Unbiased BSN Syntha 6 Whey Protein Review

I reviewed BSN Syntha 6 Protein Powder in September 2020. I’ve been doing a monthly protein review for three years.

Some protein reviews are outside the 30-day cutoff, while others are posted within it. I’m (re)reviewing Syntha-6 because my grading criteria have changed over these last couple of years. I want to know if my initial review is against my new guidelines.

Let us get into this BSN Syntha-6 Protein Powder review.

🌟 As a certified expert in strength conditioning (NSCA) and nutrition (Precision Nutrition, CISSN), I bring a hands-on, unbiased approach to my protein reviews. My insights come from personal use, not just research, ensuring you get real-world feedback on each product.

👥 I choose products for review based on your requests, their relevance, and my genuine interest. Brand sponsorships don’t influence this review, allowing me to maintain impartiality.

💼 Transparency matters to me: I may use affiliate links, but they don’t cost you extra. Purchases made through these links might earn me a small commission, but they don’t sway my opinions or the integrity of my reviews.

🔍 Rest assured, I focus on providing clear, honest reviews to help you make informed decisions.

📖 BSN Syntha-6 Supplement Details

I can’t believe I’ve been doing protein reviews for 3 years. What’s the take-home message about anything in life?

• Stay consistent
• Nothing is ever perfect in life

Here’s why I’m doing this BSN Syntha-6 Protein Powder review.

I gained 20 pounds. Plus, I need to get ready for the half-marathon season. The first race is in five weeks. At 245 pounds, jogging 13.1 miles is a recipe for disaster. I’ve finished a half marathon weighing 255 pounds. It’s not fun.

As I wrote in my BSN Syntha 6 review, the actors in Warrior drank Syntha-6 like no tomorrow. They transformed their physiques by drinking meal-replacement protein shakes.

I’ve been using BSN supplements for a decade, I think they have a solid supplement line, a good supplement line. Is the taste alone worth buying Syntha-6? Yes. It’s that damn good and it’s the best tasting protein I’ve ever drank. However, I would plan on using it as a meal replacement, mass gainer, or even after a very tough workout of at least 600 calories burned. I would recommend Syntha-6.

Value: 6 out of 10
Protein Spiking: 7 out of 10, (trace amounts)
Mixability: 10 out of 10
Ingredient Profile: 7.5 out of 10
Macro Composition: 7.5 out of 10
Flavor: 10 out of 10

Overall Score 48/60, 80%, B-

The questions that are begging to be answered today in this BSN Syntha-6 protein (re)review

• Is BSN Syntha-6 protein good?
• Is BSN Syntha 6 worth your money?

💰 Best Place to Buy BSN Syntha-6

You know what they say? Go big or go home. I went big on this buy—10 pounds, baby! You already know where my go-to protein purchase HQ is Amazon!

• 28-Servings (Subscribe & Save)
  • $41.99, $1.50 per serving ($39.89, $1.42 per serving)
• 48-Servings (S&S)
  • $65.99, $1.37 per serving ($62.69, $1.31 per serving)
• 97-Servings (S&S)
  • $110.99, $1.14 per serving ($105.44, $1.09 per serving)

Visiting the BSN website, the company will provide a list of retailers where you can buy BSN Syntha-6. Some online retailers will have different unique flavors and pricing. I’ll sound like a broken record.

The 10-pound container is only available in chocolate and vanilla.

😌 Does BSN Offer a Money-Back Guarantee

No money-back guarantee or 100% satisfaction guarantee is listed on the website.

Price: 6. Three years ago, I gave a 6 score, and we didn’t have hyperinflation. Your mileage will vary depending on which container you buy. Some companies only offer 15–20 servings per container at $44.

🤯 BSN Syntha-6 Amino Spiked?

There is no amino acid profile listed on the container. I reached out to BSN for an AA profile. As you would guess, I got the typical response…

Diving into the protein ingredient list and protein nutrition facts. There are no added amino acids, recovery blends, or creatine monohydrate… (WAIT)

What facts are listed on the container?

• 10g of naturally occurring EAAs

What does that mean to you?

It means that BSN Syntha-6 has 10g of important essential amino acids your body can’t produce. These 10g of EAAs will help regulate, build, and stabilize your body’s vital organs, muscles, and hormonal functions. GREAT…

We are here to determine if BSN Syntha-6 will build muscle and maintain lean body mass. Am I right? Here’s the challenge flag!

