Unbiased R1 Pro6 Protein Review

This is my final review of any Rule 1 protein. This unbiased R1 Pro6 protein review stems from the previous Rule 1 Proteins I’ve examined. 

If you’re interested, here are all the Rule 1 Protein powders. They all have the same recurring theme: mix solid and taste okay. None of the Rule 1 Protein received a score higher than 69%. I’ll share the links and scores. I always go in-depth with all my reviews. 

• R1 Whey Protein Isolate Review, 69%
• R1 Whey Blend Review, 64%
• Rule 1 Source7 Protein Review, 54%

🌟 As a certified expert in strength conditioning (NSCA) and nutrition (Precision Nutrition, CISSN), I bring a high level of expertise and an unbiased approach to my protein reviews. My insights are not just based on research, but also from personal use, ensuring you receive 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 is a cornerstone of my reviews: I may use affiliate links, but rest assured, they don’t cost you extra. Any purchases made through these links might earn me a small commission, but they never influence my opinions or the integrity of my reviews.

🔍 I am dedicated to providing clear, honest reviews that respect your need for accurate information to make informed decisions.

📖 R1 Pro6 Protein Review Details

When Pro6 was available to purchase through Rule 1, it was advertised as a unique ‘Transparent multi-sourced formula [with] fast, moderate, and slow release [proteins].’ Packed with 25 grams of protein, each tub of Pro6 offers a distinct blend of protein sources.

• Six sources of protein
• 6g BCAAs “values are naturally occurring & approximated”
• Transparent label with each source of protein listed and approximate amounts
• No banned substances (but no 3rd party seal of approval)
• Gluten-free

Let’s examine the specifics to see why Pro6 is no longer distributed by Rule 1.

🏋️‍♂️ Is R1 Pro6 Protein a Meal Replacement or Post Workout Shake?

We are examining each of the specific protein sources listed in Pro6. The label may share that Pro6 is a slow-release protein best suited for post-workout. 

 💪 How Many Scoops of R1 Pro6 Protein to Maximize Muscle Growth

We know this about R1 Pro6 Protein powder: 2.04 grams of leucine per serving. This information is from R1’s transparent label, which shares specific weights per protein source. 

Finally, we know that to stimulate protein synthesis, we need 25 grams of protein with 3 grams of leucine. That information is from ‘How Much Protein to Maximize Muscle Growth?’

To stimulate MPS using Pro6 protein, you need 1.5 scoops. 

🛒 Where to Buy R1 Pro6 Protein

Pro6 is no longer available for purchase. 

💸 Money-Back Guarantee 

As shared in previous Rule 1 Protein reviews, there is a 100% satisfaction return policy. Examining the small print reveals the stipulations you need to know. 

Rule One Proteins may accept returns of products purchased directly from ruleoneproteins.com when all the following conditions are met:

● Product was delivered within the last 15 days.
● Unopened product, the seal is intact, and in its original packaging.
● Possessing the packing slip, order confirmation, or proof of purchase from ruleoneproteins.com.

Value: No Score. If I were to assess a score, 1. Rule 1 Pro6 is a spiked protein powder with low-quality, internationally sourced whey.

🔬 Does Rule 1 Protein Powders Have an Amino Acid Profile Listed?

Having reviewed Rule 1 protein powders, Pro6 is similar to the others. However, I’m happy to report why Rule 1 never shares an amino acid profile. 

Research suggests that Rule 1 protein powders are sourced from low-quality whey distributors. I’ve calculated the leucine content for Pro6. The Transparent multi-source formula shares a leucine content of only 2.04 grams per serving. 

I’ve calculated the amount of leucine based on the information shared on the Pro6 transparent label. The total amount of leucine from all six sources is 2.04 grams. 

How do we calculate isoleucine and valine? 

🧮 What’s the Typical Amino Acid Profile in Protein Powder

Here is a table examining the natural percentages of BCAAs in protein powders.

Typical BCAA Percentage in Protein Powder
Leucine	8% to 12%
Isoleucine	4% to 6%
Valine	4% to 6%

Researchers acknowledge in the study that the animals’ BCAA profile is affected by their dietary choices. If the animal is stressed, lives in a crowded environment, and has an atypical diet, its BCAA content will be lowered.

Using Rule 1’s own BCAA supplement profile statements. “2:1:1 ratio of leucine-to-isoleucine-to-valine…supporting protein synthesis, preservation of lean mass, and muscle energetics and endurance.” 

The remaining amount of the BCAA profile is filled out in Pro6, using the 2:1:1 ratio.

Pro6 BCAA Profile
Leucine	2.04 grams
Isoleucine	1.02 grams
Valine	1.02 grams

Here are the reasons why Rule 1 discontinued Pro6.

