Cytosport, the company that makes Muscle Milk also makes a product that's simply called Whey Isolate. What's the difference? Well, after I thought about it, there are several actually. I started thinking about this after I accidentally purchased CytoSport Whey Isolate when I was really looking for Muscle Milk. Turns out, this is an easy mistake to make. What I'd like to do here is review some of the more basic differences between Muscle Milk and Cytosport Whey Isolate, to help you better decide which might be best for you when you go to the vitamin store.
CytoSport Whey Isolate vs. Muscle Milk Containers
The first thing you will notice between Cytosport Whey Isolate and Muscle Milk is that the containers for each product look VERY much alike. Aside from one saying Muscle Milk and the other Whey Isolate, all the colors ect. of the containers are basically identical. This is why I goofed and grabbed Whey Isolate by mistake. I was talking to the cashier in Vitamin Shoppe while I was shopping and grabbed what I thought was Muscle Milk. I think this is a problem on the part of CytoSport. I think the containers should be different colors. 
Yes, I know one container says “Muscle Milk” and the other says “Whey Isolate” in big letters but I know I can't be the only person who mixed them up am I?
Cytosport Whey Isolate vs. Cytosport Muscle Milk
Let's compare both Cytosport protein supplements to each other. 1 scoop of each has the following main nutrients:
| Whey Isolate 1 scoop (25g) | Muscle Milk 1 scoop (35g) |
| Calories 90 | Calories 150 |
| Calories from fat 10 | Calories from fat 50 |
| Total fat 1 g 2% DV | Total fat 6 g 9% DV |
| Saturated fat 0 g | Saturated fat 3 g 15% DV |
| Trans fat 0 g | Trans fat 0 g |
| Cholesterol 10 mg 3% DV | Cholesterol 15 mg 5% DV |
| Sodium 190 mg 8% DV | Sodium 150 mg 6% DV |
| Potassium 180 mg 5% DV | Potassium 220 mg 6% DV |
| Total carbs 1 g 0 DV | Total carbs 9 g 3% DV |
| Dietary fiber < 1 g 2% DV | Dietary fiber 2 g 8% DV |
| Sugars 0 g | Sugars 2 g |
| Protein 20 g 40% | Protein 16 g 32% DV |
Neither Cytosport protein supplement has any trans fat on a per serving basis so that's good.
Notice the difference in the scoop size. In Muscle Milk a scoop equals 35 grams while in Cytosport Whey Isolate it's only 25 grams. The Muscle Milk scoop is bigger. In fact, the difference is so big that you can actually put the Whey Isolate scoop inside the Muscle Milk Scoop! Check out the differences in the picture.
For most people, the difference in serving size is trivial. To put things in perspective, 28 grams of anything equals 1 ounce. I mention this because the people who this difference might mean something are bodybuilders, who, during competition, are usually very concerned about what they eat.
Cytosport Whey isolate has more sodium than Muscle Milk. Technically it's not a big difference – 190 mg of sodium for Whey Isolate vs. 150 mg of sodium in Muscle Milk – but I thought this was ironic since Whey Isolate usually has a reputation for being healthier / better.
The problem with sodium is that people in America (and other countries) eat TOO MUCH sodium. Excess sodium is linked to many health problems including high blood pressure, heart disease, strokes and kidney failure. Here is more on the research of salt and health problems.
So, even though Cytosport Whey Isolate doesn't have a lot of sodium, this little bit is added to everything else we eat that also has sodium in it – which is a lot of things!
I think CytoSport should remove sodium from both Muscle Milk and Whey Isolate.
Related to this, Muscle Milk has more potassium than Cytosport Whey Isolate. The potassium might reduce some of the bad effects of the sodium so this makes sense. Since Whey Isolate had more sodium, I'd expect to see more potassium too also but that's not the case. Cytosport Whey Isolate has 40 mg less potassium than Muscle Milk. For me, that makes no sense.
Muscle milk has 2 grams of fiber per scoop vs. less than 1 gram of fiber in Whey isolate. That may not seem like a lot until you consider the Daily Value (percent DV). The 2 grams of fiber in Muscle Milk is 8% of the daily value for fiber. Since most Americans -and those in other “developed” countries – don't eat a lot of fiber, this little bit helps.
