Navigating through the wide spectrum of protein supplements in the health and wellness sphere can often feel like an overwhelming task.
However, amidst this vast array, casein protein has etched its name as a significant contender, owing to its slow-releasing nature conducive to sustained muscle recovery.
Many brands have stepped into this arena, but one that distinctly shines is Kaged Muscle’s Casein Protein. In this thorough review, we are going to unpack the various facets of this product – from its ingredients to its efficacy, from its flavor to its mixability, and of course, its overall value for money.
Stepping beyond the theoretical, I’ have purchased Kaged Muscle’s Casein Protein to embark on a hands-on testing journey. I’ll document every aspect of my personal experience, providing a comprehensive insight into how this highly-regarded supplement actually fares in real-world use.
Whether you’re a hardened athlete or just dipping your toes into the fitness world, my aim is to equip you with a clear, unbiased perspective, assisting you in your quest to find the perfect protein companion for your health and fitness voyage.
Kaged Casein
4.7/5Our Score
Product Highlights
Tastes Great
Less Expensive
Microfiltered for ultra-purity
Features 7 grams of muscle-building BCAAs
14 Grams total of EAAs
Third-party tested and Sport Certified
Check Price
Who is Kaged Muscle?
Kaged Muscle is not a person but a brand that produces fitness supplements. It was founded by Kris Gethin, a well-known bodybuilder, trainer, and author. Kaged Muscle’s product line includes pre-workouts, protein powders, and other supplements designed to support muscle growth, recovery, and performance.
The company is known for its commitment to producing high-quality, clean, and scientifically-backed products. The pricing for their supplements is usually middle of the road.
Nutrition for Casein Protein By Kaged
A single serving of the Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor that we sampled offers 120 calories, which break down into 26 grams of protein, 3 grams of carbohydrates (including 1 gram of fiber and 1 gram of sugar), and 1 gram of fat (0.5 grams of which is saturated fat). This results in 4.61 calories per gram of protein, which is slightly above the average for typical whey protein.
Additionally, it contributes to 13% of your daily cholesterol intake, 7% of your daily sodium, and a considerable 47% of your daily calcium. This substantial amount of calcium aligns with the usual content in top-quality casein protein powders. The product also provides 6% of your daily Iron and 2% of your daily potassium needs.
Ingredients for Kaged Casein
Looking at the ingredients, and there aren’t many of them, which is a good thing.
We tested out the Chocolate Peanut Butter Flavor, and its ingredients are: Micellar Casein Protein, Peanut Flour, Natural Flavor, Medium Chain Triglyceride Powder, Cocoa Powder, Sea Salt, Gum Blend, Steviol Glycosides, Sucralose
Let’s take a quick look at some of the main ingredients.
Micellar Casein Protein
Micellar casein protein is a slow-digesting dairy protein that promotes muscle growth and recovery. It’s extracted from milk and retains its natural structure, unlike other forms of casein. Its slow-release property provides a steady supply of amino acids to the muscles over a longer period, making it an excellent choice for a sustained protein source, particularly overnight.
Peanut Flour
Peanut flour, made from ground, defatted peanuts, is often used in protein powders for its high protein content and rich flavor. It contains about 50% protein and is low in fat, making it an excellent ingredient for boosting the protein content of powders without adding excessive calories. Besides protein, it’s packed with essential nutrients like fiber, potassium, and magnesium. The use of peanut flour not only enhances the nutritional profile but also helps to deliver that peanutty flavor.
Cocoa
Given that I purchased the Chocolate Peanut Butter, the presence of cocoa in the ingredient list is expected. It would indeed be strange if it wasn’t on the list. However, I wouldn’t put it past certain supplement manufacturers to resort to artificial flavorings as a cost-saving measure.
Natural Flavors
Natural flavors are essences or extracts derived from plants or animals utilized to enhance the taste of food products. In contrast, artificial flavors are laboratory-created additives for food. It’s important to note that natural flavors provide no nutritional value and contribute zero calories.
Medium Chain Triglyceride Oil Powder
Medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT) oil powder is a supplement derived from fats known for quick digestion and energy release. Used in protein powders, it supports ketosis, aids weight loss, and enhances athletic performance by providing an immediate energy source. Unlike longer-chain fats, MCTs are absorbed directly into the liver and converted into ketones for instant energy. The powdered form mixes easily into protein shakes, adding to the convenience. Its inclusion in protein powder can therefore boost energy, facilitate weight management, and improve overall workout performance.
Sea Salt
Sea salt, when used in protein powders, helps to enhance the flavor and provides essential minerals. It also plays a key role in hydration by helping the body retain water and promoting proper muscle function. Although only present in small amounts, it contributes to the balance of electrolytes, critical for athletic performance and recovery.
