Jocko Molk vs Gold Standard

Read this article for an opinion on which protein to purchase: Jocko Molk vs Gold Standard. 

I’ve already done an unbiased Jocko Molk protein powder review. Earning 71%, I shared that some of Jocko Fuel’s statements are misleading. Based on science, their protein powder is serviceable. 

Gold Standard is a well-recognized protein powder. I did an unbiased protein review of Optimum Nutrition 100 Gold Standard Whey. The use of artificial sweeteners and soy could be annoying for some.

However, if you’re willing to overlook those shortcomings, you get the leader of budget-priced protein. I score ON Whey Protein at 88%

Let’s start this Jocko Molk vs Gold Standard comparison going.

🏋️‍♂️ Welcome to the Protein Powder Showdown! As a certified fitness and nutrition expert (NSCA-CSCS, C-ISSN, Precision Nutrition, and Certified Online Trainer), I’m uniquely qualified to compare today’s top protein powders in-depth.

🍏 Objective Comparisons, Expert Advice: With extensive training and experience, I meticulously dissect the nuances of each protein powder, offering you comprehensive, comparative insights to empower your choices.

💼 Transparent Reviews: I am committed to transparency and integrity. Although I use affiliate links, rest assured, they do not influence my evaluations; they support the quality content I create for you at no extra cost.

What Is The Difference Between Gold Standard and Jocko Whey Protein?

Jocko Molk advertises itself as a time-release protein that doesn’t use artificial sweeteners and is a robust digestive enzyme complex, so users will not experience GI issues. The protein source for Jocko Whey Protein is from four different sources. Finally, Jocko Fuel shares that their protein source comes from being free of any growth hormones and void of soy.

Gold Standard is an international brand name. Their reputation is an affordable, high-quality protein that is readily available for anyone to purchase. One can say that ON Gold Standard is the standard for quality.

In this Jocko Molk vs Gold Standard faceoff, let’s examine these proteins in-depth.

Whey Protein Powder Nutrition Facts

Here are the nutrition facts for Jocko Whey Protein and ON Gold Whey Protein.

	Jocko Whey Protein	ON Gold Whey Protein
Serving Size	29.5g	31g
Calories	110	120
Total Fat	2g	2g
Total Carbohydrates	<1g	3g
Protein	22g	24g
Sodium	70mg	130mg
Percent Protein per Serving	75% Protein per serving	77% Protein per Serving

As you can see, there isn’t much difference between the two protein powders. ON offers 2 grams more of protein. On the flip side, Jocko Whey Protein offers fewer carbs and less sodium. 

Based on the nutrition facts of both protein powders, each has something unique. 

Jocko Whey Protein is a low-sodium powder great for people living a keto lifestyle. ON Gold Standard Whey offers more protein and fewer filler ingredients. 

Winner

It’s a draw between both protein powders. They both offer a high amount of protein per serving. It’s a balancing act between the two brands. One does something good, but one does something different better. 

Let’s continue this Jocko Molk vs Gold Standard and examine their ingredients. 

What Is Protein Powder Ingredients

I’m looking for which protein offers the most minor ingredients when comparing proteins. That also includes protein.

Then, I start scanning for artificial or artificial sweeteners, soy, GMO ingredients, a gluten-free formulation, statements about internationally sourced ingredients, and a third-party seal of approval. 

Let’s see what is offered by each combatant. 

What Are the Ingredients In Jocko Molk?

Here are the ingredients found in Jocko Whey Protein: strawberry flavor.

Jocko Protein Blend (Whey Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Isolate, Micellar Casein, Egg White Protein), Natural Flavor, Sea Salt, Guar Gum, Acacia, Xanthan Gum, Sunflower Lecithin, Citric Acid, Fermented Cane Sugar (Reb-M), Vegetable Juice (for Coloring), Monk Fruit Extract

Jocko Whey Protein offers a robust digestive enzyme profile: L. acidophilus and ProHydroxy.

