Kaged Casein By Kaged Muscle Review: How Does It Taste?

Trying to find the right protein supplement in the world of health and wellness can sometimes feel like finding a needle in a haystack.

Among the myriad choices, casein protein has made a name for itself. Why, you ask? Thanks to its slow-releasing characteristics, it’s ideal for ongoing muscle recovery.

There are countless brands vying for your attention in this space, but one brand that truly stands out is Kaged Muscle and their Casein Protein. I’m about to dive deep into an exhaustive review of this product, discussing everything from what’s in it, how well it works, its taste, how easy it is to mix, and, of course, whether it gives you a bang for your buck.

But I’m not just going to talk theory here. I’ve actually bought Kaged Muscle’s Casein Protein to take it for a real-world spin. I’ll share every detail of my personal experience with you, giving you a complete look at how this well-respected supplement performs in the day-to-day.

Whether you’re a seasoned gym rat or a newbie just stepping onto the fitness scene, my goal is to provide you with an honest, clear-cut viewpoint. I hope to help you on your journey to find the best protein sidekick for your health and fitness adventure.

What’s the deal with Kaged Muscle?

Kaged Muscle isn’t an individual, but rather a brand that’s all about creating top-notch fitness supplements. The brains behind the brand is Kris Gethin, a renowned bodybuilder, fitness guru, and author. Their suite of products spans across pre-workouts, protein powders, and a whole range of supplements aimed at boosting muscle growth, recovery, and performance.

The standout feature of Kaged Muscle is its relentless commitment to crafting high-quality, clean products grounded in scientific research. As for pricing, their supplements usually land somewhere in the middle in terms of affordability.

Now, let’s talk Kaged’s casein

Nutritional Info for Kaged’s Casein Protein

Here’s a snapshot of the nutritional profile for the Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor we tried. Each serving packs 120 calories, split into 26 grams of protein, 3 grams of carbs (including 1 gram each of fiber and sugar), and 1 gram of fat (half of which is saturated fat). That equates to roughly 4.61 calories per gram of protein, a smidge above the norm for your regular whey protein.

On top of that, it delivers 13% of your daily cholesterol, 7% of your daily sodium, and an impressive 47% of your daily calcium. This hefty calcium content is pretty standard for high-grade casein protein powders. Plus, the product also tosses in 6% of your daily Iron and 2% of your daily potassium needs.

 

If we take a closer look at the ingredients list, it’s quite short and sweet, which is always a bonus.

For our taste test, we picked the Chocolate Peanut Butter Flavor. Its ingredient roster includes: Micellar Casein Protein, Peanut Flour, Natural Flavor, Medium Chain Triglyceride Powder, Cocoa Powder, Sea Salt, Gum Blend, Steviol Glycosides, and Sucralose.

Now, let’s zero in on some of these key ingredients.

 

Kaged Casein Ingredients

Micellar Casein Protein

Micellar casein protein is a dairy protein that’s slowly digested, promoting muscle growth and recovery over a more extended period. It’s derived from milk and retains its natural structure, unlike other casein variations. With its slow-release feature, it steadily feeds your muscles with amino acids, making it an ideal protein source, especially during those long night hours.

Peanut Flour

Peanut flour is made from defatted, ground peanuts and is commonly used in protein powders for its rich flavor and high protein content. It’s about 50% protein and low in fat, which makes it great for bumping up the protein count in powders without piling on the calories. Plus, it’s loaded with crucial nutrients like fiber, potassium, and magnesium. The addition of peanut flour not only boosts the nutritional profile but also delivers that enticing peanut flavor.

Cocoa

Since I opted for the Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor, it’s no surprise to find cocoa on the list of ingredients. It would definitely be odd if it was missing! Although some supplement brands might use artificial flavors to cut costs, it’s good to see that’s not the case here.

Natural Flavors

Natural flavors are extracts or essences sourced from plants or animals used to amplify the taste of food products, whereas artificial flavors are lab-produced additives. Keep in mind that while they enhance taste, natural flavors don’t provide any nutritional value or add any calories.

Medium Chain Triglyceride Oil Powder

Medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT) oil powder is a fat-derived supplement that’s known for quick digestion and immediate energy release. When used in protein powders, it promotes ketosis, assists in weight loss, and boosts athletic performance by providing a rapid energy source. Unlike longer-chain fats, MCTs are directly absorbed into the liver and converted into ketones for instant energy. The powder form blends easily into shakes, adding to the convenience. Its presence in protein powder can enhance energy, help with weight management, and boost overall workout performance.

