When it comes to seeking out the best protein powder, there can be plenty to sort through. Sometimes, it helps to go with a protein shake that’s long been a staple in plenty of athletes’ regimens, such as Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein. These iconic tubs and containers have graced plenty of countertops and cabinets (including this author’s) thanks to its clean, well-rounded formulation and library of available flavors. Plus, costs per serving begin at roughly $1, making it a high-value protein supplement, particularly for those on a budget.
We’ve had experience with over 100 different protein powders, and in our opinion, Gold Standard Whey Protein remains one of the best-tasting supplements out there. Even if you’re displeased with a singular flavor, there are loads more to choose from that don’t differentiate much when it comes to the macronutrient breakdown. In this Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein review, we’ll break down those macro counts, as well as provide insight on our personal experiences with this popular sports nutrition supplement.
For more information on how we tested Gold Standard Whey Protein — as well as other supplements featured across our site — be sure to read our BarBend supplement testing methodology page.
The market's most popular whey lives up to its reputation as a solid all-rounder with a huge variety of flavors to choose from. It includes 24 grams of protein in each round scoop and mixes well with milk or water.
Medical disclaimer: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein Video Review
Watch as BarBend’s Nick English outlines this Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein’s benefits, drawbacks, taste, pricing, ingredients list, and more.
Main Takeaways
- This whey protein powder is available in 22 different flavor options — a major perk when trying to defend against flavor fatigue.
- Optimum Nutrition offers Gold Standard Whey Protein in containers up to 149 servings, giving you the chance to purchase this protein powder in bulk.
- The protein blend of whey isolate, whey concentrate, and hydrolyzed whey protein may potentially lead to GI distress in some athletes.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein Specs
| Price Per Serving | Starting at $1.06 |
| Protein Per Serving | 24g |
| Protein Source | Protein Blend (Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Hydrolyzed Whey Protein) |
| Calories Per Serving | 120 |
| Available Flavors | Banana, Banana Cream, Chocolate, Chocolate Coconut, Chocolate Hazelnut, Chocolate Malt, Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Roll, Coffee, Cookies & Cream, Double Rich Chocolate, Extreme Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla Creme, Fruity Cereal, Mocha Cappuccino, Rocky Road, Strawberries & Cream, Strawberry, Strawberry Banana, Vanilla Ice Cream, White Chocolate |
| Third-Party Testing | Yes (Informed Choice) |
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein delivers 24 grams per serving. This ranks highly amongst some of the best whey protein powders as this hearty dosage can make it easier to hit your protein totals each day, all through a mixable, drinkable shake. According to studies, your protein intake should sit roughly at 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. (1)
While carbohydrate and fat counts can differ from flavor to flavor there are two other consistent metrics with this high-quality protein powder outside of protein per serving — calories and BCAAs. Regardless of your chosen taste profile, you can expect 120 calories per serving along with 5.5 grams of branched-chain amino acids. BCAAs can be an especially helpful ingredient to look for in protein powders, as studies report that BCAAs can help activate key enzymes responsible for building muscle. (2)
In addition, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, registered dietitian nutritionist and our expert reviewer, appreciates that Gold Standard Whey Protein is third-party tested, meaning its formulation is free of any banned substances and the dosages of each ingredient are accurate. While this may be a small note for regular gym-goers, the fact that this budget-friendly protein powder is third-party tested can be a huge perk for strength athletes needing to abide by strict regulations from their respective governing agencies in regards to supplements and nutrition regimens.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein is also gluten-free and free of any artificial growth hormones. That said, there are some artificial sweeteners and artificial flavors present as a result of the myriad of available tastes.
Speaking of the flavors, Bourgeois notes, “You’d be hard-pressed to get bored of this protein powder thanks to the 22 available offerings.” While determining the best Optimum Nutrition flavors can be a subjective task, we feel this is one of the biggest selling points of this protein — and why it’s remained a go-to for so many years. You could try a new flavor each month and still have enough options to last you over one and a half years.
Lastly, we also appreciate that Optimum Nutrition offers Gold Standard Whey Protein in various container sizes, giving you the chance to buy in bulk for a lower price per serving. At the time of this writing, the largest container holds up to 149 servings, while the smallest tub holds about 27. Remember, though, that the smaller the container, the higher the price.
Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein
Every want and need is different — some athletes may be looking for one of the best protein powders for sensitive stomachs, while others may just want a tasty shake that fits conveniently into their post-workout recovery routine. Here are a few camps we feel could benefit from Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein, as well as a few that may be better served with a different protein source.
Recommended for:
- Athletes wanting a protein that can be purchased in larger container sizes
- Individuals who prefer to change up flavors on a regular basis
- Those who aren’t susceptible to digestive issues from artificial sweeteners
Not Recommended for:
- Individuals looking for concrete dosages of different types of protein
- Anyone steering clear of animal-based protein sources
- Athletes wanting a high-calorie protein for bulking purposes
Our Experience Using Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein
We’ve had experience with over 100 different protein powders over the years, and in that time, we’ve crafted a pretty detailed testing protocol when it comes to supplements. For this Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein review, we examined the listed ingredients and overall formulation of the powder, along with real-world factors including how the protein tastes, how well it mixes in our favorite shaker bottles, whether any side effects popped up post-consumption, and more. We then rated these factors on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).
Ingredients and Formulation
In my experience, I’ve enjoyed how simple the ingredients are with Gold Standard Whey Protein. Depending on flavor, you’re essentially left with the protein blend — a mix of whey isolate, whey concentrate, and hydrolyzed whey protein — along with some natural and artificial flavors. This keeps things simple and doesn’t have you reading through a laundry list of additives to seek out specific items.
As a result, this Optimum Nutrition’s formulation is straightforward with a protein-rich design. Carbohydrates can fluctuate between 3 and 4 grams, while fat counts hover between 0.5 and 1 gram per serving. Additionally, the presence of 5.5 grams of BCAAs make this one of the best protein powders for muscle gain.
Cheslea Rae Bourgeois, our expert reviewer, adds, “I like the macro breakdown of this protein powder. The 24 grams of protein per serving is substantial enough for satiety and muscle growth, and the low-carb makeup can be great for those really dialing in their totals each day.”
We did rate the formulation at 4 out of 5, though, given the presence of artificial flavors and sweeteners which can include acesulfame potassium and sucralose, depending on flavor. These additives can make digesting this protein more difficult for some athletes. (3) However, we’ve yet to experience such GI distress in our own trials.
Plus, Bourgeois states, “It’s interesting that Optimum Nutrition uses a blend of whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and hydrolyzed whey protein for its Gold Standard formula. It would be nice to know how much of each type of protein is included in the blend. It also uses artificial flavorings, which is a turn off for some.”
Taste
One of the main perks of this Optimum Nutrition protein powder is its abundance of flavors. While everyone has their own tastes and preferences, our testers have continuously praised this protein’s taste and flavor notes across the wide range of available options. “I opted for the Delicious Strawberry variety after a referral from my husband,” says our one tester, a certified personal trainer. “It tasted like strawberry milk and really felt more like an afternoon treat than a bonafide supplement.”
We scored the taste at 4.5 out of 5, too, given the sheer quantity of palate-pleasing tastes to choose from. One of the major deterrents from regular protein supplementation is flavor fatigue, or, getting tired of the same tastes day in and day out. Having multiple flavors to choose from gives you more room to mix things up on occasion without really altering your macro and calorie counts from one formulation to the next.
Solubility
In our trials, we mixed Gold Standard Whey Protein in everything from a common glass to your standard shaker cup, countertop blender, and more. No matter the method — or even liquid, for that matter — we were able to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency that had an excellent mouthfeel.
“I could see where mixing this with water alone may lead to a thinner consistency than desired,” says our one tester, a certified personal trainer who rated the solubility at 4 out of 5, “But I often mix my protein in a smoothie with milk and other ingredients, so there were no qualms or complaints from my end.”