Tip. The RDA for fiber is about 30-35 grams per day.
Where Cytosport Whey Isolate may slightly win out over Muscle Milk is the calorie to protein ratio. Whey Isolate has 90 calories and 20 grams of protein where Muscle Milk has 150 calories and 16 grams of protein.
The protein difference is not much but extra 60 calories in Muscle Milk does add up over time. This is why I often say that Muscle Milk powder is not a good protein supplement for those trying to lose weight.
How does Cytosport Whey Isolate taste?
I used chocolate flavor Whey Isolate in a breakfast smoothie recently. The smoothie also had various fruits to boost the nutrition. I honestly didn't like the taste of Cytosport Whey Isolate. I know taste is a personal thing but to me, it didn't taste as good as, say, Dymatize Elite chocolate, which I usually use.
Muscle milk on the other hand, is probably the best tasting protein powder out there today, but that probably has to do with its higher calorie and fat content.
Muscle milk has 150 calories and 6 grams of fat while Whey Isolate protein has 90 calories and only 1 gram of fat.
For me, where Muscle Milk really wins out over Cytosport Whey Isolate – and pretty much every other protein powder out there – is that you can microwave Muscle Milk. Muscle Milk doesn't clump /clot up in the microwave. This is probably because of its higher fat content.
If you have ever tried to microwave protein powder you know that it tends to clot up into a thick mixture that is not appetizing. In fact, it's just gross.
For me, this is part about mixing well in the microwave is important because for breakfast, I like to mix 2 scoops of Quaker Oatmeal with 1 scoop of Muscle Milk and microwave for 1 minute and 44 seconds. If you add 2 scoops of frozen blueberries to that, you have a great tasting breakfast. 
I never thought that what started out as just me getting the wrong protein powder would end up as a blog about protein supplements. Ultimately though it's all about which protein supplement you feel is best for you. I thought reviewing some of the differences between Muscle Milk and Cytosport Whey Isolate might make your decision a little easier. Hopefully I helped a little.
What do you think?
Hey joe the best protein powder I’ve found for the money is”SixStar’Whey isolate plus elite series 1scoop (36g)has 130cal.total fat0.5 total carbs 2g. sugars 1g. protein30g. calcium280mg.sodium55mg.and the taste is great way better than muscle milk,you have to try it,you can thank me later..
tip mix the protein into your oatmeal after you mic the oatmeal…I do the same thing,..oatmeal w/raisins and skim milk,mic for 2mins then add the protein and mix and enjoy! and you can find it at walmart,walgreens, publix but be sure its the Six Star Whey Isolate plus..best tasting protein you’ll find,decadent chocolate flavor!
Jimmy G thanks for the heads up on Six Star Protein powder. I will check it out. Can I toss it into my oatmeal before I microwave it? Thats what I do with muscle milk. Most protein powders clump up when I microwave them. Muscle Milk doesn’t so thats why I like it for oatmeal.
here’s a tip for you – toss some frozen blueberries into your oatmeal after you microwave it – its the best 🙂
This is not to offend anyone. I work at a nutritional store that sells vitamins and supplements and therefore understand how to read labels. Before I begin, understand that different proteins serve different purposes. Whey isolate, great pre and post work outs. Milk protein (Muscle Milk) is not the ideal protein for post workout because it does not get absorbed into your muscles as quickly as a whey isolate does.
To begin on why Muscle Milk sucks. The serving size (one scoop) is 35g. It only contains 16g of cheap quality milk protein per serving. That means that over half of the scoop of “protein” (19g) is what the supplement world calls “filler”, which consists of fat, sugars/carbs, and salt. Muscle Milk should not even be considered a “protein powder” due to its extremely low amount of protein, which is what people want when they buy “protein powders”.
The cytosport whey isolate is a different protein so I will not compare the proteins, but I will compare the protein content. A scoop of cytosport whey isolate consists of a 25g scoop which gives you 25g of actual protein. Scoop for scoop saying that you take the same amount, you get twice the protein than Muscle Milk. So if you are in the market for an actual protein powder, do not waste your money on a cheap milk protein with an insufficient amount.