Research suggests Pro6’s primary protein sources are low-quality whey protein distributors. Assuming that Rule 1 leucine content from all six protein sources is 2.04, the remaining BCAA profile is 1.02 grams for both isoleucine and valine. Pro6 is an amino-spiked protein powder with 2 grams of unlisted nitrogen ingredients. 

⚛️ Is Rule 1 Amino Spiking?

We know that Rule 1 uses low-quality whey from an international distributor. Well, you will know in the next section. We also know the BCAA profile for Pro6, 4.06 grams of BCAAs. Woefully short, from the list of 6g BCAAs from values that are “naturally occurring.”

Research indicates that Rule 1 is performing amino spiking, based on research done on Rule 1’s discontinued Pro6 protein powder. The listed amount of BCAA does not correspond with the calculated amino acid profile from the transparent label on Pro6. All Rule 1 protein powders use low-quality whey sourced internationally, then spiked with unlisted amino acids. 

If you want your hard work to pay off in the gym, I do not recommend using Rule 1 protein powders.

📜 Is R1 Pro6 Protein 3rd Party Tested

Rule 1’s Pro6 is the only protein powder that does not have the seal of approval from Informed Choice. Visiting Informed Choice website, it is shared that Rule 1 products have undergone independent testing.

The Pro6 container states, “free from banned substances.” Having an independent label stamped with who did the testing offers better peace of mind. 

Amino Spiking: 1 out of 10. Pro6 is a spiked protein powder. There is a reason why Rule 1 doesn’t want to provide an amino acid profile. Low-quality internationally sourced protein. In turn, it is spiked with unlisted ingredients. The actual protein amount per serving is closer to 20 grams of protein (or lower). In conclusion, Rule 1 Pro6 protein does not meet the standards of a high-quality protein supplement.

🥤 What Is The Best Way To Mix R1 Pro6 Protein Shake?

Rule 1 Pro6 offers a different take when compared to their other protein powders. 

1. One heaping scoop 
2. Use 8-10 oz of water, milk or juice
3. Shake or stir with a spoon

Another interesting note is that Rule 1 promotes the use of Pro6 as a protein meal enhancer to showcase its capability with foods: “Add a scoop with oatmeal or yogurt for a fortified start.” 

How does it shake?

While drinking, mini dry clumps will hit your mouth. You will also notice the routine dry specs around the shaker bottle and below the top of your shaker. I would not recommend using Pro6 with a spoon. 

⚖️ Scoop Size for R1 Pro6 Protein

Shakability Test: 7.5 out of 10. Clumping around the shaker walls, dry specs under the pour spouts. However, when drinking Pro6 protein, you will experience dry clumps while drinking the shake.

📋 Ingredient List for R1 Pro6 Protein Powder

The ingredient list will always be different based on the flavor you select. Since Rule 1 has discontinued Pro6 in favor of their Source7 Protein. I’ll leave the ingredient list available, just for comparison’s sake. 

1. Protein Blend:
   • Whey Protein Isolate: This is a highly purified form of whey protein with minimal fat and carbohydrates (lactose).
   • Whey Protein Concentrate: This type of protein contains more fats and carbohydrates (lactose) than isolate. 
   • Micellar Casein: A slow-digesting protein that releases amino acids, making it ideal for muscle recovery during sleep or periods between meals.
   • Whey Protein Hydrolysate: This form of whey protein has been partially broken down by hydrolysis to facilitate faster digestion and absorption.
   • Egg White Protein: Known for its high digestibility and complete amino acid profile.
   • Egg White Protein Hydrolysate: Like whey hydrolysate, this egg protein is pre-digested to speed up absorption.
   • Native Whey Protein Isolate: Extracted directly from skim milk rather than a by-product of cheese production, making it less processed and potentially richer in leucine.
2. Cocoa (Processed with Alkali): This is where the chocolate flavors happen. It has a milder taste due to the alkali processing, which reduces acidity.
3. Natural and Artificial Flavors: Nothing new to say.
4. Soy Lecithin: An emulsifier to help mix the protein powder easily with liquids without clumping.
5. Xanthan Gum: A thickening and stabilizing agent that helps maintain the consistency of the protein shake.
6. Salt: Enhances flavor 
7. Sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium: These are artificial sweeteners used instead of sugar to keep the calorie count low while still providing sweetness to the product.

One last thing to note, besides encountering bloat: Rule 1 does share that “soy lecithin is added as an emulsifier.” I discuss this in detail in my ON Gold Standard Whey vs. Pure Choice Farms. 

