Space Milk, a protein derived from baker's yeast, is marketed as outperforming whey, but a closer look at the clinical study shows no statistical difference in muscle and strength gains between the two.
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While Space Milk has an excellent protein quality score (PDCAAS of 1) comparable to whey and egg, its cost is significantly higher (30-40% more per 20g protein) for similar benefits.
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The claim that Space Milk is a slow-release protein that keeps you fuller longer was not assessed in the study and cannot be substantiated by the available data.
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Space Milk is a viable option for those seeking a plant-based, allergen-free protein, offering one of the best amino acid profiles among plant proteins, but it does not surpass whey in efficacy or cost-effectiveness.
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3 items
Space Milk (Baker's Yeast Protein)
A new protein source derived from baker's yeast, marketed as outperforming whey, plant, and soy proteins, with a perfect protein quality score and claims of superior satiety.
Why this matters: It's presented as a revolutionary protein, but the expert's analysis reveals that its claims of outperformance and superior satiety are not fully supported by the underlying research.
Background
The product is positioned as a novel, allergen-free, slow-release protein with a protein quality score matching whey and egg, and a double-blind clinical study suggesting it builds muscle and strength as effectively as whey.
Space Milk, derived from baker's yeast, is being heavily marketed as a superior protein source. The marketing highlights its perfect protein quality score (PDCAAS of 1), its allergen-free nature, and its purported slow-release properties leading to increased satiety. A double-blind clinical study is cited to support its efficacy in muscle and strength building, claiming it performs just as effectively as whey. However, the expert scrutinizes these claims, particularly the assertion of 'outperforming' whey, finding the study data to show no statistical difference between Space Milk and whey protein.
There's a new protein source outperforming whey, plant, and soy. It's made from baker's yeast. It has a perfect protein quality score matching whey and egg, and a double blind clinical study showed it builds muscle and strength just as effectively as whey.
Misinterpretation of Study Data by Marketers
Marketers of Space Milk presented study charts to suggest whey performed worse, but a closer look revealed whey actually did slightly better in lean mass, though the overall difference was not statistically significant.
Why this matters: Highlights how product marketing can selectively interpret or visually manipulate data to create a perception of superiority that isn't supported by statistical analysis.
Background
The marketing materials for Space Milk included charts that visually implied whey protein was inferior. The expert's review of the raw data and statistical analysis contradicted this visual representation.
The expert observed that the marketing materials for Space Milk visually presented data in a way that made whey protein appear to perform worse than Space Milk. However, upon closer inspection of the actual numbers in the study, whey protein showed a slight, albeit non-statistically significant, advantage in terms of lean mass gains. This discrepancy underscores a common marketing tactic where visual presentation can mislead consumers about the true statistical outcomes of research, creating an illusion of superiority where none exists.
It's interesting how they present the study, too, because if you look at the charts, it looks like whey protein actually did a little bit worse than space milk. But if you actually look at how the chart is presented, whey protein actually did a little bit better in terms of lean mass.
Also said
“Now, that being said, there was no statistical difference. And I I looked through this data. Basically, the data was pretty much a wash.”— Confirms the lack of statistical significance despite visual presentation.
Satiety Claims for Space Milk
The claim that Space Milk is a slow-release protein that keeps you fuller longer is unsubstantiated, as the clinical study did not assess satiety.
Why this matters: Challenges a common marketing claim for protein products by pointing out the lack of scientific evidence in the cited study.
Background
Space Milk is marketed as a slow-release protein that enhances satiety. This is a desirable trait for many consumers, especially those looking for weight management or sustained energy.
A key marketing point for Space Milk is its purported ability to keep consumers fuller for longer due to its slow-release properties. However, the expert points out a critical flaw in this claim: the clinical study referenced by the company did not include any assessment of satiety. Therefore, while the protein might indeed be slow-release, there is no scientific basis from their own study to support the claim that it leads to greater fullness or satiety. This highlights a gap between marketing assertions and scientific validation.