In 2020, BSN Syntha-6 posted its ingredient, Glutamine Peptides—not whole Glutamine but fragments dumped with the powder.

Going off of memory, early 2011. I want to say BSN used to state “4.5g of Glutamine” on the label.

Amino Spiking: 5 (Syntha-6 may spiked with Glutamine). I’m surprised that BSN stopped listing Glutamine in their ingredient list. Going off of my review in 2020, BSN Syntha-6 is a spiked protein. A listed 22g per serving might be 16-20 grams per serving.

🤝 How Does Syntha-6 Protein Powder Shake

Some days, this protein powder mixes like a champ. Most days, I got clumping in the shake or beneath the shaker spout. In 2020, I gave a 10 score…

Protein Shake Mix: 8. The ingredient profile HAS CHANGED! The 2020 formula had 20 listed ingredients. The batch I purchased was made in December 2022. 24 listed ingredients, plus the unlisted Glutamine amino to bump up the protein per serving.

🧪 Syntha 6 Ingredients List

There was an ingredient change to BSN. I’m sure the change is to save money and charge more. The big change made is the amount of protein in the powder mix.

As I shared with the Redcon MRE Lite Protein Review, the FDA states, “Ingredients are to be listed in most abundance first.” The top ingredient will be listed first, with the least amount at the bottom.

BSN Syntha-6 2020 Formula	​BSN Syntha-6 2022 Formula
Whey Protein Concentrate	Whey Protein Concentrate
Whey Protein Isolate	Calcium Caseinate
Calcium Caseinate	Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Concentrate
​Micellar Casein	Whey Protein Isolate
Milk Protein Isolate	Micellar Casein
Egg Albumen	Milk Protein Isolate
Glutamine Peptides (Listed)	Glutamine Peptides (Unlisted)

What changed? In the 2022 formula, the cheapest proteins are most abundant. The more expensive to produce protein powders are in smaller amounts.

Is BSN Syntha-6 an excellent post-workout protein? The 2022 version is not, and neither was the 2020 formula. BSN Syntha-6 is never advertised as a strictly post-workout protein, but it does state it’s for “muscle recovery” and “supports muscle building.”

BSN Syntha-6 is a GOOD anytime shake. BSN Syntha-6 is a GREAT meal replacement shake.

With the 2022 formula, you’re getting about the same amount of ingredients. I gave it a 7 in 2020…

For those who read my initial BSN Syntha-6 Protein Powder review, what differences have you noticed? Do you agree with my observations about the ingredient changes? Your experiences could help others make a more informed choice!

BSN Syntha 6 Ingredients

Full Disclosure: The Amazon listing is inaccurate for the ingredient list. What’s listed on the page is not what you will be receiving.

BSN Syntha 6 Protein Matrix Ingredients

Ingredient	Description
Whey Protein Concentrate	A protein source derived from whey with a balanced amino acid profile.
Calcium Caseinate	A slow-digesting protein derived from milk, often used for sustained protein release.
Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Concentrate	Whey protein concentrate that has undergone hydrolysis, making it easier to digest.
Whey Protein Isolate	A highly purified form of whey protein with a high protein content.
Micellar Casein	A slow-digesting protein source that provides a steady release of amino acids.
Milk Protein Isolate	A protein source derived from milk with a balanced amino acid profile.

BSN Syntha 6 Remain Ingredients

Ingredient	Description
Polydextrose	An emulsifier often derived from soy is used to improve mixability.
Creamer (Sunflower Oil, Corn Syrup Solids, Sodium Caseinate, Mono- and Diglycerides, Dipotassium Phosphate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Soy Lecithin, Tocopherols)	A creamer blend containing various ingredients to enhance creaminess and flavor.
Natural and Artificial Flavor	Flavorings that provide the product’s taste.
MCT Powder (Medium Chain Triglycerides, Silicon Dioxide, Maltodextrin)	Powder containing medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) for quick energy, with additives.
Lecithin	Common seasoning is used to enhance flavor.
Cellulose Gum	A thickening agent that helps give the product its texture.
Salt	Artificial sweeteners are used for sweetness.
Sucralose	Zero calorie artificial sweetener
Acesulfame Potassium	Zero-calorie artificial sweetener

Ingredient Profile: 6.5. Protein formula changes are expected in the supplement industry. Not including glutamine on the ingredient list is shady. BSN Syntha-6 is a meal replacement shake.

