We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. If you use our links to purchase something, we may earn a commission. Read our disclosures.
Protein powders come and go, and while they all help to build muscle, few have stood the test of time like MuscleTech’s Nitro Tech. Indeed, Nitro Tech is one of the most recognizable protein supplements on the market, and for good reason. For over 25 years, Nitro Tech has upheld its reputation as a source of high-quality protein. In this MuscleTech Nitro Tech review, we’ll dive deep into Nitro Tech to see if it’s a worthy whey protein powder.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.
Your Go-To Source for Protein Supplements
Garage Gym Reviews experts test and use only the best protein powders to promote lean muscle growth and overall muscle recovery. Our reviews cover everything from the best creatine supplements to the best home gym equipment. Our experts are nutritionists, Olympic athletes, and certified personal trainers. GGR takes fitness seriously and aims to provide honest, in-depth reviews to all fitness enthusiasts.
For this MuscleTech Nitro Tech review, GGR Senior Staff Writer and NSCA-certified Personal Trainer Lauren Strong put the protein powder through its paces. She used GGR’s comprehensive supplement testing methodology to rate Nitro Tech on a scale of 1 to 5 across multiple categories, including:
- Price and Value: We award high scores to products with good price points and good value per serving.
- Third-Party Testing: The highest scores are awarded to brands that utilize third-party testing and certification labs.
- Research-Based Ingredients: We award high scores to products that contain scientifically proven ingredients with substantiated claims.
- Taste: Taste and solubility are important, so the highest scores go to products that taste and mix well.
MuscleTech Nitro Tech
MuscleTech Nitro Tech Whey Protein
Product Highlights
- 30 g of protein per serving
- Combines whey protein isolate and peptides
- Contains 3 g creatine per serving
- 6.6 g BCAAs per serving
- Claims to build 70% more muscle than regular whey
- Available in 4 flavors
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 30 g of protein per serving
- Whey protein and creatine in one supplement
- Available in 2 sizes
- 30-day return policy
Cons
- Cookies & Cream only available in 2-lb package
- Large serving size at 45 g
- Contains soy
- Uses artificial flavors
- Customer reviews dislike taste
Bottom Line
MuscleTech Nitro Tech Whey Protein has 30 grams of protein per serving. It also contains 3 grams of creatine, and 6.6 grams of BCAAs. Both positive and negative reviews noted that they disliked the taste of the protein. However, some customers still loved the protein powder because of the amount of protein and creatine.
A Quick Look at MuscleTech Nitro Tech
MuscleTech is one of the most well known fitness supplement brands on the market. MuscleTech has pioneered the supplement industry for over 25 years, and continues to innovate by funding sports science research and developing patented products to meet every fitness goal.
MuscleTech offers high-quality whey protein powders, and a host of pre- and post-workout supplements for bodybuilding and muscle recovery. This review focuses on Lauren’s experience using the flagship Nitro Tech Milk Chocolate whey protein powder.
RELATED: Best-Tasting Protein Powder
Before You Buy
- Flavors include Cookies and Cream, Milk Chocolate, Vanilla Cream, Strawberry
- 30 g of protein as whey peptides and whey isolate, 3 g creatine per serving
- 6.6 g BCAAs per serving
- Subscription plan or one-time purchase options
Is MuscleTech Nitro Tech Worth It?
Protein is important for maintaining and building lean muscle mass, particularly among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The right protein supplement should meet your needs, including the price and taste. MuscleTech Nitro Tech whey protein is a quality product, but it earned a less than stellar 1 and 3 stars for price per serving and taste, respectively.
Great for:
- Weight loss and lean muscle mass
- Bodybuilding and weight loss
- Low glycemic, low-carbohydrate diets
Not recommended for:
- Budget-conscious shoppers
- Vegan or plant-based eaters
- People who are lactose intolerant, or anyone wishing to avoid artificial sweeteners and artificial flavors
MuscleTech Nitro Tech Specs
| Price per serving | $2.04 ($44.99, 22 servings) |
| Serving size | 46 g |
| Type of protein | Whey (whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, whey peptides) |
| Protein content | 30 g protein |
| Carb content | 4 g carbohydrates (2 g sugars) |
| Fat content | 3 g (1.5g saturated fat) |
| Notable ingredients | Acesulfame-sulfate, sucralose, potential allergens |
| Flavors | Milk Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Vanilla Cream |
| Third-party tested? | No |
Experience Using MuscleTech Nitro Tech
GGR Senior Staff Writer and Certified Personal Trainer Lauren Strong gave MuscleTech Nitro Tech whey protein a thorough test. She’s reviewed tons of protein supplements, so she knows what makes a good protein powder.
