Review of MusclePharm Arnold Iron Whey

Is the MusclePharm Arnold Whey protein powder a good product? Is it cheap protein? Read on to find out.

Rating: 4 (out of 5)

Is the MusclePharm Arnold Iron whey protein product cheap protein? Welcome to this review of MusclePharm Arnold Iron whey protein supplement product. In this review, I will hopefully give you a good overview of this product’s features, benefits and unique elements. Whether or not it’s the best whey protein powder on the market is debatable, but it is certainly a player in the whey protein supplement market space.

What is unique about this product is that famed bodybuilder, actor, politician and businessman Arnold Schwarzenegger has endorsed it. In their promotional literature for the new Arnold line at MusclePharm, Schwarzenegger is quoted as saying, “After meeting with the MusclePharm® team, learning about the company, and spending time with the founders, I knew they were the protein-powder2perfect partners to start a line of nutritional supplements and continue promoting fitness around the world. Their passion for sports nutrition and science fits perfectly with my mission to help everyone discover the benefits of health and nutrition. I’m excited to partner with MusclePharm® on the exclusive Arnold Series and develop this line of nutritional supplements that not only carry my name but also represent my lifelong commitment to fitness.”

Quite honestly, it’s really doubtful that Schwarzenegger worked closely with MusclePharm in developing this product. He is in fact endorsing it as they are paying him to use his name.

Let’s now get into this offering by MusclePharm and their Arnold Iron whey protein supplement.

MusclePharm Arnold Iron Whey Product Features — Is It Cheap Protein?

No, this is not a cheap protein supplement product. MusclePharm has all of their workout supplements made with very strict standards. Its in-house manufacturing operation has been registered under the NSF International, The Public Health and Safety Company, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Program.

NSF GMP ComplianceMusclePharm also has NSF Certified for Sport registered GMP certification. Again, that is highly desirable and an indicator of high product quality. In the hyper-competitive world of bodybuilding supplements, this is a real mark of distinction. This NSF certification also mandates the non-inclusion of prohibited or banned substances as well.

Let’s talk about the ingredients in this whey protein product. The all-important protein matrix of the product is:

  • Whey protein concentrate
  • Whey protein isolate
  • Whey protein hydrolysate

Each scoop or serving comes with 22 grams of protein and 120 calories with only 9 of those calories coming from fat.

It also has excellent BCAAs (branched chain amino acids) like Leucine, valine, and L-Glutamine.

What about flavors? Right now the MusclePharm Arnold Iron product only comes in two flavors, chocolate and vanilla in 2 and 5 pound canister options.

MusclePharm says that while this is a protein supplement, it can be taken to three times a day before and after workout, although I would not classify it as a pre-workout supplement.

It should also be mentioned that this product was produced in a facility that also processes ingredients having milk, egg, soybeans and shell foods. If you have an allergy to any of those, see your doctor before taking it.

What’s The Price for Quality Protein and Cheap Protein?

Depending on where you go online, this product’s price ranges depending on size of container. The price ranges are broken down as follows:

Does It Include a Guarantee?

MusclePharm stands behind their products completely, but like most vendors defers to their retail partners, whether offline or online, when handling returns (unless you buy from them directly). So, Product guaranteeif you buy from Amazon, for example, Amazon will handle the returns and reimbursement of monies.

You can read about Amazon’s guarantee here, if interested. I do recommend Amazon for their prices as well as for their great customer service. You don’t become a $37 billion a year company without having good customer service.

Consumer Reviews & Testimonials

While this is a new product in the overcrowded whey protein supplement space, it has met with good success both critically as well as in the marketplace. On Amazon.com, this product from just one vendor has 33 customer reviews with an average score of 3.8 out of 5.00. On another well known site, it has 296 reviews (as of this writing) scoring 9.1 out of a possible 10.00.

Marketing material may say one thing, but customer comments are usually very helpful to people in making their decision to buy or not. So clearly, this is not cheap protein powder.

Works Great, Tastes Great
By MJP on November 13, 2013
Flavor Name: Chocolate
Size Name: 5 Pound Amazon Verified Purchase

I guess I’m a little confused by all the negative reviews on here. I have had a lot of experience with different protein supplements and this supplement is high quality. Low quality protein supplements give you gas even when you take the right amount. This particular brand does not give you gas. I do not drink a protein shake for the taste. With that said, this protein supp is far above average. I’m super confused why people are commenting on taste. I think most serious athletes could care less about the taste. The nutritional profile is above average. Is it the best? Not really. Take a look dumbbellsat the supplements that have the best and evaluate whether you actually need what they are selling. My paycheck does not depend on adding 10 lbs of lean muscles so I’m OK with taking a high quality product and not the very best. This is a really solid supplement. I got this supplement on sale but even at the current price of $45 for 5 lbs, it’s a pretty good deal. I will most likely order some more when I run out. I think it tastes great but even more importantly, it’s a quality product. Give this supplement a shot.

Solid Whey Protein Blend
By Robert O’Brien on December 7, 2013
Flavor Name: Chocolate
Size Name: 5 Pound Amazon Verified Purchase

Tastes great, mixes well. This is a whey blend, so perfect for pre, post workout, or adding additional protein to a meal.

Arnold Iron Whey (Chocolate)
By Eric Bousquet on October 11, 2013
Flavor Name: Chocolate
Size Name: 5 Pound Amazon Verified Purchase

This stuff tastes like Cookie Crisp, but smells like vinegar. My mind is blown every time I open the jug. I’m boring so I always get chocolate whey, and this is the first time a brand has smelled of anything other than chocolate. The nutritional profile isn’t bad (22g protein, 6g carbs (2.5g sugar), 120 calories, “3.1.2 Patent pending BCAA ratio”). If you like Cookie Crisp and it’s on sale, I’d highly recommend it. If you are to pay full price, I’d recommend other brands with slightly better nutritional profiles and value (more protein, less sugar, more servings.)

Poor Taste
By Mark W on December 18, 2013
Flavor Name: Vanilla
Size Name: 5 Pound Amazon Verified Purchase

There is a strange smell and aftertaste to this protein. I am working through Chocolate flavor right now. Not the worst I’ve had but I won’t buy this flavor again.
As you can see, overall, this is a well-received product. But there are a few complaints here and there.

Are There Any Customer Complaints? Is It Cheap Protein?

This is a good, quality protein. I would not classify it as a “cheap protein” product either. MusclePharm produces quality muscle building supplements and this will undoubtedly be a good seller for them.

Where Can I Buy It?

Cheap ProteinYou can buy it here, but you are free to choose. I recommend buying it on Amazon as you will get the cheapest price available whether online or offline. Plus, as mentioned, they have a good guarantee.

I hope that this review has been helpful to you in determining whether or not the MusclePharm Arnold Iron Whey is a cheap protein product or not.

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