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Muscle Milk is a company that manufactures and markets a variety of protein supplements and protein-rich food products. The company was founded by Greg Pickett, who is also involved in North American sports car racing. Muscle Milk has been involved in several controversies, including a dispute with Nestlé USA over misleading advertising and the presence of heavy metals in some of its products. Muscle Milk was acquired by PepsiCo in 2019 and continues to operate as a funded company with a range of protein shakes, powders, and bars.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Manufactured by | CytoSport |
| Manufactured and marketed by | Muscle Milk |
| Owner and founder | Greg Pickett |
| CEO | Greg Longstreet |
| Headquarters | Walnut Creek, California, United States |
| Parent company | PepsiCo |
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What You'll Learn
Muscle Milk is manufactured by CytoSport
In recent years, CytoSport and its Muscle Milk product line have faced some controversies. In 2010, a Consumer Reports investigation found that two of the Muscle Milk products—the Chocolate powder and Vanilla Crème powder—contained levels of heavy metals near or exceeding the limits proposed by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). Specifically, the Chocolate powder was found to have high levels of cadmium, lead, arsenic, and mercury, while the Vanilla Crème powder exceeded limits for lead and arsenic.
In response to these findings, CytoSport defended its products, stating that its popular Muscle Milk Chocolate liquid shakes did not exceed the proposed maximum levels of heavy metals, even when consumed three times per day. The company also received support from NSF International, which disputed the heavy metal concentration levels stated in the Consumer Reports article.
Despite this rebuttal, the National Advertising Division (NAD) of the Council of Better Business Bureaus (BBB) referred advertising claims made by CytoSport for Muscle Milk to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for further review in 2009. Additionally, Nestle USA challenged CytoSport's marketing of Muscle Milk, arguing that it was misleading consumers into thinking it was a supplemented milk product instead of a dietary supplement.
Amidst these controversies, Muscle Milk and its parent company, CytoSport, have continued to operate and expand. Greg Pickett, the founder, has also been involved in North American sports car racing, achieving success in various championships before refocusing his attention on the expansion of the Muscle Milk brand.
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The company has been involved in disputes over advertising and product safety
Muscle Milk has been at the centre of several disputes over advertising and product safety. The product is manufactured by CytoSport, which was founded by Greg Pickett and is now owned by Hormel Foods Corp.
In 2009, Nestlé USA challenged CytoSport, claiming that Muscle Milk was deceptively named and marketed because it does not contain any milk. Nestlé filed a complaint with the National Advertising Division (NAD) of the Council of Better Business Bureaus (BBB), arguing that consumers would be misled into thinking it was a supplemented milk product instead of a dietary supplement. CytoSport declined to participate in the NAD review, stating that it was unnecessary and inappropriate. As a result, the NAD referred the matter to the Federal Trade Commission and the Food and Drug Administration. Nestlé also filed a petition to revoke Muscle Milk's trademark, describing it as "deceptively misdescriptive". CytoSport countered that it had never marketed Muscle Milk as flavoured dairy milk, but as a product modelled after human mother's milk.
In 2010, a US consumer advocacy magazine, Consumer Reports, found that two Muscle Milk products contained levels of heavy metals near or exceeding the limits proposed by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). The Chocolate powder variety was found to have four heavy metals: cadmium, lead, arsenic, and mercury. Three of these metals were at the highest levels of all the health drinks tested. The average cadmium and lead levels in three daily servings exceeded the USP limits of 5 μg and 10 μg per day, respectively. The average arsenic level of 12.2 μg was also near the USP limit of 15 μg per day. Similarly, the Vanilla Crème powder variety exceeded the lead limits and had substantial amounts of arsenic. In response, CytoSport emphasised that its most popular product, Muscle Milk Chocolate liquid shakes, did not exceed the proposed maximum levels of any heavy metals tested, even with multiple daily servings.
In 2013, CytoSport agreed to pay over $5 million to settle a class-action lawsuit accusing the company of misrepresenting the fat content in its products and falsely advertising them as "healthy". In 2015, the company faced another lawsuit alleging that its product labels overstated Muscle Milk's nutritional benefits, particularly regarding protein content and the use of the term "lean". The plaintiffs, consumers who purchased the products, argued that Muscle Milk's protein content was overstated and that the product was not any leaner than similar products on the market.
CytoSport has also been accused of misleading consumers about the presence of certain nutrients in Muscle Milk. The plaintiffs in the 2015 lawsuit claimed that the packaging highlighted protein and amino acid (L-Glutamine) content that could not be substantiated through independent testing. Additionally, they argued that representing Muscle Milk products as "lean" violated federal law and statutes in California, Florida, and Michigan.
Muscle Milk has been involved in trademark disputes with other companies, both as the plaintiff and defendant. While it has blocked competitors from using the word "milk" in their product names, it has also faced opposition from rival companies seeking to cancel its trademark registrations due to the absence of actual milk in its products.
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It was founded by Greg Pickett, who also owns a sports car racing team
Muscle Milk is manufactured by CytoSport, which was founded by Greg Pickett. Pickett is also the owner and creator of Muscle Milk, and he helped make protein drinks more palatable for mainstream consumers. In 2017, about two years after selling CytoSport to Hormel Foods for $450 million, Pickett launched Flavor Insights, a flavour innovation and product development firm.