L. acidophilus helps maintain gut health. ProHydroxy is a proprietary digestive enzyme that aids in the digestion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

If you’ve been following my unbiased protein powder reviews, it’s a love-hate relationship with digestive enzymes. The good: when dosed properly, they help aid in the digestion of the protein powder.

The bad: the protein powder source could be of better quality. Or the process of the protein powder didn’t filter out the excess lactose. In turn, digestive enzymes are used to help aid elevation of GI issues. 

Full disclosure: I did not experience any digestive issues drinking Jocko Whey protein. 

Gold Standard Whey Protein Ingredients List

Here is the ON Gold Whey Protein ingredients list: strawberries and cream.

Protein Blend (Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Hydrolyzed Whey Protein), Natural And Artificial Flavor, Sunflower And/Or Soy Lecithin, Gum Blend (Guar Gum, Gum Acacia, Xanthan Gum), Citric Acid, Salt, Beet Juice Powder (Color), Sucralose.

Here is what I dislike about the Gold Standard Whey Protein ingredient list: soy. It is also worth mentioning artificial sweeteners. I’ll share more about artificial sweeteners when I get to that section. 

I don’t like soy because I can’t digest it. I recently did an unbiased Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Whey Protein review. In that review, I shared, “[Why have a] protein powder that is nearly lactose-free but uses a GMO emulsifier that could cause digestive issues?”

This has always been a routine point of contention with ON Gold Standard Whey. This level of annoyance goes back to the ON Gold Standard vs Pure Choice Farms Showdown. 

I did not experience any horrible digestive issues consuming ON Gold Whey Protein. However, it’s always something to mention. 

Winner

After thoroughly examining the ingredient list, Jocko Molk emerges as the winner. Its inclusion of digestive enzymes, absence of soy, and artificial ingredients make it a healthier choice for many. 

Here’s where ON Gold Whey Protein shines: it offers three protein powders instead of four. Jocko Whey Protein is advertised as a multi-use protein that can be used for fast, anytime, and potentially overnight protein powder. However, that is not the case.

Visit this link for more information about how long it takes to digest Jocko Molk Protein. I also discuss the digestion times of Jocko Whey Protein and the claim of “grass-fed” on the old label. 

Let’s examine which gluten-free protein powder in this Jocko Molk vs Gold Standard fight.

What Protein Powders are Gluten Free?

Digestive issues are no fun. Especially when you have dietary restrictions, you need to read that label. 

Here’s an example. I examined is Pure Protein is a good protein powder. I discovered that Pure Protein offers a gluten-free formulation for its protein powder. However, when you read the small print, it is manufactured in a facility with other allergens. 

That’s not gluten-free. If you want to know more, here’s my unbiased Pure Protein Powder review. I share why it’s a budget-priced protein you should avoid if you’re a fitness goer. 

Is Jocko Molk Gluten Free?

I was shipped an old label of Jocko Whey Protein. The container says, “Made without soy or gluten.” The old label doesn’t mention potential allergens in the facility where it’s made.

If you get your hands on a new container, that statement is shared, “Made without soy or gluten.” However, in small print: “Produced in a facility that also processes soy, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, and wheat.”

Based on research, Jocko Molk offers a gluten formulation. When examining the label, Jocko Whey Protein is made in a facility with possible cross-contamination. Jocko Molk is not gluten free. 

Is ON Gold Standard Whey Protein Gluten Free?

ON Whey Protein makes no statements about being gluten-free. 

Winner

ON Gold Standard Whey Protein wins this round. I understand that, technically, neither protein powder is gluten-free. However, Jocko Whey Protein went out of its way to inform potential buyers that it is “not made with soy.”

Let’s prepare for the next Jocko Molk vs Gold Standard round: which protein powder has artificial sweeteners. 

Protein Powder Artificial Sweetener

In my Dymatize ISO 100 vs Gold Standard Whey fight, I shared a list of common sweeteners in protein powders. I also wrote another article to answer the question: what are the most dangerous artificial sweeteners? 

