Muscle Milk Light is Cytosport’s answer to those who like the taste of Muscle Milk, but don’t want the extra calories.  Like the original formula, Muscle Milk Light is based on EvoPro, Cytosport’s proprietary casein-whey protein blend.  While Muscle Milk Light doesn’t come in quite as many flavors as regular Muscle Milk, it’s still a pretty impressive array: Banana Creme, Chocolate Caramel Swirl, Chocolate Milk, Chocolate Mint, Cookies N Creme, Creme Brulee, Dark Chocolate, Peanut Butter Chocolate, Strawberry Banana, Strawberry Milkshake and Vanilla Creme.

Manufacturer’s Description: “A great way to get all the great taste and performance of Muscle Milk® with half the fat and significantly less calories! Muscle Milk Light delivers the same nutrition-rich, flavor-packed indulgence of Muscle Milk, but with 50% less fat and 35% fewer calories.* So why make a light version? Because there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all body. The athlete training for football season needs more sustained energy than the athlete training for beach season.”

*comparison based on per serving of original Muscle Milk powder to Muscle Milk Light powder.

Serving Size 2 Scoops (50g) Calories 195 Calories From Fat 50 Total Fat 6g Saturated Fat 2.5g Cholesterol 5mg Sodium 115mg Potassium 620mg Total Carbohydrate 11g Dietary Fiber 1g Sugars 2g Protein 25g Vitamin A 1750IU 35% Vitamin C 21mg 35% Vitamin D 140IU 35% Vitamin E 11IU 35%

Thiamine 0.5mg 35% Riboflavin 0.6mg 35% Niacin 7mg 35% Vitamin B6 0.7mg 35% Folate 140mcg 35% Vitamin B12 2.1mcg 35% Biotin 105mcg 35% Pantothenic Acid 4mg 35% Calcium 600mg 60% Iron 6mg 35% Phosphorus 350mg 35% Iodine 53mcg 35% Magnesium 140mg 35% Zinc 5mg 35% Copper 0.7mg 35% Chromium 108mcg 90%

Ingredients: EvoPro™(Micellar Alpha And Beta Caseins And Caseinates, Whey Concentrates Rich In Alpha-Lactalbumin, Whey Isolates, Whey Peptides, L-Glutamine, Taurine, Lactoferrin), Maltodextrin, Lean Lipids™(Trans Fat Free Lipid Complex Consisting Of Sunflower And/Or Safflower Oil, MCT’s, Canola Oil, L-Carnitine), Cocoa Powder, CytoVite I™ (Vitamin And Mineral Premix Consisting Of Vitamin A Acetate, Cholecalciferol, D-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbic Acid, Folate, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Niacinamide, Pyridoxine HCL, Cyanocobalamin, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Di-Calcium Phosphate, Potassium Iodide, Potassium Chloride, Ferrous Fumarate, Magnesium Oxide, Copper Gluconate, Zinc Oxide, Chromium Nicotinate), Fructose, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Acesulfame Potassium, Cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum, Carrageenan, Sucralose, Soy Lecithin.

Comments: I purchased two 1.65 lb. containers of Muscle Milk Light powder from  Bodybuilding.com: Chocolate Peanut Butter (above) and Cookies N Creme.  Each container cost $24.89, which works out to $1.67 per serving… a relatively decent price for a meal replacement-type product.  Bodybuilding.com has a running “buy 2 get one free” offer, which would have made it even cheaper… however, according to the customer service rep I spoke to, all three have to be the same flavor.  So I ended up with only two, since I wanted to sample a couple different ones (bummer!).

 (It’s a shame Cytosport doesn’t take a page out of Optimum Nutrition’s book, and make a variety pack featuring all the different flavors of Muscle Milk/Muscle Milk Light.  They’d really be doing their customers a favor.)

