Ghost Protein Review – Should You Really Use It?

I have a confession to make: I love whey protein but whey protein doesn’t love me.

I usually get a stomach ache or energy crash after I take it. With milk? Forget it. I’m done. That’s why when I heard about Ghost Whey Protein, I got super excited.

A good-tasting protein powder that doesn’t make my stomach feel like I just ate Taco Bell?

That’s why I was pretty excited when I found Ghost Protein.

Ghost is nothing like other brands out there. As soon as I saw it, it hit me! The label, the protein ratios, the ingredients – it’s all one-of-a-kind.

I spent a month taking Ghost Whey Protein exclusively, and this review is my thoughts. Overall, I really loved it. It’s packed with protein, low-cal, low-carb, and tastes great. Plus it’s easy on my stomach. That makes it way easier to lose weight and build muscle.

It’s definitely not for everyone, though. And it’s not cheap (this is the cheapest place to get it from, if interested)!

Read below to find out my thoughts on taste, cost, effectiveness, alternatives, and way more! This ghost protein review contains everything you know to make the decision whether it’s worth the money or not.

What’s So Different About Ghost Protein?

Ghost protein contains a slightly higher-than normal level of protein than your average powder, at 25 grams per serving. The protein used is a combination of whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and hydrolyzed whey protein isolate.

One cool feature on the label, is they have a “full disclosure protein” statement which shows you exactly how many grams of protein each type delivers. You normally don’t see that level of detail from manufacturers and I wish other companies would do the same thing.

By containing 100% whey protein, Ghost whey protein powder provides instant energy replenishment to your body, allowing your cells to begin the protein-synthesis process the moment you finish a workout. Or, at least that’s the theory.

In all seriousness, it does make for a good post workout shake when you body is more receptive to protein and carbohydrate uptake.

–This is the cheapest place to get it from.

Taste (flavors)

This is one of the most alluring aspects of Ghost protein powder. One of the bigger problems surrounding protein shakes is that they usually taste awful. If you’ve ever used a poor powder before, you probably know the feeling – gritty, overly-thick, clumpy liquid that has a consistency like a mix of melted down cardboard and glue.

Even the flavors that don’t normally taste horrible – such as chocolate or peanut butter – often are overly rich and sweet at best.

With that, Ghost protein tries to differentiate itself from other protein powders in the market. The concept of a powder flavored to mimic cereal milk is definitely a unique one, and one that – years later – other companies still aren’t doing.

As of now, there are actually 10 different flavors – ranging from Fruity Cereal Milk to Coffee Ice Cream to Cinnamon Cereal Milk and more. While I haven’t had every flavor, the ones I have had all taste great albeit on the sweeter side. And pretty much all the flavors are well-reviewed by (most) customers.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a quick look at the label:

The nutrition facts and ingredients do vary by flavor and your best bet is to closely check the label before you buy.

Ingredients

While the ingredients vary, overall there are some commonalities between them. One, the first ingredient is whey protein, specifically a blend of 3 different types – a blend of whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and hydrolyzed whey protein isolate.

There’s a complete breakdown of each type and amount listed on the package.

Each 39 gram scoop contains 25g of protein, ~120-150 total calories, is pretty low in carbs (4-7 grams), and has ~2 grams of sugar per serving. Again, this varies by flavor.

Now, although the amount of sugar in this powder is low, it does contain sucralose. While the FDA has classified the artificial sweetener as safe, new studies suggest the possibility that sucralose may interrupt your levels of gut-bacteria, and may also cause fat buildup in your cells.

It also contains a low amount of high fructose corn syrup which is chemically similar to table sugar. It has both natural and artificial flavors ¹in practice, there’s really no difference between the two.

If you’re allergic to certain ingredients, you need to watch out which flavors you buy as some – such as Oreo – include wheat (gluten), soy (in the form of soy lecithin), and all of them include milk derived proteins. Other flavors – such as fruity cereal milk – are both soy free and gluten free.

As a general rule, if you’re concerned about allergens, avoid the specialty mixed flavors – Oreo, Nutter Butter, and Chips Ahoy – and stick with the “basic” cereal milk flavors. And always check the label before you buy to make sure it’s compatible with your diet.

