Here I am mixing up a scoop of 1st Phorm Level-1 Protein Powder. This is one of my favorite flavors - Peppermint Bark.
You ever get a protein powder that just hits the spot?
I've tried sooo many protein powders over the years dating back to my high school and college football days. And I'll be the first guy to tell you that back then, I always went the cheap route. First it was Nitro-Tech until I found a crazy high protein powder called CYTO GAINER (54g of protein), but unfortunately I can't seem to find it anywhere these days.
Even if I could find CYTO GAINER, I have my go-to protein powders now, and one of them is 1st Phorm Level-1.
With all the current events going on with brands, I really try to find a brand that meshes with my beliefs. And 1st Phorm is a brand that I feel good spending my money with, as they stand for freedom and the old-school American way.
I also listen to one of the co-founder's (Andy Frisella) podcast called Real AF where I found out about 75 Hard and got my butt back into shape like the glory days. I still have a long way to go, but I completed 75 hard and still do it to this day.
Well, one of the tasks you have to complete when doing 75 Hard is sticking to a diet. I chose a macro-friendly "diet" that requires me to hit my protein goal for the day. Level-1 helps me achieve my protein goals, it tastes great, I can use it for baking, make a quick shake or even use it when making protein ice cream with my Ninja Creami.
So now that you know a little bit about me, here's more information about 1st Phorm Level-1 protein powder!
Key Takeaways (the good and the bad)
Try it today!
1st Phorm Level-1 Protein Powder at a Glance: What is it?
Level-1 protein powder from 1st Phorm contains a sustained assimilation blend of protein that you can use at any time during the day. It’s essentially released slowly over time, so you feel full for longer periods of time. Your body will reap the benefits of ongoing protein, hopefully providing you with more energy and endurance. High levels of branch-chain amino acids (BCAAs) can help speed up your recovery process and assist with the development of lean muscle.
Unbiased Reviews
1st Phorm Level-1 is a popular protein product, so you can find quite a few reviews on the internet. On the 1st Phorm website alone, Level-1 has over 27,000 reviews listed. It has a 4.9-star rating out of five.
We went in search of some of the most unbiased reviews out there to provide you with a realistic look at Level-1. People generally like the protein aspect of this product. However, there are certain flavors that aren’t fan favorites (such as the strawberry variety). Also, the consistency after being mixed isn’t preferred by everyone who left a review. Some people found it to be too thick, which can maybe be improved by mixing it with more liquid or working it into a smoothie.
Some people develop stomach cramps when using this product. You’re more likely to experience this symptom if you are lactose intolerant or sensitive to dairy.
The Formula
The protein in Level-1 comes from three different sources. This includes low-temperature processed cross-flow micro filtrated whey protein isolate, low-temperature processed micro-filtrated whey protein concentrate and low-temperature processed milk protein concentrate. This has been done to replicate the assimilation of protein from real food. Glutamine and glutamine peptides have also been included to increase the amino acid profile of Level-1.
The Macros
There are 24 grams of protein in each serving of Level-1, 7 grams of carbohydrates and 2.5 grams of fat. Those numbers can change a little bit based on the flavor variety you choose.
The Micros
Again, the micros can change a little bit from flavor to flavor. As an example, the blueberry muffin Level-1 product contains 170 mg of calcium and 180 mg of potassium.
Mixability
1st Phorm has made sure that their Level-1 protein product mixes very well with liquid. Unfortunately, a lot of protein supplements can mix very poorly, leaving behind a lot of clumps. You can use a shaker bottle with your Level-1, or it mixes exceptionally well in a blender.
My rating on Level-1 mixability: 4.8/5
Taste
There are a number of different flavors to choose from, and 1st Phorm Level-1 has a very good taste. Unfortunately, the brand uses artificial sweeteners to prevent the product from being overly sweet. If that’s not something you mind or you aren’t sensitive to sucralose, this might be a non-factor.
My rating on Level-1 taste: 4.7/5
Flavors to Choose From
There are currently 11 different flavors available for Level-1. You can view the nutrition facts for each product on the 1st Phorm website. Selections include:
- Blueberry muffin
- Caramel latte
- Chocolate banana
- Chocolate marshmallow
- Cinnamon cookie batter
- German chocolate cake
- Milk chocolate
- Ice cream sandwich
- Red velvet cake
- Strawberry milkshake
- Vanilla ice cream
What Else Can You Use It For?