At any rate, I can’t say I was unhappy with the choices I made: the Chocolate Peanut Butter was more dark than milk chocolatey (which I liked); and the Cookies N Creme was appropriately Oreo-like.  I enjoyed both, although taste-wise, I think Muscle Milk Light ranks a bit below regular Muscle Milk.  The difference is that it contains more gums/thickeners to replace the mouthfeel of the missing fat.  Mixed in water, this gives it a somewhat thicker texture than the original, although this was less pronounced in milk, or blended with ice cubes to make a faux “milkshake”.

Judged on its own merits, however, Muscle Milk Light is pretty tasty as well as nutritious: it contains a solid amount (25g) of high quality protein per serving, as well as decent amounts of the standard vitamins and minerals.  The high potassium content (420 – 620mg) was a pleasant surprise: Americans don’t consume enough of this important mineral.  I would have preferred a higher fiber content, though: original Muscle Milk contains 5g/serving, while the Light version contains only 1g.

This isn’t a fatal flaw, however. Overall, Muscle Milk Light is a solid product that works well as either a general purpose protein supplement or a reduced calorie meal replacement.  It’s tasty, filling and comes in a tempting range of flavors, so it’s worth checking out:  it shouldn’t be hard to find one (or more) you’ll love.

Taste: 4.5/5.0

Quality: 4.5/5.0

Efficacy: 5.0/5.0

Value: 3.5/5.0

Overall: 4.5/5.0

Muscle Milk Light is available from Bodybuilding.com!

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The Protein Cookie is the original creation of The Protein Bakery – a New Zealand company specializing in high fiber/low carb, wheat/gluten-free cookies.  Now available in the US through Fit Foods LLC, The Protein Cookie is targeted towards the sports nutrition market.  They come in four flavors: Chocolate Chip, Ginger ‘n Spice, Mochaccino and Chocolate Fudge.

Manufacturer’s Description: After 1 ½ years in development we have launched a new product called “The Protein Cookie”. A moreish, yummy, soft baked, healthy snack serving as a great alternative to all the health/protein bars & shakes. Perfect for “people sick & tired of the bar scene!” Also a great indulgent snack, minus the guilt!

These cookies are great for energy, strength, speed, endurance, body building, recovery, dieting, Celiac, general health, injury and achieving the best quality of life.

Serving Size: 1 Cookie (64g) Calories 290 Calories From Fat 120 Total Fat 13g Saturated Fat 4.5g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 20mg Sodium 200mg Potassium 290mg Total Carbohydrate 29g

Fiber 15g Sugars 0.5g Sugar Alcohols 11g Protein 15g Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 25% Magnesium 15% Iron 15%

Ingredients: Milk Protein, Almonds, Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips (Chocolate Liquor, Polydextrose, Inulin, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Powder, Sodium Bicarbonate, Soy Lecithin, Sucralone, Vanilla, Acesulfame Potassium), Margarine (Palm Oil, Water, Salt, Whey, Vegetable Monoglycerides, Soy Lecithin, Natural Butter Flavor, Citric Acid (acidulant), Beta Carotene (color), Vitamin A Palmitate), Erythritol, Eggs, Polydextrose, Vegetable Glycerine, Oligofructose, Cocoa, Natural Flavors, Soy Lecithin, Rice Flour, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate, Baking Soda, Cream of Tartar, Salt, Sorbitol, Sucralose.

Comments: I bought a box of 12 Chocolate Fudge Protein Cookies (shown above) for $19.99. Each cookie is individually wrapped and large enough to sink your teeth into (2.26 oz). The cookies themselves were sweet and chocolately, with a firm, dense, cakey texture. They were also rather dry…although this was less noticeable when accompanied by (my usual) large cup of tea.

Of course, consuming these with tea or some other liquid is probably a good idea, beyond compensating for the dryness, as each cookie also contains an impressive amount of dietary fiber: 15g. Fortunately, the bulk of the remaining carbs are provided by erythritol…a sugar alcohol which does not have laxative effects in moderate amounts – otherwise this would be a rather “explosive” combination.