✅ BSN Syntha 6 Nutrition Information

Serving size: 47g (About 1 Scoop)
Flavor: Vanilla Milk Shake

Calories: 190

• Total Fat 5
• Sodium 180mg
• Total Carbohydrate 15g
• Dietary Fiber 6g
• Total Sugars 4g
• Protein 22g

Percent protein per serving (Protein per serving /Serving size) = 47% protein per serving

I’m questioning the protein content of this protein supplement. The 22 grams listed are most likely not the actual amount. 

🍨 Does Syntha 6 Have Lactose?

BSN Syntha-6 is not lactose-free. I did experience mild digestion issues, bloating, and farting. If this means anything to you, BSN Syntha-6 is considered lacto-ovo-vegetarian. I never had my stomach upset using this whey. Syntha-6 comes with no digestive enzymes associated with protein.

⚖️ Powder Scoop Size

One scoop is 42 grams, and you can see a little spillage on the scale. I always get two scoops.

When’s the Best Time to Take BSN Syntha 6 Protein Powder?

Can BSN Syntha-6 be an effective protein post-workout? No. Even though whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate is the proteins you want for lean muscle development. The amount of pure whey in BSN’s protein matrix has not been disclosed. A lack of transparency is always irritating. 

In my opinion, Syntha-6 is a one-trick pony. BSN Syntha-6 could be best used as a meal replacement. Still examining the protein matrix, calcium caseinate, and micellar caseinate are slow-release proteins. Even though 22g of protein is listed on the label, the simple whey mixture may not be enough to stimulate MPS at one scoop.

Is Bsn Syntha 6 Good For Weight Loss?

In this protein powder review, protein supplementation of Syntha-6 is best used as a meal replacement. BSN Syntha 6 is GREAT and should be used for weight loss.

The 15 grams of carbs and 6 grams of fiber delay the process of digestion. That is what the slow digesting of protein does. Using protein like whey isolate is beneficial post-workout. Those proteins have little to no carbs and fat and digest more quickly. These are slow-digesting protein

• Milk Protein Isolate
• Micellar Casein
• Calcium Caseinate

Those proteins are more likely to have a higher fat content (Syntha-6 has 6 grams of fat). The high fat content will keep you full due to the long digestion of those proteins, especially with the high fiber content.

Nutrition is key, and I’ve broken down the updated Syntha-6’s nutritional profile. Do these changes impact your decision to use this product? How do you balance taste and nutrition in your protein choices? Do you agree with my Syntha-6 Protein Powder review?

Nutrition Facts: 5. I wasn’t doing math in 2020. I wasn’t doing percent protein per serving in 2020. You’re ALMOST getting 50% protein per scoop. Accounting for that spiked Glutamine, BSN Syntha 6 protein powder is closer to 45% protein per amount.

If your goal is to lose weight. BSN Syntha-6 will help you reach your weight goals. I feel it’s one of the best weight-loss proteins.

😋 Syntha 6 Is One of the Best Tasting Protein

In 2020, I gave Syntha-6 a score of 10 for flavor. That’s not going to change.

I’ve tried all the standard BSN Syntha-6 protein flavors. You can’t go wrong with whatever you pick. Your choices become limited as you start purchasing the bigger containers. Yes, the pictures back up the flavor! Here is a list of all the standard BSN Syntha-6 protein flavors.

Syntha 6 Best Flavors

Banana	Chocolate Cake Batter	​Chocolate Milkshake	Chocolate Peanut Butter
Cookies & Cream	Strawberry Milkshake	Vanilla Ice Cream	​

Flavor: 10. The best or one of the best-tasting protein powders in the market.

What are your thoughts on my BSN Syntha-6 Protein Powder review of Strawberry Milkshake? Is it on point? What’s your favorite flavor?

🎬 Is BSN Syntha 6 Good?

One of my favorite all-time sports movies is Warrior. If you watch the behind the scene of

Warrior, the two major actors: Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton. They were drinking BSN Syntha-6 non-stop.

💪 BSN Syntha-6 tastes great
💪BSN Syntha-6 is a great meal-replacement protein
💪 BSN Syntha-6 has 6g of fiber

With the great, there’s always some bad news.

