Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Review

Optimum Nutrition's whey protein mixes extremely well, has a strong flavour and is very low in fat, carbohydrates and cholesterol

Introduction

I had been thinking about buying Optimum Nutrition's Gold Standard Whey for a while, especially after the numerous awards the product has won and the many nominations such as Bodybuilding.com Supplement of the Year for 2019 (held for 6 years running!) and Protein Supplement of the Year for 2019. Monster Supplements are selling tubs on 2.2kg Gold Standard Whey for just £45.49 with a free blender cup with wire ball included in the price (making it onto their best sellers list) so I ordered a tub of Rocky Road and awaited delivery.

Background Information

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein uses Whey Protein Isolates and Hydrowhey as primary ingredients, the purest form of Whey Protein that exists. Hydrowhey consists of proteins that are broken down into smaller particles (peptides) so the body can utilise them faster which is particularly important straight after an intense workout. Gold Standard Whey packs 24g of muscle building protein into each serving with very low levels of fat, carbohydrates and cholesterol making it the perfect supplement for those of you looking to bulk up and those looking to lose weight through fat burning.

As well as consisting of Microfiltered Whey Protein Isolates, Ion-exchange Whey Protein Isolates, Ultrafiltered Whey Protein Concentrate and Hydrolyzed Whey Peptides, Gold Standard Whey Protein also provides the perfect balance of Essential and Non-Essential Amino Acids including a high concentration of BCAAs, therefore improving nitrogen retention and muscle growth. Lactase and Aminogen digestive enzymes are also present which further enhance absorption and make it perfect for people who are lactose intolerant.

Texture and Taste

The first thing I noticed when trying 100% Whey Protein for the first time was just how well the product mixed with the water I was using. The particles are so fine that after just 2 seconds of shaking the protein was completely mixed in with no lumps to be seen.

When I first tried the Rocky Road flavour I wasn't sure about it, I had read reviews from some who loved it and some who hated it. However after 2-3 shakes I realised it was actually a really nice flavour. One of the main benefits of this product, as well as mixing very easily, was the strength of the taste. Many cheaper protein supplements are very weak even after 2 scoops and therefore if you are mixing products like BCAA powder with them (which doesn't taste great!), you can actually taste the BCAA powder with the protein. With Gold Standard Whey, after mixing it with a teaspoon of BCAA, I couldn't even taste the BCAA powder because the Whey Protein had a really good, strong taste to it, reflective of the quality of the product.

Rocky Road tastes like chocolate with a hint of marshmallow and cocoa flavouring. It is not at all sweet which you might expect but smooth and tasty with a nice aftertaste.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein Flavours

Optimum Nutrition's 100% Whey Protein benefits from having many different flavours to choose from. At the time of writing, most supplement companies will provide the following flavours - Banana, Strawberry, Strawberry Banana, Vanilla, French Vanilla, Chocolate, Chocolate Mint, Milk Chocolate, Rocky Road, Cookies and Cream.

Nutrition Information (per 30.4g - 1 rounded scoop)

Conclusion

I really liked Optimum Nutrition's Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein and I can understand why it has been nominated for so many awards. It tastes great, mixes really well and for the quality of ingredients is also very good value for money. It also has one of the lowest carbohydrate and fat content ratios per scoop in the protein supplement marketplace and has helped assist me with my strength and muscle gains when taking it.

Thinking about protein recipes which you could use the Gold Standard Whey Protein for? How about trying it with oatmeal, yoghurt, muffins, cookies and brownies to boost protein content? Just add one or two scoops.

There are approximately 74-77 servings per 2.2kg container. You can also buy bigger sizes such as 4.5kg as you can see from our shop window at the top of the page.