There are plendty of Muscle Pharm Combat protein reviews online, this because it is one of the most popular proteins on the market, So FitnessHacker.com decided to take a closer look and see if there is anything muscle heads and Bro science is missing.

Combat Protein Powder Review – What you get in the Bottle

MP Combat Proteins product major selling point is its propriety blend of Whey concentrate, Isolate and Hydroslate, as well as Miscellar Casein. This makes it a true “one size fits all” solution to maintaining macro consumption.

To understand the idea of “any time of the day” protein, we need to look at the idea of absorption rates, or commonly know as “release time”.

Although it can be a heavy debated topic about what form of protein is best, it is generally accepted that these different forms of protein are processed and absorbed by the body at different rates. Depending on what activity and what time of the day it is, our ideal absorption rate of protein varies. For example, immediately post workout we want to absorb the protein as fast as we can to help minimize muscle breakdown and maximize repair. However, when we have protein before bed to assist with recovery , slower realease protein that feed the muscle repair throughout the night is better.

On top of the protein blend, MP combat also includes a good BCAA stack, as well as a Digestive Enzyme blend that I found really stops the product feeling heavy on the stomach like most proteins do.

At 140 Cals per serve, it really is quite low. Compaints about 4g or carbs are quite common. Realistically this small amount of carbs would be of no concern before or after your workout. the only time 4g of carbs would not be ideal if you were on a calorie restricted diet and using Combat protein primarily as a before bed protein. If this is the case there are better protein blends available.

How does it taste?

Protein shakes are never going to be as nice as the chocolate and ice cream “50 teaspoons of sugar” milkshakes from places like MacDonald’s.  However, the combat protein shake formula has done a great job. Muscle Pharm has given you something, nutritious and guilt free, whilst still being, smooth, creamy and sweet (but not too sweet).

I love the chocolate flavor. It lacked that bad aftertaste a lot of protein shakes that I have tested are known for. It definitely tastes like chocolate, not some funky chocolate substitute. Unfortunately, non of us will ever mistake if for a 1,000 calorie milkshake. But Most importantly, end of my workout I am always looking forward to drinking it. The fact there is no shame attached, I think it makes it tastes that much better.

The Price

On Amazon, it’s available in two or four pound tubs. The four-pound tub is a better value than the two pound is as you would expect. The two costs $13.94 per pound, totaling $27.88 overall, while the four pounds will cost you $9.68 a pound, totaling $38.71.

In a four-pound tub, you get about 52 servings. Which is a really good deal! That’s way less than the benchmarks of $1.00 per serving! When it comes to value, it’s really hard to beat Muscle Pharm’s Combat Protein.

What is Everyone Saying?

Combat has almost 1,400 reviews on Amazon, with an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars. MP Combat protein seems to have a large repeat buyer base of users, with many claiming they have been using the product for years trouble free.

Most reviewer mention that they enjoy the flavor, weather it be chocolate, vanilla, banana or cookies and crème. Another point that most people are impresses with is that it mixes with tap water well. One user expressing their joy of having “No chunks of protein shoot down my throat”.

Negative Reviews of Combat Protein

However, there are a few negative reviews. No product is going to satisfy everyone, so there are some complaints. Like any product ever made to be put in your mouth, not everyone likes the flavor. In particular, that is chunky and too sweet. Of the few negative reviews, most are for the most part subjective and those making the complaints don’t seem to be on the side of the majority so are of little concern.

However, there is a legitimate complaint. Some reviewers have said that MR Combat protein has been protein spiked. Protein spiking, also known as nitrogen spiking, is a technique some companies do. Basically, there isn’t as much protein in the tub as the product claims there is, and they get away with this by adding amino acids that pass as protein, but the body doesn’t digest it as such. Currently there is a lawsuit against Muscle Pharm. It would be resonable to assume that some kind of shady practices have been taking place. A lot of cheaper products do use this technique, so beware. I’ll go further into this scandal as it develops, see the article here : https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexmorrell/2015/03/12/lawsuits-say-protein-powders-lack-protein-ripping-off-athletes/#6e0fb99b7729

Can I Recommend it?

Combat is definitely tasty, and is well priced per serve if you are on a tight budget. There is some controversy about protein spiking. If this is a concern to you, you might want to wait and see how the lawsuit plays out.

With so many positive reviews and experiences of long time users, I’m sticking with the notion of incident until proven guilty. For that reason, Combat Protein will remain my personal go to general purpose protein.