If you ever thought the idea of a slow-absorbing whey protein supplement is outrageous, think again.
Yes, you read that right. A slow-absorbing whey protein supplement.
We, too, never thought it would become a reality. When we came across True Grit Protein, we found it hard to believe… so we knew we had to write a review.
Get ready to reap the benefits of whey at the speed of casein, folks.
Table of Contents
About True Grit Protein
According to the manufacturer’s official website, True Grit Protein is “the only protein available that features a 50:50 ratio of fast- and slow-release whey proteins, including micellar whey protein – the only sustained-release whey protein on the planet.” Formula notes:
- Features micellar whey protein. Has a combination of fast- and slow-acting whey.
- Helps you remain in an anabolic state for hours. It’s the power of whey at the speed of casein, folks.
- High in calcium and iron. Extra health benefits that go a long way.
True Grit Protein Supplement Facts (Chocolate Milkshake, 4 lbs.) |
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Serving Size: 1 Scoop (35 g) Servings Per Container: Approx. 51 |
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Nutrient | Amount Per Serving | % DV |
Calories | 140 | |
Calories From Fat | 20 | |
Total Fat | 2 g | 3%* |
Saturated Fat | 1.5 g | 8%* |
Cholesterol | 75 mg | 25% |
Total Carbohydrate | 4 g | 1%* |
Sugars | 2 g | † |
Protein | 25 g | 50%* |
Calcium | 168mg | 17% |
Iron | 2.1 mg | 12% |
Sodium | 180 mg | 8% |
Ingredients: Protein Blend (Micellar Whey, Whey Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate 97% Whey Protein Hydrolysate), Cocoa Powder (Processed With Alkali), Natural and Artificial Flavors, Maltodextrin, Gum Blend (Cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum, Carrageenan), Salt, Soy Lecithin, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium
Contains milk and soy. Processed in a facility that processes egg, fish, tree nut and wheat ingredients. |
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Directions For Protein: Mix 1 to 2 servings (6 to 12 Tbsp.) with 8 to 16 oz. of cold water or skim milk, according to taste, in a glass or shaker cup. Use between major meals and before and after exercise. Do not exceed 4 servings in a 24-hour period. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water for general good health. Read the entire label before use and follow directions provided. |
The Power of Whey at the Speed of Casein
Yes, folks. You read that right.
Those of you who have thought you’ve seen everything, think again. True Grit Protein makes it possible for whey protein to have the slow-release capabilities of casein protein. Sounds too good to be true. What kind of protein could this be?
Drum roll, please.
True Grit calls it micellar whey.
We’ve all heard of micellar casein, the best kind of slow-absorbing protein known to man. But micellar whey?
Wow.
According to the company, 80 percent undenatured whey protein concentrate (WPC) is used to make micellar whey. This WPC goes through several processes before it becomes “whey protein particles that are double the molecular weight of regular whey protein particles.”
The manufacturer increased the size of the WPC molecules so they would take longer to digest and “allow the anabolic whey aminos, including leucine, to release in a manner similar to casein.”
The scientists behind this breakthrough discovered micellar whey has a slightly higher degree of hydrolysis than micellar casein, although they both have simliar protease digestion in a six-hour span.
- The bottom line: True Grit Protein allows you to reap the anti-catabolic benefits of casein and anabolic support of whey for hours. If that doesn’t stoke you, nothing will.
We’ve reviewed 100% grass-fed whey from New Zealand and a whey protein supplement with creatine which gave test subjects four times more muscle mass than regular whey, but honestly, nothing compares to True Grit Protein’s awesome and unique protein blend.
The great thing about True Grit Protein’s micellar whey content is practicality:
- You can kiss the days when you chugged on your whey protein as many times as you could goodbye.
- Say sayonara to the times when you had to include whey protein powder in your oatmeal for an added protein fix.
- Say hasta la vista to that film of fine protein powder coating every surface in your kitchen.
- We could go on and on.
Speaking of meals, micellar whey is “the perfect between-meal protein,” per the manufacturer’s official website. That’s because True Grit Protein allows athletes and active individuals to maintain elevated levels of protein synthesis between meals.
