- Higher pure protein percentage
- Fast-acting HYDROWHEY Whey peptides
- Provides Whey protein microfractions
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Actual product packaging and materials may contain more and different information than what is shown on our website. We recommend that you do not rely solely on the information presented and that you always read labels, warnings, and directions before using or consuming a product. Please see our full disclaimer below.
Product Description
Whey Protein Isolates are 90% pure protein by weight. They are the purest and most expensive form of whey protein that exists. That's why they are the first ingredients you read on the 100% Whey Gold Standard label. By using Whey Protein Isolates as our primary protein source, we're able to pack 24 grams of the purest, muscle-building protein per serving, with a lot less of the fat, cholesterol, lactose, and other stuff that you can do without. There's no question this is the standard by which other whey proteins are measured.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
I've been using ON's Gold Standard Protein for quite some time now, and have been buying it solely from Amazon.com, as their price is the lowest. I have seen gains in strength and muscle mass (partially) from the use of this product (and unflavored optimum nutrition creatine monohydrate).
Here's my opinion on some of the flavors of ON's protein that I've tried
Double Rich Chocolate
Rating - 5/5
Tastes great...chocolatey, tastes like a milk shake - hard to get tired of.
Mint Chocolate
Rating - 4.5/5
Good taste again. It's a little minty, and I can see myself getting tired of it, but I'll have no problem getting through a 5LB tub. Tastes like Double Rich with a mint flavoring.
Vanilla
Rating - 3/5
I didn't care for this. I only mix my protein with water so that probably was a factor...I would imagine it tastes much better with milk. No way I could consume more than a 5LB tub.
Strawberry
Rating - 1.5/5
Very artificial taste...way too sweet. I can't even drink it whilst breathing out of my nose. It makes me gag..literally. Still struggling to get through a 5LB tub I bought last year. I've heard of people enjoying it, though...
Cookies n' Creme
Rating - 0.5/5
I tried this through a friend..let me just say this: awful. It has cookie bits in it but they do nothing for the flavor, especially the smell. It's hard to say what it tastes like..it's like a mix between vanilla and coffee (it smells like coffee). Either way, it isn't pleasant...try a small pouch of it before buying a huge tub!
The natural stuff is decent tasting, but I wouldn't recommend it. A little artificial sweetener isn't going to hurt you - especially if this is your only source of it. If you're really going to be an extreme health freak, then the natural stuff is a good alternative...but as I said before, the taste isn't as good.
Anyways, those are the only Optimum Nutrition flavors I've tried. I hope to try more, but we'll see. If anyone wants any advice just message me or leave a comment to this post...I'd be more than happy to offer my opinion.
Here's my opinion on some of the flavors of ON's protein that I've tried
Double Rich Chocolate
Rating - 5/5
Tastes great...chocolatey, tastes like a milk shake - hard to get tired of.
Mint Chocolate
Rating - 4.5/5
Good taste again. It's a little minty, and I can see myself getting tired of it, but I'll have no problem getting through a 5LB tub. Tastes like Double Rich with a mint flavoring.
Vanilla
Rating - 3/5
I didn't care for this. I only mix my protein with water so that probably was a factor...I would imagine it tastes much better with milk. No way I could consume more than a 5LB tub.
Strawberry
Rating - 1.5/5
Very artificial taste...way too sweet. I can't even drink it whilst breathing out of my nose. It makes me gag..literally. Still struggling to get through a 5LB tub I bought last year. I've heard of people enjoying it, though...
Cookies n' Creme
Rating - 0.5/5
I tried this through a friend..let me just say this: awful. It has cookie bits in it but they do nothing for the flavor, especially the smell. It's hard to say what it tastes like..it's like a mix between vanilla and coffee (it smells like coffee). Either way, it isn't pleasant...try a small pouch of it before buying a huge tub!
