CytoSport was founded in 1998 by the father/son team of Greg and Mike Pickett. It produces its powder products and pre-blends of ready-to-drink products at a 150,000-square-foot (14,000 m2) manufacturing facility. Its products are endorsed by running back Adrian Peterson and by college swimming coach Mike Bottom.

PepsiCo Inc. PEP has successfully completed the buyout of the CytoSport business from Hormel Foods Corporation HRL to overcome the effects of the fall in carbonated soft drinks ('CSD') category sales. The company paid about $465 million for CytoSport, which comprises of Muscle Milk and Evolve brands.

Muscle Milk, made by CytoSport, is a hugely popular protein supplement company that's well known for their lactose free, high fructose corn syrup-free, trans fat-free, high protein products.

If you're a super active individual who needs extra nutrients to sustain your training, Muscle Milk could be a suitable option to support muscle growth. With 280 calories per serving, 32 grams of protein, 21 grams of carbs, and 9 grams of fat, this is more of a meal replacement than a solely high source of protein.

In 2007, some varieties of Muscle Milk contained bovine colostrums, a source of hormones banned by the NCAA and the World Anti-Doping Agency, said Eric Patterson, of Drug Free Sport. In response, Muscle Milk created the collegiate formula to meet NCAA guidelines. It has not been tested or endorsed by the NCAA.

The high-quality protein supplement supports pre-workout energy and post-workout recovery. The slow-releasing and fast-releasing proteins can help increase amino acid levels. Easily take it on the go in a shaker bottle for a great tasting supplement between meals.

According to the FDA, Muscle Milk does not meet this definition of “milk” because it is not derived from a dairy cow and contains ingredients that are not permitted by the standard. For this reason, the FDA issued a warning letter claiming that the products use of the word “milk” is misleading to consumers.

In 2007, some varieties of Muscle Milk contained bovine colostrums, a source of hormones banned by the NCAA and the World Anti-Doping Agency, said Eric Patterson, of Drug Free Sport. In response, Muscle Milk created the collegiate formula to meet NCAA guidelines.

Unsurprisingly, Muscle Milk contains protein, a nutrient essential to muscle repair and growth. It can be a good choice for those post-workout moments when your muscles cry out for sustenance.

A study from Consumer Reports found trace amounts of heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, and lead in some protein products, including Muscle Milk. While it was within safe limits, regular consumption isn't ideal.

Muscle Milk Pro Advanced Nutrition is an energizing protein shake that can be consumed to support post-workout recovery or as an on-the-go breakfast or anytime snack. It contains a combination of slow releasing and fast releasing proteins to help increase amino acid levels.

It's not “healthy” The artificial sweeteners contained in Muscle Milk are also of concern to some. The Center for Science in the Public Interest advises consumers to avoid these types of sweeteners, which can negatively alter gut bacteria, appear in breastmilk, and potentially increase the risk of certain diseases.

It's recommended that athletic individuals drink a Muscle Milk protein shake 30-60 minutes after physical activity. Muscle Milk is formulated to help make hormones, enzymes, cellular messengers and nucleic acids. It gives your body the protein it needs to build new muscle tissue and strong bones.

It's a great source of high-quality protein, but generally Muscle Milk has a lower protein-by-weight ratio due to the higher weight of the portion and higher amount of carbohydrates and fats (although it depends on specific product series).

Higher in calories and fat According to the label, Muscle Milk contains 12 percent of your daily value of total fat and a whopping 18% of the daily value of saturated fat. So it might be suitable for sustained energy but not so great if you're trying to cut calories.

Overdoing it with protein powder could cause a range of other side effects, too, including digestive discomfort, such as bloating, gas and constipation, and an increased risk of dehydration, since protein requires water for digestion and the elimination of waste products, per the Journal of the International Society of ...