Protein Shake Review: August 2007

This is one of the more unique flavors to be made into a protein shake, and only Cytosport would be so brave. And I have to admit: they did a pretty good job.

It's a creamy shake that evokes the feeling of a root beer float that has completely melted. The ice cream notes are definitely present. But there's just enough of a root beer taste to remind you what you're drinking. Some might detect a slightly bitter aftertaste. While this is common to protein shakes generally, I feel it's somewhat acceptable in this shake because authentic root beer is slightly bitter.

All in all, I think the Root Beer Float is a refreshing change from the usual chocolate and fruit flavors of which we've all become pretty bored.

What do you think?

Shake Advice

MIXING: Remember, there are endless ways to make your shake taste even better. The obvious ways include mixing them with fruit juice or milk instead of water. Try adding chocolate milk or soy milk to vanilla or chocolate flavored mixes. Add orange or apple juice to fruit flavored mixes. Adding a capfull of almond, vanilla, or mint extract can do wonders for most shakes. If you're going to add ice, a blender will be necessary; but that requires too much clean up. Purchasing a single-serving, battery-operated mixer is ideal; you can easily find one at GNC or the Vitamin Shoppe for about $10. Also, think about adding a fiber supplement like Benefiber to your shakes. You're supposed to get about 35 grams a day, but most people come nowhere near this number. Fiber supplements that contain Wheat Dextrin are easy to digest and are tasteless.

USAGE: Don't actually mix your shake with liquid until you're ready to drink it. The active ingredients will start to break down once they are liquefied and you want this to happen in your stomach! If you're bringing the shake to work, school, or the gym, simply put your dry ingredients into a Ziploc baggie and place it inside your single-serving mixer. When you're ready to drink, fill the mixer with water and pour in the powder.

WHEN: Some people drink a shake first thing in the morning. If you've had a heavy workout the day before, this is probably a good idea since your muscles will be craving a surge of nutrient-rich ingredients after your 8-hour fast. You might also want to drink a shake before hitting the gym if you haven't eaten in a while; it'll give you the needed energy to have a good workout. You might also choose to have your shake after you work out. This is usually the ideal time because you will have just torn all your muscles and will need the building blocks found inside the shake to repair them. Finally, some people like a shake right before bedtime so that the muscle building process continues while you sleep. If you do this, make sure that your shake doesn't contain some sort of stimulant like caffeine, guarana, or taurine -- you don't want to be up all night. It is important to remember that protein shakes are supplements and shouldn't be your main source of nutrition. There are numerous nutrients and phytochemicals that you can only get from fruits, vegetables, eggs, and meats. In fact, you probably only want to drink about one shake a day.

PURCHASING: You can usually find the cheapest prices on most of these protein shakes on Amazon.com. They usually have every flavor in stock, and you'll receive your purchase in about 4 days even if you opt for the free shipping (which could take up to 10 days, according to the website).

REVIEW -- Cytosport Muscle Milk: Orange Creme

REVIEW -- Cytosport Muscle Milk: Root Beer Float

Protein Shake Review

Protein Shake Review

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