Our ReviewNOW SportsMicellar Casein
NOW Sports Micellar Casein features a minimal ingredient list, including only micellar casein and a small amount of sunflower lecithin. This product, developed by NOW Foods, aims to provide a slow-digesting protein source, making it suitable for overnight muscle recovery and maintaining a steady release of amino acids. Each serving offers 19 grams of protein, with minimal fat and carbohydrates, catering to those looking for a clean and efficient protein supplement. Known for its transparency and quality, NOW Foods ensures each batch is thoroughly tested for purity and safety. This unflavored variant is ideal for mixing into various recipes without altering the taste.
Ingredients
NOW Sports Micellar Casein prides itself on simplicity, containing only micellar casein and a touch of sunflower lecithin. This minimalistic approach is quite appealing, especially if you're someone who likes to know exactly what you're putting into your body.
Micellar Casein is the star of the show here. This type of protein is known for its slow digestion rate, which means it releases amino acids steadily into your bloodstream over many hours. This makes it an excellent choice for a nighttime protein supplement or any time you expect a prolonged period without food. The slow release can help with muscle recovery and growth by providing a consistent supply of protein, which is crucial for maintaining muscle mass.
Sunflower lecithin, the only other ingredient, serves as an emulsifier. This means it helps the protein powder mix more smoothly with liquids, preventing clumping and ensuring a better texture when you drink it. It’s a natural ingredient and a great alternative to soy lecithin, which some people prefer to avoid due to potential allergens or dietary restrictions.
One of the significant upsides of NOW Sports Micellar Casein is what it doesn't include: no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives. This makes it a very clean choice if you're trying to steer clear of unnecessary additives. However, some might find it a bit too plain, especially if they’re used to flavored protein powders. This simplicity does mean you have a blank slate to mix with whatever you like, from fruit smoothies to baked goods, without worrying about conflicting flavors.
Effectiveness
When it comes to effectiveness, NOW Sports Micellar Casein stands out for its ability to deliver a sustained release of protein, making it a suitable choice for those looking to support muscle recovery and growth over extended periods. Each serving provides 19 grams of protein, which is substantial for promoting muscle protein synthesis. This is especially beneficial during the night or between meals when your body might otherwise be without a protein source for several hours.
The primary ingredient, micellar casein, is a high-quality protein derived from milk. Its slow digestion rate is a key feature, as it forms a gel-like substance in the stomach, slowing the release of amino acids into the bloodstream. This prolonged release can help prevent muscle breakdown and promote recovery, particularly after intense training sessions. It's an ideal option for athletes and fitness enthusiasts who need a steady supply of protein throughout the day or night.
One of the notable aspects of this product is its low fat and carbohydrate content. With less than 1 gram of both carbs and fats per serving, it caters well to those following low-carb or low-fat diets. This composition ensures that the majority of your caloric intake from this supplement comes from protein, making it a lean option for muscle building and recovery.
The inclusion of 324 mg of calcium per serving is another benefit, considering the role of calcium in muscle contraction and overall bone health. This can be particularly advantageous for those who engage in regular, high-intensity workouts and need to maintain strong bones and muscles.
Taste
NOW Sports Micellar Casein in its unflavored form doesn't have much of a taste, apart from a mild milky undertone. This can be either a blessing or a curse depending on your routine. It does, however, provide a blank base from which to blend your own flavors. Given that you would likely be taking this before bed, it shouldn't need the convenience of an included flavor for on-the-go use.
While we can't say much about the taste, we can attest to its mixability and texture. NOW Sports Micellar Casein blends extremely easily, no doubt due to the small inclusion of sunflower lecithin in its short list of ingredients. The texture is thick and creamy, as expected from a casein powder due to its gel-forming properties. This thickness can be quite satisfying if you're looking for something more filling, especially when consumed before bedtime. For others, it can take a little getting used to compared with whey protein.
A word of advice: this product is significantly more enjoyable when mixed with lite milk, which enhances the flavor base and helps with the slight chalkiness that casein powders can tend towards. When mixed with milk, the product's creaminess really shines, and the texture becomes even smoother. This makes it a great addition to milk-based shakes and smoothies, where it can enhance the overall mouthfeel without competing with other flavors.
Value
When evaluating the value of NOW Sports Micellar Casein, it's essential to consider its price point, quality, and how it stacks up against similar products on the market. Based on the clean ingredient list, the effectiveness of the micellar casein as a slow-digesting protein, and the overall user experience, we'd categorize this product as a mid-range protein powder.
In terms of pricing, NOW Sports Micellar Casein offers a fair price compared to other brands, but it's not the cheapest. However, it provides good value for those who prioritize clean, straightforward nutrition without the added cost of flavorings, sweeteners, or unnecessary additives. This makes it more affordable than many premium powders, which often include complex flavor profiles.
The quality of the ingredients used is another critical factor in determining value. NOW Foods is known for its commitment to purity and quality, ensuring that its micellar casein is derived from high-quality milk sources. This dedication to sourcing can often be a differentiator in the market, where ingredient quality can significantly impact both effectiveness and price. By focusing on a simple formula, NOW Sports avoids the pitfalls of lower-quality fillers that might be found in budget options, thus maintaining a balance between cost and quality.
Conclusion
NOW Sports Micellar Casein stands out as a reliable and effective casein powder with a simple and clean ingredient profile. Its primary ingredient, micellar casein, ensures a slow release of amino acids, making it ideal for overnight muscle recovery. The lack of artificial additives and the low fat and carbohydrate content further enhance its appeal for the health-conscious. While its unflavored nature might not be for everyone, it offers versatility in mixing.
Compared to the competition, NOW Sports Micellar Casein offers a mid-range option that balances quality and cost. It provides a solid protein content per serving at a reasonably competitive price, making it a strong contender against more expensive premium products. However, the absence of additional flavor options could be a drawback for some users.
This product is particularly suitable for those who prioritize clean ingredients and sustained protein release. If you value a straightforward, unadulterated protein supplement and don't mind experimenting with flavoring it yourself, this could be an excellent choice. Overall, NOW Sports Micellar Casein is recommended for anyone looking for a dependable and affordable casein protein powder that delivers on its promises.
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".
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.