Support lean muscle mass and boost recovery with this great whey protein supplement.
Product Overview
A protein powder is something we all have on our supplement shelves or kept front and center when you open the cabinet. We all know the importance and value of a protein powder for what it can do to maximize our gains and to neglect this staple supplement would be a terrible mistake. Plus, with a market so saturated, what you will find are tons of products that promise you the same thing making your decision just that much more difficult. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder is a fantastic blend of whey concentrate and isolate that delivers the right amount of protein to increase gains and make that decision easier.
What a good protein powder can do is amplify your gains by pumping you with protein. Protein is the building block of all muscle and having an adequate amount of protein in your body will ensure muscle growth while also aiding in recovery by repairing those worn down muscles. And for those seeking to lose weight, protein can keep you full by improving satiety so you eat less and shed unwanted calories and fat.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein is packed with 24g of protein great for post-workout muscle support and recovery.
Optimum Nutrition is part of a global nutrition group that has set the bar high for sports nutrition for over 30 years. Helping performance athletes meet their goals, Optimum Nutrition works to develop great supplements for all of your sport and fitness needs. With strict requirements on raw materials needed to produce such high-quality supplements, they take pride in knowing their products are the best for crafting physique and working to accomplish all fitness goals.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder Highlights
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder is a great protein powder for post-workout muscle support and recovery. Packed with 24g of protein, Optimum Nutrition has loaded this product with great flavors so you never grow bored. With no banned substances and an honest label, you know you are getting a high-quality protein source able to tackle those goals no problem.
What you will find with this protein powder is 24g of protein matched by 3g of carbs, 1-1.5g of fat, and very little sugar. With over 5g of BCAAS, this ensures lean muscle is protected and that muscle growth does occur. It mixes well and tastes great with the option for many unique flavors.
Ingredients
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Protein Blend (Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Whey Peptides)
Gold Standard whey contains a quality protein blend which includes whey protein isolates, whey concentrate, and whey peptides. Now, there are a few differences between isolate and concentrate even though these proteins are derived from milk, and both are considered fast-digesting protein sources which contain similar amounts of amino acids (building blocks of the body).
Protein isolate contains about 90% protein as a result of the filtration process which rids excess fats, carbs, and lactose. So, this form is often preferred by people who have a sensitive stomach. Also, this is a preferred option for those seeking to cut, for it contains less carbs and fats and really only pumps you with protein.
Concentrate is a less-filtered version which contains a little less protein (80% in weight) than isolate, plus more fat, carbs, and lactose. This would be for those looking to bulk, for the carbs and fat content, when combined with protein, allow for this to happen.
Protein is a macronutrient which the human body needs in large amounts to maintain good health. And the benefits of protein for building fat-free muscle mass, muscle preservation, weight/fat loss, satiety, increasing strength and power, and just improving overall physical performance have been proven through numerous studies (1,2,3).
So, in other words, if you want to build your dream physique, then you need plenty of protein.
But protein isn’t just a “superficial” macronutrient that’ll only help you get in shape. It plays a role in the growth and repair in essentially all body tissue and it’s an essential component of everybody cell. And it’s needed for hormone regulation, chemical reactions, and enzyme production too (4). But if we’re talking about the benefits of the different forms of whey, then there are in fact plenty.
Whey protein provides a nice amount of amino acids including leucine which is the most important amino acid for promoting protein synthesis which is necessary for muscle growth (5). And since whey is a fast-digesting form of protein, research has shown that it has a better initial effect for muscle protein synthesis when compared to a slower-digesting form of protein usually contained in food sources (6).
Other Ingredients
Natural & Artificial Flavor, Lecithin, Salt, Acesulfame Potassium, Sucralose, Yellow 5, Lactase
*The nutrition label below is for the Banana Cream flavor
| Calories | 120 |
| Protein | 24g |
| Carbs | 4g |
| Fat | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Flavors | Banana Cream, Chocolate Coconut, Chocolate Malt, Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Coffee, Cookies & Cream, Delicious Strawberry, Double Rich Chocolate, Extreme Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla Crème, Mocha Cappuccino, Rocky Road, Strawberries & Cream, Strawberry Banana, Unflavored, Vanilla Ice Cream, White Chocolate |
| Number Of Servings | 29 |
Price, Flavors & Effectiveness
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder is a great option created by a company who knows the needs of athletes. Perfect for muscle growth and recovery, this protein powder is sure to assist with all those gains.
With tons of great flavors, you never grow bored of the taste. Flavors include: Banana Cream, Chocolate Coconut, Chocolate Malt, Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Coffee, Cookies & Cream, Delicious Strawberry, Double Rich Chocolate, Extreme Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla Crème, Mocha Cappuccino, Rocky Road, Strawberries & Cream, Strawberry Banana, Unflavored, Vanilla Ice Cream, White Chocolate
Pros
- Acceptable taste with many flavors
- Good value
- Quality protein sources for muscle growth and recovery
- From a reputable company in Optimum Nutrition
Cons
- Contains artificial flavors
- Contains milk and soy (for those allergic or sensitive)
Price: Varies by size
- $34.99/ 2lbs.
- $74.99/ 5lbs.
- $123.49/ 10lbs.
Who Is This Is For & Best Way To Take
This protein supplement is for those bodybuilders, strength athletes, or any fitness folks looking for a high-quality protein powder able to assist with all their gains. What you will find is that this protein powder packs a protein punch while also giving you great flavors so you never grow bored with the taste. Those looking to elevate growth and recovery will benefit greatly from this protein supplement.
It is best to consume protein within a 15-60 minute after your workout. For this protein supplement, take one scoop of powder and mix with 6-8 fl. oz. of cold water, milk, or your desired beverage. Stir, shake, or blend for 30 seconds and enjoy!
Check out our list of the Best Protein Powders and see where Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder landed!
Overall Value
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder is a top choice for protein powders given that it amplifies muscle growth and recovery for that boost to performance you need most. Optimum Nutrition is a top supplements company on the market and knows the needs of athletes everywhere. What you are really getting is a high-quality protein supplement high in protein while being low in carbs and fat with great flavors and an honest company backing it. Try Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder today and see what this can do for all your goals.
Try Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder Today
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*Images courtesy of Optimum Nutrition & Envato
References
- Westerterp-Plantenga, M. (2008). “Protein intake and energy balance”. (source)
- Johnstone, A.; et al. (1996). “Effect of overfeeding macronutrients on day-to-day food intake in man”. (source)
- Bosse, J.; et al. (2012). “Dietary protein to maximize resistance training: a review and examination of protein spread and change theories”. (source)
- Cooper, J. (2020). “Benefits of Protein”. (source) Protein: Why Your Body Needs It (webmd.com)
- Stark, M.; et al. (2012). “Protein timing and its effects on muscular hypertrophy and strength in individuals engaged in weight-training”. (source)
- Hoffman, J.; et al. (2004). “Protein – Which is Best?”. (source)