This product features a 50:50 ratio of fast- and slow-release whey protein to help you achieve your fitness goals.
Each scoop has 25 grams of protein to help you build muscle mass and boost recovery.
True Grit Protein comes in four fantastic flavors:
- Chocolate Milkshake – pretty good Chocolate Milkshake flavor, although it doesn’t have the texture of big-name supplements such as BSN SYNTHA-6. Solid choice, nonetheless. We rate this one nine out of 10.
- Cookies & Cream – we believe this is just a tad bit lower than Chocolate Milkshake, although it doesn’t come close to the Cookies & Cream goodness of MusclePharm Combat Protein Powder. We’re giving True Grit Protein’s version an 8.5 out of 10.
- Strawberry Cream – it’s been far too long since we’ve tasted an oustanding Strawberry-flavored protein supplement. We like this one, but it’s not in the upper echelon of Strawberry-flavored whey protein supplements. We’re giving it the same grade as Cookies & Cream.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – this is a flavor which has gained more traction as the years have gone by. We believe this is the best True Grit Protein flavor (so do other consumer reviews) beating Chocolate Milkshake by a hair. We feel this one gets a 9.2 out of 10.
Let’s check out the formula ingredients:
- Total fat, 2 g: You’d expect around this much of fats per serving if a protein blend has whey protein concentrate. The Chocolate flavor also has cocoa, which has some fats. You may be shocked at the saturated fat content (eight percent of the daily value). Fear not: Saturated fats have gotten a bad rap over the years, but it can help boost cardiovascular health and even improve bone, liver, lung, and brain health. Overall total fat content is pretty low at three percent the daily value.
- Cholesterol, 75 mg: We’re jacked up about the potential of micellar whey. However, we’re just as dismayed when we saw True Grit Protein has a high cholesterol content (25 percent of the daily value). Check with your doctor first if you’re trying to monitor your cholesterol levels.
- Total carbohydrate, 4 g: True Grit Protein’s overall carb content is low at just one percent the daily value. This product will help you achieve your muscle-building goals. The sugar level is pretty modest at just two grams per serving.
- Calcium, 168 mg: True Grit Protein is an excellent go-to when it comes to calcium at 17 percent the daily value for this mineral. Your bones, teeth, and blood pressure will benefit as a result. Awesome.
- Iron, 2.1 mg: It’s rare for a protein supplement to have high iron levels, but True Grit Protein is the exception. To put things in perspective, anything more than five percent the daily value is considered high. This supplement has 12 percent the daily value for iron. You won’t be needing iron supplements anymore when you consume it.
- Sodium, 180 mg: True Grit’s sodium level is somewhat high at eight percent the daily value. We advise those who have cardiovascular issues to refrain from consuming products which have more than five percent the daily value for this ingredient. In any case, please check with your doctor before purchasing.
Formula Analysis
Think about it, folks: How does fast- and slow-acting micellar whey protein dosed at 25 grams grab you?
Granted, “whey” and “slow-acting” don’t belong in the same sentence, but it certainly does for the experts at True Grit.
It’s pretty obvious they designed True Grit Protein to help cosumers enjoy the anabolic benefits of whey protein longer. Most people don’t get to experience this because their muscles absorb the whey protein after 40 minutes, tops.
Now, if they need more whey protein, they have to supplement every few hours to get their anabolic fix.
That is not the case with True Grit Protein.
The company also downplays casein protein because it “reduces the peak anabolic response.” Plus, casein contains less leucine than whey. Just so you know, leucine is the branch-chained amino acid primarily responsible for kickstarting the protein synthesis process.
True Grit argues using whey instead of casein increases the amount of leucine in your system, which results in a more anabolic state for hours. It certainly makes sense to us.
The company also says True Grit Protein contains more BCAAs per serving than a regular whey protein supplement. That makes even more sense to us.
Frankly, it’s a one-of-a-kind protein supplement. We’d recommend this product for its protein content alone. The taste is also pretty darn good. However, there’s more to True Grit Protein than this macronutrient.
This supplement is low in carbs, fats, and sugars – three facets which will help you put on lean muscle mass.
Like we already pointed out, True Grit Protein is also a great source of calcium and iron. Any time a protein supplement has addtional health benefits like these, consider it a bonus, folks.
