The Ultimate Body Fortress Whey Protein Review: Is it Worth the Hype?

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1 Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein Powder Review

Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein Powder Review

This Body Fortress Super Advance Whey Protein Powder review is published because I wanted to know if soy protein can be effective at building muscle?

The other parts of this review is wondering: Why is Body Fortress Isolate protein so cheap? Soy. Soy makes everything cheaper.

Is Body Fortress’s isolate protein worth your money?

If you’re unfamiliar with Body Fortress, the company focuses on budget-orientated supplements. Low-priced supplements that won’t break your bank. I mean, if you view their website, it’s no frills and very basic.

Body Fortress supplements are simple. They are advertised to help you reach your goals. Body Fortress supplements are vigilantly affordable.

I’ve used only 2 of Body Fortresses products, whey protein concentrate and Body Fortress isolate. I do not plan to review Body Fortress Super Advance Whey concentrate. Here’s the reason… “Recovery Blend” found on that product. Plus, I experienced some of the worst protein farts using Fortress Super Advance whey protein.

As a reviewer with credentials including NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Precision Nutrition Nutritionist, and CISSN certified by the ISSN, my aim is to provide you with an accurate and unbiased review.

Every product I review is tested personally. I don’t just rely on online research; I use these products in my daily routine. This hands-on experience ensures that my reviews are based on real, practical usage, not just specifications and claims.

The products I choose to review are selected based on reader requests, market relevance, and personal interest. I’m not sponsored by any of the brands featured, which allows me to provide impartial evaluations without any external influence.

I believe in transparency. It’s important to note that my posts may contain affiliate links. Rest assured that these links won’t cost you any extra, but if you choose to make a purchase through them, we may receive a commission.I am also not affiliated with any protein company.

Best Place to Buy Body Fortress Isolate Protein

Body Fortress is available at most retail outlets. My words of advice, READ THE LABEL. Their WHEY CONCENTRATE is available in all retail outlets. The isolate can be a problem finding. I found my container of Body Fortress protein at Walmart. I paid $17.87 for a 1.5-pound container.

  • 18 servings for $17.87, .99 cents per serving.

Does Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein Come in 5 lbs?

Walmart does not have Body Fortress Super Advanced whey protein 5 lbs. Do you know who does have it? AMAZON! It’s not true 5 lbs container. The container is double the size, value priced. Coming in at a whopping 39 servings.

The only downside with the bigger container, limited flavor options: Chocolate or vanilla. Guess what…. There is a price difference between the two.

  • Chocolate, $32.99, 39 servings, $.85 per serving
  • Vanilla, $50.67, 40 servings, $1.26 per serving

You’re not getting a milk-based isolate. You’re paying for a blended isolate of whey, milk, and SOY.

What’s the Difference Between Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein and Isolate?

Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein no longer lists a “recovery blend” on their product label.  That recovery blends is a combination of creatine and branched-chain amino acids. The blend ensures that the product is amino spiked.

Body Fortress Super Advanced Isolate is a fast digesting protein that has 3 different protein types: WPI, milk protein isolate, and soy protein isolate. Soy is the most abundant, and cheapest, protein in Body Fortress’ isolate. Soy is the number one protein source.

Is Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey the Best Soy Protein Powder?

No it’s not. If you’re in the market for a high quality soy or vegan based protein powder, read my Orgain Sport Protein review.

If I’m buying a protein, I’m expecting a product that uses good quality ingredients. This product is using cheap forms of isolate: milk and soy. It begs the questions, who effective is a soy based protein?

I have two research studies for you to read.

  • This research article found that MPS is more effective milk whey than soy.
  • Casein is more effective at stimulating MPS than soy protein

What do these studies suppose to mean with regard to Body Fortress’s isolate?

  • Whey based protein powders are more effective at building muscle.
  • Casein stimulates MPS than soy.

If you’re a vegetarian/vegan and want to slab on more muscle. Soy protein is a better choice no protein. Body Fortress is a cheap protein isolate blended with soy.

Value 6. Read the label… Information is power. If you’re not vegan, avoid using soy based supplements. Cheap soy protein is costing you YOUR muscle gains.

Does Body Fortress Whey Protein Work?

Super Advanced Body Fortress Isolate amino acid profile
At a lot of false advertising with Body Fortress, at least an amino acid profile is slapped on the container.

This protein is not spiked.

