Combat Protein Powder Review

Do you want to meet your health and fitness goals this year with the help of a protein powder? If so, then you may have heard of Combat Protein Powder.

It’s a product from MusclePharm, a Colorado-based supplement firm recognized for its protein bars, BCAA powder, and energy drink. But how about its protein powder?

With so many brands, protein sources, and flavors in the market, does Combat Protein Powder have what it takes to be a good quality protein powder? Let’s find out in this article!

TL;DR: Review of the Combat Protein Powder

Product Description

The amount of protein you get from each serving of this product may be compared with other protein powders in the market nowadays, except for the quality of protein in it.

Moreover, it’s a lean protein serving with low carb count, calorie number, and fat, especially for their Chocolate Milk and Cookies N’ Cream flavors.

MusclePharm Combat Protein Powder contains protein from five different sources, all are fast and slow digesting. Fast proteins (which take one to two hours to digest) are recommended for ingestion after training. In comparison, slow digesting proteins (take about four hours to digest) provide the body with a more sustained or slower release of amino acids needed for muscle regrowth.

So, whatever your fitness objective is of using the protein powder (quick recovery after an exercise or keeping you feeling full when dieting), the Combat Protein Powder can help you achieve that goal.

What I also appreciate about this protein powder is that its protein blend contains all essential amino acids and branched-chain amino acids. Together, they increase muscle growth, prevent muscle wasting, and reduce soreness and fatigue.

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Pros

  • Unique whey blend with protein from five sources
  • Ideal choice for athletes, banned substance tested (Informed Choice certified)
  • Includes glutamine and BCAAs
  • Tastes great; not too sweet
  • Increases muscle growth

Con/s

  • Contains sucralose (sweetener) and artificial flavors

Is it worth it?

Yes, it is. MusclePharm designed this protein powder with athletes’ needs in mind. They also smartly use protein from different sources to digest in the body at different rates. 

With that, it fuels the muscles of athletes even during long training and be their best during competition or just about every day.

Here’s a quick link to where you can buy it.

In-Depth Review of the Combat Protein Powder

One scoop of Combat Protein Powder already contains 25g of protein from five unique sources:

  • Whey protein hydrolysate

Hydrolysed proteins are quickly absorbed in the gut than isolates or whey concentrates. Aside from having a higher absorption rate, it also has a clear advantage over intact proteins because it has better muscle protein synthesis.

Individuals recovering from injury or those who engaged in physical activity for faster post-workout recovery can use this effectively.

  • Whey protein isolate

Whey isolate is one of the best forms of protein because they lack fats, lactose, cholesterol, and carbs found in other protein powder forms.

In the manufacturing process of the whey protein isolate, we get the purest form of complete protein. As a result, you get a higher protein concentration than other forms of whey, like whey protein concentrate (WPC).

  • Whey protein concentrate 

WPC is another type of whey protein. It is less expensive than whey isolates but has the same protein content quantity. It is just as effective in helping you grow muscles and heal quickly. It can also fill in the gaps if you’re not getting enough protein in your diet. 

  • Egg albumin

This powdered ingredient is a class of water-soluble proteins found in egg whites. It is specially prepared by partial fermentation and low-temperature drying. It likewise helps you maintain muscle mass and build strong muscles as you age.

  • Milk protein concentrate

This partially delactosed protein powder is an excellent source of protein. It’s likewise a good source of branched-chain amino acids, including L-leucine, that are important for muscle recovery and growth. 

Effects of combining multiple protein sources

These four protein sources are fast and slow digesting, meeting the athletes’ recovery needs. By combining them in one protein powder, they will metabolize at different rates, fueling your performance longer than one protein source.

Another great addition to this product is the presence of glutamine and BCAAs. These are important to protect, build, and repair muscles.

It also contains calcium and L-leucine, a potent antioxidant that helps you recover quickly so you can work out sooner. It’s even an Informed Choice certified, marking it regularly tested for substances prohibited in sport.

However, remember that each scoop contains acesulfame potassium, sucralose, and natural and artificial flavors. These are unneeded ingredients which compromise the product’s quality. Nevertheless, it’s a battle-tested whey protein that even top athletes take, like Everest mountaineer Garrett Madison and UFC’s TJ Dillashaw.

