Vanilla can sometimes be a hit-or-miss flavor, but MusclePharm Combat 100% Whey in Vanilla flavor has a rich, creamy quality that is both enjoyable and not overly sweet. The natural and artificial flavors blend well, providing a pleasant vanilla taste that doesn't leave an aftertaste.
In terms of texture, the protein powder is smooth when mixed with milk. The consistency is just right—not too thick, but also not watery. When mixed with water, the texture is still good, though it is slightly thinner compared to mixing with milk. The thickeners, such as cellulose gum, guar gum, and xanthan gum, seem to do their job well, giving the shake a nice body without making it heavy.
Mixability is where some issues crop up. Despite containing soy lecithin, which should help with mixing, it doesn't always dissolve as quickly or easily as expected in a shaker bottle. After a good shake, there are sometimes some small granules left, and a bit of the powder settles at the bottom after a few minutes. This isn't a dealbreaker, but it does require a bit of extra effort to shake it up unless you use a blender.
Value
The primary ingredient in MusclePharm Combat Whey is whey protein concentrate, followed by whey protein isolate. While whey protein concentrate is an effective source of protein, it is generally considered lower quality compared to whey isolate due to its higher fat and carbohydrate content. The presence of whey protein isolate helps improve the overall protein quality, but the fact that concentrate is listed first indicates that it likely makes up the bulk of the protein content. This could be a drawback for those seeking a purer, more refined protein source.
In terms of cost, MusclePharm Combat 100% Whey offers a reasonable price per serving, particularly when bought in larger quantities. However, when compared to other mid-range options that feature higher-quality ingredients and additional beneficial inclusions, MusclePharm Combat does not seem as competitive. The lack of digestive enzymes, which aid in protein absorption and can be particularly beneficial for those with lactose sensitivity, further diminishes its value.
Additionally, the inclusion of artificial sweeteners and thickeners such as sucralose, acesulfame potassium, cellulose gum, guar gum, and xanthan gum might be off-putting for some users. While these ingredients do not necessarily impact the protein's effectiveness, they are less desirable for individuals who prefer a cleaner, more natural product.
MusclePharm Combat 100% Whey does provide an adequate protein content with a relatively low calorie and carbohydrate count, making it suitable for those on low-carb or calorie-restricted diets. However, the overall formulation lacks the additional benefits found in some other protein powders in the same price range, such as added vitamins, enzymes, or BCAAs.
Conclusion
MusclePharm Combat 100% Whey provides a functional and moderately priced option for those seeking a basic protein supplement. With 24 grams of protein per serving from a blend of whey protein concentrate and isolate, it offers a decent profile for muscle recovery and growth. However, the reliance on whey protein concentrate as the primary ingredient, combined with the absence of digestive enzymes and added beneficial compounds like BCAAs or vitamins, places it behind some competitors in terms of overall value.
Compared to other mid-range protein powders, MusclePharm Combat 100% Whey lacks some of the quality and additional features found in some other equally priced products. While it does have a pleasant vanilla flavor and an acceptable texture, its mixability issues and use of artificial ingredients might be a drawback for some users.
For those who prioritize cost-effectiveness and are not overly concerned with ingredient purity or additional health benefits, MusclePharm Combat 100% Whey is a reasonable choice. However, for individuals seeking a higher-quality protein supplement with fewer artificial additives and/or more comprehensive nutritional benefits, exploring other options might be worthwhile.
Where to buy?
The protein matrix includes the primary protein components included in this product. These protein sources are listed in order of volume from greatest to least in the product.
This diagram provides the digestion profile for the protein types contained within this product. The chart plots the digestion of the included protein types over an hourly timeframe. All profiles have their advantages depending on your goals. More information regarding digestion and timing can be found in our guides.
The cost indicators provide a relative cost comparison with all protein products. The lower the score the better!
The "Product Cost Indicator" provides the comparative product cost, as a whole.
The "Protein Cost Indicator" provides a comparative cost based on only the protein component. While this can be useful for comparing products excluding fillers, many additional ingredients can provide additional benefits and value.
Note: Products that serve a dual purpose, such as mass gainers and ketogenic powders don't include the "Protein Cost Indicator".
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