And them saying it's a slow release protein. It keeps you fuller longer. They didn't assess satiety in this study. Just because something is a slow release and slower digesting doesn't mean it's going to have an effect on satiety.
Also said
“So you can't really make that claim even though they did.”— Emphasizes the disconnect between the company's claim and the scientific evidence.
Recommendations
Products, supplements, and tools mentioned in the episode
1 item
Space Milk (Baker's Yeast Protein)
Supplement
Evaluated as a new protein source compared to whey.
Space Milk, derived from baker's yeast, is presented as a viable protein option, particularly for those seeking plant-based or allergen-free alternatives. It boasts an excellent amino acid profile, with a PDCAAS of 1, comparable to whey. While it performs similarly to whey in terms of muscle and strength gains according to its own study (despite marketing claims of outperformance), its primary drawback is cost. It is significantly more expensive than whey protein isolate for the same amount of protein, making it a less cost-effective choice for individuals without specific dietary restrictions or allergies.
vs alternatives
Compared to whey protein, Space Milk offers similar efficacy in muscle building but at a 30-40% higher cost per 20 grams of protein. It is superior to many other plant proteins in terms of amino acid profile. Whey is slightly higher in leucine and essential amino acids, but the differences are minor.
This seems to be a pretty good protein and so I'm a fan, but it is not better than whey and on a per cost basis for the benefits, you have to pay more to get the same benefit.
Also said
“For a plant-based protein, this is a very, very viable option.”— Highlights its suitability for specific dietary needs.
“Compared to like say my whey protein isolate build from Outwork Nutrition, per 20 grams of protein, you're going to pay 30 to 40% more for something like Space Milk or this baker's yeast isolate.”— Provides a specific cost comparison.
“To be fair, in terms of plant proteins, probably one of the better amino acid, if not the best amino acid profile I've seen thus”— Praises its amino acid quality among plant-based options.
Whey Protein Isolate (e.g., Outwork Nutrition Build)
Supplement Sponsored · disclosed
Used as a benchmark for comparison against Space Milk.
DisclosureThe speaker mentions 'my whey protein isolate build from Outwork Nutrition,' indicating a personal or professional affiliation.
Whey protein isolate, such as the speaker's own 'Build' product from Outwork Nutrition, remains a highly effective and cost-efficient protein source. It has a very similar amino acid profile to Space Milk, with slightly higher levels of leucine and essential amino acids, though these differences are minor. The clinical study comparing Space Milk and whey showed no statistical difference in muscle and strength gains, indicating whey's continued efficacy. Its primary advantage over Space Milk is its significantly lower cost, making it a more economical choice for individuals who do not have allergies or dietary restrictions against animal proteins.
vs alternatives
Whey protein isolate is 30-40% cheaper than Space Milk per 20g of protein while offering comparable benefits in muscle and strength. It has a slightly better amino acid profile than Space Milk, but the overall protein quality score (PDCAAS of 1) is the same.
Compared to like say my whey protein isolate build from Outwork Nutrition, per 20 grams of protein, you're going to pay 30 to 40% more for something like Space Milk or this baker's yeast isolate.
Lines worth pulling out — contrarian, specific, or perfectly phrased
4 items
I don't think those are real differences. I think this is, you know, kind of pee hacking where if you test enough things, you will find a difference in something.
Highlights a common issue in scientific studies where multiple comparisons can lead to statistically significant but practically meaningless results.
Just because something is a slow release and slower digesting doesn't mean it's going to have an effect on satiety.
Challenges a common assumption about protein properties and satiety, emphasizing the need for direct evidence.
This seems to be a pretty good protein and so I'm a fan, but it is not better than whey and on a per cost basis for the benefits, you have to pay more to get the same benefit.
Summarizes the expert's balanced view on Space Milk: good, but not superior to whey, especially considering the cost.
To be fair, in terms of plant proteins, probably one of the better amino acid, if not the best amino acid profile I've seen thus
Acknowledges the high quality of Space Milk within the category of plant-based proteins, providing important context.
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