I’m a personal trainer myself, so I like to think I know what makes a protein powder good for recovery and lean muscle, as well as the many other benefits of protein. I’ll share Lauren’s experience with Nitro Tech, with a little bit of my own insight, and how it compares to different types of protein.
Price Per Serving
Nitro Tech earned 1 out of 5 stars on price. Lauren tested a 2-pound container, which cost $44.99. At 22 servings, this comes out to a hefty $2.04 per serving. For reference, we give the highest scores to supplements that run $1.50 or less per serving.
At two servings per day (60 grams of protein), one container would last barely two weeks. You’d need at least two containers per month, which is almost $90. This protein also comes in a 4-pound container at $74.99, which is cheaper per serving at $1.87 with 40 servings. You have the option for subscriptions, too.
RELATED: DIY Protein Shake
Formulation
Nitro Tech is a no-nonsense protein powder, and for that we gave it 5 out of 5 stars. A typical serving looks like this:
- 160 calories
- 4 g carbs
- 3 g fats
- 30 g protein
The Recommended Dietary Allowance for protein is 0.8g/kg1. This is the amount of protein required to maintain normal functioning. I would consider this a high-protein supplement, and one serving is sufficient to help meet this goal. Each scoop of Nitro Tech also contains 3 grams of creatine, which can help promote energy production during anaerobic exercise2, meaning more energy to lift more weights. The International Society of Sports Nutrition3 supports creatine use and recognizes it as the most effective ergogenic aid to support strength training. I’m personally not a fan of adding creatine to other supplements, and I advise my clients to use it as a separate supplement so they can have more control over dosage.
Finally, Nitro Tech contains 6.6 grams of BCAAs (branched chain amino acids), and 5 grams of glutamine, both of which promote muscle growth and recovery4.
RELATED: Best Protein Powder for Muscle Gain
Taste and Solubility
For taste, Nitro Tech earned 3 out of 5 stars. Lauren Strong, CPT, tried the Milk Chocolate flavor and wasn’t impressed. “When I first opened the canister the smell and taste was honestly pretty bad,” Lauren says.
“However, I tried it again after a few weeks and have been drinking it regularly since. It’s almost like the smell and taste calmed down. It has a chocolatey flavor but it’s not the best, it’s a bit too sugary for me but I’m sure most folks will get along just fine.”
For mixability, we rated Nitro Tech 5 out of 5 stars since Lauren had no problems mixing it with different beverages like water or coffee.
Side Effects
Lauren noticed no side effects, so she gave Nitro Tech 5 stars. It should be noted that MuscleTech products do use artificial flavors and artificial sweeteners, so anyone sensitive to those may want to steer clear. The creatine, while a nice addition, may also contribute to bloating or water retention.
These proteins are also manufactured in facilities that also process common allergens such as peanuts, shellfish, and eggs.
RELATED: Best Protein Powder for Sensitive Stomachs
Third-Party Testing
MuscleTech products are not third-party tested, so they earned 1 out of 5 stars in this category. However MuscleTech does test internally for banned substances, although they don’t disclose which substances they test or any other testing practices.
GGR had the accredited lab Ellipse Analytics test over 150 protein powders for label accuracy and purity, including Nitro Tech. Overall it scored Above Average, meaning it’s in the top 25% of products tested. For more information on the meaning of these criteria, check out our Independent Supplement Testing Glossary.
MuscleTech Nitro Tech vs Body Fortress Whey Protein
Body Fortress Whey Protein
Body Fortress Whey Protein
Product Highlights
- Available in 5 flavors
- 30 g of protein per scoop
- Contains vitamins C & D, plus zinc
- Mixes well and reportedly tastes good
Pros & Cons
Pros
- High protein content
- Mixes well
- Added vitamins for immunity
Cons
- Sucralose can cause GI problems
- Large serving size
- Reports of misleading allergen information
Bottom Line
If you do not mind artificial sweeteners or additives in your protein, Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein provides 30 grams of whey protein per 45-gram serving.
A protein powder that is similar to Nitro Tech is Body Fortress Whey Protein. They both include 30 grams of protein, but Body Fortress has higher amounts of fats and carbs. The Body Fortress Whey is a little more affordable than Nitro Tech and is third-party tested.
| MuscleTech Nitro Tech | Body Fortress Whey Protein | |
| Price per serving | $2.04 per scoop (2-lb tub – $44.99, 22 servings); $1.87 per scoop (4-lb tub, $74.99, 30 servings) | $1.66 per scoop (1.74-lb tub), $1.33 per scoop (2-lb. tub) |
| Serving size | 46 g (1 scoop) | 50 g (1 scoop) |
| Type of protein | Whey (whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, whey peptides) | Whey (whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate) |
| Protein content | 30 g | 30 g |
| Carb content | 4 g carbohydrates (2 g sugars) | 7 g carbohydrates (3 g sugars) |
| Fat content | 3 g (1.5 g saturated fat) | 4 g (2 g saturated fat) |
| Third-party tested? | No | NSF |
Customer Experience
MuscleTech is a big company and takes its products seriously. They have a robust return/refund policy, and their website aims to promote their latest research, products, and testimonials. For this they earn 5 stars from us in this category.