However, I understand why some individuals want to avoid artificial sweeteners in trace amounts, like those found in protein powders and diet sodas. They are okay. 

Let’s see which protein powder uses artificial sweeteners in their profile. 

Does Jocko Molk Have Artificial Sweeteners?

One of Jocko Molk’s standards is the use of natural sweeteners. The ingredient profile shares that monk fruit is the only sweetener used in Jocko Whey Protein. 

Does Gold Standard Whey Protein Have Artificial Sweeteners?

Artificial sweeteners are a common occurrence in ON Gold Whey. The two commonly used artificial sweeteners are sucralose and acesulfame potassium. Strawberries & Cream uses sucralose. 

Winner

 Jocko Whey Protein. If you’re looking for a protein powder that doesn’t use artificial sweeteners, Jocko Whey Protein is one you can trust. I love how they have standards for some of their products. 

It’s time to examine the quality of both protein powders in the Jocko Molk vs Gold Standard fight. 

Quality Of Protein Powder

Both protein powders are multi-blend. Jocko Whey Protein has four protein sources, vs. ON Gold Whey Protein’s three. 

Jocko Whey Protein	ON Gold Whey Protein
Whey Protein Concentrate	Whey Protein Isolate
Whey Protein Isolate	Whey Protein Concentrate
Micellar Casein	Hydrolyzed Whey Protein
Egg Albumin

Jocko Molk Before or After Workout

Jocko Whey Protein offers a protein powder that “slowly digests in your system and fuels muscle building and muscle recovery all day long.” That isn’t the case.

Jocko Whey Protein offers a fast digestion process, ideal for a pre-, post-, or anytime protein shake. It can be digested in at least two hours.

Even though it’s advertised as a slow-digesting protein, I would not recommend it as a pre-protein. 

This begs the question, “Why offer a four-source protein blend?” Here’s the reason why Jocko Molk is offering a blended protein. 

The supplier could be offering Jocko Fuel remnants of previous milk production bi-products, which are not of the highest quality. That is all speculation.

I have one last complaint about Jocko Whey Protein. Protein powder companies usually disclose where they source their powder. 

Protein powders that source their protein from within the USA, Dymatize ISO 100, and Pure Choice Farms readily share that information with buyers. No such claims or statements exist on where Jocko Whey Protein is sourced. 

Here’s more speculation: Jocko Whey Protein sources its protein powder internationally. As shared earlier in this comparison, using digestive enzymes is a tell-about of protein quality. Low-quality protein powder will cause GI issues. Hence, the digestive enzymes. 

Is ON Gold Standard Whey Protein Good?

ON Gold Standard Whey offers a blended powder. Those two of the three protein sources are low in lactose.

ON Whey Protein is meant to be used post-workout. If you’re someone who doesn’t have issues digesting lactose, it could be an excellent option pre-workout. ON Gold Standard Whey is a fast-digesting protein.

Here is what I don’t like about ON Whey Protein. The use of a standard whey protein. I discuss in detail is whey isolate low lactose? 

Whey Protein (or whey powder) is commonly used to enrich food products with protein. The trade-off is that whey powder has a high amount of lactose. 

The whey protein in ON Gold Standard is hydrolyzed to remove lactose. The third protein source is low-quality. 

Winner

ON Gold Standard Whey wins this round. On Whey Protein offers three protein sources that are fast digesting. Furthermore, when examining the ingredient profile, there is no need for digestive enzymes, unlike Jocko Whey Protein.

Where does the protein source come from? In this Jocko Molk vs Gold Standard fight, Jocko Whey Protein is on the ropes. 

Where Does The Protein In Whey Protein Come From

Protein source and protein quality are essentially entwined. Here’s why.

Most of the protein powders I review are internationally sourced. Those internationally sourced protein powders are usually of low quality. Then, I examine the amino acid profile. You can conclude and hypothesize on protein quality from where it’s sourced. 

Where is Jocko Whey Protein Sourced?

