If you’re keen on buying a grass-fed whey protein isolate supplement, Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Isolate could pull of a few surprises. This product has dominated some online protein powder rankings over the years. Let’s see if it holds up in this review.
Table of Contents
About Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass Fed Whey Isolate is a 100 percent natural grass-fed whey protein isolate supplement, per its official website. Formula notes:
- Zero percent daily value for cholesterol and carbs. Represents some of the lowest daily values for a WPI supplement.
- Protein content. Almost a four-gram drop-off from the old version.
- Price. Customers don’t like the price increase to $69.99 for the five-lb. container.
Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate Supplement Facts (Chocolate, 5 lbs.) |
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94 Servings per container
Serving Size: 1 Scoop (24 grams) |
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Nutrient | Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value |
Calories | 88 | |
Total Fat | .2 g | 0% |
Saturated Fat | 0 g | 0% |
Trans Fat | 0 g | |
Cholesterol | 1 mg | 0% |
Sodium | 41 mg | 2% |
Total Carbohydrates | .2 g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber | 0 g | 0% |
Total Sugars | .1 g | |
Includes 0 g added Sugars | 0% | |
Protein | 20.5 g | |
Vitamin D | 0 mcg | 0% |
Calcium | 106 mg | 8% |
Iron | 0 mg | 0% |
Potassium | 108 mg | 2% |
INGREDIENTS: Whey Protein Isolate, Natural Chocolate Flavoring, Cocoa, Sunflower Lecithin and Stevia Reb A. | ||
Directions: Mix one serving (1 level scoop) with 6 to 8 ounces of water, milk or milk substitute, or beverage of your choice. Muscle Feast proteins will mix with just a few turns of a spoon, are free of “thickening agents,” and are most importantly, all-natural. |
A Feast For Your Muscles
Including a top-notch protein powder in your bodybuilding supplement stack should work wonders. First off, it helps build muscle mass. It also helps you meet your daily protein requirements and fill those nutrition gaps. They’re also convenient: you can chug on a protein shake anytime and anywhere. Just mix a scoop or two with water in a shaker cup, and you’re all set. It’s that easy.
If you want the best for your body, you have to do your research. Protein supplements are so diverse nowadays, there’s sure to be one which is right up your alley:
For the regular Joe, the likes of Jay Robb Whey Protein is a guaranteed fast return on your investment. It has 25 grams of grass-fed whey protein isolate per scoop. Its clean ingredient profile will also catch the eye of many customers. We’re not surprised it’s one of the best protein supplements around.
On that note, let’s see if Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate can give it a serious run for its money. As the name implies, it’s another grass-fed WPI supplement which has lorded it over many pretenders. In fact, it’s currently the No.-1-ranked protein supplement on Labdoor. That should tell you something about its incredible reputation. As such, we have high expectations for this product. We’re confident it will exceed them.
Protein Blend, 20.5 grams
Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate’s Chocolate and Vanilla flavors have 20.5 grams of protein per 24-gram serving. The Unflavored version has 21.5 grams of protein per 24-gram scoop.
We found it a bit puzzling why the manufacturer didn’t indicate the daily value for protein on the supplement facts. For the Chocolate and Vanilla flavors, it comes down to roughly 42 percent of the daily value for protein. For the Unflavored variety, it’s around 44 percent of the daily value. These are solid figures, mind you (for reference, a minimum daily value of 15 percent is high).
Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate may have solid protein amounts, but it doesn’t measure up to Jay Robb Whey Protein and NutraBio Muscle Matrix’s (25 grams per scoop each). The manufacturer recently re-formulated Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate: it used to have 24 grams of protein per serving. Now it has almost four grams less per scoop. The harsh reality: protein quantity is a main selling point among customers. Many bodybuilding enthusiasts believe more protein is better.
Four grams less per serving is a big disparity. It turns out 20 grams of protein or so per serving may not be enough for exercise-related purposes. “The ingestion of 20-25 g of high-quality protein seems to be sufficient to maximally stimulate MPS (muscle protein synthesis) in healthy young males following leg-only resistance exercise. However, it is clear that ingesting 20 g of protein does not maximally stimulate MPS under all circumstances,” per the Gatorade Sports Science Institute’s official website.
The same source also says, “Young males participating in whole-body resistance exercise should consume up to 40 g of high-quality protein to maximally stimulate MPS.” No problem. Two heaping scoops of Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate yields roughly 41 grams of protein.
Let’s check out how Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate’s old formula stacks up against the new one:
Old Version | Daily Value | New Version | Daily Value | |
Total Fat | 0.5 grams | eight percent | 0.2 grams | zero percent |
Saturated Fat | zero grams | zero percent | zero grams | zero percent |
Cholesterol | 15 milligrams | five percent | one milligram | zero percent |
Sodium | 51 milligrams | two percent | 41 milligrams | two percent |
Potassium | 132 milligrams | four percent | 108 milligrams | two percent |
Total Carbs | 1.2 grams | four percent | 0.2 grams | zero percent |
Dietary Fiber | 0.4 grams | 1.5 percent | zero grams | zero percent |
Sugars | 0 grams | n/a | 0.1 gram | n/a |
Protein | 24 grams | 48 percent | 20.5 grams | (not indicated, but presumably 42 percent of the DV or so) |
The new version is virtually a cholesterol- and carb-free whey protein isolate supplement. It bears repeating: the protein content between the two versions is noticeable, to say the least. However, make no mistake about it: the reformulated version can help you achieve your lean-muscle-building goals.
