If you're a fitness enthusiast, you're more than likely engaging in some athletic activity multiple times each week. As well all know, protein is a necessary building block for those looking to become more muscular.
Sometimes, there just isn't time to cook a thick, mouthwatering steak, or grill up a batch of fish; that's where Optimum Nutrition's Gold Standard Whey comes in. When convenience is a necessity, the protein supplement is just as flavorful – and easier to prepare, too.
PROS
- Available in many flavors, such as “Birthday Cake,” “Key Lime Pie,” “Salted Caramel,” and, of course, the classic chocolate.
- Stirs very easily in a glass using a spoon, and even easier in a shaker cup.
- In addition to protein, it includes over five grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) per serving.
CONS
- With only 120 calories per serving, it is not effective as a meal replacement.
- Sits on the upper end of the price range for protein powders.
- Not effective for those attempting to gain a significant amount of weight fairly quickly.
The hallmark of Optimum Nutrition's Gold Standard Whey is that it contains whey protein isolate, which is the purest form of whey protein that exists; this ensures that each of the 24 grams of protein in each serving is of the highest quality possible, and thus yields better results.
Gold Standard Whey also contains BCAAs, which is not something many other protein supplement manufacturers can boast about. Optimum Nutrition also heavily emphasizes convenience and ease of use, so mixing and consuming the supplement is never an issue.
Other protein supplements of lower quality frequently clump together and do not mix well with milk or water, turning something that should be quick and painless into a difficult, unpleasant experience. Cheaper protein powders sometimes contain filler ingredients, as well, leaving one unsure as to whether or not they are getting the full amount of protein per serving that he or she paid for.
Detailed Review
Below is an in-depth review of the different attributes of Gold Standard Whey:
Mixability – 4.5/5
Gold Standard Whey sets the standard for mixability very, very high; whether it is with a spoon, blender, or shaker cup, the powder dissolves quickly and easily.
This is a vital characteristic for protein powders, since the powder's residue may stick to the container if it does not mix well, which both wastes time and the supplement itself.
While Gold Standard whey protein mixes quickly and efficiently, other protein supplements can achieve the same level of dissolution with just a little more time invested.
Taste – 5/5
Gold Standard Whey receives a perfect score for taste due to the plethora of flavor options that it offers buyers. Gone are the days of choosing only between chocolate or vanilla; Optimum Nutrition provides 22 different flavor choices, creating a list that where almost anyone can find their ideal flavor.
Taste is perhaps the most important aspect of a protein supplement; if it doesn't taste good, you simply won't want to drink it, no matter what benefits it provides you. If there were a choice between an awful-tasting, high-quality protein powder and a delicious supplement that was only of medium quality, most people would choose the latter. Gold Standard excels in both categories, earning it a solid 5/5.
Quality – 4.5/5
As previously mentioned, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey contains whey protein isolate as its main ingredient, giving the product the highest quality that can be manufactured.
Cheaper brands may use extra ingredients to make up for whey isolate they didn't use, which frequently results in gassiness and bloating.
Quality products also lead to better results; while the effects of Gold Standard may not be immediately discernible when combined with hard work in the gym and proper nutrition it is sure to help you reach your physique goals.
The BCAAs it contains are conducive to protein synthesis, which helps you get as much as possible from every gram of protein in each serving.
Price – 4/5
A 5-pound tub of Gold Standard Whey runs for $51.49, which is a fairly high price for the amount of product it contains. However, Optimum Nutrition frequently has sales, which are known to drop the price of Whey Gold Standard to approximately $30.
The sale price is very fair, as even cheaper brands will sell 5-pound containers for more than $30. Even when the supplement is not on sale, you get what you pay for; the combination of quality ingredients, mixability, and taste is ideal for someone who is serious about fitness or improving their physique.
But, How Does it Compare?
It's important to know how Gold Standards measures up against its competitors:
Combat Powder by MusclePharm
Gold Standard and Combat Powder are of similar quality, but there are a few key differences: Combat Powder contains BCAAs and glutamine, and offers only six different flavors as opposed to Whey Gold Standard's 22 flavors. While six flavors will be plenty for most, some will find it too small of a selection. However, Combat Powder is gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for those who are looking to avoid gluten in their diet.
Syntha-6 by BSN
Like Gold Standard, Syntha-6 also contains BCAAs. It also contains 200 calories per serving as opposed to 120. A 5-pound tub is less than $50, which saves buyers a few bucks compared to Gold Standard.
Furthermore, the higher calorie-per-serving ratio makes it better for those who are trying to bulk up at a moderate pace. Syntha-6 is also renowned for its authentic milkshake taste, an aspect that is sought after by buyers who want to enjoy their supplement as much as possible.
Beast Protein by Beast Sports Nutrition
With over 32,000,000 orders shipped, Beast Protein has proven itself to be a reliable supplement in the fitness industry.
The amount of calories and grams of protein per serving are nearly identical to Gold Standard; in fact, Beast Protein has just a tad more of each. It also contains BCAAs in its ingredients. That being said, Beast Protein only has four different flavors to offers it buyers, which is something that may not appeal to people who love variety. However, it is still a solid choice for a protein supplement and can easily fulfill the needs of a fitness enthusiast.
Should You Get Gold Standard Whey Protein?
Protein is not just recommended for building muscle; it's absolutely essential. Gold Standard Whey Protein by Optimum Nutrition provides quality whey protein isolate and BCAAs that are optimal for muscle recovery and growth.
Gold Standard's immense variety of flavors and fair price make it a viable solution to the nutritional needs of an athletic individual. To find out more about Gold Standard Whey and the benefits it offers, visit official website at www.optimumnutrition.com.