While no one would mistake these for “Mrs. Field’s” cookies, I thought The Protein Cookie was a nice product. The cookies are a good source of fiber and provide an adequate amount of good quality protein. One made for a pretty substantial mid-morning snack: the protein and fiber + fluid (from the tea) was pretty satiating. While not really a weight loss food (the fat content is a bit high for that), I could think of worse ways to satisfy a craving for something sweet, without falling completely off your diet.

Taste: 3.5/5.0

Quality: 3.5/5.0

Efficacy: 4.0/5.0

Value: 3.0/5.0

Overall: 3.5/5.0

The Protein Cookie is available at Bodybuilding.com!

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CNP Professional was formerly known as “Dorian Yates Approved” – after legendary bodybuilder Dorian Yates (the company was renamed following his departure). CNP’s product line is focused almost exclusively on protein powders and meal replacements.  The “Pro-MS” line is in keeping with this: it’s a high protein, meal replacement powder designed for women.  Pro-MS comes in three flavors: Swiss Chocolate, Wild Berries and Cream and Vanilla Caramel.

Manufacturer’s Description: “Pro Ms is the first and only low calorie, high quality meal replacement product on the market to provide optimal nutrition for the female form!

A comprehensive nutritional strategy that will benefit anyone, from the female Olympian to the highly stressed executive or the housewife just wanting some help getting back in shape after having a baby!

…Pro-Ms is a cutting edge weight management formula originally designed for professional athletes. Easily stirred into a glass of water, it comes in 3 delicious flavours. Each serving provides 25 g of protein, but only 11 g of carbs (2 g sugar), for a total of 160 calories. Only good fats are included; CLA and flax seed oil, -fats that burn fat. It contains natural ingredients that dramatically curbs appetite and stimulate the fat burning process.”

Serving Size 1 Packet (47g) Calories 160 Calories From Fat 20 Fat 2g Saturated Fat 0.5g + Trans Fat 0.5g Cholest. 20mg Sodium 300mg Potassium 400mg Carbohydrates 11g Dietary Fiber 2g Sugars 2g Protein 25g	Vitamin A 1500IU 30% Vitamin D 240IU 60% Niacin 20mg 100% Biotin 180mcg 60% Vitamin C 60mcg 100% Vitamin E 30IU 100% Vitamin B6 61.2mg 60% Pantothenic Acid 6mg 40% Zinc 15mg 100% Calcium 1000mg 100% Magnesium Stearate 300mg 30% Thiamin 0.9mg 60%	Folic Acid 200mcg 50% Phosphorus 900mg 90% Copper 0.8mg 40% Iron 8mg 50% Riboflavin 1mg 60% Vitamin B12 3mcg 50% Iodine 60mcg 40% Chromium 50mcg 40% Manganese 1mg 50% Selenium 30mcg 42% Choline 80mg Molybdenum 60mcg 80%
Ingredients: Pro Ms Proprietary Structured Protein Blend (Whey Protein From High Fraction Concentrate, Milk Protein Cultured With Bifidus, Acidophilus, And Yogurt Organisms, Soy Protein Concentrate, Peptide Bonded Glutamine), Whole Grain Carbohydrate Mix (Fructooligosaccharide, Organic Flax Seed Meal, Rice Meal, Oat Meal), Natural And Artificial Flavors, Vitamins And Minerals (Di-Calcium Phosphate, Di-Potassium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Magnesium Oxide, Choline Bitartrate, Ascorbic Acid, D-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate, Ferrous Fumarate, Niacinamide, Beta Carotene, Zinc Oxide, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin D3, Copper Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Thiamin Hydrochloride, Chromium Chloride, Cobalamin Concentrate (Vitamin B12), Folic Acid, Biotin, Sodium Molybdate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodate), Proprietary Feminine Metabolic Fat Blend (Canola Oil, Sunflower Oil, Lecithin, Flax Seed Oil), Proprietary Antioxident/fat Burning Blend (Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), Raspberry Essence, Green Tea Extract, Jojoba Extract, White Kidney Bean Extract, Maitake Mushroom Meal, Omega-3 Fatty Acids), Cellulose Gum, Sucralose.

