Smoot’s Review: MTS Nutrition Whey Protein

At the top of most people’s supplement arsenal is whey protein powder.  Whey is one of two proteins found in milk, the other being casein protein, and is a byproduct of processing milk in to cheese.  With a high bioavailability, rapid digestion rate, and containing more amino acids than any other protein source, whey makes for a great addition to meat, fish, and dairy in someone’s diet.  Whey does not require refrigeration, and makes for an easy and convenient snack that can be taken anywhere.

Competing supplement companies have flooded the market with hundreds of different whey protein products, making it confusing for the consumer to determine which product is best for them.  Many will make an argument that all whey is the same and that consumers are simply paying money for diverse labeling art.  I would have to disagree.  When selecting a whey protein powder I look out for five key factors: macro nutrient profiles, ingredients, taste, mix ability, and cost.  I have tried many different products over the years and all of them have failed to meet my standards for all five factors.  One product has a good macro nutrient profile and ingredient list, but is extremely expensive and tastes like chopped up medicine tablets.  Another products great taste and cost is combatted by unnecessary fillers and clumps to the bottom of the cup.  When my hope was almost gone that I would find the protein supplement of my dreams, I ran across MTS Nutrition Whey.  Created by Marc Lobliner, Chief Marketer at tigerfitness.com and CEO of MTS and Ethitec Nutrition, MTS whey blew my mind in every category, and here is why:

Macro Nutrient Profile

Each scoop of MTS whey is jam packed with 25 grams of protein, 5 grams of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of fat for a total of 147 calories.  That translates in to each scoop made up of 68% protein, 14% carbs, and 18% fat.  The 5 grams of carbs contain 1 gram of fiber and only 2 grams of sugar, and each scoop provides 1.5 grams of saturated fat.  Saturated fat is important in testosterone production among many other benefits, and should make up at least 10% of daily fat intake.  MTS also contributes 15% of the daily calcium needs, 2 % of vitamin C needs, and 6% of the daily iron intake.

Ingredient list

The fewer the ingredients in a product the better and MTS Whey logs in with only 8 ingredients on its list!   To put this in perspective, some products have 15 + ingredients and a fast food milk shake contains a whopping 51.  I will stick with MTS Whey.  It consists of a blend of whey protein concentrate and isolate, cocoa processed with alkali, xanthan gum, natural and artificial flavor, salt, sucralose, and aculfame potassium.  For those worried about sugar substitutes, ingredients listed first are used in the largest amounts.  The sugar substitutes in this product are the last two ingredients.  MTS contains all necessary amino acids, including 3 grams of Leucine per scoop.  Leucine is an essential amino acid not created by the human body, and a key factor in stimulating muscle protein synthesis.  To top it off, MTS is created in a NSF/GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) facility.

Taste

I was pleasantly surprised when I tasted MTS Whey.  It illustrates the value of simplicity with only two flavors to choose from, chocolate and vanilla, each on a different taste level than any other product I have tried.  It does not taste exactly like a milk chocolate, but is as close as I have found.  It is one protein powder that you will not have to hold your nose and chug to get it down.

– A side note for anyone who likes to make whey protein brownies: MTS brownies remain moist when made and actually resemble a brownie, not a sponge that almost causes premature death from choking.

Mixability 

There is nothing more frustrating than making a protein shake and having half of it stick to the cup.  I feel that I paid full price for half of a container of protein.  I have not had that problem with MTS Whey.  The powder instantly mixes in water or milk and does not form any of the dreaded clumps of protein.  Feeling like you are drinking soup is a major turn off.  The first time I made a shake, I made another one shortly after unsure if it was just a fluke.  To my amazement the protein failed to disappoint and dissoved completely once again.

Cost

5 pounds of MTS Whey is priced at $44.99!  That is an amazing deal and I have yet to find a product that matches the quality for that low of price.

Concluding Points:

– MTS Whey delivers as one of the top whey protein supplements on the market (best one I have found so far).

– Pros: taste, mix ability, macronutrient profile, low cost, quality ingredients

-Cons: let me know when you find any.

-Where to buy: tigerfitness.com

 

References:

“Expert Guide: Whey Protein.” Muscle & Strength. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2012.

http://www.muscleandstrength.com/expert-guides/whey-protein.

 

Volek, Jeff S. “Leucine Triggers Muscle Growth – Nutrition Express Articles.” Leucine Triggers

Muscle Growth – Nutrition Express Articles. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2012.

<http://www.nutritionexpress.com/article index/authors/jeff s volek phd

rd/showarticle.aspx?articleid=807>.