Muscle Milk v. Shakeology: my non-professional opinion

 

A friend of mine contacted me yesterday to inquire about Shakeology.  She explained that she was interested in trying it, but couldn't justify spending the money for it since she was already using Muscle Milk.  This got me thinking: what are the differences between Shakeology and Muscle Milk?  What do each bring to the table and why would one be better than the other?

Now, I am not a nutritionist.  I took a nutrition class in college, but an expert that does not make me.  I am merely providing my own interpretation of the nutrition labels.  As with any health or fitness product, you should consult with your doctor before deciding which is right for you.

What is Muscle Milk?  Muscle Milk is a nutritional supplement that offers added protein and nutrients to help athletes maintain energy during, or recover from, intense workouts.  It comes in powder form as well as pre-mixed bottles.

Similarly, Shakeology is a nutritional supplement that also offers added protein and nutrients, however it is intended to be more of a meal replacement shake to help people looking to lose weight meet their goals by controlling caloric intake and curbing cravings.  It comes in powdered form.


Nutritional Guide for Chocolate Muscle Milk Powder

While both products offer benefits to athletes, Shakeology is geared more towards people looking to lose weight and build lean muscle.  Muscle Milk is geared mostly toward those looking to increase muscle mass.  But, whatever your fitness goal may be, it is my opinion that Shakeology offers a more complete nutritional package with more nutrient-rich, naturally occurring superfoods.

Although one scoop of Muscle Milk contains less calories than Shakeology, one scoop of Shakeology contains less fat and cholesterol.  Shakeology also contains more fiber and protein than Muscle Milk.  When it comes to vitamins, Shakeology offers a greater percentage of the recommended daily value (RDV) of each, with the exception of magnesium (both products contain 20% RDV of magnesium).


Nutritional Guide for Chocolate Shakeology Powder

As for the ingredients, Muscle Milk contains processed or artificial ingredients (maltodextrin, crystalline fructose, acesulfame potassium and artificial flavors) including alkalized cocoa powder.  According to e-how, alkalized cocoa powder is cocoa powder with added potassium carbonate, which enhances flavor and helps the cocoa to mix with liquids easier.  However, it is lower in "health promoting flavanol antioxidants than untreated cocoa."  Shakeology contains natural, non-GMO sweeteners, natural flavors, and natural cacao, a superfood known to be rich in antioxidants.

As with any product, you get what you pay for.  It costs far less to purchase processed foods rather than natural whole foods, and protein-rich shakes are no exception.  Price shouldn't be your deciding factor, complete nutritional value should be.  And in my opinion, Shakeology is the complete package.