Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey review

Gold Standard 100% Whey is the long-running best seller from Optimum Nutrition, and the current formula lists whey protein isolate as the main source in a whey blend. Each serving has 24 g of protein and 5.5 g of naturally occurring BCAAs, and the powder is gluten free. Optimum Nutrition describes it as banned substance tested, though the product page does not name the program or lab, which makes it harder to check than the NSF marks elsewhere on this list. Its strength is convenience: more than 15 flavors and easy mixing with only a glass and spoon, so it suits an office drawer or a gym bag. The US store showed $74.49 for the 2 lb tub of 29 servings, or $2.56 a serving, which is high for a whey blend; a 73-serving 5 lb tub is also sold, and subscriptions take 20% off. It is also stocked by many retailers, where prices vary.

Who it is for

People who want a widely sold, easy-mixing whey with many flavors.

Price

$74.49 for a 2 lb tub of 29 servings on the US store.

Sale price $74.49 Price per serving: $2.56
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 9, 2026.

Key features

• 24 g of protein and 5.5 g of naturally occurring BCAAs per serving
• Whey protein isolate as the first ingredient
• Banned substance tested
• More than 15 flavors
• Mixes with a glass and spoon

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: 24 g of protein per serving
• Strength: Mixes without a shaker according to Optimum Nutrition
• Strength: 2 lb and 5 lb sizes and 20% off subscriptions
• Weakness: The product page does not name the testing lab or program
• Weakness: $2.56 per serving on the 2 lb tub is higher than most wheys here
• Weakness: A blend of whey types rather than a pure isolate

Key facts

• Price: $74.49 for 2 lb, 29 servings
• Protein per serving: 24 g
• Protein type: Whey blend, isolate first
• Testing: Banned substance tested
• Sizes: 29 servings (2 lb), 73 servings (5 lb)

Where it ranks

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey is No. 5 in our Best Protein Powders verdict.