Comments: I purchased a box of the Vanilla Caramel Pro-MS from bodybuilding.com. A box of 15 packets cost $29.98 US – basically $2.00/serving, which is a fairly standard price for single-serving meal replacement packs.

CNP refers to the shake as “rich” in their write up…actually, when mixed in water according to the directions, I found it to be rather thin. The flavor was good, and the powder dispersed well, but there’s an ingredient in there that simply wouldn’t dissolve properly. I used a spoon, a wire wisk and – finally – a blender (for a full minute, no less)…didn’t matter. Every time I mixed one up, there was a fine, crystalline grit left at the bottom of my glass. It wasn’t unpleasant, I suppose, but noticeable.

Beyond that, Pro-MS has a decent amount of protein, and was reasonably satisfying for only 160 calories. From a basic, macronutrient standpoint, it seems like a good product. I’m a little unsure about the added nutraceuticals, however. It’s an intriguing list, to be sure: CLA, raspberry “essence” (ketones???), green tea extract, and so on. What’s missing, however, is any information about the DOSES of these compounds. This silence makes me suspect they’re largely “label decoration”. For example, the product write up boasts of an “Health promoting, anabolic mix of Canola Oil, Sunflower Oil, Flax Seed Oil, CLA, and Omega-3-Fatty Acid”…ok, but there are only 2 grams of total fat per serving. When you consider the residual fat from the protein sources, this doesn’t leave a whole lot…not nearly enough for any major “health promoting” effects.

So, I’m somewhat “iffy” on this product…it’s tasty enough, but not quite as good as it could be. For what it’s worth, however, if it was a choice between this, and some other mass-market product like Slim Fast, I’d take this one in a heartbeat. It may not be all it’s cracked up to be, but it’s still waaay better than that.

Taste: 2.5/5.0

Quality: 4.0/5.0

Efficacy: 3.0/5.0

Value: 3.0/5.0

Overall: 3.0/5.0

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Lean Body Double-Dipped Hi-Protein Energy Bars are made by Labrada Nutrition: a company well-known to the bodybuilding world. The company was founded by Lee Labrada, who holds 22 professional bodybuilding titles, including the IFBB “Mr. Universe.” The bars are part of the larger “Lean Body” line of meal replacements and functional food products aimed at the fitness market.  They come in four flavors: Chocolate Rocky Road Crunch, Peanut Butter Chocolate Crunch, Triple Chocolate Peanut Crunch and White Chocolate Crunch.

Manufacturer’s Description: This Lean Body® Hi-Protein Energy bar provides protein and essential fats to support lean muscle tissue and fuel your body! These great tasting bars are double dipped and sinfully delicious! Each bar has a soft nougat protein center, then dipped in a creamy coating, layered in peanuts, and then smothered in rich, chocolatey goodness!

• Double Dipped Coating!
• 21g Protein!
• Loaded with Peanuts!
• Incredible Taste!

Serving Size 1 Bar (70g) Amount Per Serving Calories 330 Calories From Fat 140 Total Fat 16g Saturated Fat 8g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 5mg Sodium 240mg	Potassium 200mg Total Carbohydrate 26mg Dietary Fiber 3g Sugar 16g Protein 21g Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 8% Iron 6%
Ingredients: Lean Pro® Protein Blend (Peanuts, Soy Nuts, Soy Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate, Milk Protein Isolate, Nonfat Dry Milk, Whey), Sucrose, Fractionated Palm Kernel Oil, Hydrolyzed Gelatin, Glycerine, Evaporated Cane Juice, Cocoa Processed With Alkali, Soy Lecithin, Salt, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Palm Oil, Sucralose

Comments: I bought the Chocolate Rocky Road and White Chocolate Crunch bars at my local Walgreens for $2.99 each. That’s a pretty hefty price (even though they’re hefty-sized bars). Fortunately, the online price is more than a dollar less per bar ($22.99 for a box of 12 at bodybuilding.com, which works out to $1.92 each).