The natural stuff is decent tasting, but I wouldn't recommend it. A little artificial sweetener isn't going to hurt you - especially if this is your only source of it. If you're really going to be an extreme health freak, then the natural stuff is a good alternative...but as I said before, the taste isn't as good.
Anyways, those are the only Optimum Nutrition flavors I've tried. I hope to try more, but we'll see. If anyone wants any advice just message me or leave a comment to this post...I'd be more than happy to offer my opinion.
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
I have been using Optimum Nutrition's 100% Whey Protein (off and on, depending on my current need) for a number of years now. As others have noted here about protein powders, you need to consider what your real NEEDS are and buy accordingly.
Let's face it, unless you are a truly elite athlete (and the vast majority of us are not), you really only need a protein powder to supplement your protein intake while controlling your calorie intake. The best protein sources are properly prepared foods, but they often come with a cost... extra calories, the wrong kinds of fats, allergens (gluten, nuts, egg, etc.), etc. Hence, the need for supplemental protein powders.
I have tried a great many powders. I have spent a great deal more than this product and somewhat less. However, even when I was body building (at a high level) I found one "truth". It was almost impossible to tell the difference, in my body's progress, between the various protein powders. Other factors were much more important (proper balance of exercise vs recuperation time, exercise programs, matching a training regimen to body type, etc.).
That is not to say that there is no difference between protein powders, but that the difference is generally NOT in the way your body responds to the supplement in your exercise program. The difference that the vast majority of people WILL recognize are, IMO (in no particular order):
1. Taste - Taste is very important. If a product doesn't taste good you won't use it long-term. A good tasting product also offers a greater variety of preparation options (e.g. it will taste better with just plain water when you are really trying to control calories). Finally, if you insist on using other supplements that don't taste good in preparation, you can mix them with this product for a better taste. Some protein powders I have tried tasted like poorly flavored, bitter, and acidic chalk. Maybe they were actually better than my experience with them showed, but the taste made me glad to find something (anything!) else.
My personal favorite flavors in this brand are the Double Chocolate and Chocolate Mint.
2. Digestibility - Usually, this is noticeable in various forms of digestive upset. I cannot tell you how many other types of protein powders I have tried and had gas, indigestion, reflux, etc. and/or all as a result.
This powder is, in my experience very digestible so long as you do not ingest an overly large amount at any one time. This is true for all forms of protein (protein needs HCL to be properly broken down into the amino acids your body actually uses), I have found this product to provide a noticeably lower level of digestive upset than other products I have tried.
3. Basic Metabolic Needs - Most protein powders on the market are WAY overkill when it comes to meeting the body's training needs. People tend to think that some of the "better" products (those that tend to have high calorie counts relative to gram of protein) are good because they make them feel as though they are stronger/have more energy. What is likely really happening (YMMV), is that the product is partially compensating for their not getting enough rest. This is why many of these same people get injured frequently.
I used to have a pamphlet written by Arnold Schwartzenegger when he had temporarily changed his name to Arnold Strong and in it he made a very interesting observation relating to the importance of proper rest relative to very hard workouts:
"Don't run if you can walk,
don't walk if you can stand,
don't stand if you can sit,
don't sit if you can lie down,
don't lie down if you can sleep."
While a good workout is important to physical development, so is PROPER rest! It will help you progress quicker AND help prevent injuries.
4. Value - How well does the protein powder meet the other three needs vs how much it costs. This is where this product "hits it out of the park". IMO, it meets the first three listed needs in a more than "good enough" manner while still being very reasonably priced. A solid value!
In these four categories, I have yet to find a comparable product. Buy this one and I strongly doubt you will be disappointed!
For additional reading, an excellent, if old book to look at is Dr. Franco Columbu's (a good friend of Arnold Schwartzeneger's from the "Pumping Iron" days) book, The Bodybuilder's Nutrition Book. While it is becoming a bit dated, the basics of the book lay out a good foundation for off-competition training. Also, while the title implies the book is only for body builder's, any athlete who is striving to improve and understand their body's nutritional needs will find this book helpful! Dr. Columbu is a doctor of chiropractic and has a PhD in Nutrition in addition to his years of experience as a top level competitive bodybuilder.
