There’s never been a better time to focus on your protein intake, with an arsenal of products ready to help you meet your macros. When tossing back chicken breast or sirloin isn’t an option, protein powder is a valuable tool, especially when it comes to building lean muscle and promoting recovery. Unfortunately, most protein powders aren’t cheap.
It’s fair to be wary of budget options, especially if you use protein powder regularly. But there’s an inexpensive protein powder that’s an Amazon bestseller worth considering: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey. While it’s not the cheapest protein powder you can find, the brand does a solid job balancing nutritional needs and quality at a price most people can afford.
No protein powder is perfect, including this one. But with nearly 81,000 five-star reviews to back it up, plus an Informed Choice certification, there’s clearly something to Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard. Two Men’s Health editors put this powder to the test over several months and have largely positive things to say about it.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- 15 flavor options
- 5.5g branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)
- Third-party certified
Cons
- Not ideal for people who are sensitive to dairy
- Contains artificial ingredients
Key Specs
| Protein Source | Whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, hydrolyzed whey protein |
| Nutrition per Serving | 24g protein, 3g carbs, 2g fat, 120 calories (varies by flavor) |
| Number of Servings | 27–141 (depending on container size) |
| Price per Serving | $1.06–$1.54 (depending on container size) |
| Third-Party Certified | Informed Choice |
It’s a Great Bargain
The low price is what brings most people to Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey. While price per serving varies depending on the size you buy, you’re looking at $1.06 to $1.54 per serving, with more savings the larger the container you purchase.
By comparison, many top-rated protein powders on the market command a noticeably higher price per serving, making Gold Standard a competitive option for those looking to keep costs down without sacrificing nutritional quality. For anyone who uses protein powder consistently as part of their fitness routine, those per-serving savings add up quickly over time.