The ingredient list doesn’t contain any added branch chain amino acids. Reading the supplement facts, there is no “recovery” section. You will see a section, “BetaPower.” BetaPower is short for Betaine Anhydrous. There are short falls to BetaPower study

  • Workouts were not supervised
  • Average training experience average was 5 months (newbies)
  • Men lose weight and gain muscle easier

One of my favorite websites to view studies conducted on supplements is www.examine.com. Out of all the studies examining Betaine Anhydrous, there is very little support for this supplement.

An AAprofile is on the label. In regard to supplement facts, everything is properly labeled. I did contact the company for more information on their product.

Is Soy Protein Good For Muscle Building?

Since Body Fortrest main protein source is derived from soy, you’re wondering what all other budget minded people are thinking. “Is soy protein good for muscle building?”

Let look at the science and research studies.

Can Soy Protein Build Muscle

Here are two studies examining can soy protein build muscle.


Study Recap: Soy vs. Whey Protein in Muscle Building and Strength Development

Researchers conducted a 12-week study comparing the effects of soy and whey protein on muscle growth and strength development in untrained men and women.

Participants were assigned to either soy or whey protein groups, with both supplements matched for leucine content (2 grams). They engaged in supervised resistance training three times per week.

Diet outside of the protein supplements was monitored through food logs. The study found no significant differences between the groups in terms of increases in lean body mass, muscle strength, and overall body composition, suggesting that soy protein can be as effective as whey protein for muscle development when leucine content is matched.

Shortfalls of the Study
  • Lack of a control group: No comparison with a group receiving no protein supplement, which limits understanding of the effectiveness of protein supplementation overall.
  • Reliance on self-reported diets: Potential inaccuracies in monitoring diets outside of protein supplements due to self-reporting.
  • Gender imbalance: Predominantly female participants, reducing the applicability of results across different genders.
  • Focused on untrained individuals: Results may not be applicable to those with prior resistance training experience.
  • No differentiation of gender effects: The study did not explore potential differences in muscle growth responses between men and women.
Effects of Whey and Soy Protein on Body Composition: A Meta-Analysis

Researchers performed a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials to evaluate the impact of whey and soy protein supplements on body composition. They systematically searched databases, selecting studies that focused on adults and assessed changes in lean body mass, fat mass, body mass, and body fat percentage with these supplements.

From an initial pool of articles, they narrowed down to ten studies with 596 participants. The analysis involved comparing the results across these studies, using statistical methods to determine the overall effect of each type of protein on body composition.

This rigorous process led them to conclude that whey protein significantly increases lean body mass, while soy protein does not significantly impact body composition parameters.

Shortfalls of the Study
  • Diverse Dosage and Duration: The studies included in the meta-analysis used varying doses of whey and soy proteins, and the duration of interventions differed.
  • Limited Sample Size: The number of participants in the included studies was relatively small, which might affect the robustness of the conclusions.
  • Geographical Representation: Most studies were conducted in American countries, with limited data from Asian and European countries, affecting global applicability.
  • Study Population: The included studies primarily involved healthy adults, so the findings may not apply to populations with specific health conditions or dietary needs.
Milk vs. Soy Milk in Muscle Building Among Elderly with Sarcopenia

Comparing milk and soy milk’s effects on sarcopenia in elderly nursing home residents, researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial with participants over 75 years old diagnosed with sarcopenia.

They divided them into three groups: control, milk, and soy milk. Each group underwent a mild resistance exercise program three times a week. Additionally, the milk and soy milk groups consumed 200 mL of their respective drinks twice daily.

The nutritional content for each 200 mL serving was as follows:

  • Milk: 5.2 grams of protein.
  • Soy Milk: 6.4 grams of protein.

The study measured changes in muscle mass, strength (hand grip), and calf circumference over 12 weeks. Researchers concluded that both milk and soy milk supplementation, combined with exercise, improved muscle strength and increased calf circumference in the soy milk group.

Shortfalls of the Study
  1. Small Sample Size: The study had a relatively small number of participants, which can limit the generalizability of the findings.
  2. Unbalanced Gender Distribution: There was an imbalance in the gender distribution among the study groups.
  3. Single Location: Participants were from only two nursing homes, limiting the diversity of the sample.
  4. Multiple Health Conditions: Participants had various chronic diseases, which could complicate the interpretation of the results.
  5. Exercise Intervention: All groups underwent exercise training, making it challenging to isolate the effects of milk and soy milk supplementation on sarcopenia.