If you already have problems digesting protein powders, soy can contribute to your digestive issues. Soy is routinely used as a cheap emulsifier. For better digestion, focus on protein powders that use sunflower lecithin.

🏷️ R1 Pro6 Protein Label Transparency

Rule 1 will only provide a partial amino acid profile. However, I respect Rule 1’s provision of label transparency for listing the specific amount of each protein source in Pro6 Protein.

🔍 Examining R1 Pro6 Multi Protein Blend

As the name suggests, Pro6 contains six different proteins. I’ll share information about minimum thresholds for stimulating muscle protein synthesis. Since we don’t have access to an amino acid profile, we do have access to protein amounts; we can calculate the amount of leucine in Pro6.

On average, leucine makes up 10% to 11% of the protein in protein powders. We also know the specific weight of each protein powder in Pro6.

• Whey Isolate 7.5g
• Micellar Casein 5g
• Whey Concentrate 5g
• Hydrolysate Isolate 2.5g
• Egg White 2.5
• Native Whey Isolate 2.5g

⚡ Standard Fast Digesting Protein

These are the fast-digesting proteins in Pro6: whey isolate, whey concentrate, and hydrolysate isolate. I wrote an article examining if whey isolate has low lactose.

Hydrolsate and hydrolyzed protein are interchangeable terms used in the supplement industry. My article examines whether whey isolate has low lactose and discusses the filtration of lactose from whey. Hydrolysate is a process of making whey almost lactose-free, which improves digestion for the user. 

Further filtration of whey protein concentration to isolate or hydrolysate removes more carbs, fats, and calories while making a more concentrated amount of protein.

As shared at the beginning of the R1 Pro6 Protein review, the minimum threshold to stimulate muscle protein synthesis is at least 25 grams of protein with 3 grams of leucine. 

Adding the total amount of standard fast-digesting proteins, we have a total protein amount of 15 grams. Yielding 1.5 grams of leucine from fast-digesting protein.

🥚 Egg White Protein

Egg white protein helps build muscle, researchers suggest that 15 grams of egg white protein may stimulate muscle protein synthesis. However, Pro6 only has 2.5 grams of egg white in the profile. 

The article also shares that, on average, egg white protein contains 8.5% leucine per weight, for a total of .212 grams of leucine from egg white protein.

🥛 Native Whey Proteins

Protein companies are starting to use native whey in their protein profiles. One of the biggest names that uses native whey is Ascent Protein. 

I reviewed Ascent Native Whey Protein, examined how effective native whey is in stimulating muscle protein synthesis, and ranked protein powders. Here’s the list, ranked from first to worst. 

1. Whey Protein Isolate: The front-runner for muscle building, thanks to its high protein concentration and rapid absorption.
2. Whey Protein Concentrate: Less expensive than isolate, as effective in stimulating MPS.
3. Casein: The slow-digesting protein that will be gone within 2-hours
4. Native Whey: With high amounts of naturally occurring leucine, its muscle-building benefits are on par with a glass of milk.
5. Milk: A natural blend of whey and casein, offering a balanced protein source but less concentrated than isolated forms.

There are two reasons why native whey is utilized in protein powders.

1. Cheaper than whey protein concentrate, isolate, and casein
2. Native whey has naturally higher amounts of leucine

Researchers found that native whey has between 10% and 12% naturally higher amounts of leucine. However, native whey is still considered to belong to the family of fast-digesting proteins. 

We know that Pro6 has 2.5 grams of native whey. Considering the average amount of naturally occurring leucine, which is 11%, native whey leucine is .275 grams.

🐄 Slow Digesting Protein, Casein 

Micellar casein is in Pro6 to provide a“ slow release” formula. However, we need to ask two questions.

1. How long does it take for casein to digest?
2. How much casein is necessary to stimulate muscle protein synthesis?

Researchers examined which protein is more effective at building muscle: whey hydrolysate, casein, or soy isolate. The final results are that post-workout, hydrolysate, and soy isolate are more effective than casein. 

Another researcher examined muscle protein synthesis by comparing whey protein isolate vs casein. They found that 20g of casein was enough to stimulate MPS in older adults.

Regarding how long it takes for casein protein to digest, researchers found that the digestion of leucine began to taper after 7 hours, based on 25 grams of casein.

We also need to know how much leucine is in casein. Based on an article from Forbes examining the leucine content in casein, the average amount will be between 8% and 9%.

What does all of this mean?

A minimum of 25 grams and 3 grams of leucine is necessary to stimulate muscle. The casein needed to stimulate MPS is between 30 and 40 grams. That 30 to 40 grams will take at least 8 hours to digest. 