Why are fillers (fat, sugar/carbs, sodium) pointless?
BECAUSE HERE IN AMERICA, WE GET PLENTY OF FAT, SUGAR/CARBS, AND SALT IN OUR DIETS! Never enough protein though!
I am in the nutrition/fitness world because I am passionate about it and enjoy helping people and seeing them work hard and reach goals.
Hope I helped all of you save your money from buying Muscle Milk…my advice if you are sososo tempted to get Muscle Milk is to pour some low sugar or sugar free if it exists chocolate syrup into gallon of milk and just drink that.
Chad, thanks for writing. I would only ad that working faster does not mean working better. It is good to get a mixture of protein and carbs after exercise, preferably 30-60 minutes postexercise. I have no proof either way that muscle milk takes longer than this to be absorbed.
Hi Joe, i recently started drinking Whey protein shake and seen results in less than 3 months. it did work great with high intensive work out. My concern is the recent consumer reports on the news that most protein shakes have way more heavymetals in contents than suggested DV. i read the ingredients on the box of my shake and it did not mention any of these metals( led , zinc ..etc). instead it says natural flavoring. what are your thoughts
kuntakinte, they are not required to tell about heavy metals on the food labels. I actually wrote something on this that might help you here is the link http://supplementclarity.com/eas-myoplex-and-muscle-milk-do-they-contain-toxins/
Thanks for the blog. Wasn’t sure if I should go with the muscle milk or whey protein. Leaning more towards the whey protein now since all I need to do is drop the last few extra pounds. Although muscle milk has more vitamins and less sodium whey protein has less calories and more protein. But again, thanks for the blog.
I have a quick question. My girlfriend and I started Bootcamp they wanted us to use 100% whey protein. I am a first time protein user, I have stocked up and luv- luv dymatize elite. Please tell me this is 100% whey protein…. I am just not sure how many scoops of this a day I should be consuming. Please help I am 123 pounds and 5’2 looking to gain a little muscle and tone-up.
Hi Tina, glad you like dymatize. me too. yes, the dymatize elite i use is a concentrated whey isolate. 1 scoop has 21 grams of protein if I remember(there are 28 grams in an ounce in that puts things in perspective). since bootcamps require some strength and aerobic endurance, Id say getting about 0.6 g/lb might be a good amount for you. since you are 123 lb, thats 123 X 0.6 = 80 grams per day. this should let you still get the carbs you need for exercise too. check your energy level on that. if you feel tired, cut back and eat more carbs.
boot camps can be fun for sure and also intense. remember not too push your self too much more than you feel you can handle. do read my post on rhabdomyolysis – even forward it to your bootcamp teachers, they may not be aware of it.
hope that helps Tina 🙂
Today was my first time visiting your site and I’ve read a few articles. I am really not looking to lose weight. I am more or less looking to build muscle. I have been having a hard time gaining muscle and I’ve heard from some friends that it’s harder to build muscle if you are skinny. Is this true? and do you have any recommendations for a shake or pill that would build muscle faster?
Jordan, It can be a hindrance to some people (I remember this was an issue with Sean Bradley who played for the Philadelphia 76ers in the 90s). That doesnt mean it is a problem for you though. Try this, look at what you are eating now – write it down and add up the calories (there are apps that do this for you too) and then add in another 250 calories per day. You can do this with a protein shake if you like or a little extra food. Combine this with a good sensible strength training program. It takes time to build muscle. It wont happen overnight.
Im 210 trying to cut would the whey isolate be the right protein for me to do this ? And I’m also using the m m casein protein at night and the n o explode 2.0 pre workout thanks
Hi Jay, I dont think you need NO explode for weight loss. Its just a nitric oxide supplement and those things have never been shown to make you bigger, stronger or faster or help weight loss. The most important thing for weight loss is eating fewer calories. The protein will help but just make sure at the end of the day that you have eaten a few less calories – not a lot less – just few.