Purchasing Options
MuscleTech offers both one-time and subscription-based purchasing options. The subscriptions renew according to the product, and the subscription prices are also decreased.
Returns/Refunds
MuscleTech offers returns or refunds on many of its products, if initiated within 60 days of purchase.
Customer Reviews
Nitro Tech has an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars on the MuscleTech website, from over 300 reviews, which is great feedback. On Amazon, Nitro Tech has an overall rating of 4.5 stars from over 6,700 reviews.
Most of the favorable reviews mention the high protein content, mixability, and appreciation for the creatine. Some others like that it’s a simple, low-carb supplement. But, and there’s always a but, there were some common complaints. A lot, and I mean a LOT, of the poor reviews agreed that the taste was bad, mirroring our tester’s thoughts. A handful of reviewers were divided over the creatine, some in favor, some wanting no creatine in their protein.
Final Verdict of Our MuscleTech Nitro Tech Review
If you’re looking for a high-protein, low-carb powder, and have a little extra cash to spend, MuscleTech Nitro Tech whey protein powder is worth considering. Nitro Tech is high in protein, so it serves as a great standalone protein, but also works well with smoothies. Milk Chocolate may leave something to be desired in terms of flavor, so you may want to consider others. Here are a few key takeaways to keep in mind before you start scooping:
- The decent serving of protein is ideal for anyone who needs large protein servings.
- It comes in many flavors, sizes (2-lb or 4-lb), and purchasing options give you some flexibility.
- Creatine is a nice addition, but it’s not necessary and may cause unwanted bloating or water retention.
- Not suitable for anyone following a vegan diet or avoiding artificial ingredients.
- Lack of third-party testing may deter anyone who wants a more transparent ingredient trail .
Full Rating
MuscleTech Nitro Tech
MuscleTech Nitro Tech Whey Protein has 30 grams of protein per serving. It also contains 3 grams of creatine, and 6.6 grams of BCAAs. Both positive and negative reviews noted that they disliked the taste of the protein. However, some customers still loved the protein powder because of the amount of protein and creatine.
Product Brand: MuscleTech
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 49.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.72
MuscleTech Nitro Tech: FAQs
Is MuscleTech Nitro Tech good for you?
Nitro Tech has a good portion of whey protein isolate, which is easy to break down and promotes protein synthesis. It also has BCAAs and glutamine, both of which support protein synthesis and muscle recovery.
Is Nitro-Tech a good brand?
Yes, MuscleTech has been around for over two decades and produces quality proteins and supplements. They also have tons of research publications and educational information.
What are Nitro-Tech side effects?
Nitro Tech protein has minimal or no side effects. However, it does contain common food allergens some may want to avoid. It also contains creatine, which you may not want if you are already taking it separately.
Is MuscleTech a good supplement?
Yes. MuscleTech Nitro Tech contains a good serving of protein, additional BCAAs, and is low in sugar and fats. This profile is ideal for maintaining and gaining lean muscle and weight loss. MuscleTech Nitro Tech works well alone or in smoothies.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
References
- Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids. 2005; Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/10490
- Wax, B., Kerksick, C. M., Jagim, A. R., Mayo, J. J., Lyons, B. C., & Kreider, R. B. (2021). Creatine for Exercise and Sports Performance, with Recovery Considerations for Healthy Populations. Nutrients, 13(6), 1915. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13061915
- Buford, T. W., Kreider, R. B., Stout, J. R., Greenwood, M., Campbell, B., Spano, M., Ziegenfuss, T., Lopez, H., Landis, J., & Antonio, J. (2007). International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: creatine supplementation and exercise. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 4, 6. https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-4-6
- Kaspy, M. S., Hannaian, S. J., Bell, Z. W., & Churchward-Venne, T. A. (2023). The effects of branched-chain amino acids on muscle protein synthesis, muscle protein breakdown and associated molecular signalling responses in humans: an update. Nutrition Research Reviews, 1–14. doi:10.1017/S0954422423000197
Further reading
Partaking in a 28-day calisthenics challenge may help to improve your strength and mental health. A CPT gives a sample calisthenics workout for you to try. Read more
Do massage guns work? Here’s what the experts say about how they can help with muscle recovery, pain, and mobility. Read more
If you just want the benefits of pre-workout without added creatine, we’ve got our top picks for the best pre-workout without creatine here. Read more
Are you ready for a kettlebell shoulder workout that will torch your traps and demolish your delts? We’ve got three! Check them out! Read more