Don’t feel like your Level-1 protein powder dose has to always come from a shake or smoothie. There are other creative ways that you can incorporate it into your day.
Baking
Nutritionally speaking, protein powder holds up very well when it is heated or cooled. You can add a scoop of Level-1 to a muffin recipe, turning a boring bran muffin or banana bread into a protein-packed delight.
Ninja Creamis
If you happen to have a Ninja Creami machine at home, you can make your very own protein ice cream. You can play around with the recipe to figure out some different flavors that you enjoy. You can even get your kids and spouse in on the action to help boost their nutritional intake as well. You can start by making a Level-1 shake, then place the ingredients right into your Ninja Creami machine so everything turns into a frozen treat in no time at all.
Add to Coffee
As a healthy start to your morning, add one scoop of 1st Phorm Level-1 to your cup of coffee. Some flavors will taste better than others. Caramel latte would be an excellent one to start with.
Level-1 Protein Compared to Its Competition
It’s difficult to choose a protein powder these days because of all the different varieties that are available. Let’s see how Level-1 compares to its competition.
Protein powder | Protein per serving | Calories | Flavors | Mixability | Taste | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Level-1 | 24g | 140 | 11 | 10 | 4.7/5 | $59.99 |
Transparent Labs | 28g | 120 | Store Name | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 | $59.99 |
Legion Whey | 22g | 110 | 17 | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 | $59.99 |
Optimum Whey | 24g | 120 | 18 | 3.9/5 | 4.4/5 | $44.99 (29 servings) |
Click to read more about other products Vs. 1st Phorm Level-1 Protein Powder
Transparent Labs sources its whey protein from 100% grass-fed cattle. With a high protein-by-weight ratio of 82%, this grass-fed whey protein isolate contains 28 grams of protein in each serving. It has a really clean ingredient list, though stevia is the sweetener used. It’s free of artificial ingredients, colors and fillers.
Legion Whey Protein Powder is made using cow’s milk from dairy farms in Ireland that have hormone- and antibiotic-free cows. A lot of the fat and lactose are removed from the milk, making it tolerable for some people who have dairy sensitivities. Whey+ from Legion Athletics can potentially be used to increase your amino acid intake, help you build more muscle and increase your energy levels. There are 15 different flavors of Legion Whey Protein available, with 22 grams of protein in each scoop. It has low levels of carbs, fats and calories.
XWERKS Grow Whey Protein is made using New Zealand grass-fed whey protein isolate. Each serving contains approximately 25 grams of protein and 6 grams of branched-chain amino acids. XWERKS claims you can use it for the building of lean muscle, to speed up your recovery and to improve energy levels. There are low levels of carbohydrates, fats and lactose in this product thanks to XWERKS ultrafiltration process. This is a fast-absorbing product. Only four flavors are available (chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and peanut butter).
Optimum Gold Standard Whey Protein from Optimum Nutrition can be used after your workout to support your body as it recovers and builds muscle. There are 24 grams of protein in each serving of this proclaimed “World’s Best-Selling Protein Powder”. Gold Standard Whey has an easy-mix formula and contains minimal fat, carbs and lactose.
How Much Does It Cost?
The current cost of 1st Phorm Level-1 protein is $59.99 for a 2.45-pound container. Subscribing for regular deliveries saves 8.33% per order. You will need to purchase this product directly from the 1st Phorm website.
Who Should Buy Level-1 Protein?
People who exercise on a regular basis have higher protein needs than those who live a more sedentary lifestyle. Your average active male requires about 56 grams of protein per day. Women require a little less, at 46 grams per day. If you feel like you need additional support for your recovery after a workout or you’re not building the muscle that you want, you should consider using a product like Level-1 protein.
If you’ve used protein powders in the past but stopped using them because of their taste or consistency, you may want to give 1st Phorm Level-1 a try. This product has excellent reviews in regard to taste and how well it mixes.
Who Shouldn’t?
Because Level-1 is a dairy-based product, you should avoid this supplement if you have a dairy allergy or sensitivity. Some people with lactose intolerance can tolerate protein powders, but it would be up to you to try them out. It’s probably a good idea to start out with a small amount before going up to a full dose.
Also, be careful using protein powder if you’re trying to lose weight. Protein is a great way to curb your appetite by making you feel full for longer periods of time, but you don’t want to end up consuming more than necessary. You also want to use the right kind of protein. Something that is slowly released will be more beneficial than a fast-acting protein supplement. Level-1 is a slowly releasing product, making it a nice option for this purpose.