No statement on the label or website states where Jocko Whey Protein is sourced. So, I did the next sensible thing: I contacted Jocko Fuel.

If Jocko Whey Protein is a USA-sourced protein, it would be a big-time sell for most buyers. However, that statement is not shared. 

I was less than pleased with what the rep shared. I think I’m getting the runaround with Jocko Fuel. Plus, it was not transparent. 

Jocko Whey Protein had a standard for their products. It’s starting to become all talk.

ON Gold Standard Whey Protein Sourcing

A statement on all Optimum Nutrition protein products states that they use internationally sourced ingredients. Of course, I contacted Optimum Nutrition via WhatsApp with low expectations.

I was surprised by the level of transparency offered by Optimum Nutrition. 

If you purchase your protein powder within the US, the protein is sourced from either Europe or India. 

Winner

ON Gold Standard Whey. I don’t like seeing internationally sourced protein. However, I like transparency and honesty. 

If Jocko Whey Protein honestly sources its protein powder from the US, it would be a big-time seller. However, no such information is found on its label or website. 

If it has the chance, ON Gold Standard will wind up for a haymaker in this next round. Jocko Molk vs Gold Standard is going down to a whimper. 

Which Protein Powders Are Third Party Tested?

Here’s why third-party testing is essential for protein powders. Being certified by Informed Choice means that the protein powder has met the rigors required to get the Informed Choice seal. 

Some protein powders use lesser-known third-party certifiers. I brought this to my attention. Is Nutricost whey protein good? In that article, I share that using lesser-known certifiers can raise doubts among well-informed buyers.  

Finally, the Informed Choice third-party seal means you get the nutrition facts, mainly protein per serving. 

Let’s see who is 3rd party-certified in Jocko Molk vs Gold Standard about. 

Is Jocko Whey Protein 3rd Party Tested?

Jocko Fuel advertises in their standard: transparent label and 3rd party tested. 

Requesting who does 3rd party testing, the rep shares that an annual test is done to meet Jocko Fuel’s high standard. That’s not reassuring. 

Is Gold Standard Whey 3rd Party Tested?

You can see the Informed Choice seal, which is free from any PEDs. Here is the direct link.

Winner

ON Gold Whey Protein. Transparent label and 3rd party tested.

Amino Acid Profile Of Protein Powders

I shared earlier that you can view the protein powder’s quality if you have the amino acid profile. The amino acid you need to examine is leucine. 

Leucine naturally occurs in whey protein powders between 10% and 11%. However, if protein powders dip below that 10% mark, that is not a sign of quality. 

Furthermore, if there are “grass-fed” claims, you can figure that out. AGN Roots offers a great article: “Grass fed whey contains more BCAAs.” 

Oddly enough, Jocko Whey Protein’s old containers shared the words ” grass-fed.” Let’s look at the amino acid profile of Jocko Whey Protein to see if it’s grass-fed. 

What is Jocko Molk’s Amino Acid Profile

Jocko Molk’s amino acid profile is printed right on the label. That is super nice and convenient.

The issue I have with Jocko Whey Protein is on their website.

There was an eye-raising concert featuring Jocko Molk’s quality. Here is the statement, “BLENDED WITH AMINO ACIDS: Help your body with building muscle and regulating immune function.”

No amino acid profile. There is no way to assess if Jocko Whey Protein is a grass-fed protein. Plus, the bags of Jocko Fuel no longer share “grass-fed.”In this case, Jocko Whey Protein powder was never grass-fed. 

A statement sharing “blended with amino acids” is not reassuring. 

Gold Standard Amino Acid Profile

No amino acid profile is printed on any Gold Standard Whey label. However, the information on amino acids is readily available on the website.

Winner

ON Gold Whey Protein. You don’t need to request an amino acid profile; it’s on the website. Jocko Whey Protein’s amino acid profile is lower than ON Gold Standards due to less protein per serving. Plus, Jocko Molk isn’t grass-fed.

Let’s conclude this comparison of the two protein powders and see who is the winner.

