1UP Nutrition Review (2024) Read This Before You Buy

James Cunningham, BSc, CPT
Published by James Cunningham, BSc, CPT | Staff Writer & Senior Coach
Last updated: December 14, 2023
We personally test every product featured in our reviews and guides. By ordering products anonymously and getting a group of independent testers, we are able to get first-hand experience and provide data-driven recommendations. Learn more.

After hearing a lot of buzz about 1UP Nutrition in the fitness community, I decided to try the protein supplement for myself.

I noticed a mix of reviews online, so I was curious how it would fit into my fitness routine and nutrition plan.

While many say it lives up to its promise, some critics say it doesn't taste great or deliver the expected results.

As a fitness enthusiast with a science background, I wanted to give you an objective and unbiased 1UP Nutrition review.

So, I spent several weeks researching all the ingredients and their effects while consulting with my dietitian.

Here’s my analysis.

What Is 1UP Nutrition?

Close up image of 1UP nutrition powder with logo

1UP Nutrition is a powdered whey protein supplement that provides the extra nutrients you need for regular workouts.

1UP Nutrition sets itself apart by having a huge variety of flavors and containing both whey isolate and whey concentrate instead of one or the other.

It also uses sucralose as a sweetener instead of stevia, which some people (myself included) report as having a bitter aftertaste.

Suited for Men & Women

1UP Nutrition CTA

1UP Nutrition

Effectiveness
4.4
Ingredients
4.0
Price
4.4
Taste
4.0
Overall Score 4.2
4.2

How Does 1UP Nutrition Work?

1UP Nutrition works by providing you with essential nutrients for bulking and building muscle mass.

These nutrients include proteins and other essential compounds that your body needs to build muscle.

1UP Nutrition’s protein supplement can also help you lose weight.

The high protein content will keep you feeling fuller longer, and the taste will satisfy cravings, helping you stay away from empty calories [1]. In my experience, this was especially helpful in between meals as it kept me away from snacking.

1UP Nutrition Ingredients

Soy beans with a spoon full of powders

One of the things I liked about 1UP Nutrition is that all its ingredients serve a purpose. Everything you’ll find on their ingredients list is either for nutrition or flavor — no fillers or cost-saving extras.

Here are the five most important ingredients in 1UP Nutrition’s whey protein supplement.

1. Whey Protein Concentrate

1UP Nutrition’s main ingredient is whey concentrate. According to a study on PubMed, whey-based supplements have been proven to help build lean muscle and improve strength [2].

Whey is a natural protein source because it is derived from milk. It is also fast-digesting, making it effective as a pre-workout protein boost. According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, whey protein can significantly enhance muscle protein synthesis when consumed before or after workouts [3].

Companies use different sources when making protein supplements, including casein and soy, but whey is the best option, in my experience.

A research study on PubMed shows that whey-based proteins increase muscle protein synthesis more than casein or soy-based proteins [4].

“Whey protein has a very high nutritional value, and it is one of the best dietary sources of high-quality protein.”

– Atli Arnarson, BSc, PhD

2. Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate

Whey protein isolate is a more refined version of whey concentrate. It contains fewer essential minerals but also has more protein by percentage [5].

The inclusion of whey isolate allows 1UP Nutrition’s supplement to provide more protein per scoop.

Scientific research also shows that hydrolyzed proteins are better at augmenting fat loss than regular proteins [6].

3. Sucralose

The sweetener used in 1UP Nutrition’s supplements is sucralose. Sucralose is an all-natural, zero-calorie sweetener derived from natural sugar [7].

The use of sucralose in protein powders is supported by science. One study showed that people who ate sucralose tended to have lower body weight than those who consumed other zero-calorie sweeteners [8].

Sucralose may be able to fulfill your cravings for sweets and sugars without the added calories of the real thing.

4. Amino Acids

A Container of Amino Acids

I like that 1UP Nutrition’s protein supplement contains all nine essential amino acids [9].

These are crucial to many bodily functions, including muscle building and repair [10].

Amino acid supplementation has been shown to help athletes recover more quickly, build tissue at a faster rate, and have more endurance [11].

1UP Nutrition also contains all three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). BCAAs have many proven fitness benefits, including decreasing muscle soreness, reducing exercise fatigue, and preventing muscle wasting [12] [13] [14].

“Supplementing with BCAAs may decrease muscle soreness by reducing damage in exercised muscles.”

– Gavin Van De Walle, Master of Science, R.D.

5. Lecithin

Another great ingredient of 1UP Nutrition is non-GMO sunflower lecithin. Lecithin is known to have many health benefits, including the ability to lower cholesterol [15].

In addition, it is used to treat stomach issues and may aid in the digestion of other components in protein supplements [16].

