Gold Standard Whey Protein Flavor Reviews and Nutrition Facts
Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein by Optimum Nutrition is one of the leading brands of protein supplement. Their powerful protein formula is designed for serious athletes to deliver results and taste great. Read our guide that breaks down the nutritional info, usage tips, and flavor reviews for all Gold Standard Whey Protein flavors.
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:
| Rank | Flavor | More |
| #1 | Extreme Milk Chocolate | Read More |
| #2 | Delicious Strawberry | Read More |
| #3 | Double Rich Chocolate | Read More |
| #4 | Rocky Road | Read More |
| #5 | Banana Cream | Read More |
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
| Rank | Flavor | More |
| #1 | Extreme Milk Chocolate | Full Review |
| #2 | Delicious Strawberry | Full Review |
| #3 | Double Rich Chocolate | Full Review |
| #4 | Rocky Road | Full Review |
| #5 | Banana Cream | Full Review |
| #6 | Cake Batter | Full Review |
| #7 | Mocha Cappuccino | Full Review |
| #8 | White Chocolate | Full Review |
| #9 | Chocolate Malt | Full Review |
| #10 | Strawberry Banana | Full Review |
| #11 | Chocolate Mint | Full Review |
| #12 | Chocolate Peanut Butter | Full Review |
| #13 | Coffee | Full Review |
| #14 | French Vanilla Creme | Full Review |
| #15 | Chocolate Coconut | Full Review |
| #16 | Vanilla Ice Cream | Full Review |
| #17 | Cookies and Cream | Full Review |
#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 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.
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.
via GIPHY
For more on eating right and optimizing health, check out these healthy breakfast smoothie recipes, this complete guide to eating healthy while camping or bike touring, or this ranking of the best-tasting types of drinking water.