🙀 The 2022 formula of BSN Syntha-6, does not list GLUTAMINE PEPTIDES. If you find a 2019-20 formula, glutamine peptides are a listed ingredient. You know what that means?🙀

BSN Syntha-6 is a spiked protein. That 22g of listed protein might only be 16-20 grams.😒😒😒

I purchased a 10-pound bag of this stuff based on my movie nostalgia. In this Syntha-6 review, it’s not the best muscle protein powder. 

Your feedback matters! Do you agree with my BSN Syntha-6 Protein Powder review? Or do you have a different take? Share your stories and opinions below—they’re helpful not just to me but to everyone reading this review.

🎼 BSN Syntha-6 Protein Powder Review Score

Price: 6 out of 10
Amino Spiking: 5 out of 10 (Spiked with Glutamine)
Protein Shake Mix: 8 out of 10
Protein Ingredients: 6.5 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 5 out of 10
Flavor 10 out of 10

Final Score of BSN Syntha 6, 40.5/60, 68%, Great Meal Replacement/Steep Discount as a Post-Workout Shake

💥 BSN Syntha-6 vs Redcon1 MRE Lite

Throughout this review, I shared that BSN Syntha-6 is a GREAT MRE. Check out my MRE Lite review, BSN Syntha-6 vs Redcon1 MRE Lite.

In my Redcon1 MRE Lite review, I said that “most of the protein comes from collagen.”

Redcon1 MRE Lite lists “beef protein isolate” as the primary protein source. Remember, beef protein isolate is collagen.

Pocket Protein Review of Redcon1 MRE Lite

• Collagen is not great at stimulating muscle protein synthesis
• Beef protein isolate, collagen, is more likely to increase your BMI
• Redcon1 MRE Lite did keep my stomach satisfied

Which is a better MRE: BSN Syntha-6 or Redcon1 MRE Lite?

You need to ask yourself these main questions

• Do you want to keep your hard-earned muscle?
• Are you lactose intolerant?
• Is your goal to lose weight?

BSN Syntha-6 is going to be better at building and maintaining your muscles. Syntha 6 is a milk-based protein. Redcon1 MRE Lite’s primary protein sources are collagen, pea, and rice protein.

Remember, pea and rice proteins are incomplete proteins, making it more difficult for your body to digest them and stimulate muscle growth.

I experienced different levels of bloating with both products. After consuming BSN Syntha-6, I NEVER felt overly bloated. My stomach never over-inflated balloon.

Calories Comparison of MRE Lite Vs Syntha-6 Protein Powder

• Redcon1 MRE Lite: 130 calories per serving (260 calories)
• BSN Syntha-6: 200 calories per serving (400 calories)

Syntha-6 Protein is Better at Building Muscle

Yes, BSN Syntha-6 is a spiked protein. It is milk-based, which will be better for muscle building. MRE Lite’s main ingredeint is collagen. Collagen is not good at muscle building. Here’s the game-changer for me.

• The majority of protein blend comes from casein and whey protein
• 6g of fiber
• Great flavors

Winner: BSN Syntha-6

Different MRE Protein Powders

PR Breaker Hitpoint Ultra

If you want a great alternative that doesn’t skimp on protein with broken amino fragments, you want Hitpoint Ultra. It’s lower in calories than Muscle Milk and offered in 2 delicious flavors. Sometimes, you can buy closed-dated products at a discounted price. Visit PRBreaker.com to make a purchase (non-affiliate link).

Muscle Milk

Scored 84%. A two-blend protein of whey protein concentrate and milk protein isolate. You’re getting the best of both worlds. However, at 280 calories per serving, that’s hefty. Great value that can be purchased anywhere. Purchase Genuine Muscle Milk.

Syntha-6 Compared to Optimum Nutrition

I’ve used ON’s casein protein, which I purchased over 15 years ago. Looking at the ON casein label, you will experience the typical effects: extreme bloating, gas, and discomfort. If you want to compare ON Gold Standard to BSN’s MRE, I would go with Gold Standard. Gold Standard may not be as delicious, but you are getting 24 grams of protein per serving. Purchase ON Gold Standard.

I’ve suggested some alternatives to BSN Syntha-6, but I always seek more options. If you have any recommendations or personal favorites, please let me know. Your suggestions could be a game-changer for someone.