Some users of whey proteins report dealing with stomach problems afterward, but it’s possible that the use of Lecithin could mitigate this.

5 Benefits of 1UP Nutrition

A healthy woman with 3 containers of supplement

1UP Nutrition’s supplement is advertised as a significant source of protein that can quiet cravings and encourage muscle growth and endurance.

Here's how these claims stack up.

1. Significant Source of Protein

Research suggests that people who frequently participate in physical activity should consume about 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight and more if they’re high endurance athletes [17].

This recommendation means that an average-sized man who works out a few times a week should consume 135 grams of protein daily.

That’s more than you might think. One egg has six grams of protein, so getting your recommended protein would require you to eat more than 22 eggs daily [18].

One serving of 1UP Nutrition contains half of your daily recommended protein, which makes a significant dent in your everyday needs.

2. Satisfies Diet Cravings

There are many delicious kinds of 1UP Nutrition. Some of their sweeter flavors may help you satiate your appetite while dealing with weight loss cravings.

And I have to hand it 1UP: clients and readers told me that it tasted great and helped them satisfy cravings between meals.

3. Decreases Workout Recovery Time

A woman working out blue background

The BCAAs in 1UP Nutrition can help decrease your recovery time between workouts and reduce pain during recovery time [19].

This pain reduction kept many of my clients returning to the gym a day after grueling workouts. They'd gear up and be ready to exercise because they weren't as focused on the soreness and aches of the previous workout.

4. Encourages Lean Muscle Growth

High-protein and low-sugar diets are essential for building lean muscle. 1UP Nutrition fits the bill on both.

1UP Nutrition only uses sucralose, not sugar, which keeps it low calorie. It’s also very protein-dense, especially because it contains whey isolate.

Despite these claims, one of my clients, Sarah, who has been using this protein supplement for six weeks as part of her weightlifting routine, reported that she hadn't noticed significant changes in her muscle tone or recovery time.

I also tried it myself and found that while the taste was pleasant, it didn't seem to give me an edge in my workouts compared to other products I've used.

If you want to see these gains, it's best to stick with a traditional fat burner or a different company’s protein powder.

5. Greater Strength and Endurance

Using 1UP Nutrition as a pre-workout supplement consistently will produce excellent results. Amino acids in this product can help increase endurance, strength, and muscle building.

After using it for a few workouts, you might just find that you have the energy to keep going and work harder than before.

Pros
  • Contains high-quality ingredients
  • Is a whey-based protein
  • Tastes better than other protein supplements
  • Has many different flavors
Cons
  • Could include more whey isolate

Side Effects of 1UP Nutrition

Any whey-based protein powder can have a few side effects. For the most part, because 1UP Nutrition is milk-derived, it may cause mild stomach issues like nausea or stomach cramps for people who are dairy-sensitive.

Some people have also reported migraines or headaches from using zero-calorie sweeteners like those in 1UP Nutrition.

While not everyone experiences these side effects, they can be very disruptive if you do have them.

The risk of migraines is a big reason I don’t recommend this supplement to some of my clients.

How to Use 1UP Nutrition Protein Supplement?

Glass of milk with a bowl of powder supplement

To use 1UP Nutrition Protein Supplement, mix one scoop of powder with 8 ounces of water or milk.

You can also use the 1UP Nutrition protein supplement as a meal replacement or nutrition supplement by blending it into a drink or adding it to your meals.

One of the most popular ways to use 1UP Nutrition protein is by adding it to a post-workout shake.

You can also use protein supplements with fat burners to burn more calories.

Suited for Men & Women

Close up image of 1UP nutrition powder with logo

1UP Nutrition

Effectiveness
4.4
Ingredients
4.0
Price
4.4
Taste
4.0
Overall Score 4.2
4.2

Who Should Use 1UP Nutrition?

Anyone working on weight loss or struggling with a high appetite should use 1UP Nutrition.

It also may benefit those who want to build muscle mass, as it’s a super lean source of protein with added nutrition.

Those looking for a pre-workout supplement will find that it gives them the energy they need to get started.

Who Should Not Use 1UP Nutrition?

Anyone with severe lactose or milk allergies should not use 1UP Nutrition. Whey is derived from dairy.

While it does not contain enough lactose to upset most lactose-intolerant people, anyone with a severe allergy will be better off avoiding 1UP Nutrition.

Where to Buy 1UP Nutrition?

A happy woman shopping

You can buy 1UP Nutrition at multiple locations, including Amazon and their official website.

They sell all kinds of different flavors, including (in my opinion) their two best: chocolate peanut butter blast and coconut ice cream.

Shipping and Delivery

When I ordered my first batch, I was pleasantly surprised. I placed the order on a Monday, and by Thursday morning, it was at my doorstep.

