Drink milk to build strong bones. Drink Muscle Milk to build strong muscles. But drink Muscle Milk Zero Protein to…? We put this low-calorie shake to the test to find out. (Don’t worry—“Zero” just means zero added sugars, not zero gains). In this Muscle Milk Zero Protein Shake review, our expert tester and I—a registered dietitian—zero in on this ready-to-drink option so you can decide if it’s right for you.
But will it be the best protein shake for everyone? Likely not, though it still has plenty going for it, earning an overall rating well above the average. Below, we share what we thought of it in our testing and how its formulation stacks up against similar products.
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.
We’ve Muscled Through 100+ Protein Powders and Shakes
At GGR, our team of certified trainers, registered dietitians, nutritionists, and strength specialists has tested over 100 protein powders—including over 20 ready-to-drink shakes like this one—to find the best supplements to support your goals when high-protein foods aren’t the most convenient choice.
Each product is evaluated using our GGR supplement testing methodology, which rates protein shakes across several key categories as objectively as possible:
- Price per serving: Products under $2.50 per serving score highest, though pricier options can still receive high ratings if ingredient quality, research-backed formulations, or effectiveness justify the cost.
- Formulation: We prioritize shakes and powders with at least 20 grams of protein per serving, sourced from high-quality sources, including whey protein and complementary plant-based blends. Formulas with minimal fillers and beneficial extras, such as vitamins and minerals, also earn top marks.
- Taste: We combine feedback from expert testers with customer reviews to identify great-tasting options that are enjoyable to drink—without unpleasant aftertastes.
- Texture: We evaluate whether each shake feels watery or creamy, assessing their overall mouthfeel.
- Side effects: Most shakes are gentle on digestion, but some can cause bloating, gas, or other discomforts. We share real experiences, including any positive effects, and flag potential irritants—like lactose or sugar alcohols—so you know what to expect before trying a product.
Muscle Milk Zero is the sugar-free version of the popular protein shake brand. One shake contains 20 grams of protein, no sugar, and 100 calories. Muscle Milk products are NSF Certified for Sport, meaning athletes can drink these worry-free. The shakes only come in two flavors, though: chocolate and vanilla.
What our tester says:
“There is a hint of an artificial sweetener taste, which I would expect from any zero-sugar product, but I didn’t detect any aftertaste.”
A Quick Look at Muscle Milk Zero Protein Shake
Muscle Milk isn’t exactly a stranger, and you’ve likely spotted it at gas stations, local stores, or online. It has built a strong reputation for high-quality protein products, and its powders—like Muscle Milk Genuine Protein—are NSF Certified for Sport, so you can trust they’re pure and free from banned substances.
But what if you don’t want to scoop and mix, yet crave a chocolate protein shake? Enter Muscle Milk Zero—a low-calorie, ready-to-drink shake that delivers 20 grams of milk-based protein. That said, there are a few things to consider before you grab a carton.
Before You Buy
- Muscle Milk products are sold exclusively through third-party retailers, and prices can vary, so it’s worth shopping around for the best deal.
- Although marketed as “non-dairy,” Muscle Milk Zero isn’t completely milk-free—it contains milk-derived proteins. That said, these milk ingredients are low in lactose, so people with lactose intolerance may tolerate them without issue. Still, it’s not suitable for those with a true milk allergy.
Is Muscle Milk Zero Protein Shake Worth It?
At $2.33 per shake on Amazon at the time of writing, Muscle Milk Zero Protein Shakes offer solid value and may be a worthwhile choice for the right individuals.
Great for:
- People managing their weight who want a satisfying, low-calorie protein option
- Active adults or gym-goers seeking a convenient post-workout recovery shake
- Those who prefer ready-to-drink shakes over powders for on-the-go nutrition
Not recommended for:
- People looking for a higher-protein meal replacement (Muscle Milk Pro Series Powder might be a better fit)
- Anyone with a milk allergy or those following an entirely dairy-free diet
- Individuals who want to avoid artificial sweeteners or gums
Muscle Milk Zero Protein Shake Specs
| Price per serving | $2.33 |
| Serving size | 1 container (11.16 fluid ounces) |
| Calories per serving | 100 cals |
| Protein per serving | 20 g |
| Third-party testing | n/a |
| Sweeteners | Sucralose, acesulfame potassium |
| Flavors | Chocolate, Strawberry Banana, Vanilla Crème |
Experience Using Muscle Milk Zero Protein Shake
GGR senior editor Cait Giddings served as our expert tester for this review. She found the shake satisfying, with a rich, hot-chocolate-like color when poured into a glass. Cait also noted that it “left no sludge at the bottom when I finished chugging it,” suggesting she enjoyed it quickly, all the way to the last drop.
