Hands-On Review: Gold Standard Whey Protein (2024)

Hi, I’m Corey 👋🏽

As an ex-NFL/CFL athlete and current personal trainer, I’ve put countless supplements to the test. I have a degree in Sports Administration and a passion for the science behind sports nutrition.

Plus, I’m backed by a wonderful team of doctors, dietitians, and athletes.

You can read more about our testing process here.

Getting ready for the test!

Gold Standard Whey Protein Overview:

*Cost and ingredients may vary depending on the tub size, retailer, and flavor.

What Makes Optimum Nutrition Gold Stand Whey Different?

ON Gold Standard Whey stands out from the competition by being one of the top selling protein powders on the market. Its commitment to quality, taste, and mixability has earned it a reputation as the gold standard in the industry.

One key differentiator is Optimum Nutrition’s obsession with quality, which is evident in their rigorous ingredient selection process and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. They perform over 100,000 quality and food safety checks annually to ensure that their products meet the highest standards.

With over 35 years of experience in sports nutrition, Optimum Nutrition has perfected their craft, offering a product that delivers 24g of high-quality protein per serving along with naturally occurring BCAAs. Their dedication to the consumer and longstanding operating history has made them a trusted choice in the industry.

How We Tested Gold Standard Whey:

As usual, we tested 8 factors in total. To learn more about our testing process, see here.

*Note: Averages are calculated using our proprietary database of 350+ protein powders.

Taste Test (6.75)

I tried both the Chocolate and Vanilla flavors of ON’s Gold Standard Whey. I preferred the chocolate flavor, scoring it a solid 7 out of 10 rating.

The chocolate flavor was smooth, especially considering it’s naturally flavored. On the other hand, the vanilla flavor wasn’t as impressive, scoring a 6.5 out of 10, which is pretty average in my book.

It’s important to keep in mind that these are naturally flavored products, so I didn’t expect an overly sweet or artificial taste. Despite this, the chocolate flavor managed to deliver a much better experience for me.

Obviously, taste is subjective so your mileage may vary, especially considering there 20+ flavors to choose from.

Taste testing the vanilla flavor!

Mixing the chocolate flavor

Nutritional Value (8)

Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard boasts an impressive nutritional profile, earning it a rating of 8 out of 10. The naturally flavored version uses high-quality whey protein isolate, an ultra-filtered form of whey that reduces lactose and dairy content.

ON Gold Standard Whey contains 24g of protein per serving, which is more than the 20g of protein per serving by Clean Simple Eats Whey Protein, and contains just 1g of sugar per serving, while products like BSN SYNTHA-6 has 4g.

Gold Standard’s commitment to pure, high-quality ingredients is evident in its ingredients label. Its protein content and low sugar levels make it a strong choice if you’re seeking a lean, effective protein supplement.

Cost (7.5)

Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein is a cost-effective option, with a price of $0.07 per gram of protein. This puts it on par with competitors like Ghost Whey Protein ($0.07/g) and slightly more expensive than brands like Naked Whey Protein Powder ($0.05/g).

At $1.62 per serving, Gold Standard offers a better balance between cost and serving size compared to Dymatize ISO100. Despite having a similar price per serving, Gold Standard provides 24g of protein, while Dymatize ISO100 offers only 25g.

Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein proves that quality doesn’t have to come at a premium price. Its combination of affordability and high nutritional value makes it a smart choice if you’re on a tight budget.

Here’s a look at how Gold Standard Whey compares on price:

*You can read full reviews of each product by clicking on the product name.

**Prices will vary depending on tub size, time of purchase, and place of purchase.

Gold Standard Whey VS The Market

Let’s see how Gold Standard Whey compares to other proteins on the market:

As you can see, Gold Standard is one of the more affordable whey protein powders on the market.

Here’s how it compares in terms of protein density, i.e. the % of calories from protein:

As you can see, Gold Standard Whey is middle of the pack in terms of the percentage of calories from protein. If you prefer a denser powder, you might want to try Transparent Labs or Dymatize.

Keep in mind, the total caloric intake, and therefore protein density, may vary across flavors.

Gold Standard Whey IS a Good Option if:

• You’re looking for a high-quality protein powder on a budget
• You appreciate having a wide variety of flavors to choose from
• You prioritize a brand with a long-standing reputation for quality and reliability in the sports nutrition industry

Gold Standard Whey is NOT a Good Option if:

• You prefer a completely natural protein powder without any artificial sweeteners or flavors
• You have a strict allergy or intolerance to dairy or soy, as this product contains both ingredients

Final Thoughts:

Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein is a top-tier product that delivers on its promises.

It does contain artificial sweeteners and soy lecithin. So if you’re looking for a completely natural option or have allergies to these ingredients, it may not be the best fit for you.

If you’re looking for an affordable and decent-tasting protein powder, Gold Standard is a solid choice. Its long-standing reputation and commitment to quality make it a trustworthy option in the sports nutrition market.

You can grab a bag on Amazon or direct from the Optimum Nutrition website if you’re ready to give it a shot.

Until next time,
Coach Big C✌🏽