Speaking of adding this protein with other ingredients, I’ve become a big fan of concocting a “super shake” of sorts after evening workouts with this powder. Using both Gold Standard Whey Protein as well as one of the best casein proteins of a similar flavor, I feel this can be a perfect evening beverage to help support muscle recovery and growth. In fact, studies suggest that consuming whey and casein protein before bed can positively influence your next morning resting metabolic rate, leaving you more ready to go to tackle your daily endeavors. (4)
Price Per Serving
Another quality that’s made Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein a go-to for many athletes is the affordable price point. Costs per serving begin at $1.06 with the brand’s largest container size and slowly increase as your tubs become smaller. This can be excellent for those wanting to buy in bulk or those not willing to pay the higher prices of more refined powders such as the best whey isolates.
Plus, it’s not like you’re paying $1.06 per serving or $2 per serving. We scored the price per serving at 4.5 out of 5 as there are multiple in-between container sizes that can help you find the right price for your means. For example, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein is available on Amazon in containers of 27, 28, 29, 30, 68, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 141, 146, and 149 servings. Granted, not every flavor is available in every container size, but the mix of options is still enough to give this powder a positive mark for the category.
Third Party Testing and Lab Data
According to Catherine Kruppa, a registered dietitian and wellness coach, “Protein powders are not reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration. Therefore you should purchase brands that have third-party certification, which ensures their quality and safety.” Thankfully, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein is certified by Informed Choice, one of the leading third-party supplement testing organizations.
However, we did rate the third-party testing at a conservative 3 out of 5 as we’ve found some protein powders carrying certifications from multiple organizations at once. While one sign-off is enough to instill plenty of confidence in a supplement, more stamps of approval can just add even more trust to the relationship.
In addition to its third-party certification, our independent labs graded the Vanilla Ice Cream flavor option at an overall A. This protein powder scored in the top 10% of over 150 protein products tested for the presence of heavy metals, pesticides, phthalates, and bisphenols. Gold Standard Whey Protein also scored in the top 10% for label accuracy.
What to Consider Before Buying Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein
You can’t reap the protein powder benefits you desire if your supplement doesn’t align with your needs and wants. Here are a few factors to consider when adding a high-quality protein powder like Gold Standard Whey Protein to your daily regimen.
- Protein Per Serving: We’ve found that top-notch protein powders typically deliver between 20 and 25 grams of protein per serving, so this should be a good measurement to shoot for.
- Protein Source: You’ll also want to consider your powder’s protein source when choosing between formulations. Athletes following a vegan diet may be more inclined to opt for a plant-based protein source, while those with lactose sensitivities may pursue a more refined protein such as whey isolate or hydrolyzed whey protein over a standard whey concentrate.
- Available Flavors: Finding a protein that matches your palate preferences is a must — you’ll be drinking these shakes on a regular basis, after all. However, having a protein powder with multiple flavor options can also be ideal as this eliminates the potential for flavor fatigue down the road.
- Price Per Serving: You don’t need to go into debt to support your supplement regimen. Look for protein powders with affordable costs per serving based on your budget.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein Vs. Competitors
Naturally, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein has some competition within its respective category. While we feel it is a great product for budget-minded, taste-driven athletes, it’s not the lone pick of the bunch. Below are two comparable protein powders we’ve tested that stack up well to this Optimum Nutrition offering — Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate and Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate.
| Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein | Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate | Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate | |
| Price Per Serving | Starting at $1.06 | $2 | Starting at $0.87 |
| Protein Per Serving | 24g | 28g | 25g |
| Protein Source | Protein Blend (Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Hydrolyzed Whey Protein) | Grass-fed whey protein isolate | Whey protein concentrate |
| Calories Per Serving | 120 | 120-150 | 130-150 |
| Available Flavors | Banana, Banana Cream, Chocolate, Chocolate Coconut, Chocolate Hazelnut, Chocolate Malt, Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Roll, Coffee, Cookies & Cream, Double Rich Chocolate, Extreme Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla Creme, Fruity Cereal, Mocha Cappuccino, Rocky Road, Strawberries & Cream, Strawberry, Strawberry Banana, Vanilla Ice Cream, White Chocolate | Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Mint Chocolate Chip, Vanilla Peanut Butter, Strawberry Milkshake, Unflavored, Dark Chocolate, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Cinnamon French Toast, Sugar Cookie, Mocha, Peanut Butter, Vanilla Oatmeal Cookie, Blueberry Pancakes | Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate, Strawberry Milkshake, Unflavored, Vanilla |
| Third-Party Testing | Informed Choice | Informed Choice, Informed Protein | Yes (Organization Not Listed) |
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is one of our favorite protein powders overall thanks to its protein-heavy makeup, approval from multiple third-party testing organizations, and range of available flavors. However, while the protein count may be higher than Gold Standard Whey Protein, so, too, is the cost. You also cannot purchase this Transparent Labs option in multiple container sizes, so the $2 per serving is what you’ll always pay.
Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate, on the other hand, is cheaper than Optimum Nutrition, with prices per serving beginning at $0.87. That said, you do have more flavor options with Gold Standard Whey Protein, and the makeup may be more appealing as one of the best protein powders for weight loss due to the lower calorie counts.
Places to Buy Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein
Gold Standard Whey Protein is one of the most widely available protein powders we’ve tested. In addition to its presence at many brick and mortar institutions, you can also purchase this Optimum Nutrition offering directly from the brand’s site, as well as third-party retailers including Amazon, GNC, The Vitamin Shoppe, Walmart, and more.
Customer Experience and Brand Reputation
Optimum Nutrition has been a trusted sports nutrition brand for decades, delivering some of the best creatine supplements, BCAAs, pre-workouts, and more. The brand is reachable through the support ticket link at the bottom right of the Optimum Nutrition online retail store, as well as by phone at 1-800-705-5226.
In terms of customer reviews, this high-quality protein powder ranks highly amongst consumers earning a 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon. “The Double Rich Chocolate flavor is a standout,” notes one positive customer review. “It mixes easily with water or milk, creating a smooth and satisfying shake that tastes like a treat.”
Our Final Verdict on Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein
In total, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein can be an excellent protein powder for both budget-minded athletes thanks to the low costs per serving, as well as beginners getting used to protein supplementation via the rather minimal ingredients and Informed Choice-certified composition. Plus, the large array of available flavors can be perfect for trying new tastes as you continue to stick to your daily nutrition goals.
When looking for a high-quality protein powder, it helps to look at the protein per serving, price per serving, and available flavors. Depending on your goals, it can also be wise to look at the calorie counts as well as the presence of third-party approval. In terms of Gold Standard Whey Protein, we feel it’s earned that medal-inspired moniker.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein FAQs
How much does Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein cost?
Gold Standard Whey Protein is available in multiple container sizes, so a better indication of this protein powder’s cost is the price per serving. Prices start at $1.06 per dose and go up as containers get smaller, meaning it can be more cost efficient to buy this protein powder in bulk.
Is Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein good?
Classifying a protein powder as “good” can be subjective from one athlete to the next. However, we’ve enjoyed our experiences with Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein thanks to its high-protein makeup, third-party testing, easy mixability, and wide range of available flavors and container sizes.
Is whey protein isolate better than whey concentrate?
Whey isolate differs from whey concentrate because it undergoes more filtration during manufacturing, leading to a more protein-dense end product with fewer fat and carb counts. For those sensitive to lactose or those wanting a more protein-heavy formulation, whey isolate may be a better option. However, this extra manufacturing step can lead to higher price tags.
Does Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein have caffeine?
No, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein does not contain caffeine.
References
- When it comes to protein, how much is too much?. Harvard Health. (2024, July 23). https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/when-it-comes-to-protein-how-much-is-too-much
- Wolfe, R. R. (2017). Branched-chain amino acids and muscle protein synthesis in humans: Myth or reality? Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 14(1). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5568273/
- Ruiz-Ojeda, F. J., Plaza-Díaz, J., Sáez-Lara, M. J., & Gil, A. (2019). Effects of sweeteners on the gut microbiota: A Review of Experimental Studies and Clinical Trials. Advances in Nutrition, 10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6363527/
- Madzima, T. A., Melanson, J. T., Black, J. R., & Nepocatych, S. (2018). Pre-sleep consumption of casein and whey protein: Effects on morning metabolism and resistance exercise performance in active women. Nutrients, 10(9), 1273. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6164527/