Sea Salt

Sea salt enhances the flavor of protein powders and provides essential minerals. It also aids in hydration by helping the body hold onto water and supports proper muscle function. Although it’s present only in small amounts, it contributes to electrolyte balance, which is vital for athletic performance and recovery.

Sucralose

Sucralose is a zero-calorie artificial sweetener frequently found in protein powders. It’s about 600 times sweeter than sugar, meaning you can use less of it while still achieving the desired sweetness. However, it has been the subject of debate due to potential health risks associated with artificial sweeteners. Some folks might also notice that it gives the protein powder a slightly artificial taste.

 

Casein vs Whey Protein Powder: What Sets Them Apart?

Even though casein and whey are both proteins derived from milk, they have substantial differences in terms of how quickly they’re digested, how they’re absorbed, and how they’re used by our bodies.

Whey protein is known as a “fast” protein because it’s swiftly absorbed by our bodies. This results in a rapid and substantial spike in amino acids in our bloodstream. This quick action makes it a perfect fit for post-workout consumption, as it immediately jumpstarts the process of muscle recovery and growth.

Casein protein, on the flip side, is a “slow” protein. Once ingested, it forms a gel-like substance in the stomach and takes several hours to digest. This slow digestion leads to a steady, gradual release of amino acids, keeping your body in muscle protein synthesis mode for extended periods. It’s a popular choice for a pre-bedtime supplement, providing a constant feed to your muscles throughout the night.

 

Related: Different Types of Protein Powder Explained

Related: Best Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners

 

The Lowdown on Kaged Casein’s Taste and Mixability

Kaged Casein Taste Test

I gave the Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor a whirl, mixing it up with around 10 ounces of water as recommended by the manufacturer.

The powder mixed seamlessly and went down quite smoothly. The flavor was decent, but the peanut butter undertones were somewhat faint, and it tended towards the sweeter side. All in all, it was pretty enjoyable.

I do want to mention that it wasn’t as dense as the 100% Grass Fed Casein from Transparent Labs that I had previously tried. That casein left me feeling more satiated, while Kaged Casein resembled a standard protein shake in consistency.

To mix things up, I also tried Kaged Casein with 2% Milk and found it significantly better compared to when mixed with water. It had a creamier, frothier consistency and was slightly thicker without being overly so. If you’re torn between water and milk, I’d say go with the milk. Almond milk could also make a great alternative.

 

Kaged Casein: Worth the Price?

Here’s some good news for your budget – Kaged Casein is quite wallet-friendly, coming in at just $1.48 per serving. And if you opt for a subscription, you can save an extra 10%.

The brand also offers free shipping for orders over $79, which is a pretty decent deal. Some other brands set the free shipping threshold as high as $150.

 

Does Kaged Casein Pass the 3rd Party Testing?

Kaged Casein stands out as a dependable protein powder that athletes can trust. It’s subjected to rigorous third-party testing and holds an Informed Choice certification, assuring it’s free from any banned substances.

With Kaged Casein, athletes can proceed with their training, knowing they’ve chosen a product that’s not only trustworthy but also safe.

 

How Best to Take Kaged Casein

Kaged Casein can be taken post-workout or before hitting the hay to ensure your muscles are well-fed throughout the night. The directions suggest mixing it with 8-10 ounces of cold water, but I found it more palatable with milk.

 

 

Should You Go For Kaged Casein?

In my view, Kaged Casein is indeed a worthy purchase. The Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor hits the right notes, even though the peanut butter taste could be a tad more pronounced. What’s impressive is its composition – it’s packed with BCAAs and EAAs and offers a hefty 26 grams of protein per serving.

Whether you choose to mix it with water, milk, or even almond milk, it blends well and is enjoyable to consume.

Another major selling point is its affordability. Kaged Casein is easier on the pocket compared to other casein protein powders on the market, and that’s a bonus everyone can appreciate.

The only minor hiccups could be its use of artificial sweeteners and the limited choice of flavors. But if these aren’t deal-breakers for you, then I’d say Kaged Casein is unquestionably worth your consideration.

 

Further reading: 15 Best Casein Protein Powders on the Market

 

The Final Verdict

And there you have it – my comprehensive take on Kaged Casein. It’s undeniably one of the top casein powders available. Unlike some casein offerings that can feel too heavy, Kaged Casein strikes a good balance. It boasts a strong flavor profile and is micro-filtered to eliminate any undesirables that you’d rather keep out of your protein powder.

With its appealing taste, reasonable price, third-party testing, and sports certification, you can rest assured you’re free from any banned substances. Kaged Casein stands out as a dependable and effective product that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.