Disclaimer: I have no financial interest or personal relationship in/with any of the products discussed in this review.
Let's face it, unless you are a truly elite athlete (and the vast majority of us are not), you really only need a protein powder to supplement your protein intake while controlling your calorie intake. The best protein sources are properly prepared foods, but they often come with a cost... extra calories, the wrong kinds of fats, allergens (gluten, nuts, egg, etc.), etc. Hence, the need for supplemental protein powders.
I have tried a great many powders. I have spent a great deal more than this product and somewhat less. However, even when I was body building (at a high level) I found one "truth". It was almost impossible to tell the difference, in my body's progress, between the various protein powders. Other factors were much more important (proper balance of exercise vs recuperation time, exercise programs, matching a training regimen to body type, etc.).
That is not to say that there is no difference between protein powders, but that the difference is generally NOT in the way your body responds to the supplement in your exercise program. The difference that the vast majority of people WILL recognize are, IMO (in no particular order):
1. Taste - Taste is very important. If a product doesn't taste good you won't use it long-term. A good tasting product also offers a greater variety of preparation options (e.g. it will taste better with just plain water when you are really trying to control calories). Finally, if you insist on using other supplements that don't taste good in preparation, you can mix them with this product for a better taste. Some protein powders I have tried tasted like poorly flavored, bitter, and acidic chalk. Maybe they were actually better than my experience with them showed, but the taste made me glad to find something (anything!) else.
My personal favorite flavors in this brand are the Double Chocolate and Chocolate Mint.
2. Digestibility - Usually, this is noticeable in various forms of digestive upset. I cannot tell you how many other types of protein powders I have tried and had gas, indigestion, reflux, etc. and/or all as a result.
This powder is, in my experience very digestible so long as you do not ingest an overly large amount at any one time. This is true for all forms of protein (protein needs HCL to be properly broken down into the amino acids your body actually uses), I have found this product to provide a noticeably lower level of digestive upset than other products I have tried.
3. Basic Metabolic Needs - Most protein powders on the market are WAY overkill when it comes to meeting the body's training needs. People tend to think that some of the "better" products (those that tend to have high calorie counts relative to gram of protein) are good because they make them feel as though they are stronger/have more energy. What is likely really happening (YMMV), is that the product is partially compensating for their not getting enough rest. This is why many of these same people get injured frequently.
I used to have a pamphlet written by Arnold Schwartzenegger when he had temporarily changed his name to Arnold Strong and in it he made a very interesting observation relating to the importance of proper rest relative to very hard workouts:
"Don't run if you can walk,
don't walk if you can stand,
don't stand if you can sit,
don't sit if you can lie down,
don't lie down if you can sleep."
While a good workout is important to physical development, so is PROPER rest! It will help you progress quicker AND help prevent injuries.
4. Value - How well does the protein powder meet the other three needs vs how much it costs. This is where this product "hits it out of the park". IMO, it meets the first three listed needs in a more than "good enough" manner while still being very reasonably priced. A solid value!
In these four categories, I have yet to find a comparable product. Buy this one and I strongly doubt you will be disappointed!
For additional reading, an excellent, if old book to look at is Dr. Franco Columbu's (a good friend of Arnold Schwartzeneger's from the "Pumping Iron" days) book, The Bodybuilder's Nutrition Book. While it is becoming a bit dated, the basics of the book lay out a good foundation for off-competition training. Also, while the title implies the book is only for body builder's, any athlete who is striving to improve and understand their body's nutritional needs will find this book helpful! Dr. Columbu is a doctor of chiropractic and has a PhD in Nutrition in addition to his years of experience as a top level competitive bodybuilder.
