Nutrex Research Muscle Infusion Black Protein Blend - Chocolate Monster

I definitely crossed over to gym rat category a while ago; so much that I cannot imagine going a day without guzzling some protein supplement. After trying two flavours of Optimum Nutrition's very popular Gold Standard Whey - Extreme Milk Chocolate and Double Chocolate, I decided to give something else a shot.

As recommended by my trainer at the Powerhouse Gym, I chose the Chocolate Monster flavour of Nutrex Research Muscle Infusion Black Protein Blend. A protein blend may contain many ingredients like whey protein, calcium caseinate, egg albumen, milk protein isolate, maltodextrin, vitamins, minerals and added amino acids. As compared to pure whey, a protein blend is claimed to more beneficial by many, although that is open to debate.

Given the fantastic user reviews all over the Internet, I was pretty confident about the buy. And once I tasted it, I became a fan in an instant!

The powder is fine, although not as much as a Whey Isolate. However, it dissolves very easily in water (and milk), and forms this lovely, frothy, creamy shake. It is best had in water because it is rather heavy; but adding milk to it takes it to an altogether new level (never mind your bursting stomach). But a word of warning to those who do not like thick shakes... this one is.

The product lives up to its name - Chocolate Monster - with a mind blowing rich taste of chocolate. It has absolutely no aftertaste, and you're like... 'Oh, so all things healthy do not taste like crap!'

Nutritionally speaking too, the product is fantastic. Each level scoop offers 25 grams of protein, 2.5g of fat and 1.5g of saturated fat, 143 calories, 1.5g of sugar, 4g of carbs, and 35% vitamins!! Such marginal levels of sugar and carbs allows you to have up to 4 servings a day without guilt, if you are into serious bodybuilding. I'm presently taking just one scoop per day, which makes it very affordable.

A 5 lbs. jar costs around INR 5000, and is cheaper than most Whey Isolate products. I thoroughly recommend, not just in terms of price and taste, but also performance.

RATING 4/5

Sofit Soya Milk - Chocolate

In my constant and futile bid to find 'healthy' chocolate, I sometimes buy things like the Sofit Chocolate Soya Milk. And halfway through my first glass, I always reach the conclusion that soy milk is sad indeed and my heart goes out to the lactose intolerant amongst us. However, the chocolate flavour seems to have become better of late or my taste buds are dying.

The change in taste may have something to do with the brand changing hands. Previously a Godrej brand, Sofit has been recently acquired by chocolate giant, Hershey's (India). In fact, Hershey's seems to have taken over two more brands most of us 80s/90s kids will be nostalgic about, viz. Jumpin and Nutrine Maha Lacto. Add to that the world-famous Hershey's syrups.

Coming back to Sofit, it's not all that bad when served chilled, but it cannot compare with good old fashioned chocolate milk. But it has loads of nutrients and health benefits, thanks to no zero cholesterol. It has very little fat too, but one ought to watch out for the sugar, of which there are copious amounts.

Sofit comes in four other flavours, including Natural, Mango, Vanilla and Kesar-Pista, which are available in 200 ml and 1 lt Tetra packs. The 1 lt. pack costs INR 95 and has a shelf life of nine months.

It's a good option if you are lactose intolerant or are just trying to make somewhat healthier food choices.

RATING: 3/5

Gold Standard Extreme Milk Chocolate Whey Protein

Page after web page has been written about the quality and performance of Gold Standard Whey Proteins, and I am a noob as far as fitness nutrition goes. But I feel compelled to write this review simply because of the chocolate angle.

I've been working out religiously for over a year now and I much prefer weight training to cardio (actually, I hate cardio). And since my trainer could not get me to do cardio or diet with any seriousness, he gently pushed me towards the path of protein supplements. I was very skeptical like all beginners, wondering if the supplements would bulk me up. But my trainer assured me that all it would do is build muscle quickly, thus helping me raise my metabolism and burn fat. There was also the question of price; I didn't feel very comfortable investing 6K on something I wasn't very sure about. 

Gold Standard is a product of American company, Optimum Nutrition Inc. (better known as ON), which, in turn, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Glanbia - a leading international cheese and nutritional ingredients group. After reading up a little about it online, I bought a 5 kg jar of Gold Standard Extreme Milk Chocolate Whey Protein, wanting to see what the fuss was all about. The world's best-selling whey couldn't be bad, eh?

I picked the Extreme Milk Chocolate flavour as the safest bet, not knowing what to expect of a protein supplement. But Gold Standard has more than 24 flavours, including unconventional ones like rocky road, root beer float, vanilla chai, and eggnog, besides many fruity flavours. There are variations in chocolate, like chocolate creme, chocolate malt, chocolate mint, double rich chocolate, and mocha cappuccino.

The powder is of a fine flour-like consistency, and the jar has a measuring scoop to help you define portions. A heaped scoop is about 30 g and considered the ideal portion size, especially after a heavy workout. One can have it either with water or milk (preferably low-fat); I've been told to have with with water to minimise fat intake. The powder mixes easily with both water or milk, provided you use a shaker. The label on the jar says it can be mixed well with a spoon too, but I've found it rather difficult.

When mixed only with water, the concoction looks dark brown and is thick, chocolaty, and rather sweet. It definitely tastes better with milk, like a chocolate milk shake would. It is a little creamy and is much more palatable than the water solution. However, one gets used to the water mix as well, due to the overall good taste of the product. From what I read on the Internet, I should find it difficult to appreciate other cheaper brands because I've started with what most call the best in the market. I reckon it is.


RATING 4/5