Sucralose
Sucralose is a zero-calorie artificial sweetener often used in protein powders. It’s about 600 times sweeter than sugar, allowing for less usage while achieving desired sweetness. However, it’s a topic of debate due to potential health concerns linked to artificial sweeteners. Some people may also find that it imparts a slightly artificial taste to the protein powder.
Casein Protein Powder vs Whey: What’s The Difference?
Casein and whey are both proteins found in milk, but they differ significantly in digestion speed, absorption, and usage.
Whey protein is a “fast” protein. It’s rapidly absorbed into the body, leading to a quick, substantial increase in amino acids in the bloodstream. This makes it ideal for consumption post-workout as it helps kickstart muscle recovery and growth immediately.
On the other hand, casein protein is a “slow” protein. It forms a gel-like substance in the stomach and is digested over several hours. This results in a gradual, sustained release of amino acids, keeping the body in a state of muscle protein synthesis for longer periods. It’s often consumed before bed to nourish the muscles throughout the night.
Taste and Mixability of Kaged Casein
I rested out the Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor by mixing it with about 10 ounces of water as the manufacturer suggests.
It mixed up very easily and went down smoothly. The taste was good, but there wasn’t a lot of peanut butter flavor to it, and it was a bit more on the sweet side. Overall it was very good, though.
I will note it was not as thick as the 100% Grass Fed Casein from Transparent Labs that I tried. That casein was much more satiating, while the Kaged Casein was more like a traditional protein shake.
I also tried the Kaged Casein with 2% Milk and thought it was clearly better with the milk than the water. It was creamier and frothier and a bit thicker but not too thick. If you are choosing between water and milk, I would go with the milk. Almond milk would also be a pretty good option.
Price For Kaged Casein
You will be happy to hear that Kaged Casein is pretty friendly on the wallet coming in at just $1.48 per serving and even less than that if you get a subscription which will save you 10%.
You can also get free shipping if you spend over $79 which isn’t bad. Other manufacturers want you to spend $150 before they give you free shipping.
Is Kaged Casein 3rd Party Tested?
Kaged Casein distinguishes itself as a protein powder upon which athletes can depend. Undergoing stringent third-party testing and boasting an Informed Choice certification, it ensures it’s devoid of any banned substances.
With Kaged Casein, athletes can pursue their training, secure in the knowledge that they are opting for a product that’s both trusted and safe.
How To Take Kaged Casein
You can take Kaged Casein after a workout or before you go to bed so you feed those muscles all night long. The directions say to mix it with 8-1o ounces of cold water but I preferred it with milk.
Pros and Cons of Kaged Casein
Pros
Tastes Good
Less Expensive
Microfiltered, so it contains only 1g of sugar and less than 1% lactose
Features 7 grams of muscle building BCAAs
14 Grams total of EAAs
Third party tested and Sport Certified
Cons
Only 2 flavors available
Uses artificial flavoring
Review for Kaged Casein
Looking on their website and almost every review is 5 stars which isn’t all that surprising. Here is what a couple of verified users had to say.
It was a bit harder to find a negative review. 3 stars is about as bad as I could find without spending a ridiculous amount of time searching.
Is Kaged Casein Worth It?
Yes, I would say it is definitely worth it. The Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor is solid although it is a little light on the peanut butter. It is loaded with BCAAs and EAAs and has 26 grams of protein per serving.
It mixes great with water or milk and almond milk will also work really well.
It is also less expensive than other casein protein powders out there which I am sure you won’t mind.
Provided you can get past the fact that it uses artificial sweetener and only comes in 2 flavors I would say it is definitely worth it.
There you have our Kaged Casein Review, I would say it is definitely one of the best casein powders out there. It isn’t too thick like other casein powders can be. It has a solid taste and it has been micro-filtered to get all of the junk that you don’t want in your protein powder.
The taste is solid and the price is very reasonable. It’s also third party tested and sport certified so you don’t have to worry about any banned substances.
Overall it is definitely a solid product that I would certainly recommend.
Ryan is a former college wrestler and lifelong fitness fanatic. He has run half marathons, done mud runs, placed in body transformation contests, coached wrestling, and now coaches girls’ soccer. Not to mention he has also tried literally hundreds of supplements over the years and has a vast and thorough supplement knowledge. He has written for Muscle & Strength, Testosterone Junkie, The Sport Review and other publications. He is also the editor-in-chief of this website and has over 25 years of experience in the fitness industry. Feel free to connect with him on his LinkedIn page below.
