Scivation's New Mass Gainer: Chocolate Dream Sample Review w/ Pics
[center][size=+3][color=blue][b]Scivation Mass Gainer: Chocolate Dream![/b][/color][/size]
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[b]I was lucky enough to be chosen as a winner to try a sample of Scivation's new Mass Gainer currently the works. Typically I don't go for 'mass gainers', but I had previously never tried a Scivation product before, and I was quite intrigued by the profile (which I will get to below) so I decided to throw in an app. I also am not a huge fan of plain chocolate flavors and I typically go for vanillas, but I decided I would try the Chocolate Dream to see if they could 'surprise' me with a chocolate flavor I enjoy.
[size=+2]Thanks DASBUNKER, Mike, and the Scivation Team for the sample hook-up and SP bag.. on to the review![/size][/b]
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I mixed 2 scoops in about 16 oz of water, following the directions on the label. I NEVER mix any of my protein drinks in water for a few reasons:
1. It usually tastes terrible and watered down
2. It tastes MUCH better with milk
3. I have room in my diet to use milk instead of water
But I decided to go with water like the directions had said to see how it would end up. So this review is about as un-biased as it gets, and if anything, the odds were stacked AGAINST Scivation and the Mass Gainer with me choosing a chocolate flavor and mixing with water..
[b]Smell: 9/10[/b]
Smell doesn't mean too much, but I like to throw it in my reviews anyway. When I opened the little black tub labeled with a "C" sticker, an instant aroma of chocolate scented goodness filled my nose. Wasn't too strong or overpowering, but you could definitely tell it was a pure chocolate flavor. Quite pleasing and appetizing smell.
[b]Mixability: 9.75/10[/b]
Like I said, I mixed it up with about 16 oz of water in my Blender Bottle. I had no issues whatsoever mixing it up, and the finished product had no clumping or residue to be seen, besides for a few small darker brown speckles which you can see in the second pic. I am not sure if these were 'supposed' to be there or not, but they weren't an issue. Overall, very good mixability which is always nice to have in any supplement. Also no foaming, just a small amount of bubbles which went away within a few seconds
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[b]Profile: 9/10[/b]
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Typically with gainers, they are loaded with cheap filler carbs and sub-optimal amounts and forms of protein, which is why I usually steer clear from them. But I actually really like the profile on Scivation's Mass Gainer, it's one of the best I've seen IMO. I love the fact that they use high quality MPI as the source of protein, which is one of my favorite sources, instead of cheaper alternative such as WPC, or Soy Protein which many others tend to use. The carb source is also awesome, and I really like that they used organic brown rice and organic fractionated rice oligodextrins, as opposed to the typical maltodextrin, dextrose, WMS, etc.. and the MCT's and healthy fats are a great addition as well.
Overall, the profile is very versatile and I can see it easily being using on either a bulk or cut for a solid, healthy meal replacement. The caloric amount is at a nice level with 410 calories per 3 scoop serving, and the macros can easily be manipulated to fit your needs by simply taking 1 or 2 scoops instead of 3, adding your own protein powder to buff it up a bit, or whatever you like/need to do. In general, I really like this gainer's profile.
[b]Consistency: 9/10[/b]
Mixed with 16 oz of water, the shake turned somewhat thick - which I enjoyed - and very creamy, which was awesome. It was very easy to get down and had a great 'mouth-feel' to it. There was a very minuscule amount of microscopic 'grains', which I assume was from the rice powder, but it really did not take anything away from the consistency at all. I only noticed it when I was finishing up drinking the shake as they were along the side of my shaker. Overall, very nice consistency.
[b]Taste: 9.2/10[/b]
Remember how I said that I mixed it with water, and that I never do that with ANY of my shakes because it usually tastes terrible? And how I chose the Chocolate flavor, when I am usually partial to Vanillas? Well.. Scivation certainly impressed me with this one! I was really surprised when I took my first sip, somewhat expecting a watered down, dull chocolate flavor, so much that I actually said aloud "Wow, this tastes awesome" after I had taken the first swig. It had a chocolate cake or brownie batter type of flavor, and was quite delicious. I was seriously impressed with how good it tasted. It honestly tasted good enough for me to want to start looking into more Chocolate flavored proteins. With the taste being that good in water, I can only imagine it would have been phenomenal in milk.
[b]Price: 7.5/10[/b]
I haven't seen an 'official' price been set for this yet, but in the promo thread, Mike mentioned that it wouldn't be 'cheap' and he's expecting retailers to carry it for around $52 - $54 for the 20 serving tub. While this does seem pretty expensive for 20 servings, I am believer in the saying "You get what you pay for", in regards to quality - and IMO this is one of the highest quality gainers I have seen. And plus like I was saying with the versatility of the profile, you can easily manipulate the number of scoops you use for your needs making the tub last longer. Personally, I can't see myself buying any gainers as I would rather eat a whole food meal (which is why I gave it a 7.5), but I definitely see the convenience in this product being a great justification for other users to purchase it.
[b]Overall: 9/10[/b]
Scivation's Mass Gainer definitely looks like a winner and will likely be a top product in it's class/category of supplements. The profile is easily one of the best I've seen in a gainer and the product is very versatile, and it also has an awesome taste to match - one of the best Chocolates I've had (coming from a "Vanilla" guy). Seeing how this was my first experience with any Scivation product, I am highly impressed with the overall quality and will certainly be checking out more products from the Scivation/Primaforce line. Like I said above, I don't typically use 'gainers', so I can't really see myself purchasing this unless there is a sale. But if you're one who typically uses a gainer, this is something you should really check out.
I should have some samples of the Scivation Whey coming (hopefully the Chocolate is included), and if it tastes anywhere near as good as this Mass Gainer did, I'll likely be seeing a tub of it in my future. Great job on a solid product, Scivation.
[b]Thanks again to the guys at Scivation, for sending me the sample and the SP bag. Really enjoyed the product, and will be looking forward to trying more from your line in the future![/b]
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