Review: Cytosport Monster Milk

Posted By elissa on Sep 16, 2009 | 0 comments

“MONSTER MILK™ is the most powerful, easily digestible, sustained-release protein formula. Rapid-releasing anabolic whey, glutamine peptides and free form BCAA’s are complemented by slower, anti-catabolic caseins and other complete protein isolates. This powerful combination of fast and slow proteins create an “anabolic window” that lasts for hours. Although it tastes like an ultra-rich milkshake, MONSTER MILK’s advanced protein system makes it the ultimate nutritional tool for building monster-size muscle.”

Cytosport’s Muscle Milk is one of the all-time classic bodybuilding protein/mass-building supplements. Not only is it designed to facilitate lean gains, but it also comes in a mouth-watering assortment of different flavors. Not surprisingly, its popularity has spawned a range of related products, notably Muscle Milk Light, EvoPro, Muscle Milk Bars and Muscle Milk n’ Oats.

Evidently Cytosport isn’t through exploring the possibilities, however, as it recently introduced a new, “Monster” line of supps, with products that overlap the Muscle Milk brand. Thus, in addition to Muscle Milk, the company now offers “Monster Milk“, which has already cracked the top 50 products over at Bodybuilding.com (as of this writing it’s #42).

What does Monster Milk have to offer? A look at the label will tell us more…

Amount Per Serving
Calories 350
Calories From Fat 80
Total Fat 9g
Saturated Fat 3g
Cholesterol 30mg
Total Carbohydrate 18g
Dietary Fiber 5g
Soluble Fiber 4g
Insoluble Fiber 1g
Sugars 4g
Protein 50g
Thiamin (As Thiamin Mononitrate) 2mg 100%
Riboflavin 2mg 100%
Vitamin B6 (As Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) 4mg 200%
Folate (As Folic Acid) 400mcg 100%
Vitamin B12 (As Cyanocobalamin) 30mcg 500%
Calcium 250mg 25%
Chromium (As Chromium Nicotinate) 120mcg 100%
Sodium 370mg 16%
Potassium 810mg 23%

Monster Amino Acid Matrix™ 5g
L-Glutamine, Glutamine Peptides (Hydrolyzed Wheat Gluten), L-Valine, L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine

Monster Creatine Matrix™ 1g
Kre-Alkalyn (Buffered Creatine, Patent #6,399,661), Creatine GCC (Betaine Anydrous, Glycocyamine).

Other Ingredients: Proprietary Protein Blend (Milk Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate, Calcium Sodium Caseinate, L-Glutamine, Glutamine Peptides, Lactoferrin, L-Valine, L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine), LeanLipids™ Plus (Sunflower And/Or Safflower Oil, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Canola Oil, Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), Cocoa Powder, Maltodextrin, Digestive Resistant Maltodextrin (Soluble Dietary Fiber), Fructose, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Potassium Chloride, Monster Creatine Matrix (Kre-Alkalyn (Buffered Creatine, Patent #6,399,661), Betaine Anhydrous, Glycocyamine), Fructo-Oligosaccharide, Gum Blend (Xanthan, Cellulose, Carrageenan), Aminogen® (Patented Bioactive Polypeptide Enzyme System), Acesulfame Potassium, Sucralose.

In spite of the similiarities, there are a few differences between Monster Milk and Muscle Milk. The former has a little less fat, considerably more protein (50g vs. 32g) and higher doses of certain B-vitamins, plus added amino acids and creatine. Nonetheless, it’s hard to draw a bright line between the two, as they both provide an equivalent number of calories; are fairly low in sugar/carbs, and (mostly) utilize the same protein and fat sources.

Like Muscle Milk, the protein in Monster Milk is derived from both casein (milk protein isolate/caseinate) and whey (milk protein isolate/whey protein isolate). These two milk proteins work synergistically to increase anabolism and reduce catabolism. Lactoferrin (an anti-microbial protein from whey) is also added, although the amount is not stated.

Monster Milk also contains added l-glutamine/glutamine peptides and some BCAAs (valine, leucine and isoleucine).

There are only 5g of added amino acids, though, which is on the low side. Every little bit counts, I suppose, but there’s probably not enough here to really matter that much to the formula.

It’s not unusual to consume 5g (or more) of glutamine alone, so it—as well as the other aminos in the blend—is almost certainly underdosed.

In addition, Monster Milk is fortified with Aminogen—a proprietary proteolytic enzyme preparation frequently added to protein powders. Manufacturers are fond of pointing to studies that demonstrate Aminogen can improve absorption and nitrogen retention, but typically neglect to point out that relatively high amounts—50mg/g to 100mg/g—were used. Monster Milk is a case in point: there’s 500mg of added Aminogen per serving. To repeat what I wrote above: I suppose every little bit counts… but this works out to only 10mg of Aminogen per gram of protein—5 to 10 times less than the concentration shown to be useful.

The LeanLipids™ Plus blend consists of oils that provide long and medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), plus CLA (conjuated linoleic acid). This serves as a source of additional calories, not to mention it adds to the mouthfeel and flavor of the shake. Both MCTs and CLA are touted as aids in reducing body fat, but once again—in much larger quantities than are provided here.

The “Monster Creatine Matrix” is a mix of Kre-Alkalyn and “Creatine GCC.” Kre-Alkalyn is, of course, a buffered form of creatine monohydrate, while Creatine GCC is composed of glycocyamine (aka guanidinoacetate) and betaine, a methyl donor.

Glycocyamine is, in fact, a precursor to creatine; however, there is no data supporting its use in a supplement already containing creatine…there’s little point to it. I tend to dislike this ingredient, anyway, as glycocyamine also increases homocysteine, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The betaine conceivably counters this, but there would be little need for it if the glycocyamine wasn’t included.

But it’s probably a moot point, as there isn’t much here. For the record, a typical dose of Kre-Alkalyn alone is 1.5g. Since there’s only 1g in the entire blend, it’s highly unlikely that there’s enough glycocyamine to matter.

As you can probably tell, I’m not real sold on the “extras” in Monster Milk… they certainly don’t hurt the formula, but there’s less there than meets the eye. Nonetheless, Monster Milk outshines Muscle Milk in the protein and B-vitamin department, which can’t be bad. It also supplies a decent amount of dietary fiber and calories. There really isn’t much more that I expect from a supplement of this kind.

Oh yeah… except maybe taste. 😉 Needless to state, Monster Milk also tastes great! I sampled three different flavors: Chocolate, Brownie Batter and Peanut Butter Chocolate. Although the Brownie Batter was my personal favorite, all three were delish… rich-tasting and filling. My kids—who usually wrinkle their noses at the stuff I test—also gave them two thumbs up.

So all things considered, I liked Monster Milk. It may be a little light on the additions, but it’s heavy on the protein, taste and satisfaction—which is where it ultimately counts.

You can order Monster Milk from Bodybuilding.com!