You’ve seen the tub. It’s bright, nostalgic, and looks exactly like the bag of marshmallows you’d roast over a campfire. Honestly, the first time I saw RYSE Jet Puffed marshmallow protein powder, I thought it was a gimmick. Most "collab" proteins are. They spend all their money on the licensing and zero on the actual flavor profile or the quality of the whey itself. But Ryse Supplements has been on a tear lately, and this specific Loaded Whey is basically their flagship right now.
Does it actually taste like a Jet-Puffed marshmallow? Sorta. It’s complicated.
If you’re expecting the literal texture of a squishy marshmallow, you’re going to be disappointed because, well, it’s a liquid. But the scent? Man. The second you crack that seal, it hits you. It’s that distinct, powdery, vanilla-heavy aroma that defines the Kraft brand. Most protein powders smell like chemicals and wet cardboard. This smells like a childhood summer.
What’s Actually Inside the Tub?
Let's talk specs. Ryse isn't just selling you a logo; they’re selling a specific blend. They use a "Loaded Whey" formula, which is a mix of Whey Protein Isolate and Whey Protein Concentrate. This matters because isolate digests fast, while concentrate keeps the texture creamy.
If you look at the label, you’re getting 25 grams of protein per scoop. That’s standard. What isn't standard is the inclusion of MCT oil powder and organic agave inulin. These aren't just buzzwords. MCTs add a certain richness to the mouthfeel that makes the "marshmallow" vibe feel more authentic and less like thin water.
One thing people get wrong about this powder is the calorie count. Because it tastes so dessert-like, people assume it’s a sugar bomb. It’s not. You’re looking at about 130 to 140 calories depending on the batch. It’s lean.
The Mixability Factor
Nobody likes clumps. I’ve tried mixing this with a spoon in a glass of almond milk just to see if it would fail. It didn't. It’s remarkably thin for a concentrate blend, but it doesn't lose its flavor intensity.
If you use a shaker bottle, it’s flawless.
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Pro tip: Don't just use water. If you want the full Jet-Puffed experience, you have to use milk or a creamy milk alternative. Water makes it taste like a "marshmallow-flavored" drink, whereas milk makes it taste like melted ice cream. There's a massive difference.
Why People Love (and Hate) the Sweetness
Here’s the thing. RYSE Jet Puffed marshmallow protein powder is sweet. Very sweet. If you’re the type of person who drinks black coffee and eats 90% dark chocolate, you might hate this. It uses sucralose and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) for sweetening.
Some reviewers on sites like Vitamin Shoppe or Bodybuilding.com have complained that the "chemical" aftertaste of the sweeteners lingers. Personally? I think it’s masked well by the vanilla notes. But if you have a sensitive palate for artificial sweeteners, you’ve been warned.
It’s a polarizing flavor.
"It literally tastes like the cereal milk at the bottom of a bowl of Lucky Charms."
That's the most common feedback I hear from lifters. And it's accurate. It’s that sugary, nostalgic dairy flavor. It's not a "natural" vanilla. It is a very specific, processed marshmallow vanilla.
Digestion and Bloat: The Reality Check
We’ve all been there. You chug a post-workout shake and twenty minutes later, you look six months pregnant. Ryse tries to mitigate this by adding prebiotic fiber (that agave inulin I mentioned).
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Does it work? For most, yes. But isolate-only purists might find the concentrate portion of the blend a little heavy. If you are severely lactose intolerant, this isn't the "safe" powder for you. You’d be better off with their ISO line or a vegan alternative. But for the average gym-goer, the digestion is surprisingly smooth. No "protein burps" that taste like fake marshmallows for three hours.
How to Actually Use This (Beyond Shakes)
If you are only drinking this as a shake, you’re missing out. This is arguably the best "baking" protein on the market right now.
Most proteins turn into rubber when you bake them. The Ryse Loaded Whey blend stays relatively moist.
- The Creami Hack: If you own a Ninja Creami, this is the GOAT flavor. Mix one scoop with fairlife milk, freeze it, and spin it. It turns into a literal marshmallow soft serve.
- Protein Oatmeal (Proats): Stir half a scoop into your oats after they are cooked. If you cook the protein in the microwave, it’ll get weird. Stir it in at the end. It turns plain oats into a dessert.
- Coffee Creamer: Using this as a "proffee" base is a game changer. It’s basically a vanilla marshmallow latte with 25g of protein.
Comparing the Competition
How does it stack up against Ghost or Dymatize?
Ghost is known for their cereal milk flavors. They are the direct rivals here. While Ghost's Marshmallow Cereal Milk is great, it has actual cereal pieces in it. Some people find the soggy cereal bits gross. Ryse is smooth.
Dymatize ISO100 is thinner and more "clinical." It’s a better "tool" for pure performance, but it’s nowhere near as enjoyable to drink as the Ryse Jet Puffed version.
Ryse sits in that middle ground. It’s a lifestyle protein. It’s for the person who wants to hit their macros but also wants to look forward to their shake. It’s a reward.
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The Verdict on the Collaboration
Brand collaborations in the fitness world are often lazy. They slap a logo on a generic vanilla and call it a day. Ryse actually worked with the Kraft team to get the flavor profile of Jet-Puffed right. They nailed the "toasted" undertone that most vanilla powders miss.
It’s not a "clean" label in the sense of being organic or grass-fed. It’s a processed supplement designed to taste amazing. If your goal is strictly health and "oneness with nature," keep moving. But if your goal is sticking to a high-protein diet without wanting to quit because everything tastes like chalk, this is a top-tier choice.
Actionable Steps for Your First Tub
Don't just buy the 5lb tub immediately. Flavor fatigue is real with something this sweet. Start with the 2lb tub to see if you can handle the sweetness daily.
When you get it, try the "Salt Test." Add a tiny pinch of sea salt to your shake. It cuts through the sucralose and brings out the marshmallow "char" notes. It sounds weird, but it makes it taste 10x more expensive.
Finally, check the price per serving. Ryse often runs deals on their main site or through influencers. Never pay full retail. If you're paying more than $1.30 per scoop, you're overpaying. Look for the bundles.
Stick to using it as a post-workout treat or a late-night snack replacement. It’s the perfect "I want ice cream but I shouldn't have ice cream" solution. It fulfills the craving without the 40 grams of sugar.
Keep your water cold, use a blender if you can, and don't be afraid to mix it into Greek yogurt for a high-protein marshmallow fluff. That’s where this powder really shines.