Pickett is also known for his involvement in a championship-winning North American sports car racing team. Founded in 2007, the team has competed in the American Le Mans Series, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the Tudor United SportsCar Championship. They have achieved overall and class victories, as well as the 2012 and 2013 American Le Mans Series LMP1 Drivers' and Teams' Championships.
The success of Muscle Milk as a signature product of CytoSport contributed significantly to the company's rapid growth and popularity in the sports nutrition market. By 2008, CytoSport reached $200 million in annual revenue, and the company was named Small Company of the Year by Beverage World magazine and Beverage Marketing Corporation. This recognition highlighted CytoSport's transformation from a small startup to a leading provider of sports nutrition products.
However, Muscle Milk and CytoSport also faced challenges along the way. In 2010, a Consumer Reports investigation found that two Muscle Milk products, Chocolate powder, and Vanilla Crème powder, contained levels of heavy metals near or exceeding the limits proposed by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). This discovery led to concerns about product safety and sparked a debate about the accuracy of Muscle Milk's promotional claims.
Despite these setbacks, Muscle Milk remained a sought-after asset, and in 2019, Hormel sold the CytoSport business, including Muscle Milk and Evolve sports nutrition brands, to PepsiCo, Inc. for a combined value of over $900 million. This sale demonstrated the enduring appeal and commercial value of the Muscle Milk brand, even amidst controversies.
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Muscle Milk was acquired by PepsiCo
Muscle Milk, a brand of sports and wellness products, was acquired by PepsiCo in 2019. The acquisition was the first made by PepsiCo's new CEO, Ramon Laguarta, who purchased the brand from Hormel Foods Corp for an undisclosed amount.
Muscle Milk was founded by Greg Pickett in 2007. The brand has been involved in controversy over its advertising and product safety. In 2009, the National Advertising Division (NAD) of the Council of Better Business Bureaus (BBB) referred advertising claims made by Muscle Milk's parent company, CytoSport Beverage Co., to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and U.S. Food and Drug Administration for review. The NAD alleged that Muscle Milk's marketing was false and misleading, giving consumers the impression that it was a supplemented milk product rather than a dietary supplement. In addition, a 2010 investigation by Consumer Reports found that two of Muscle Milk's products contained levels of heavy metals near or exceeding the limits proposed by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP).
Despite these controversies, Muscle Milk has been successful in the market, particularly among consumers seeking protein-rich health and sports drinks. The brand has a range of protein products that feature the nutrients demanded by active individuals.
With the acquisition of Muscle Milk, PepsiCo has expanded its portfolio of health and wellness brands. The company has expressed interest in growing its business through partnerships with brands that align with modern health trends, and Muscle Milk fits within this strategy. PepsiCo has a history of acquiring popular beverage brands, and the addition of Muscle Milk to its portfolio demonstrates the company's recognition of the growing consumer demand for healthier drink options.
The acquisition of Muscle Milk by PepsiCo represents a strategic move by the company to cater to the evolving preferences of consumers and stay competitive in the dynamic beverage industry.
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It offers a range of protein supplements, including shakes, powders and bars
Muscle Milk is a brand of dietary supplements manufactured by CytoSport, a company founded by Greg Pickett. The company offers a range of protein supplements, including shakes, powders, and bars.
Its protein powders include the Unflavored Zero Genuine 100% Whey Protein, 100% Whey with Probiotics, and Pro Series Gainer Coffee House varieties. Muscle Milk's protein powders are designed to help individuals increase their protein intake, supporting muscle growth and repair. The powders can be mixed with water, milk, or other beverages to create protein-rich shakes or smoothies.
The brand also offers ready-to-drink protein shakes, such as the Chocolate and Vanilla Crème flavours. These shakes are convenient options for consumers seeking quick, on-the-go sources of protein. Muscle Milk's shakes are marketed towards individuals with active lifestyles, including athletes and fitness enthusiasts, aiming to support muscle recovery and growth.
In addition to its liquid and powder forms, Muscle Milk also provides protein bars. These bars offer a portable and convenient way to consume protein, making them suitable for pre- or post-workout snacks. The bars typically contain a blend of proteins, carbohydrates, and other nutrients to support energy levels and muscle health.
Muscle Milk has faced some controversies, including a 2010 investigation by Consumer Reports, which found that two of its products contained levels of heavy metals near or exceeding proposed limits. However, CytoSport disputed these claims, stating that its popular Chocolate liquid shakes did not exceed maximum levels, even when consumed multiple times per day. Despite this, the National Advertising Division referred advertising claims made by CytoSport for Muscle Milk to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and U.S. Food and Drug Administration for further review.
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Frequently asked questions
Muscle Milk was founded by Greg Pickett and has since been acquired by PepsiCo.
Muscle Milk is manufactured in Walnut Creek, California, USA.
Muscle Milk manufactures a range of protein supplements, including protein shakes, powders, and bars.
In 2010, a US consumer advocacy magazine, Consumer Reports, found that two of Muscle Milk's products—Chocolate and Vanilla Crème powders—contained levels of heavy metals near or exceeding the limits proposed by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). However, Muscle Milk disputed these claims, stating that their popular Chocolate liquid shakes did not exceed the proposed maximum levels of heavy metals.