Pro6 has 5g of micellar casein. It will take less than 2 hours to digest these 5 grams of casein. The amount of leucine that 5g casein has to offer is .45g

😞 Total Amount of Leucine in Pro6 Protein

The total amount of Leucine per serving in Pro6 Protein is 2.038 grams. How did we get that?

Protein Powder	Amount	Average % Leucine	Leucine Content
Whey isolate	7.5g	10%	.75g
Micellar Casein	5g	9%	.05g
Whey Concentrate	5g	10%	.5g
Hydrolysate Isolate	2.5g	10%	.25g
Egg White	2.5g	8.5%	.213g
Native Whey Isolate	2.5g	11%	.275

2.04 grams of leucine is not a good profile to stimulate MPS and is not a great value per container, especially if you’re using 1.5 scoops post-workout. 

🌍 Is R1 Pro6 Protein Made in the USA?

Rule 1 proudly shares that all their protein powders are made in America… With internationally sourced ingredients. 

Email attempts to Rule 1 Customer Service are futile. 

Ingredients List: 5 out of 10. This is my fourth review of Rule 1 protein. Rule 1 doesn’t reply to my emails. It is an internationally sourced, low-quality protein powder.  

🥗 Nutrition Facts for R1 Pro6 Protein

Here are the nutrition facts for R1 Pro6 Protein Chocolate Fudge protein.

Serving Size 1 Scoop (34g)

Calories 120

• Total Fat 1g
• Sodium 130mg
• Total Carbohydrate 3g
  • Dietary Fiber 1g
  • Total Sugars 1g
• 25 grams of protein per serving

🍗 What Percent Protein Does R1 Pro6 Protein Have per Serving?

As I shared at the start of this unbiased review of R1 Pro6 protein, Rule 1 has discontinued this protein. I only found nutrition facts for these three flavors. It’ll be nice to go down the nostalgia road.

Chocolate Fudge: 25 grams of protein / 34-gram serving size = 74% protein per serving
Vanilla Ice Cream: 25 grams of protein / 32.5-gram serving size = 77% protein per serving
Cookies & Crème: 25 grams of protein / 33-gram serving size = 76% protein per serving

Just another reminder: Pro6 is a spiked protein. The reality is you’re getting 20 grams of protein per serving.

🍨 Is R1 Pro6 Protein Lactose Free?

Drinking Pro6 causes me mild bloating. It’s also worth noting that Pro6 is certified gluten-free. 

Nutrition Facts:  6.0 out of 10. A spiked protein that isn’t offered the listed amount of 25 grams. In all actuality, it’s 20 grams of protein or less. 

👌Does R1 Pro6 Protein Taste Good?

There is only one flavor available, chocolate fudge, which I was able to get. If you avoid artificial sugars, you wouldn’t have purchased Pro6. However, if you believe artificial sugars are okay in trace amounts, this would have been a purchase. 

That shared Pro6 Chocolate Fudge is overly sweet on your first take. The sweetness subsides, and it becomes bearable after multiple drinks. 

The only documented flavors I could find outside chocolate fudge were Vanilla Ice Cream and Chocolate Fudge. 

Flavor: 8 out of 10. The Pro6 flavor profile is very similar to the protein powders I’ve reviewed by Jacked Factory, Authentic ISO, and Authentic Whey. Those protein powders were overly sweet, using a combination of sucralose and stevia. Pro6 just uses sucralose; it’s overly sweet. 

🏁 Final R1 Pro6 Protein Review Thoughts

I have two theories on why Rule 1 discontinued Pro6

1. The costs of remnant protein powders went up from a distributor.
2. The transparent label showed that Pro6 is spiked.

Pro6 was discontinued in favor of Source7 protein. I reviewed Source7 protein to determine whether it’s really worth having seven protein sources. It’s not. I gave it a final score of 57%. It was a small step forward for Rule 1. 

It’s nice to see the statement “transparent label” on Pro6. However, multi-source post-workout protein powders, especially ones with more than three protein powders, are not a good choice. Here’s why.

As a whole, multi-sourced proteins are usually of low quality overall. More than low-quality protein powders are needed to stimulate muscle protein synthesis, which may not aid in post-workout recovery. 

I was able to calculate a general estimate for Pro6’s naturally occurring BCAAs. 4.06 grams of BCAAs is woefully short of the state’s recommended 6g, showcasing that Pro6 is a spiked protein. 

I am critically thinking about that information. If a discontinued protein by Rule 1 is protein spiked, what does that mean for the other protein powders being offered? Pro6 only offers 20 grams of protein per serving.

If my math is incorrect, it’d be nice to see an amino acid profile to examine the quality of the protein you purchase. We also learned that Rule 1 sources its protein powders from low-quality whey distributors. 