That’s a strong first impression—let’s dive into her full experience and the accompanying details.
Price Per Serving
Price per serving varies depending on where you buy it. At the time of writing, a single bottle costs about $2.33 on Amazon, $2.50 at Target, and $2.00 at Walmart.
Despite price differences, even the highest price point remains budget-friendly compared to other protein shakes on the market, earning a 5 out of 5 for price per serving.
Formulation
Each Muscle Milk Zero Protein Shake delivers 100 calories, 20 grams of protein, 7 grams of carbohydrates (including 4 grams of fiber), and just 1 gram of fat. The protein blend—calcium caseinate, milk protein isolate, sodium caseinate—of slower- and faster-digesting proteins support muscle growth and recovery while potentially keeping you fuller between meals.
Muscle Milk Zero Protein Shakes contain milk-based ingredients, making them a naturally good source of calcium. They are also fortified with 20% to 35% of the Daily Value (DV) of vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin D3 (the most bioactive form of vitamin D1 for fortification).
The formula includes several artificial sweeteners, flavors, and texturizers, such as cellulose gel, cellulose gum, and carrageenan. While common in ready-to-drink shakes for texture and stability, these may be a drawback for those avoiding additives or sensitive to sweeteners.
TL;DR: Muscle Milk Zero Protein Shakes provide 20 grams of protein for just 100 calories, along with fiber and select micronutrients. While the inclusion of artificial ingredients and thickeners lowers the formulation rating to 3.5 out of 5, it remains a convenient option to reach your protein requirements.
Taste and Solubility
Cait rated the Chocolate flavor of Muscle Milk Zero Protein Shake a 5 out of 5 for taste. Despite picking up a faint hint of artificial sweetness, she described it as “delicious and reminiscent of whole chocolate milk.” She adds, “It reminded me of Nesquik mixed into whole milk—the ultimate grandparents’-house luxury drink of my childhood.”
Texture also earned a stellar 5 out of 5 thanks to its smooth consistency that “goes down like chocolate milk.” Though not as thick as a shake or smoothie, Cait noted, “It’s a little thicker than regular milk, with more of a dairy creamer consistency.”
Side Effects
Cait found Muscle Milk Zero Protein Shake surprisingly filling for a 100-calorie product, sharing, “I grabbed a carton on the way out the door with my kids in lieu of breakfast, and only after I went to the gym and started answering emails three hours later did I feel like I needed to eat something else.”
Beyond keeping her satisfied, Cait considers them a helpful supplement—even as someone following a healthy vegetarian diet rich in legumes. She shared, “I’ll probably start buying it occasionally when I feel like my protein intake isn’t keeping up with my workouts.”
While individual responses may vary—particularly for those sensitive to milk or artificial sweeteners—Cait’s experience earns a perfect 5 out of 5 for side effects.
Third-Party Testing
Muscle Milk Zero Protein Shakes are classified as a food product rather than a dietary supplement, so they aren’t subject to third-party testing requirements.
Muscle Milk Zero Protein Shake vs Premier Protein Shake
Premier Protein Shakes are a great tasting, widely available protein shake option with a great amount of protein and very low sugar content.
Muscle Milk Zero Protein Shakes and Premier Protein Shakes are convenient protein drinks without added sugars. However, which one you choose mostly comes down to your protein needs and preferences:
- Protein source and content: Muscle Milk Zero provides 20 grams of protein per bottle from calcium caseinate, milk protein isolate, and sodium caseinate, while Premier Protein delivers 30 grams from milk protein concentrate. These milk-based types of protein both support muscle-building, but Premier Protein’s higher protein content may be better for those with higher needs.
- Calories and macros: Muscle Milk Zero is lower in calories (100), with 7 grams of carbs (including 4 grams of fiber) and just 1 gram of fat. Premier Protein contains 160 calories with up to 6 grams of carbs and 3 grams of fat, making it slightly more calorie-dense.
- Micronutrients: Muscle Milk Zero adds vitamins A, C, and D, whereas Premier Protein includes these plus 15 more essential vitamins and minerals—most providing 25% of the Daily Value.
- Flavor variety: Muscle Milk Zero comes in three flavors, while Premier Protein offers 15+ flavors, including a variety pack option.