Disclaimer: I have no financial interest or personal relationship in/with any of the products discussed in this review.
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
I recently purchased the variety pack from ON and wrote a little review about each flavor. Hopefully it can help you choose a flavor you will enjoy. This is a high quality whey protein and an essential for anyone who spends time with weights at the gym. With all the fast absorbing protein and BCAA's your muscles will be able to recover faster and in turn you will see quicker gains. Hope this helps!
ON Variety Pack Flavor Ratings
Banana Cream 5/5
* Tastes like banana laffy taffy. Best banana I have had in a protein powder. Rich, sweet, creamy and delicious!
Chocolate Malt 3/5
* Pretty good taste, but a little too rich and creamy. More of a malty than expected or wanted.
Cookies and Cream 5/5
* Very rich and creamy! I have never had a good tasting whey protein in this flavor, but this one was actually really good. Good and creamy and will hit your sweet tooth cravings! No weird "cookie" chunks like you sometimes see with this flavor.
Double Rich Chocolate 4/5
* Very rich chocolate flavor, just like the name! Tastes like creamy chocolate milk.
French Vanilla 4/5
* Good and creamy vanilla flavor. It was very good, but I have had better tasting vanilla whey
Orange Cream 2/5
* Not bad, but not good either. Taste like what you would think, sort of like a orange push pop. Not a flavor I would want to indulge in regularily.
Root Beer Float 3/5
* Did not really taste like a root beer float to me. I can taste a little similarity, but it wasn't close. Still rich and sweet, good taste but it would get old quickly.
Tropical Punch 4/5
* Tastes exactly like Hawaiian Punch! Very good and incredibly refreshing after a hard workout.
Caramel Toffee Fudge 3/5
* Interesting taste, not what I expected. I think it's the after-taste that's goofy. Good and creamy; caramel and toffee are the most noticeable flavors in it. Not something I would want to drink on a regular basis though.
Chocolate Mint 1/5
* Smells like an Andes mint; tastes decent but would get old really fast.
Delicious Strawberry 4/5
* Good and creamy. No metallic-like taste normally found in strawberry powders. Very good flavor, but not a long-term choice for me.
Extreme Milk Chocolate 5/5
* Delicious, creamy milk chocolate taste. Similar to chocolate milk but not quite as thick, though you could make it thicker by using less liquid.
Mocha Cappuccino 5/5
* Yum! Just a hint of coffee flavor to it, mostly a chocolate taste similar to hot cocoa. Not overwhelming, very good. Not too rich or creamy.
Rocky Road 2/5
* Good taste, light chocolaty flavor. I would not want to drink this regularly. Has an interesting after-taste
Strawberry Banana 4/5
* Very sweet. Not too thick or creamy, very good texture. Great taste, but a little too sweet for my liking, and I would tire of it quickly.
Vanilla Ice Cream 5/5
* Tastes like the name! Creamy consistency and delicious taste.
ON Variety Pack Flavor Ratings
Banana Cream 5/5
* Tastes like banana laffy taffy. Best banana I have had in a protein powder. Rich, sweet, creamy and delicious!
Chocolate Malt 3/5
* Pretty good taste, but a little too rich and creamy. More of a malty than expected or wanted.
Cookies and Cream 5/5
* Very rich and creamy! I have never had a good tasting whey protein in this flavor, but this one was actually really good. Good and creamy and will hit your sweet tooth cravings! No weird "cookie" chunks like you sometimes see with this flavor.
Double Rich Chocolate 4/5
* Very rich chocolate flavor, just like the name! Tastes like creamy chocolate milk.
French Vanilla 4/5
* Good and creamy vanilla flavor. It was very good, but I have had better tasting vanilla whey
Orange Cream 2/5
* Not bad, but not good either. Taste like what you would think, sort of like a orange push pop. Not a flavor I would want to indulge in regularily.
