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Optimum Nutrition Muscle Strengthening Whey Protein Concentrate

Last updated: May 9, 2023


With flavors like coffee and double rich chocolate, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder is hard to beat when it comes to taste. This protein powder also shines above its competitors, thanks to the high-quality control measures it has to meet. As an added bonus, the protein powder mixes well in both water and milk. We tested the chocolate flavor and found that it tasted a lot like hot chocolate. The package was easy to seal shut and made it easy to get a perfect scoop. It also mixed incredibly easily.

Optimum Nutrition Muscle Strengthening Whey Protein Concentrate
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We looked at the top Whey Protein Concentrates and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Whey Protein Concentrate you should buy.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder, Double Rich Chocolate, 5 Pound (Packaging May Vary)
204,238 Reviews

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder, Double Rich Chocolate, 5 Pound (Packaging May Vary)
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$83.53

Product Details

Key Takeaway: This whey protein concentrate wins best flavor.

In our analysis of 118 expert reviews, the Optimum Nutrition Muscle Strengthening Whey Protein Concentrate placed 16th when we looked at the top 18 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

GOLD STANDARD 100% WHEY BLEND – 24g blended protein consisting of whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and whey peptides to support lean muscle mass – they don’t call it the GOLD STANDARD of quality for nothing. OVER 5G OF BCAAS – help build lean and strong muscles with naturally occurring BCAAs. 3-4G CARBS, 1-3G SUGAR, AND 1-1.5G FAT, GLUTEN FREE, No Sucralose in Double Rich Chocolate Flavor. INSTANTIZED – improves mixability to prevent lumps and clumps. BANNED SUBSTANCE TESTED – highest quality control measures so you feel comfortable and safe consuming the product. 4 SIZES TO CHOOSE FROM – 1, 2, 5, and 10-pound options available. OVER 20 DECADENT FLAVORS TO CHOOSE FROM. ANY-TIME FORMULA – great before or after exercise, between meals, with a meal, or any time of day where you need extra protein in your nutrition.

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Expert Reviews


What reviewers liked

Gets excellent ratings for taste and effectiveness.
- BestReviews
We think Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey is the best protein powder because it easily won our taste test. That fact alone sold us on this protein powder, since our panelists disliked the flavor of many of the other options so passionately.
- New York Times Wirecutter
It mixes well with both water and milk, likely due to the lecithin, which helps to improve mixability. I typically shake up my protein in a mason jar, but even if you’re just stirring with a spoon, it dissolves nicely into the fluid
- Bar Bend
We like that Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey contains some natural ingredients, and we like the longevity of the company.
- dietspotlight
This is no doubt an effective product. It helped me recovery faster, feel less fatigued the day after, and overall gain more mass. It made me feel more filled and satisfied after my workouts, rather than completely exhausted.
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On top of being covenient,it is also easy to mix.
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I like the flavor and look forward to having it after my workout. It has definitely cut back my late night cravings. And if it is feeding my muscles on top of that I simply don’t know what more I could ask for. Simply put, I love this product and want to have it’s babies.”
- New York Mag
You can have this protein powder in more than 20 unique kinds of flavor that can keep you healthy. This is likewise a without gluten item and easy to digest at the same time. This product is free of fat, lactose, cholesterol and other materials. It is the best-unflavored protein powder regarding ratings from genuine buyers.
- Products Browser
Gold Standard 100% Whey is approximately 81% protein, which is very high and a great value considering the cost. It is, of course, a lower content than you’ll find in a supplement made of pure whey protein isolates. The reason for this difference is that the ion exchange process, the means by which whey proteins are separated, is an expensive process. This is why whey protein concentrate is used as a secondary ingredient. This keeps costs down, making the product more affordable while not taking away from its muscle-building benefits.
- Smart Monkey Fitness
Different flavors to choose from.
- Hombre Golf Club
It is available in 23 delicious flavors, with three of them being natural flavors. Double rich chocolate has the best reviews.
- Develop Good Habits
Dissolves quickly and easily.
- Heavy
It also contains amino acids (enzymes to help break down the protein), including three of the most valuable BCAAs (Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine), in addition to other goodies such as glutamine.
- Gym Talk
It has decent Taste with many different flavors.
- Fit Body Supplements
One thing, which is interesting which I want to mention is this whey protein supplement review is its special feature to increase your hunger. You will feel hungry after consuming the protein shake, which means it has some digestive value.
- Editor Say
There is a lot of value for the money, it dissolves instantly, aids with weight loss, and promotes muscle building and recovery.
- Whey and Weigh
With its ultra-filtered whey protein concentrates and amino acids, this whey protein powder is ideal for building muscle strength. And with 20 different flavors to choose from and easy mixing with water, achieving a strong body would be a totally delightful experience.
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What reviewers didn't like

If you don't want all whey,this may not be ideal for you.
- BestReviews
The main complaints we have about this powder are complaints we have about all powders—the taste is not, shall we say, delightful.
- New York Times Wirecutter
Contains artificial sweeteners.
- Bar Bend
We have reservations because of the reported bad taste and the ineffectiveness of the ingredients.
- dietspotlight
There were some issues with mixability, I needed to shake very well.
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May cause stomach upset.
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One problem with this supplement is that it contains artificial sweeteners. Depending on the flavor, it might contain sucralose (strawberry), acesulfame potassium (chocolate) or other additives, and this isn’t made clear on the labeling. Fitness buffs are careful about what they put into their body, so this could be a problem for some.
- Smart Monkey Fitness
The texture is very sandy.
- Hombre Golf Club
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder has a higher sodium content than comparable protein powders (130 mg).
- Develop Good Habits
Some find it tastes too bland when mixed with water
- Heavy
The flavored options contain Sucralose & Acesulfame-K.
- Fit Body Supplements
One disappointment I had in terms of taste with ON Gold Standard 100% Whey protein is its sweet taste. The sweetness I feel is too much, which could have been less. So, if you not much into the sweet flavor, you can avoid this drink.
- Editor Say
With the popularity and performance level of the Optimum Nutrition product, we felt like it would be beneficial to offer an unflavored option for those who prefer to mix their protein powder into their food. The three flavors do get boring after a while, and there are artificial sweeteners added to the product.
- Whey and Weigh

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View our Whey Protein Concentrate buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

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