OPTIMUM NUTRITION GOLD STANDARD review

Introduction

Whey Protein Isolates (WPI) are the purest form of whey protein that currently exists. WPIs are costly to use, but rate among the best proteins that money can buy. That's why they're the first ingredient you read on the [amazon link=”B07QHGS8DQ” title=”OPTIMUM NUTRITION GOLD STANDARD”/] label. 

Details

[amazon link=”B07QHGS8DQ” title=”OPTIMUM NUTRITION GOLD STANDARD”/] is #1 in the industry for a reason! With all the different flavor options, you will never get bored with protein shakes. The powder mixes well and is great for pre-workout, post-workout,  or any time of day that you need to get some extra protein in.

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GOLD STANDARD 100% Plant Protein was made for active adults who care about what they eat and where their nutrients come from. By combining organic pea, brown rice and sacha inchi proteins, you benefit from a complete profile of essential amino acids to support muscle recovery. Along with 24 grams of protein, each serving delivers 100% of the Daily Value of vitamin C, provides an excellent source of vitamin B12 and includes a gluten-free complex of ancient grains and pomegranate powder. Help keep your goals and your diet on track with this USDA Certified Organic, non-GMO formula that's free of artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners.

USDA Organic & Non-GMO
24 grams of complete, organic, plant-based protein sourced from a blend of Organic Pea, Organic Rice, and Organic Sacha Inchi proteins
No artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners
Gluten-free, all-grain complex made with ancient grains Amaranth, Quinoa, Buckwheat, Millet and Chia
Organic Pomegranate Powder

Safety Warning
This product is labelled to United States standards and may differ from similar products sold elsewhere in its ingredients, labeling and allergen warnings

Ingredients
Plant Protein Blend (Organic Pea Protein, Organic Brown Rice Protein, Organic Sacha Inchi Protein), Organic Natural Flavor, Organic Beet Powder (Color), Natural Flavor, AncienTrim™ Organic Grain Blend (Organic Amaranth, Organic Quinoa, Organic Buckwheat, Organic Millet, Organic Chia), Organic Stevia Leaf Extract, Organic Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Ascorbic Acid, Organic Gum Arabic, Citric Acid, Organic Pomegranate Powder, Cyanocobalamin.

[amazon box=”B07QHGS8DQ”]

User Reviews

Review 1

This stuff is good, but after a few uses, I have two issues with it:

1) It's a lot sweeter than I thought it would be based on other reviews and the product description – frankly a bit cloying, which too much Stevia can be if it's not tempered with something else. I've tried it a few ways now and have found that it's best when you mix with some tarter frozen fruit in the blender to balance out the flavor, like berries and a little mango with unsweetened almond milk or adding a squeeze of lemon into your green version. I definitely wouldn't add banana to it again though, as it was almost inedible. That said, I tend to like things less sweet, so if you're a person that enjoys higher sugar content and you don't mind Stevia, which can have a mildly bitter aftertaste and can take some trial and error/getting used to if you're new to the world of plant-sourced non-sugar sweeteners, you'll probably be fine with this.

2) The other thing about it is the consistency. After you first blend it, it acts like a smoothie, albeit a chalkier than average one. However, if you're a slow drinker (which I am, especially when there's this much protein involved), the mixture needs to be stirred every 5-10 minutes, otherwise the water content starts to separate and you're left with a gelatinous mound staring back at you from the bottom of your glass like a balled up banana slug, likely due to the chia content of the powder. It's palatable, but not the most eh… how you say… inviting?

Ultimately this stuff is really good quality. I am not vegan but I've been working harder lately to make changes to avoid animal products where possible. This stuff makes you full without feeling heavy and is a solid animal-product-free option for people trying to work more protein into their regimens without contributing to, you know, the ecological demise of human civilization as we know it. That is to say, I'd recommend getting some reusable straws to help even it all out.

Review 2

I’m not a body builder by any means. I work out about three times a week and I use the protein powder for a post work out shake or for a quick breakfast. I’m not on strict diets or anything like that, so my review is from a regular joe who works our mostly to stay in decent shape and stay alive. The protein powder as a shake is pretty delicious. No weird aftertaste like many other powders, and it’s really filling. I’m sure most “pros” know all the tips but for those of you that don’t, it helps if you mix the powder with whatever liquid you prefer, I use soy milk, before adding ice. If you put everything in at the same time the powder gets clumpy. I don’t know why, but that’s been my experience. I use a blender not a shaker. Again, the chocolate malt is what I like and it tastes great.

Review 3

There's a few things that I look for when I'm looking at purchasing a new protein.
1. Cost per gram of protein: 5/5 this product is one of the most cost effective protein supplements on the market, inexpensive to fit into your daily regimen .

2. Mixability: 5/5 I HATE when I get lumps in my protein, it's terrible tasting and makes me gag. When I was using this protein I noticed no lumps, even after putting it down for a few minutes.

3.Taste: 5/5 The chocolate flavor is the best out of any protein powders that I've ever tried. Still leaves a little to be desired, but it's really good. Beats all of the competitors in this category.

Review 4

I wanted so badly to like this product, but here we are. Most recently I'd been using Vega's protein powder but once I finished it I decided to make a switch since the stevia in it was just too much. After starting this powder I've made a vow to never again purchase protein powder with stevia. Because true to form, the stevia in this powder is maybe even more overpowering. There's almost nothing you can do to mask it- I've tried it all. Further, the “chocolate” flavor is nonexistent. The only thing this powder has going for it is that it's not that chalky. The texture suits me just fine; the taste doesn't. On the plus side, this product is really going to keep me motivated to work out. Because the more I work out, the sooner I'll be done with these ghastly sweet drinks.

Review 5

I wanted to add plant-based protein to my diet, and I love this powder. I subscribe through amazon to save a little bit of money. I am happy with the taste (a delicious vanilla) and the texture (no grittiness). It blends easily with just shaking.

If you're looking to an alternative to the expense (and sugar and calories) of your morning Starbucks, here's my recipe for a healthy protein packed alternative Vanilla Latte. Every morning I add two scoops of [[ASIN:B016K2P91Q Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy, Iced Mocha Cappucino] to one scoop of of the Vanilla plant protein. Add 16oz of water (or if you want something thicker, nut milk or regular milk): delicious, refreshing, energizing, and MUCH better for your wallet and waist than a Starbucks.

Review 6

I’ve been a huge fan of Syntha-6 products and enjoy a milkshake like protein shake that’s flavorful. I bought this and wish I hadn’t. It’s very watery and doesn’t “thicken” up when blended and shaken in a shaker. I will still finish it for the gains but the taste is hard to get through. Also the day after it was delivered, a coupon was available for 25% off, nearly $8. I emailed amazon to see if I could request the difference or get some type of credit and they said no, the item would have to be returned and repurchased. Looking at the price today, it’s $3 more than what I paid. The price fluctuates too much for the product and can be found cheaper at your local GNC or vitamin shoppe.

Review 7

The Plant-Chocolate flavor was absolutely disgusting! I have been regularly purchasing protein powders for more than a decade and have tried quite a variety of brands and flavors. I recently decided to quest for a good plant-based protein…this was not it. The flavor is off and consistency is chalky and gritty.

Conclusion

Gold Standard Whey is the perfect protein for me. I use it  immediately after a workout. The whey helps me to recover and repairs the muscle I had just broken down while training.