If you’re still on the fence, check out our full Premier Protein Shake review and comparison table below for more details.
| Muscle Milk Zero Protein Shake | Premier Protein Shake | |
| Price per serving | $2.33 | $2.62 |
| Serving size | 1 shake (11.16 fl oz) | 1 shake (11.5 fl oz) |
| Calories per serving | 100 cals | 160 cals |
| Protein per serving | 20 g | 30 g |
| Third-party testing | n/a | n/a |
| Sweeteners | Sucralose, acesulfame potassium | Sucralose, acesulfame potassium |
| Flavors | Chocolate, Strawberry Banana, Vanilla Crème | 15+ flavors, such as Caramel, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cake Batter, Strawberries & Cream, and Vanilla |
Customer Experience
The Muscle Milk website offers recipe ideas to help you shake up your protein routine, along with contact information and a product locator. However, Muscle Milk products are sold exclusively through third-party retailers. We recommend reviewing the retailer’s policies—like returns and refunds—and contacting them directly to ensure a smooth ordering experience.
Also, since Muscle Milk is part of PepsiCo, and you can join PepsiCo Tasty Rewards for free to access exclusive offers, sweepstakes, and other perks.
Ordering Muscle Milk Zero Protein Shake
Because Muscle Milk isn’t sold directly on its website, getting the Zero Protein Shake takes a few extra steps. Using the “Buy Now” and “Find Online” options on the Muscle Milk site, I was directed to Amazon and Instacart. For my Missouri-based zip code, it was available at Target, Schnucks, and other local grocers.
While this setup offers plenty of purchase options, it can feel a bit inconvenient for buyers—like me—who prefer a straightforward online checkout with consistent pricing.
Customer Reviews
Muscle Milk Zero Protein Shake holds a strong 4.5 out of 5 rating from over 5,300 reviews. Many customers appreciate its zero-sugar formula and on-the-go convenience, with several noting they purchase it regularly. While most praise its taste, smooth texture, and satisfying formula, some mention that the bottle can be difficult to open and that the price feels slightly high for the portion size.
Final Verdict of Our Muscle Milk Zero Protein Shake Review
Muscle Milk Zero Protein Shake is a low-calorie, ready-to-drink option for on-the-go nutrition. Before you shake and sip, here are the key takeaways:
- Provides 20 grams of milk-based protein per 11-ounce serving, supporting muscle health, satiety, and hydration.
- Contains just 100 calories, 7 grams of carbohydrates (including 4 grams of fiber), and 1 gram of fat, making it a lean choice for those wanting to maintain weight or lose body fat.
- Zero added sugar with artificial sweeteners, which help keep calories low but may be a concern for those avoiding sweeteners.
- Consistently solid feedback for texture and taste, though it’s only available in three flavors.
- Not suitable for individuals with milk allergies or those looking for a higher-protein meal replacement.
Muscle Milk Zero Protein Shake
Muscle Milk Zero is the sugar-free version of the popular protein shake brand. One shake contains 20 grams of protein, no sugar, and 100 calories. Muscle Milk products are NSF Certified for Sport, meaning athletes can drink these worry-free. The shakes only come in two flavors, though: chocolate and vanilla.
Product Brand: Muscle Milk
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 27.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.2
Muscle Milk Zero Protein Shake Review: FAQs
Is Muscle Milk protein shake healthy for you?
Muscle Milk protein shakes are a convenient way to boost protein intake, supporting muscle recovery, satiety, and overall wellness. However, most formulas contain artificial flavors, sweeteners, and additives like gums and oils, which may be a drawback for those avoiding overly-processed ingredients.
What is the healthiest non-dairy protein shake?
The healthiest non-dairy protein shake depends on your individual needs and preferences. Some “non-dairy” options still contain milk-derived ingredients and aren’t suitable for those with allergies, while others may include artificial sweeteners or additives that some people prefer to avoid.
As a general rule, choose a shake that provides at least 20 grams of protein, minimal carbs and fat, and uses high-quality, complementary plant proteins to supply all essential amino acids needed to support muscle recovery and overall health.
Is it OK to drink protein shakes while trying to lose weight?
Drinking Muscle Milk every day is generally OK, as long as you’re also getting enough calories, carbs, and healthy fats to meet your overall nutrition needs—and not using it as a complete replacement for whole foods.
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
- Vieth R. Vitamin D supplementation: cholecalciferol, calcifediol, and calcitriol. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2020 Nov;74(11):1493-1497. doi: 10.1038/s41430-020-0697-1. Epub 2020 Jul 23. PMID: 32704098.
