– **History**:
– Founded in 1998 by Greg and Mike Pickett.
– Products made at a 150,000-square-foot manufacturing facility.
– Endorsed by Adrian Peterson and Mike Bottom.
– Financed by TSG Consumer Partners.
– Acquired by Hormel for $450 million in 2014.
– **Controversy**:
– Consumer Reports found heavy metal levels in Muscle Milk products exceeded proposed limits.
– CytoSport responded stating their popular Muscle Milk Chocolate shakes did not exceed limits.
– National Advertising Division referred Muscle Milk advertising claims for review.
– Federal court issued an injunction against Vital Pharmaceuticals for infringing on Muscle Milk trademark.
– Nestle challenged Muscle Milk marketing as false and misleading.
– **Muscle Milk Pickett Racing**:
– Greg Pickett founded a championship-winning sports car racing team.
– Competed in American Le Mans Series and 24 Hours of Le Mans.
– Achieved victories in various championships.
– Closed operations in 2014 to focus on Muscle Milk brand expansion.
– **References**:
– CytoSport’s official website provides information on their products.
– Articles from reputable sources like The Wall Street Journal and Consumer Reports discuss CytoSport.
– Hormel’s acquisition of CytoSport was covered in various publications.
– Legal actions related to trademark infringement are documented in press releases.
– CytoSport’s response to controversies is available in public records.
CytoSport is an American manufacturer of sports-oriented nutritional products, or "supplements" based in Benicia, California. It is a subsidiary of PepsiCo organized under the Gatorade line of products, and is primarily known for its line of Muscle Milk protein supplement products, primarily in the form of ready-to-drink beverages and powders. In Canada, the product is branded as Muscle Mlk, a modification required in Canada to avoid confusion with milk. CytoSport also formerly produced supplemental products under the Monster Milk and CytoMax brands.
| Product type | Protein drink Other protein supplement products |
|---|---|
| Owner | PepsiCo (via Gatorade) |
| Country | United States |
| Introduced | 1998 |
| Previous owners | Hormel Foods |
| Website | musclemilk.com |