Thanks Joe…mixing them together seems to be a good compromise. cheers
Hi Joe,
I’m trying to find some information about Hemp protein. I picked up a 16oz bottle of Ruth’s Goodness Certified Hemp Protein Powder with Sprouted Flax and Maca instead of my usual Whey protein yesterday. (it was smaller and less $…which probably wasn’t a good reason for purchasing it :-).
I use protein powder once a day at breakfast – with fresh fruit, and almond milk or carrot juice in a blender. I’m not trying to build more muscle in a body-building way, I’m working on losing weight and getting my muscle tone back. I’m 50yrs old with a solid muscle base and frame – just a bit too over-padded.
I haven’t tried it yet, it smells like it’s going to take some getting used to. That said, after reading your comparison here and other reviews on various protein sources I’m not sure if replacing my Whey isolate with this one is really going to provide the right balance.
Just as an example, one 30g scoop of this product has 173 cal, 5g fat and 13g of protein; it’s very low in sodium 1.5mg, but high in potassium 600 mg and carbs 17g (fibre 6g, sugars 7g). I can provide a further breakdown if you’ve not heard of this product. I guess I just curious on your view of hemp protein in general since it’s not something I know or have read anything about. thanks! amanda
Hi Amanda, while I have not yet looked at hemp protein -yet – the first thing that occurs to me is that help comes from plants which means that its protein is probably not as “quality” as is protein from whey. In general, any food that walks, swims or flies, is a good protein source. that means that it has all of the essential amino acids (which we do not make and must get from food/supplements). plants have protein but generally are missing some of those essential amino acids or are lower in some of them. The absorption of protein from plants is also lower than that from animals (whey comes from milk, which comes from cows so its a good quality protein). On the plus side, I do like that hemp is high in potassium.
So what might hemp do for your desire to keep your muscle? Im not sure. If your only using it once per day and are getting protein from other sources, I’m pretty sure the hemp protein would be fine. If you really want to get the benefits of hemp and why, why dont you mix them together in your shake. 🙂
Just found your blog tonight and I’m IN LOVE with it! I’m going to be a regular reader.
I’ve tried a few protein drinks myself. I’m a small girl and I can’t eat enough to get the protein I need when sedentary much less when I’m trying to build muscle. Muscle Milk is by far my favorite because I can drink it without wanting to puke! The taste outweighs everything for me. I was looking at the bottle I have here and it’s 18% sodium for daily intake… that is a lot. I definitely agree they should drop the sodium!
Hi Suzanne, I’m glad you found me too 🙂 Yes anything over 20% in the Daily Values (% DV) is considered “high” and I agree I would consider 18% high also.
I wonder if you have heard of High T™ All Natural Testosterone Booster. I have been reading a little about it and some reviews. Have you heard of this product? Here is the link to it on GNC’s website.
http://www.gnc.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11980051#pr-header-11980051
It may just be another snake oil but just wondering if anyone has tried it.
Mirg, Ive heard of High T but have not reviewed it. I did look at the link you provided and its ingredients look similar to other products I’ve looked at in the past. For example it has Testofen® Fenugreek Extract, Trigonella Foenum-graecum Extract, Eurycoma Longfolia Extract, Rhodiola Rosea Extract, Arginine-Alphaketoglutarate 2:1 (A-AKG).
If you enter these words into the search box of Supplement-Geek you can see the other products that have them. I’m pretty sure most all of these ingredients have been in other products I looked at.
Hello Joe and I wish a Happy Thansksgiving. I saw that you mentioned microwaving the muscle milk, I was just wondering your thoughts about microwaves and how they effect the foods we eat? Thanks and keep training 😉 !
Hey Jim, I have never seen anything credable that microwave ovens are bad for us or change the food such that they are less nutritious. I know there are anti microwave people out there and I am very open to reading research that shows they are bad. I just dont see any. I do admit that this is not my main area of research and so Id welcome any good info on this matter that others might have.
There is one credible negative for microwaved food or liquids. Your red blood cells will clump together in chains. You can see this for yourself. The water or food is ionized and changes the viscosity of your blood.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7E36zGHxRw
Vikingv, interesting video. thanks for sharing. I admit I do know know much about electric devices and blood cells.