Positives about Rule 1’s discontinued Pro6? It mixes solid, and if you can handle the overly sweet taste, the flavor profile is serviceable. One last time, do not purchase any Rule 1 protein powders if you’re concerned about growing your muscles. 

Do you agree with my Pro6 protein review? Have you ever used Pro6? Finally, I’m interested in whether you’re a Rule 1 protein user. What are your thoughts on their protein powder?

Are you looking for more protein reviews? Here are all my unbiased protein reviews. If you’re hesitant about purchasing a protein powder, leave a comment below, and I’ll add it to my review list. If you don’t want to leave a comment, email me at my ‘Contact’ page.

🧐 R1 Pro6 Protein Review Round-Up

Value: Discontinued
Amino Spiking: 1.0 out of 10
Shakability Test: 7.5 out of 10
Ingredients List: 5.0 out of 10
Nutrition Facts:  6.0 out of 10
Flavor: 7.5 out of 10

Overall Score 27/50, 54%, Discontinued by Rule 1

📚 Sources

BCAAs. (n.d.). Rule One Proteins. Retrieved April 29, 2024, from https://www.ruleoneproteins.com/products/r1-bcaas

Boirie, Y., Dangin, M., Gachon, P., Vasson, M.-P. ., Maubois, J.-L. ., & Beaufrere, B. (1997). Slow and fast dietary proteins differently modulate postprandial protein accretion. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 94(26), 14930–14935. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.94.26.14930

Burd, N. A., Yang, Y., Moore, D. R., Tang, J. E., Tarnopolsky, M. A., & Phillips, S. M. (2012). Greater stimulation of myofibrillar protein synthesis with ingestion of whey protein isolate v. micellar casein at rest and after resistance exercise in elderly men. British Journal of Nutrition, 108(06), 958–962. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0007114511006271

Casein vs. Whey: Which Is Better For You? (2024, January 2). Forbes Health. https://www.forbes.com/health/supplements/casein-vs-whey/

Gorissen, S. H. M., Crombag, J. J. R., Senden, J. M. G., Waterval, W. A. H., Bierau, J., Verdijk, L. B., & van Loon, L. J. C. (2018). Protein content and amino acid composition of commercially available plant-based protein isolates. Amino Acids, 50(12), 1685–1695. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-018-2640-5

Hamarsland, H., Nordengen, A. L., Nyvik Aas, S., Holte, K., Garthe, I., Paulsen, G., Cotter, M., Børsheim, E., Benestad, H. B., & Raastad, T. (2017). Native whey protein with high levels of leucine results in similar post-exercise muscular anabolic responses as regular whey protein: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-017-0202-y

Hida, A., Hasegawa, Y., Mekata, Y., Usuda, M., Masuda, Y., Kawano, H., & Kawano, Y. (2012). Effects of Egg White Protein Supplementation on Muscle Strength and Serum Free Amino Acid Concentrations. Nutrients, 4(10), 1504–1517. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu4101504

Kremmer, J. (2022, March 23). Ascent Whey 🏋️‍♂️: Average Blend, Not Top of the Podium 🥉. JKremmer Fitness. https://jkremmerfitness.com/post/ascent-protein-powder-review/#Ranking_Protein_Powders_Where_Does_Native_Whey_Stand

Kremmer, J. (2023, September 1). Ever Wondered the Real Difference? Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard vs Pure Choice Farms Showdown! JKremmer Fitness. https://jkremmerfitness.com/post/isolate-vs-concentrate-whey-protein-comparison/#ON_Gold_Standard_Whey_vs_Pure_Choice_Farms_Which_One_Digests_Better

Kremmer, J. (2024, April 10). 🥛🚫 Understanding the Best Whey Protein for Lactose Intolerance. JKremmer Fitness. https://jkremmerfitness.com/post/is-whey-isolate-low-lactose/

Shipping & Returns. (n.d.). Rule One Proteins. Retrieved April 29, 2024, from https://www.ruleoneproteins.com/pages/shippingandreturns

Stark, M., Lukaszuk, J., Prawitz, A., & Salacinski, A. (2012). Protein timing and its effects on muscular hypertrophy and strength in individuals engaged in weight-training. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 9(1), 54. https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-9-54

Tang, J. E., Moore, D. R., Kujbida, G. W., Tarnopolsky, M. A., & Phillips, S. M. (2009). Ingestion of whey hydrolysate, casein, or soy protein isolate: Effects on mixed muscle protein synthesis at rest and following resistance exercise in young men. Journal of Applied Physiology, 107(3), 987–992. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00076.2009