Effectiveness of Protein Supplements in Muscle Building

  1. Whey Protein Isolate: Highly effective, contains high levels of essential amino acids and leucine, promotes muscle protein synthesis.
  2. Whey Protein Concentrate: Also effective, slightly lower protein content than isolate but still rich in essential amino acids.
  3. Casein: Effective, especially for prolonged muscle protein synthesis due to slower digestion and absorption.
  4. Native Whey: Similar to whey isolate and concentrate, effective in muscle building, less processed form.
  5. Milk (Baseline/Control): Contains both whey and casein, effective but in a more balanced and less concentrated form compared to supplements.
  6. Soy Protein: Less effective than whey-based proteins, lower in essential amino acids, but still contributes to muscle building.

Protein Spiking 10 (it’s not spiked). This one surprised me–A LOT. This protein is not spiked. BetaPower is just more marketing fluff. An AA profile is on the label.

In regards to building muscle, soy protein is better than no protein. If you’re someone who is vegan, soy protein is a great alternative to being dairy-free.

How Does Body Fortress Protein Shake Mix in a Shaker?

Every time I review an inexpensive protein, I get what I was expecting. Average.

I’m never blown away by isolates in how they mix. You expect a great blend with no powder chucks. Body Fortress isolate doesn’t mix great. Soy is the reason for the clumping. Using milk isn’t much better. It’s tolerable.

On the label, it shares three different ways to mix the protein: stir, shake, or blend. If you’re using water or juice, no problems with any of the three. If you’re using milk, like me, forget about the spoon!

Mixability 6.5. It mixes okay with water. Using milk is 50/50. And using milk is my preferred method trying to get through with this container.

Ingredients in Body Fortress Protein Powder

Ingredient List for Body Fortress Super Advanced Isolate
The reason why Body Fortress is so cheap is the amount of soy used in this protein.

I’m surprised with the ingredient profile with this protein, 10 ingredients. I was expecting a lot of fillers.

You will see the normal ingredients in this protein powder. Artificial sweeteners, sucralose and dextrin, and emulsifiers.

The score is low for using a blended protein (“Tri-Phase Isolate Matrix”, their words) of low quality isolates (milk and soy). If this was a blend of isolated protein and milk isolate, I’ll be more forgiving.

Super Advanced Isolate Protein

Contains fast, medium and slowing acting proteins that work together to deliver a sustained-release of amino acids, plus a full dose of betaine* to support lean mass. This makes our multi-functional formula a great choice for any time of the day including; post-workout, between meals, or before bed. Super advanced isolate protein is always on the clock because you deserve a protein powder that works just as hard as you do.

Picture of Body Fortress tri-phase protein release matrix. Soy is the major protein source.
2021 capture of Body Fortress Isolate, tri-phase release matrix. Soy is the major protein source.

A diagram showcasing the “Triple-phase sustained release isolate matrix.” More marketing fluff to make you believe that Body Fortress isolate is a great value. FYI, it’s not a great value.A “super whey protein blend” is always a no.

The container states you can consume 60g of protein with 2 scoops. Yes, all the numbers are correct. Do you need to eat 60g of protein post-workout or ANY TIME?

If you’re looking to build (or maintain muscle), make sure every meal is between 20g-40g of protein. That amount of protein is necessary to stimulate muscle growth.

Ingredients List for Body Fortress Protein Powder

IngredientDescription & Purpose
Tri-Phase Isolate MatrixA blend of different protein isolates for varied absorption rates and amino acid profiles. Includes Whey Protein Isolate, Milk Protein Isolate, and Supro 661 Soy Protein Isolate.
Cocoa (Processed with Alkali)Adds flavor; processing with alkali reduces acidity and enhances color.
Soy LecithinAn emulsifier that helps mix the powder smoothly with liquids.
Natural and Artificial FlavorsUsed to enhance the taste of the protein powder.
SaltEnhances flavor and can be a stabilizer in the mix.
Acesulfame PotassiumA calorie-free artificial sweetener.
SucraloseAnother artificial sweetener with no caloric value.
CarrageenanA thickener and stabilizer derived from seaweed.
DextrinA carbohydrate added for texture or as a bulking agent.
Not an extensive list of ingredients in a budget priced protein.

Body Fortress Tri-Phase Isolate Matrix

  • Whey Protein Isolate: A highly purified form of whey protein, it’s used for its high protein content and rapid absorption rate, making it a preferred choice for post-workout recovery.
  • Milk Protein Isolate: Derived from milk, this isolate provides both casein and whey proteins. It offers a slower digestion rate than whey, helping to provide a sustained release of amino acids.
  • Supro 661 Soy Protein Isolate: Sourced from soybeans, this contains 90% protein and all essential amino acids. It enhances the protein content of the powder, contributes to texture, emulsion stability, and sensory performance in nutritional beverage

Does Body Fortress Protein Have Caffeine?

