[@RenaissancePeriodization] Rating the Most Popular Protein Powders (Some Were BAD)

Link: https://youtu.be/r9HEuoJZX-Q

Short Summary

Number One Takeaway:

Protein powders have come a long way; there are many excellent-tasting and nutritionally sound options available, making it a great time to be a protein consumer.

Executive Summary:

The video reviews and ranks 11 different protein powders based on their nutritional profile (protein to calorie ratio), taste, smell, texture, and overall "vibes." The reviewer highlights several standouts, praising their flavor, texture, and macro content while also calling out some that fall short on taste or nutritional value.

Key Quotes

Here are 5 direct quotes from the video transcript that represent valuable insights, interesting data points, surprising statements, or strong opinions:

1. "Really, what we're looking for is low fat content, low carb content, high protein content, and overall low calorie content. From the nutritional perspective, that's how we're measuring these proteins." - This establishes the core criteria for evaluating the protein powders from a purely nutritional standpoint, setting the stage for the review process.

2. "If some shit is going to is going to be um not as ideal protein nutrition for you, it had better taste good." - Highlights the tradeoff between nutritional value and taste appeal in protein powders.

3. "...it smells exactly like Froot Loops for the grand illusion, but in reality it tastes like semieetened chemicals." - Describes the major contrast between the actual taste and advertised flavor.

4. "Transparent Labs blueberry pancakes...The nutrition is outlandish. The an amount of protein relative to calories is frightening. And it it tastes like I don't even like blueberry, you guys. I don't like blueberry pancakes. I never eat them. God made this." - Expresses a surprising level of enthusiasm and strong opinion, especially considering the reviewer's initial dislike for the flavor profile.

5. "Natural loving white people, you just got to really start reading more science and stop getting ripped off. It's getting sad. You're all super smart and educated. You can do better than this. Stop buying the stupid overpriced nonsense." - A provocative and opinionated takeaway about the marketing of natural and organic products.

Detailed Summary

Here's a detailed summary of the YouTube video transcript, organized into bullet points:

Key Topics:

• Protein Shake Review: The video focuses on reviewing and ranking 11 different protein powders based on taste, texture, smell, and nutritional value (protein-to-calorie ratio).
• Macro Analysis: The presenter emphasizes the importance of macros (protein, carbs, fat) and the protein-to-calorie ratio as key indicators of a protein powder's nutritional quality.
• Taste and Texture: Subjective taste preferences and textural qualities (smoothness, thickness, sweetness) are also considered in the reviews.

Arguments & Information:

• Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard (Double Rich Chocolate):
  • Considered the "gold standard" due to its balanced macros and taste.
  • Protein to calorie ration is 0.2.
  • Mixes well, neutral sweetness.
  • Good with hot water and marshmallows for a hot chocolate alternative.
• Rise Skippy Peanut Butter Protein:
  • Higher in calories (more fats and carbs) due to MCTs, expects a great taste.
  • Protein to calorie ration is 0.17
  • Tastes very close to blended peanut butter and is sweet and thick.
  • Recommended for those who like sweeter protein shakes or use them as meal replacements.
• Transparent Labs Blueberry Pancakes Protein Isolate:
  • High quality due to using only protein isolate.
  • Phenomenal macros: high protein, low carbs, very low fat.
  • Protein to calorie ration is 0.22, the highest so far.
  • Doesn't truly taste like blueberry pancakes but tastes extremely sweet and rich with strong blueberry flavoring.
  • Highly recommended.
• Muscle Sport Lean Whey (Cannoli):
  • Good protein content with some added fat-burning ingredients.
  • Protein to calorie ration is 0.19.
  • Very sweet and rich in flavor, with chocolate bits.
  • Claims of fat metabolizing matrix, but not significant enough to have a real effect.
• Core Nutritionals Death by Chocolate:
  • Contains a whey and casein blend.
  • Protein to calorie ration is 0.18.
  • Excellent meal replacement protein.
  • Amazing chocolate flavor, smooth, and not overly sweet.
• Ghost Oreo Protein:
  • Features real Oreo chunks.
  • Protein to calorie ration is 0.17, one of the lowest.
  • Best used with cereal and milk for a post-workout treat.
  • The protein itself tastes good.
• MusclePharm Banana Milk:
  • Protein to calorie ration is 0.19.
  • Good texture and sweetness with a full-bodied dairy feel.
  • Authentic banana flavor.
• Raw Nutrition Grass Fed Dark Chocolate Protein Isolate:
  • Protein to calorie ration is 0.2.
  • The narrator dislikes the flavor because it is naturally sweetened with stevia.
• Six Star Froot Loops:
  • Smells exactly like Froot Loops, but the taste is chemical-like and semi-sweetened.
  • Protein to calorie ration is 0.18, one of the lowest.
  • Not recommended due to poor taste.
• Soup Protein (Clam Chowder, Japanese):
  • Clam chowder flavored soup protein found in Japan.
  • Protein to calorie ration is 0.16, the lowest of the list.
  • Surprisingly tastes like a really good clam chowder soup.
  • Can be used with rice and meat to boost protein.
• Arowan Cacao Protein:
  • 210 calories per serving, with a protein-to-calorie ratio of 0.10, the lowest on the list.
  • Described as tasting earthy, sour, and terrible with bits of grass.
  • Labeled as an overpriced product targeting those seeking status.

Ratings & Final Thoughts:

• Transparent Labs Blueberry Pancakes is ranked #1.
• Core protein death by chocolate is ranked highly.
• Rise Skippy Peanut Butter Protein is ranked highly.
• Muscle Sport Lean Whey (Cannoli) is ranked highly.
• Ghost Oreo Protein is a solid contender.
• Soup Protein (Clam Chowder, Japanese) is surprisingly good.
• MusclePharm Banana Milk gets a good rating but not ranked at the top due to not liking banana flavor.
• Recommends reading scientific information to avoid being ripped off by overpriced products.
• Expresses surprise at the overall quality of protein powders currently available.