Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein

2 min read

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey

Category: Strength + Recovery Supplement
Servings: 73 Servings (31 g per serving)
Key actives: Whey Isolate, Concentrate & Hydrolysed (24 g Protein, 5.5 g BCAAs)

Quick Summary
A global bestseller for good reason — Gold Standard Whey offers 24 g of protein and 5.5 g BCAAs per serving in a well-balanced, fast-absorbing blend. It’s reliable, mixes perfectly, and tastes consistently great. However, while performance is excellent, the inclusion of artificial flavouring and sweeteners means it’s no longer among the “cleanest” formulas on the market.

🔹 Necessity — 19 / 20
Protein remains essential for athletes, gym users, and anyone aiming to improve body composition or recovery. Whey is the gold standard for muscle support, and this blend delivers consistent, dependable nutrition. Helpful for: strength, recovery, energy, muscle retention

⚙️ Effectiveness — 19 / 20
Highly effective in promoting muscle repair and lean growth. The triple whey blend ensures rapid absorption and steady amino acid availability post-workout. Supported by decades of user results and scientific evidence — a proven formula that still performs exceptionally well.

🌿 Ingredients — 16 / 20
A strong whey base but includes several additivessucralose, acesulfame potassium, soy lecithin, and artificial flavours. These maintain taste and texture but reduce label purity. The whey is sourced from cows not treated with growth hormones but isn’t grass-fed certified. Excellent nutritional profile, but more “mass-market” than premium.

🛡️ Safety — 19 / 20
Informed Choice certified and tested for banned substances. Gluten-free and generally well tolerated. Long-standing safety record and quality assurance from one of the most trusted manufacturers in the industry.

💷 Value — 16 / 20
At £55–£65 for 2.27 kg (73 servings), it costs roughly £0.75–£0.89 per serving. Solid value given its performance and reputation, though newer cleaner formulations now match or exceed it at similar prices. Great balance of performance and affordability for everyday users.

At a Glance

🧠 Necessity — 19 / 20 Strong foundational supplement for most users

⚙️ Effectiveness — 19 / 20 Reliable, fast-absorbing recovery support

🌿 Ingredients — 16 / 20 Excellent whey, but several additives

🛡️ Safety — 19 / 20 Batch tested and dependable

💷 Value — 16 / 20 Good but not exceptional

🔍 Key Takeaways

Pros
✔ Trusted, globally respected brand
✔ Excellent taste and mixability
✔ Clinically effective whey blend
✔ Strong safety record and testing

Cons
✖ Contains artificial sweeteners and flavours
✖ Not grass-fed or minimal-ingredient
✖ Slightly premium price for mainstream formula

⚖️ Verdict
A proven protein powder that delivers reliable results and great taste. Gold Standard Whey remains a benchmark for consistency — even if newer, cleaner proteins now offer slightly higher ingredient quality.

🧭 Suppervised.com Final Score

89 / 100

Comments: “Dependable, effective, and tasty — still a performance staple, but no longer the cleanest formula.”