That’s a 3-day turnaround, which is pretty impressive in my book. I need reliable delivery when I’m running low on my supplements, and 1UP Nutrition didn’t disappoint in this aspect.

Though, in my experience, my orders would arrive on the low end of that range.

Money-Back Guarantee

1UP Nutrition has a complete money-back guarantee, indicating that they believe in their product.

They use the highest quality ingredients and have perfected delicious flavors that won't disappoint you.

1UP Nutrition Customer Reviews

“Best tasting protein I have yet to find. I’ve tried a couple, and they’re all amazing”

– Mayeli R. on 1UP Nutrition’s website

“This tasted chemically, had a terrible after taste.”

– Marisa V. on 1UP Nutrition’s website

“This stuff tastes so good.”

- Danielle C. on 1UP Nutrition’s website

“1UP Nutrition has the WORST customer service I've ever seen… These are by far the most expensive protein bars in the market and not worth it. Especially if the company cannot do the right thing and have some basic customer service decency”

– Chrissy on reviewopedia.com

Alternatives to 1UP Nutrition

Two different brands of supplement powders

Many companies offer products similar to 1UP Nutrition’s protein supplements. Here is how three of 1UP Nutrition’s top alternatives stack up.

Onnit Whey Protein

Onnit Whey Protein Powder boasts 20 grams of protein per serving, a little less than 1UP Nutriton's 25 grams. However, Onnit capitalizes on its high whey protein isolate content, setting itself apart from many competitors who use concentrate.

In addition, Onnit's whey protein supplement exclusively sources its whey from grass-fed cows, a claim that 1UP Nutrition cannot make.

After testing both flavors, our test group agreed that the vanilla proved to be vastly superior in taste. However, the convenience factor was a downside for some users, as they found that a shaker bottle was not sufficient to create a creamy drink. As a result, using a blender may be necessary.

Ritual Essential Protein

Compared to milk-based proteins, Ritual Essential Proteins derive their 20 grams of protein from peas, which contain fewer BCAAs and higher levels of fat and carbohydrates.

Sticking to whey-based proteins is recommended unless you prefer vegan products, as they offer more nutrients than plant-based alternatives.

Ritual Essential Protein and 1UP Nutrition share the same amount of protein at 20 grams but with different sources. Ritual uses pea protein instead of whey. The only flavor available for Ritual is vanilla, which received an 'okay' rating among our test group, but some wished it was sweeter.

Although Ritual can be mixed with water, our test group found it not as smooth as other protein powders.

Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate

Close up image of Transparent Labs Whey Protein

With a higher ratio of isolate to concentrate, Transparent Labs protein powder offers more protein per scoop.

Although Transparent Labs has a slightly higher price point than 1UP Nutrition, the extra dosage of protein is definitely worth it.

Our test group liked that Transparent Labs has a diverse range of flavors, and all the flavors we tried during testing blended to a nice creamy texture without any lumps.

Containing 28 grams of whey protein to promote muscle repair and growth, Transparent Labs offers more protein per serving than 1UP Nutrition. As a fitness coach, I was pleased to see that it contains no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or coloring.

While I ordered both the chocolate and the vanilla flavors for testing purposes, Transparent Labs offers unique flavors such as cinnamon french toast and oatmeal chocolate chip cookie. The test group confirmed that it mixes well and tastes delicious.

FAQs

Is 1UP Nutrition FDA Approved?

No, 1UP Nutrition is not FDA-approved. The FDA does not approve supplements, but 1UP Nutrition is made in the United States in an NPA-certified and FDA-inspected facility.

Is 1UP Nutrition Third-party Tested?

Yes, all ingredients in 1UP Nutrition are third-party tested.

Who Is The Owner Of 1UP Nutrition?

The owners of 1UP Nutrition are Vadim Mordovin and John Hilton. Both of them founded 1UP Nutrition and have co-owned it ever since.

Our Verdict on 1UP Nutrition Protein Powder

1UP Nutrition protein is high in essential amino acids, which is great, but my clients have not been able to nail down the gains they were looking for with this supplement.

It also doesn’t have as much protein as other supplements on the market, and the fact is, there are better options.

Out of all the protein powders my clients and I have tried, Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate definitely takes the top spot.

It’s densely packed with protein, keeps your cravings at bay, and blends remarkably well into smoothies or shakes.

Our #1 Recommendation

Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate

Close up image of Transparent Labs Whey Protein
Ingredients
5.0
Price
5.0
Taste
5.0
Overall Score 5.0
5.0
Pros
  • Grass-fed protein source for highest quality protein powder
  • 28 grams of protein per serving is ideal for bodybuilders
  • Great flavors, especially chocolate peanut butter
  • Bulk orders make it a very reasonable product
  • Get the BEST PRICE until the end of March
Cons
  • Free shipping only available over $150
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