Root Beer Float 3/5
* Did not really taste like a root beer float to me. I can taste a little similarity, but it wasn't close. Still rich and sweet, good taste but it would get old quickly.
Tropical Punch 4/5
* Tastes exactly like Hawaiian Punch! Very good and incredibly refreshing after a hard workout.
Caramel Toffee Fudge 3/5
* Interesting taste, not what I expected. I think it's the after-taste that's goofy. Good and creamy; caramel and toffee are the most noticeable flavors in it. Not something I would want to drink on a regular basis though.
Chocolate Mint 1/5
* Smells like an Andes mint; tastes decent but would get old really fast.
Delicious Strawberry 4/5
* Good and creamy. No metallic-like taste normally found in strawberry powders. Very good flavor, but not a long-term choice for me.
Extreme Milk Chocolate 5/5
* Delicious, creamy milk chocolate taste. Similar to chocolate milk but not quite as thick, though you could make it thicker by using less liquid.
Mocha Cappuccino 5/5
* Yum! Just a hint of coffee flavor to it, mostly a chocolate taste similar to hot cocoa. Not overwhelming, very good. Not too rich or creamy.
Rocky Road 2/5
* Good taste, light chocolaty flavor. I would not want to drink this regularly. Has an interesting after-taste
Strawberry Banana 4/5
* Very sweet. Not too thick or creamy, very good texture. Great taste, but a little too sweet for my liking, and I would tire of it quickly.
Vanilla Ice Cream 5/5
* Tastes like the name! Creamy consistency and delicious taste.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Meh...
After having Muscle Milk, this stuff tastes and smells horrible in comparison. I guess it's because it doesn't really have anything except for protein, whereas Muscle Milk has a... Read more
Published on December 14, 2009 by Porsche
Strawberry flavor not so good ....
I'm just commenting about taste and stomach upset here.
I've tried double chocolate and it's really good with fat free milk. Read more
I've tried double chocolate and it's really good with fat free milk. Read more
Published on December 9, 2009 by TexasShopper
Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Choc, Vanilla
First I'll say that the Double Rich Chocolate is the best of the flavors Ive tried. Vanilla being the second and Strawberry was just painful, which was a real let down because I... Read more
Published on December 2, 2009 by Shutterbee
Tasted good but contains Sucralose (artificial sweetner)
Why use a controversial sweetener like Sucralose which has been linked
to many side effects including cancer when there are alternative sweeteners like Erythritol
which... Read more
to many side effects including cancer when there are alternative sweeteners like Erythritol
which... Read more
Published on November 25, 2009 by Ruben Miranda
GREAT! Subscribe and get it for 35 dollars a month!
I ordered this 2lb jar to see if I liked the taste enough to use Amazon's subscription service for the 5lb product. Read more
Published on November 22, 2009 by Arthur E. Rodriguez
Excellent product!!!! Great for late night protein snack.
I have tried a LOT of protein powders, this one is by far the best tasting and mixes well with a spoon (others can be sticky and clumpy). The rocky road flavor is the best!!!! Read more
Published on November 11, 2009 by I. Bibb
Doesn't Taste So Great
The price was right, but I think it tastes terrible. It's not chocolatey enough. All whey protein tastes pretty bad, but I've had some better than this for about the same price. Read more
Published on October 23, 2009 by SkimmingPages
The best out there period
I dont usually leave reviews but I have to for this shake. The taste is wonderful, feels like you are drinking a shake, the results, excellent also. Read more
Published on October 20, 2009 by The duchess
Different flavors, different experience
I really like this brand of protein supplement. It is the only brand I've tried, after reading many reviews on the web and Amazon. Read more
Published on October 19, 2009 by Alan Kin
Delicious Double Rich Choc. Whey recipe!
Make sure to always keep ripe bananas around and whole milk. Add milk 1 banana and protein in blender and mix real well. Read more
Published on October 11, 2009 by S. Molnar
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