Good thing too…these bars are delish! They’re easily as good, if not better, than a real candy bar. Each coated bar has a layer of whole roasted peanuts, surrounding a gooey, sweet nougat. Overall, they’re crunchy (thanks to the peanuts) AND chewy; chocolately and sweet without being cloying.

Mmmmmm…

Admittedly, these are NOT exactly diet food, but they do provide a solid amount of protein from a good-quality blend, while supplying only half the sugar and fat of an equal-sized Snickers Bar. As such, they’re a much better deal if you’re dying for a sweet snack or chocolate fix.

Taste: 5.0/5.0

Quality: 4.0/5.0

Efficacy: 4.0/5.0

Value: 3.0/5.0

Overall: 4.0/5.0

Lean Body Double-Dipped Hi-Protein Energy Bars are available at bodybuilding.com!

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CNP Professional was formerly known as “Dorian Yates Approved” – after legendary bodybuilder Dorian Yates (the company was renamed following his departure). CNP’s product line is focused almost exclusively on protein powders and meal replacements.  The “ProDessert” line is in keeping with this: it’s a high protein, sustained release pudding mix that comes in two flavors: chocolate and vanilla.

Manufacturer’s Description: ProDessert is an instant protein pudding mix with 25 grams of protein per serving. Available in Chocolate and Vanilla flavors.

• Made with Micellar Cassein
• Bioactive Low Temperature Processed Whey Protein
• Processed Whey Protein
• No Soy
• Contains 3 grams Glutamine Per Serving
• Sustained Release Protein Blend

Serving Size 1 Packet (39g) Servings Per Container 15 Calories 135 Calories From Fat 20 Total Fat 2g Saturated Fat 0g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 10mg Sodium 550mg

Potassium 400mg Calcium 450mg Carbohydrates 4g Dietary Fiber 0g Sugars 0g Protein 25g Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0% Iron 4mg 10%

Ingredients: Protein Blend (Micellar Casein- Natural Form Milk Protein, Whey Protein Concentrate- Milk Protein, Peptide Bonded Glutamine, Egg Albumen), Natural And Artificial Flavors, Sunflower Oil, Low DE Maltodextrin, Thickening Agents (Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Disodium Phosphate), Potassium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Cellulose Gum (For Smoothness), Sweeteners (Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium).

Comments: I picked up a box of 15, single serving packets of Pro Dessert (chocolate flavor) from bodybuilding.com for $24.79. This is expensive from a purely protein point of view…it’s not hard to find good protein blends for less. For example, Cytosport’s EvoPro – another casein-based product – is less than a dollar per serving, for a comparable amount of protein. On the other hand, the price is a little more reasonable from a dessert/treat perspective…which is really what this is product is all about.

Basically, it’s instant pudding. Except it’s not loaded up with sugar and modified food starch. For approx. the same calories as a Jello Pudding Snack, you get a solid 25g of protein, with only 4g carbs and NO sugar.

So, if you like Jello pudding, you’ll like ProDessert. It’s silky smooth and chocolatey – I thought it was pretty good. I almost wished for a high protein whipped topping to go with it. It’s also quite easy to make: just pour the powder into a small bowl, mix with 5 oz. of cold water (the instructions suggest using a mixer, but a small wire whip worked admirably), let set for 3- 5 minutes and eat.

As noted above, ProDessert is expensive for a protein supplement. But as a chocolate (or vanilla) “fix” or occasional treat, it’s pretty good. It’s a neat way to indulge in a way that provides some nutritional benefit and doesn’t “cost” a lot of calories.

Taste: 4.5/5.0

Quality: 4.5/5.0

Efficacy: 5.0/5.0

Value: 2.0/5.0

Overall: 4.0/5.0

Get CNP Professional ProDessert at bodybuilding.com

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