No caffeine is in the ingredient list.

Ingredient Profile 6. I don’t like paying for blended protein isolates. What’s unforgiving is seeing soy. Seeing supplement jargon on the label is maddening.

Nutrition Facts for Body Fortress Isolate Protein

Nutrition Facts for Body Fortress Advanced Whey Protein Isolate
Nutrition Facts for Body Fortress Isolate Protein looks great… That’s until you dig into the research and ingredients list.

Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey protein serving size 38g (one scoop)
Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein calories 140

  • 1 grams of fat
  • Total of 2 grams of carbs
  • Total sugar 1g
  • 30g of protein

This protein doesn’t hit the mark for 80% protein per serving, 78%. Body Fortress has 30 grams of protein per scoop. Is that 30g of protein per serving If you’re doubling up, 60 g of protein. Is it the highest quality protein for muscle building? Protein content is everything with supplements. So is the source of the protein.

Is Body Fortress Isolate Lactose Free?

No. I had digestive issues. My issues come from not being able to digest soy and milk. You will not love yourself. Individuals who can’t digest milk, may still experience digest issues with Body Fortress’ Super Advanced whey powder.

Is Body Fortress Protein Good for Building Muscle? Is Body Fortress Good for Weight Loss?

Objectively looking at the facts.

Fast digesting proteins, isolates are great post workout. Milk isolate is a highly filtered casein. Milk isolate make great bedtime protein shakes. Why is soy isolate used in Body Fortress? It’s a cheap protein. Furtheremore, we don’t know the ratio of each of the proteins.

Will Super Advanced Whey Protein powder promote muscle growth and stimulate muscle protein synthesis? So far in this comprehensive review of Body Fortress, I don’t think it will stimulate MPS. Remember, one of the cons of Body Fortress is the use of soy. Compare to higher quality protein, whey provides the best anabolic enverionment for muscle growth. In regards to Body Fortress provides, it may be a good choice. Then agian, why take a chance on a cheap protein supplement with other higher quality protein powders on the market?

Why is Body Fortress so Cheap?

Objectively looks at the ingredients. And using my gut instinct…

Soy protein is going to be the most abundant protein found in Body Fortress. That is reason why Body Fortress is so cheap. Soy is the most prevalent ingredient.

I would not do double servings if you’re trying to lose weight. Knowing what we know, I’m not a fan of using this product as a post workout shake. I would use this protein as a MRE. Drink one body fortress shake for breakfast or bedtime shake.

Macro Composition 6.5. The use of soy is factored into this score.

Super Advanced Whey Protein Review Flavor, Vanilla

If I’m reviewing brands that I’m not familiar with, I look at what others are saying about the flavor.

Well, if you’re going to use this as a post-workout shake at the gym. You might be able to get past the first shake. I’ve been reviewing proteins now for 17 months. I have only thrown out 1. I couldn’t finish that container. Here’s the question…

Did I finish this container?

Here’s something positive about the flavor found in Body Fortress. I finished the container. I couldn’t finish a container of Premier Protein.

What is Body Fortress Best Tasting Protein Powder?

Body Fortress Super Advanced Isolate protein powder flavors

  • Chocolate
  • Vanilla
  • Strawberry
  • Chocolate Peanut Butter
  • Cookies & Cream

Currently on Amazon, has favorable review at 4.5 stars. What do the reviewers say about the pros and cons of Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey flavors? Customer reviews shared that chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, and strawberry taste great. Users were critical of cookies & cream and vanilla.

If you haven’t figured out yet, I’m not a fan of Body Fortress offers in vanilla.

Flavor 6. Don’t drink this protein with water. I have a strong stomach. If you mix this with milk or juice, it’s tolerable.

Is Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein Powder Good?

For those considering a budget-friendly protein powder, Body Fortress is a tough recommendation.

The price you are paying for this isolate is a reflection of the quality. Here are my problems with Body Fortress Super Advanced Isolate 

  • Tri-phase isolate formulation, blended with SOY
  • Inferior protein quality
  • Supplement jargon, which amounts to the typical marketing fluff
  • Tolerable taste that makes you question, “Would David Goggins do this!?”

If you’re on a budget, you’re better off getting your daily protein from eggs, chicken, meat, milk, and fish. Yes, a serving of Body Fortress Super offers 60 grams of protein. Is that the best whey protein? You can get your recommended daily protein intake from whole foods. 

I have no problems with soy based proteins. Seeing soy blended in with isolate doesn’t make sense to me. To a buyer seeing the price tag, you won’t think twice. You won’t question your purchase, until you drink your first shake. There are better budget priced protein powders available.