The new version also has an impressive 4.6 grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) per serving. These are the three essential amino acids l-leucine, l-isoleucine, and l-valine. They help increase muscle protein synthesis, exercise endurance, and energy levels. They also help facilitate the muscle repair process and ramp up fat loss. Whey protein supplementation is an excellent way of consuming your BCAAs.
On that note, we say 4.6 grams of BCAAs per scoop are awesome. Assuming this product follows the traditional 2:1:1 BCAA ratio, you get around 2.2 grams of l-leucine and 1.1 grams of l-isoleucine and l-valine each per serving. That much is almost at par with a BCAA supplement such as EVLUTION NUTRITION LEAN BCAA. That’s a great bonus, if you ask us.
In terms of protein quality, “whey isolates are 90 to 98 percent pure protein that digests and absorbs rapidly and is, gram for gram, one of the highest-quality forms of protein available. This level of purity is achieved through a cold, cross-micro, and ultrafiltration process that removes the larger, less absorbable protein molecules while also filtering out fat, lactose, and ash,” per the manufacturer’s official website.
“Studies suggest that whey isolates can quickly increase amino acid levels in systemic circulation and stimulate robust increases in protein synthesis – arguably the most important physiological factor in existence when it comes to muscle growth, strength, and recovery,” per the same source.
To substantiate this, Australian researchers Dr. Alan Hayes and Paul J. Cribb say, “Supplementation with WPI (whey protein isolate) after RE (resistance exercise) resulted in greater activation of key proteins in the translation initiation complex that stimulate muscle protein synthesis. Additionally, in this study, supplementation resulted in significantly greater (eccentric) strength after 12 weeks of training (25 percent greater than placebo) in young, but not in older, adults.”
The key takeaway: consuming two scoops of Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate after a hard workout should help ramp up your muscle mass and strength gains. It should also help shorten exercise recovery time.
The downside: WPI is more expensive (the extra cost is due to the extra microfiltration process it undergoes) and has a more bitter taste than WPC. Well, for the most part, customers say Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate tastes great. However, some consumers say it tastes too sweet. We say the taste is quite good, but not as good as the aforementioned NutraBio Muscle Matrix.
At first glance, the reformulated version of Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate takes on a completely different identity – it has less protein, cholesterol, and carb content. Do these compromise its quality? Put it this way: we like the lower cholesterol and carb levels for lean-muscle-building purposes. The lower protein content? Not so much. Nonetheless, this product should still help you achieve your long-term fitness goals.
Let’s check out the formula ingredients:
- Calories, 88: If there’s one thing we love about Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate’s reformulated version, it’s the low calorie content. Your typical protein supplement has around 100 to 150 calories per scoop. This one has 10 to 30 percent less calorie content. We’re sure it will complement your lean-muscle-building goals perfectly.
- Total fat, 0.2 g: Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate has virtually no fat: its 0.2 gram of fats per scoop represents a scant zero percent of the daily value.
- Saturated fat, 0 g: This protein supplement has no saturated fat content whatsoever. The American Heart Association’s official website encourages the general public to monitor saturated fat intake for better long-term cardiovascular function. We’re glad this product complies with that guideline.
- Trans fat, 0 g: Trans fats lower good (HDL) cholesterol levels and raise bad (LDL) cholesterol levels. This does not bode well for good heart health. Good thing Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate has zero trans fat content.
- Cholesterol, 1 mg: The manufacturer reduced this product’s cholesterol content from 15 milligrams per serving to a measly one milligram per serving. That much yields zero percent of the daily value for cholesterol, which is awesome, to say the least.
- Sodium, 41 mg: Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate’s 41 milligrams of sodium per scoop represent a paltry two percent of the daily value for sodium. This much is ideal for individuals who are monitoring their sodium intake.
- Total carbohydrates, 0.2 g: The manufacturer pared down this supplement’s carb content from four percent of the daily value to an astonishing zero percent of the daily value. Because of that, Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate has one of the lowest fat carb content among whey protein isolate supplements. It’s a sure bet to support your lean-muscle-building goals.
- Dietary fiber, 0 g: Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate has no dietary fiber content whatsoever.
- Total sugars, (includes 0 g added sugars) 0.1 g: This protein supplement has a measly 0.1 gram of sugars per scoop. Best of all, it doesn’t have any sucralose or artificial sweetener content. Instead, it has stevia, a natural sweetener which helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
- Protein, 20.5 g: Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate’s reformulated version has less protein content than the older one (which had 24 grams per scoop). Nonetheless, 20.5 grams of protein per serving gives you around 42 percent of the daily value for this macronutrient, which is still a solid amount. The adjectives “hormone-free” and “grass-fed” attest to this product’s quality. After all, customers have sung the manufacturer’s praises for quite some time because of its sterling reputation in the industry.
