Muscle Milk High Protein Shake

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Common questions

Is Muscle Milk High Protein Shake healthy?

Muscle Milk High Protein Shake scores 72/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This protein shake contains beneficial ingredients like ultrafiltered milk, ascorbic acid, and vitamin D3, which provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients.

How processed is Muscle Milk High Protein Shake?

Muscle Milk High Protein Shake is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Muscle Milk High Protein Shake's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Ultrafiltered Milk, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin D3 count in its favor; Carrageenan, Natural Flavor are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Muscle Milk High Protein Shake

Muscle Milk
72 Good

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

$26.78 · 11 fl oz · pack of 12 · $0.20 / fluid ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 3
Harmful ingredients 2
Owned by Glanbia Performance Nutrition
Category Protein Powders
Summary

This protein shake contains beneficial ingredients like ultrafiltered milk, ascorbic acid, and vitamin D3, which provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients. However, the presence of carrageenan and natural flavors raises concerns due to potential digestive issues and lack of transparency. The product is moderately processed with several additives, which impacts its overall healthiness compared to cleaner formulations.

Key ingredients 12

Ultrafiltered Milk
Good

Ultrafiltered milk is a source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients. The ultrafiltration process removes some lactose and water, concentrating the protein content. It provides a rich amino acid profile beneficial for muscle repair and growth.

Benefits

Rich in protein and essential nutrients, supporting muscle growth and overall health.

Ascorbic Acid
Good

Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health. It is essential for collagen synthesis and helps protect cells from oxidative damage. Regular intake can enhance iron absorption from plant-based foods.

Benefits

Supports immune function, collagen synthesis, and enhances iron absorption.

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Vitamin D3
Good

Vitamin D3 is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. It supports immune function and has been linked to mood regulation. Supplementation is beneficial, especially in regions with limited sunlight exposure.

Benefits

Supports bone health, immune function, and mood regulation.

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Cellulose Gel
Neutral

Cellulose gel is a plant-derived thickening agent used to improve texture in food products. It is generally considered safe and is not absorbed by the body, passing through the digestive system unchanged. It adds bulk to foods without adding calories.

Benefits

Adds bulk and texture to foods without contributing calories.

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Cellulose Gum
Neutral

Cellulose gum is a thickening and stabilizing agent derived from cellulose, a natural component of plant cell walls. It is widely used in food products to improve texture and stability. It is not digested by the body and is considered safe for consumption.

Benefits

Improves texture and stability in food products without adding calories.

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Purified Stevia Leaf Extract
Neutral

Purified stevia leaf extract is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener derived from the stevia plant. It is used as a sugar substitute and is generally considered safe for consumption. It does not raise blood sugar levels, making it suitable for diabetics.

Benefits

Provides sweetness without calories or impacting blood sugar levels.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor and preserve food. While essential for bodily functions, excessive intake can lead to health issues such as hypertension. Moderation is key to avoiding potential negative health impacts.

Risks

Excessive intake can lead to hypertension and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and is essential for various bodily functions.

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Sodium Citrate
Neutral

Sodium citrate is a salt of citric acid used as a preservative and acidity regulator in foods. It is generally recognized as safe and helps maintain product stability. It can also enhance flavor by balancing acidity.

Benefits

Helps maintain product stability and enhances flavor by balancing acidity.

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Stevia Extract
Neutral

Stevia extract is a natural sweetener derived from the stevia plant, offering sweetness without calories. It is widely used as a sugar substitute and is considered safe for consumption. It does not affect blood sugar levels, making it suitable for diabetics.

Benefits

Provides sweetness without calories or affecting blood sugar levels.

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Vitamin A Palmitate
Neutral

Vitamin A palmitate is a synthetic form of vitamin A used to fortify foods. It supports vision, immune function, and skin health. While beneficial, excessive intake can lead to toxicity, so it should be consumed in moderation.

Risks

Excessive intake can lead to vitamin A toxicity.

Benefits

Supports vision, immune function, and skin health.

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Carrageenan
Bad

Carrageenan is a thickening agent derived from red seaweed, often used in processed foods. It has been associated with gastrointestinal inflammation and may cause digestive issues in sensitive individuals. Its use in food products is controversial due to potential health concerns.

Risks

May cause gastrointestinal inflammation and digestive issues in some individuals.

Benefits

Provides texture and stability to food products, but no significant nutritional benefits.

See more about Carrageenan →
Natural Flavor
Bad

Natural flavors are complex mixtures created by flavorists to enhance taste, but their exact composition is often undisclosed. They can contain numerous chemicals, some of which may not be beneficial to health. The lack of transparency and potential for allergenic compounds is a concern.

Risks

Potential for allergenic compounds and lack of transparency in composition.

Benefits

Enhances taste and palatability of food products.

See more about Natural Flavor →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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