Budget Priced Alternatives to Body Fortress Whey Protein Powder Found at Walmart

Here are my pocket protein review alternatives to Body Fortress. Not all of them can be purchased at Walmart. Nutricost is not found at Walmart, but is budget priced.

Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate

Earned a 90% review score. My gripe with Nutricost whey protein isolate is the flavor. Nutricost isolate is going to be the cheapest, non-spiked, protein you can purchase. Here’s your warning. If you’re lactose intolerant, hold onto your butts. Affiliate link to buy Nutricost products from Amazon.

Dymatize Whey Protein Isolate

Available at Walmart. Has a great buy score of 90%. The flavor fall flat. Hey, you’re getting a great value. Use my affiliate link to get those gains.

Gold Standard Whey Protein

The best blended protein you can purchase. The crown jewel sets at 92%. Gold Standard whey protein does every great. The only knock on Gold Standard is that it’s a blended protein powder. Buy direct with my affiliate link.

Genuine Muscle Milk

At 84%, Genuine Muscle Milk is a two protein blend of whey protein concentrate and milk protein isolate. Flavor can be chalky to some. Genuine Muscle Milk is the closest alternative to Body Fortress. Buy Muscle Milk with my affiliate link.

Alani Nu Protein

If you’re looking for a protein powder for women, Alani Nu protein has a 78%. If have digestive issues drinking whey protein, you will not have any drinking Alani Nu. Alani Nu has digestive enzymes to break down and absorb proteins. Great flavors. Best value is with the Walmart exclusive size. Buy direct with my Amazon affiliate link.

Six Star Whey Protein

Six Star whey protein is two tiers above Body Fortress. Earned an 80%. Six Star whey protein does a lot of good things, nothing great. Six Star is better than Body Fortress. Use my affiliate link to buy Six Star whey protein.

Body Fortress Protein Review Round-Up

Value 6 out of 10
Protein Spiking 10 out of 10 (Not Spiked)
Mixability 6.5 out of 10
Ingredient Profile 6 out of 10
Macro Composition 6.5 out of 10
Flavor 6 out of 10

Body Fortress Protein Final Score, 41/60, 68% Pass

Sources

Chiang, F. Y., Chen, J. R., Lee, W., & Yang, S. (2021). Effects of Milk or Soy Milk Combined with Mild Resistance Exercise on the Muscle Mass and Muscle Strength in Very Old Nursing Home Residents with Sarcopenia. Foods, 10(11), 2581. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10112581

Damaghi, M. P., Mirzababaei, A., Moradi, S., Daneshzad, E., Tavakoli, A., & Clark, C. C. T. (2021). Comparison of the effect of soya protein and whey protein on body composition: a meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials. British Journal of Nutrition, 127(6), 885–895. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0007114521001550

Lynch, H., Buman, M. P., Dickinson, J. M., Ransdell, L. B., Johnston, C. S., & Wharton, C. (2020). No significant differences in muscle growth and strength development when consuming soy and whey protein supplements Matched for leucine following a 12 week resistance training program in men and women: a randomized trial. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(11), 3871. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17113871

Patel, K. (2023, December 4). Betaine. Examine. https://examine.com/supplements/betaine/

Volek, J. S., Volk, B. M., Gómez, A. L., Kunces, L. J., Kupchak, B. R., Freidenreich, D. J., Aristizábal, J. C., Sáenz, C., Dunn‐Lewis, C., Ballard, K. D., Quann, E. E., Kawiecki, D., Flanagan, S. D., Comstock, B. A., Fragala, M. S., Earp, J. E., Fernández, M. L., Bruno, R. S., Ptolemy, A. S., . . . Kraemer, W. J. (2013). Whey protein supplementation during resistance training augments lean body mass. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 32(2), 122–135. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2013.793580

James Kremmer

Meet James, a decade-long devotee to transforming fitness journeys, both in-person and online. As a virtual and remote personal trainer, he merges passion with expertise to deliver unparalleled fitness guidance. James isn’t just about workouts; he’s a protein powder aficionado, always on the hunt for the next best blend to enhance your gains. Holding Bachelor’s Degrees in Exercise Sports Science and Pre-Law, James's academic foundation is as solid as his fitness regimens. His certifications read like a who’s who of fitness excellence: NSCA (CSCS), Precision Nutrition Level 1, Online Trainer Academy (OTA), C-ISSN, and more. Whether you’re looking to overhaul your fitness routine, find the perfect protein, or navigate the intersection of wellness and law, James is your go-to guide for all things fitness.

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