Notice that True Grit Protein contains corn syrup, which is not the same as high-fructose corn syrup. The former is 100 percent gluocse while the latter has some of its glucose content converted to fructose.
Unfortunately, some health experts believe high-fructose corn syrup can cause weight gain, diabetes, and heart issues. Good thing True Grit Protein doesn’t have it. Whew.
However, one particular ingredient bothers us: Carrageenan. It’s an additive which has been linked to inflammation, diabetes, and other issues. Watch out, folks.
The manufacturer claims True Grit Protein has no proprietary blends. According to its official website, “True Grit supplements contain premium, fully-dosed key ingredients, so you’ll know exactly what is in the supplement you’re putting in your body.”
We tip our hat fo True Grit for not including any proprietary blends. Nonetheless, the fact it has a suspicous “dirty” ingredient in carrageenan offsets this.
That makes us feel bad. Imagine all the hard work those guys put in to manufacture micellar whey, only for carrageenan to spoil everything. Bummer.
True Grit Protein Benefits
True Grit Protein has the following benefits, per its official website:
- Fast- and sustained- micellar whey protein blend
- Build muscle mass
- Increase strength
Twenty-five grams of micellar whey is a good place to start folks. In addition, it is also low in fats, carbs, and sugars which will help you put on lean muscle mass. Don’t forget about the high calcium and iron levels, either.
Who Takes It?
True Grit Protein is intended for athletes and active adults who want to build muscle mass, boost recovery, and meet their daily protein requirements. It would seem to be effective both pre workout and post workout for bodybuilding purposes, especially stacked with a good anabolic-targeted testosterone booster supplement.
Any Side Effects?
True Grit Protein shake has no glaring side effects although people with cardiovascular issues should be wary of its high cholesterol content (25 percent the daily value) and somewhat high sodium content (seven percent the daily value). We advise them to consult with their physician before purchasing.
Consumers should also consider True Grit Protein’s carrageenan content, which has been linked to several health issues. The carrageenan content isn’t high, but it’s worth noting, nonetheless.
Those who are allergic to milk, soy, egg, fish, tree nuts, and wheat should also steer clear of True Grit Protein.
Finally, the manufacturer issues a warning on the product label:
True Grit Protein Summary
Pros
- Authentic micellar whey protein. No other supplement has this, folks.
- Combination of fast- and slow-acting protein. Helps you remain in an anabolic state.
- Twenty-five grams of protein per serving. Considered high in the supplement industry.
- Low in carbs, fats, and sugars. Not the lowest, but helps consumers build lean muscle mass.
- High calcium and iron content. Extra health benefits which go a long way.
- No proprietary blends. Awesome, cause we want to see the nutritional details
Cons
- High in cholesterol and sodium. Consult with your doctor if these concern you.
- Has carrageenan. Ingredient which has been linked to some health issues.
Pricing & Buying Info
- 1 two-lb. container (26-Day Supply): $33.65
- 1 four-lb. container (51-Day Supply): $54.05
- Available to buy online on Bodybuilding.com, apparently this is the only place you can buy it
Final Word on True Grit Protein
The verdict is out: Micellar whey protein is a winner, folks.
Prior to True Grit Protein hitting store shelves, the idea of combining fast- and slow-absorbing whey protein was downright outrageous. Now, it’s a reality. Some kind of science fiction, space-age protein powder design.
The good news: True Grit Protein’s pros outweigh its cons. It’s not a perfect product. We’d rather dub it solid, instead. Effective to be sure.
We’re confident you will also believe in “The Power of Whey at the Speed of Casein.”
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Abisaid Fernandez says
I’ve been taking this protein for a couple of months.I saw the benefits immediately, I recovered faster from my workouts and came back to gym stronger. HOWEVER, I’ve had trouble sleeping and have been had diffculties when going to the WC (You get it) .Sometimes i’d feel my vowels irritated too. I have a history of gastro-oesophageal reflux as this has made it worse. After reading it contained carrageenan it all started to make sense. It’s a shame , because I see the benefits of the protein in my muscles , but I wont risk having ulcers over that . Shame