Anyways, all blends also some digestive enzymes included which can help some people break down the protein efficiently ² and increase muscle protein synthesis although they’re unnecessary for most.

Value

As a whey powder, the overall quality of the protein is good but the overall value is not as good.

Typically, a jug of 2 lbs. of ghost whey – roughly 26 servings – sells online for $45. While you do get 25 g of protein in each serving, that still comes out to ~$1.75 per serving.

That’s a little bit on the higher end although in line with some other proteins, like the Isopure Infusions I recently reviewed. Then again, you’re paying for something unique and probably something you won’t be consuming every day.

Ghost Protein Review Summary

This protein powder should not be the first choice for everyone although I think can be used by most everyone, provided you don’t mind sucralose and you can tolerate (or pick a flavor without) common allergens.

That said, the expense may not be worth the overall benefit, which really just involves the taste. The cereal milk flavors are good and the overall quality is good. But there are plenty of others ways to make protein powders taste better such as blending into a smoothie or adding some additional flavoring.

So should you try Ghost whey protein? If you don’t mind the higher expense, have no issues with the ingredients, and are looking for a “treat” in a post workout powder, then I see no reason not try it.

That said, if you’re more value oriented and/or are looking for a simpler, “cleaner” overall protein then I would skip it. There are lot of other options such as those from Orgain, Nutricost, Isopure (and more) that can fit your budget and dietary needs.

If you would like to look for a few different options, I’ve got ‘em.

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#1 The Cheaper Choice – Nutricost Whey Protein

(image is clickable)If money is a concern, or if you simply want to stretch your money as far as possible, Nutricost is a much better option than Ghost protein.

With Nutricost, you can get those same two pounds of protein powder, for less than half the cost, Nutricost also provides a five-pound container option.

It comes in three flavors; Chocolate, Vanilla, and Unflavored. It is highly mixable, and doesn’t taste bad either.

This non GMO, gluten free powder contains 25 grams of whey protein, 130 calories, and two grams of sugar per serving, although it does, like the Ghost protein, contain sucralose.

Aside from the flavor and taste, Nutricost is almost identical to Ghost protein, and is less than half the cost.

–Cheapest place to get it from.

#2 The Healthier Choice – Orgain Organic Protein Powder

(image is clickable)

This vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, lactose-free, sugar-free, USDA organic, 100% plant-based protein powder is one of the best options out there.

For a 2 pound container, Orgain is much cheaper than Ghost, and has better, healthier ingredients. It mixes well, tastes great, and contains only the best ingredients.

It includes 150 calories, 7 grams of fiber, zero grams of sugar, and 21 grams of protein per serving. The fiber levels are important, as they allow the protein content to be digested slower, providing essential amino acids to your cells for a longer period of time.
–Cheapest price found from their homepage here.

Lastly

Ghost is one of the best tasting protein powders I’ve ever had, but it’s also  pricey.

(Cheapest price found here).

It is a very good option, depending on the type of athlete you are. If your biggest concern is taste, than it may be worth the money.

If you’re more worried about overall health or cost, both Nutricost and Orgain are better overall options.

Some other products I’ve used and reviewed:

• Equate Whey protein powder – article here
• Six Stars Protein – article here
• Ascent Protein – article here
• Purely Inspired Organic Protein Powder – article here
• Gold Standard Whey Protein – article here
• Kirkland Protein Bars – article here
• Premiere Protein Shake – article here
• Olly Protein Powder – article here

Relevant articles on protein powders:

• Best Casein Protein Powder – link to article
• Best Hemp Protein Powder – link to article
• Best Egg White Protein – link to article
• Best Protein Powders for Pregnancy – link to article
• Best Sugar Free Protein Powders – link to article
• Best Lactose Free Protein Powders – link to article

Article by:

Daniel DeMoss

I’m a personal trainer based in Denver (Matrix Gym) and a true fitness nerd. If I’m not training clients or working out at my home gym, I’m probably skiing, cycling or hiking with my dog Rufus.

Get in touch: daniel@dumbbellsreview.com

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