Conclusion

Jocko Whey Protein started great, but the king of blended proteins, ON Whey Protein Powder, still wears the crown. 

Let’s examine what each protein powder did in this Jocko Molk vs Gold Standard. 

Is Molk A Good Protein?

Jocko Molk offers an all-natural protein powder void of artificial sweeteners. Its low-carb profile makes it an excellent protein choice for individuals wanting a keto-style protein powder. 

What was an excellent start for Jocko Molk’s nutrition facts and ingredient list started falling apart in the second half: questions of where the protein is sourced went unanswered, who does the third-party testing, and the all-important amino acid profile to check for quality was non-existent. 

Jocko Fuel, why offer “standards” for all your products, but your most important product, Jocko Whey Protein, can get the basics right? It’s an admirable attempt, but it comes out to be average. 

Is ON Gold Standard Whey Good?

ON Gold Whey Protein has the gold medal for a reason. It has a transparent label, has been third-party tested, and has an amino acid profile to share. 

Sure, the use of artificial sweeteners and soy is annoying. However, when you factor in cost, there is a reason why ON Gold Standard Whey is readily available at a budget price. 

Winner

In this Jocko Molk vs Gold Standard showdown, the winner is Gold Standard Whey Protein.

Sources

Gao, H., Li, X., Chen, X., Hai, D., Wei, C., Zhang, L., & Li, P. (2022). The Functional Roles of Lactobacillus acidophilus in Different Physiological and Pathological Processes. Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 32(10), 1226–1233. https://doi.org/10.4014/jmb.2205.05041

JOCKO MÖLK PROTEIN POWDER. (n.d.). Jocko Fuel. https://jockofuel.com/products/jocko-protein-powder?variant=46962211356967

Kremmer, J. (2024a, February 7). Ever Wondered the Real Difference? Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard vs Pure Choice Farms Showdown! JKremmer Fitness. https://jkremmerfitness.com/post/isolate-vs-concentrate-whey-protein-comparison/#Optimum_Nutrition_Gold_Standard_vs_Pure_Choice_Farms_Isolate_vs_Concentrate_Whey_Protein_Comparison_-_Digestibility_Face-Off

Kremmer, J. (2024b, April 21). 🚫 Understanding the best whey protein for lactose intolerance. JKremmer Fitness. https://jkremmerfitness.com/post/is-whey-isolate-low-lactose/#What_Protein_Has_the_Least_Lactose

Kremmer, J. (2024c, April 22). Is Nutricost whey protein good? An In-Depth Analysis for Budget Seekers. JKremmer Fitness. https://jkremmerfitness.com/post/is-nutricost-whey-protein-good/

Kremmer, J. (2024d, May 27). Is pure protein a good protein powder? Uncover the truth! JKremmer Fitness. https://jkremmerfitness.com/post/is-pure-protein-a-good-protein-powder/

Kremmer, J. (2024e, May 28). Unbiased Pure Protein Powder review: Is it worth your money for muscle growth? 💪. JKremmer Fitness. https://jkremmerfitness.com/post/unbiased-pure-protein-powder-review/

Kremmer, J. (2024f, May 31). Unmask the truth: Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Review – Worth it? JKremmer Fitness. https://jkremmerfitness.com/post/unbiased-dymatize-iso100-hydrolyzed-whey-protein-review/

Roots, A. (2019, October 26). Grass-Fed whey contains more BCAAs. Sourced the Right Whey^TM. https://agnroots.com/blogs/articles-info/highest-bcaa-concentrations

What is the amino acids profile in Gold Standard 100% Whey? (n.d.). Optimum Nutrition. https://service.optimumnutrition.com/en/support/solutions/articles/80000543110-what-is-the-amino-acids-profile-in-gold-standard-100-whey-

Wright, B. (2019, October 7). What’s new in nutritional enzymes? Nutraceuticals World. Retrieved June 1, 2024, from https://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/issues/2019-10/view_features/whats-new-in-nutritional-enzymes/