Flavor-wise, you’ll be pleased with this protein powder. The chocolate milk flavor is a favorite of many because of its rich, malty flavor. Regarding buyer ratings, Combat Protein Powder has thousands of reviews globally.

How Combat Protein Powder helps you stay in shape

  • Reduces muscle loss
  • Builds lean muscle
  • Curbs hunger
  • Maintains a healthy weight
  • Speeds up recovery after an injury and/or exercise

Still, there’s no substitute for consuming more protein from foods. Eating high-protein foods has several health and fitness benefits, such as muscle gain and speeding recovery after an injury or exercise.

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Nutritional Facts

About 52 Servings per Container

Serving size: 1 Scoop (37g)

% Daily Value
Amount per serving
Calories
140 kCal
Total Fat 1.5g2%
Saturated Fat 1g5g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 45mg15%
Sodium 160mg7%
Total Carbohydrate 6g2%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Total Sugars 4g
    Includes 0g Added Sugars0%
Protein 25g50%
Vitamin D omcg0%
Calcium 380mg29%
Iron 1mg6%
Potassium 260mg6%

Who is it Best for?

Despite the screaming imagery of this product plus the name that bears “Combat,” it’s not really geared just for athletes and those looking to bulk. It is for them, but also for anyone who is looking to supplement their healthy diet.

Therefore, I recommend it for those maintaining a diet and struggling to find an alternative protein source. 

Combat Protein Powder Review: What Do People Say About it?

Amazon

With over 15,000 global ratings as of writing, one Amazon buyer raved about the taste and effectiveness of this protein powder, especially in muscle recovery.  He wrote, “I really heal faster when I am able to take this. I have tried other brands but didn’t get the same sense. 

Still, there were very few (5% out of 100%), who didn’t give such a positive review. “Not only has the price increased, nearly doubled at this point! I used to pay $37 for this tub, now it is $65!!! I could pay that, but their ‘new and improved taste’ has changed the taste for the worse IMO [in my opinion],” one reviewed.

YouTube 

BenoniSasquatch tried the vanilla flavor. He said, “Throw it in a glass of water and it will mix very well, just like other MusclePharm powders. My preferred method is [using] a blender. They turn out a little bit creamier. If you want some extra fat, a little bit of peanut butter will work… On the flavor scale, this is one of the best vanilla [flavors] out there, it’s almost a 10 [out of 10].

Meanwhile, Gabriel Dunkin opted for the banana cream flavor. He said, “It really tastes like banana cream. It has a good amount of protein… I’ve been taking it for a month or two. So far, I like it. You can take it anytime – morning, pre-or post-workout, or night. I would definitely recommend this to anyone if they’re trying to lose weight or basically just put on muscle. 

Reddit

One Reddit user wrote, “I love this stuff. [It] tastes great and is a solid protein source.” Another review, “I’ve started using this exclusively for about a year now after trying Cellucor, ON Gold Standard, Muscle milk, etc.

I highly recommend it both in terms of flavor and effects. Cookies and cream with milk are one of the best flavors of protein powder I’ve ever tried, and I’ve made excellent gains using it. Also comes in a sweet-looking container with an extra long scoop handle.”

The Verdict: Should I Buy It?

Considering the quality, mixability, taste, and cost, I would say yes, it’s worth buying. 

It contains the protein, micronutrients, and amino acids profile that you need as you work out or to get some lean muscle mass. Moreover, it can improve your overall gym performance and recovery.

Many people also rave that it’s the best-tasting protein powder brand they’ve ever tried. True enough, it does taste good. It also contains soluble fiber and digestive enzymes, which together bulk you up and keep you feeling full longer.

However, please know that if you’re allergic to products with lactose or soy, this is not the protein powder for you. Instead, go for lactose-free or those without artificial sweeteners.

Overall, it’s a solid protein powder for people with good gut health and no concerns about artificial ingredients and allergens. 

If you like this article, you might want to read our other reviews at ExpertFitness.org.

Nathan Lloyd, MSc
LICENSED PERSONAL TRAINER

I’m a personal trainer, based in Boulder, Colorado.
I service clients physically in the Boulder area, mainly in the ONE Boulder Fitness Gym, but am also available for online consulting and coaching.

If you’re interested in my personal coaching programs, please contact me via the contact page.