Gold Standard Whey Protein Flavor Reviews and Nutrition Facts

Gold Standard Whey Protein by Optimum Nutrition is the most popular brands of whey protein on the market. Their protein blend is powerful yet tasty, which is way more than most protein blends can offer.

Learn about the nutritional details of Gold Standard Whey Protein, as well as which flavors are the best—both in terms of taste, and health.

If you’re just here for the flavor rankings, here’s a quick summary of consumer favorites:

See All Flavor Reviews

Nutritional Information about Gold Standard Whey Protein

One of the things that Gold Standard advertises most about its protein product is that it is based on whey protein isolates (WPIs), which are the purest whey protein that currently exists. The cost for WPIs can be high, but they are the ideal whey for serious athletes.

All of Gold Standard’s whey flavors use the same blend, which is a mix of whey protein isolates, whey protein concentrate, and whey peptides to promote speedy recovery and lean muscle growth.

The rest of the ingredients in each bottle or bag of Gold Standard Whey Protein powder are specific to the flavor you purchase.

Best Liquids to Mix with Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder

There are many possibilities for mixing Gold Standard protein mix into your beverage—or even food—such as:

• Soy Milk
• Almond Milk
• Coconut Milk
• Smoothies
• Water
• Whole Fat Diary Milk
• Low / Non-Fat Dairy Milk

Other Uses for Gold Standard Whey

• Add into cereal with milk
• Add into oatmeal
• Cook into donuts and other pastries

Gold Standard Whey Protein Flavor Reviews

Optimum Nutrition offers over 20 flavors of whey protein in their Gold Standard series, and they continue to add more. Here are the top Gold Standard whey flavors, according to consumer reviews.

Gold Standard Whey Protein Flavor Rankings

#1. Extreme Milk Chocolate (Best Overall)

This flavor is delicious all around, especially if you are a chocolate lover.

Best with: Soy Milk

Nutrition Summary

#2. Delicious Strawberry (Best with Milk / Soy Milk)

Best with: Soy Milk, Banana / Berry Smoothies

Nutrition Summary

#3. Double Rich Chocolate (Best with Water)

This flavor is solid as they come, and a treat after the gym or a long bike ride for chocolate lovers.

Best with: Water, Soy Milk

Nutrition Summary

#4. Rocky Road

Nutrition Summary

#5. Banana Cream

Banana Cream seems to have a cult following, and with good reason. It’s just plain delicious, although banana itself can be a polarizing flavor among reviewers.

Best with: Soy Milk

Nutrition Summary

#6. Cake Batter

Best with: Soy Milk

Nutrition Summary

#7. Mocha Cappuccino

Nutrition Summary

#8. White Chocolate

Nutrition Summary

#9. Chocolate Malt

Nutrition Summary

#10. Strawberry Banana

Nutrition Summary

#11. Chocolate Mint

Nutrition Summary

#12. Chocolate Peanut Butter

Nutrition Summary

#13. Coffee

Nutrition Summary

#14. French Vanilla Creme

Nutrition Summary

#15. Chocolate Coconut

Nutrition Summary

#16. Vanilla Ice Cream

Vanilla Ice Cream isn’t bad, assuming you don’t mind the taste of artificial vanilla. Many reviewers on Amazon and other sites were disappointed to find that Sacralose is one of the ingredients, claiming that the artificial sweetener ruins the flavor of the mix.

Best with: Berry & Banana Smoothies

Nutrition Summary

#17. Cookies and Cream

There are dozens of reviews on Amazon and BodyBuilding.com with users complaining about this flavor. While other Gold Standard offerings knock it out of the park, this one definitely falls flat.

Nutrition Summary

Frequently Asked Questions about Gold Standard Whey Protein

Is Gold Standard lactose free?

No. Gold Standard contains a small amount of lactose. It also contains added lactase, which assists in breaking down lactose.

Is Gold Standard college athlete approved? NCAA approved?

Yes. All products in Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard series are fit for collegiate athletes.

Is Gold Standard Whey Protein vegan?

No; all of this brand’s products contain milk. But, it is vegetarian!

Is Gold Standard FDA approved?

No. Gold Standard Whey Protein is a dietary supplement, and thus, does not require the approval of the Food and Drug Administration.

Is Gold Standard safe / safe for pregnancy?

Yes, but pregnant women should consult a doctor.

Is Gold Standard good for weight loss?

No, it is not a meal replacement. It is a supplement, designed for muscle growth. Best used when paired with exercise, which can result in weight loss and muscle development.

Is Gold Standard Whey Protein healthy?

This is subjective, as the healthiness of whey protein is always a subject of debate—but yes.

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About Post Author

Mike

Mike is a world traveler from Portland, Oregon. He surfs, climbs, competes competitively in skateboarding, and loves horticulture.

Find him catching waves in Southern California or road tripping the country in search of the sickest skate parks.

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