- Vitamin D, 0 mcg: Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate has no vitamin D content whatsoever.
- Calcium, 106 mg: This supplement has moderate calcium content at eight percent of the daily value. This mineral helps regulate blood pressure levels, improve heart health, and strengthen bones.
- Iron, 0 mg: This product has no iron content whatsoever.
- Potassium, 108 mg: Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate has low potassium levels at just two percent of the daily value.
Formula Analysis
The old version of Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate took the bodybuilding supplement industry by storm: impeccable ingredients, 24 grams of protein per scoop, and great taste, among other things. Plus, it reigns supreme in Labdoor’s protein supplement rankings. Not too bad, if you ask us.
You may wonder why the manufacturer decided to fix what wasn’t broken. So are we. Perhaps it thought it can improve on perfection. Well, there are some good and not-so-good things about that move.
In terms of the upside, Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate’s new version has virtually zero cholesterol and carb content. Many whey protein isolate supplements keep this two nutrients in check. This product takes it to a different level. Not only will it support your low-carb nutrition plan, but your lean-muscle-building goals at the gym as well.
The protein content? Honestly, we’re not so gung-ho about the 20.5 grams of whey protein isolate per scoop. Yes, it’s still a solid amount. It can still help you muscle up provided you take two scoops after training (young males are better off taking 40 grams of whey protein after a full-body workout for increased muscle protein synthesis, per the Gatorade Sports Science Institute’s official website). It should also help you meet your daily protein requirements and fill those nutrition gaps.
However, a disparity of almost four grams of protein per scoop (3.5 grams, to be precise) may turn some customers off. In fact, some of them have been griping about it in their online reviews. The manufacturer should’ve stuck to its guns and maintained the 24 grams of protein per scoop. Look at the bright side: this product’s protein content is still hormone-free and grass-fed. These are manifestations of its superior quality.
On a different note, we love Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate’s zero fat and saturated fat content. The low sodium content (two percent of the daily value) is also a major plus for those who are monitoring their sodium intake.
The inclusion of stevia (a natural sweetener which helps regulate blood pressure and blood pressure levels) was also a stroke of genius. Muscle Feast has a reputation for clean ingredients. The trend continues with Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate. We give it a huge thumbs up.
The manufacturer does a great job on transparency for the most part. However, we’re wondering why it didn’t divulge the daily value for protein (which is around 42 percent, like we mentioned). Strange, to say the least.
In terms of the price, some customers are not happy the manufacturer increased it to $69.99 for a five-lb. container. They raise a good point: why pay more for less protein? It sure doesn’t make any sense to us.
All in all, Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate is still a quality product. You get almost 21 grams of quality WPI per scoop, zero cholesterol and carb content, and clean ingredients. However, the product isn’t on the same stratosphere as it once was. This is a perfect example of fixing what wasn’t broken. Because of that, Muscle Feast’s once-stellar reputation could take a massive hit. It won’t surprise us one bit if Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate plummets in Labdoor’s protein supplement rankings.
Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate Benefits
Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate has the following benefits, per its official website:
- Increases muscle mass
- Shortens recovery time
- Maximizes muscle protein synthesis (MPS)
- Meets one’s daily protein requirements
- Offers high-quality WPI content
- Provides a perfect balance of essential amino acids (EAA) and peptides
We agree with all of the above claims. Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate should help you achieve your fitness goals.
Who Takes It?
The manufacturer intended Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate for healthy and active individuals who want to increase muscle mass, shorten recovery time, fill nutrition gaps, meet their daily protein requirements, and achieve their daily fitness goals.
Any Side Effects?
While Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate has no glaring side effects, please consult your doctor if you feel doubtful about any of its ingredients.
Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate Review Summary
Pros
- Zero percent DV for cholesterol and carbs. Represents some of the lowest values for a WPI supplement.
- Low saturated fat, sodium, and sugar content. These bode well for good long-term health.
- Stevia inclusion. Natural sweetener which helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
- Clean ingredients. Muscle Feast has earned this reputation over the years.
- Taste. Good, but slightly on the sweet side.
- Flavor options. Comes in Unflavored, Chocolate, and Vanilla versions.
Cons
- Protein content. This product’s 20.5 grams of protein per scoop is still solid, but why the drop-off from 24 grams per serving?
- Transparency. Manufacturer doesn’t divulge the daily value for protein.
- Price. Customers don’t like the price increase to $69.99 for a five-lb. container.
Pricing & Where to Buy
- 1 two-lb. container (37-Day Supply): $33.99
- 1 five-lb. container (94-Day Supply): $69.99
- Available online and in retail
Final Word on Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
We said it before, we’ll say it again: if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. Well, Muscle Feast decided to go against this principle, so it paid a hefty price for it. Some experts previously considered Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate as the king of protein supplements. That could no longer be the case. Why pay more for less protein content? It’s a head-scratcher, to say the least.
Nonetheless, Muscle Feast Hormone-Free Grass-Fed Whey Isolate is still a good product. We recommend you buy it, but with some reservations. However, we certainly won’t blame you if stick to another trusted brand such as Jay Robb Whey Protein.
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