Unbiased ON Gold Standard Isolate Review (Revisit)

I originally did an ON Gold Standard Isolate review; however, I felt I wasn’t detailed enough. Plus, that review was done over three years ago. As I keep reviewing protein powders, changes are made to my review system. I wanted to see if my original score of 98% would stand.

It didn’t. I uncovered some information about Optimum Nutrition Isolate Gold Standard that warranted a full (re)Review. You’ll be surprised by what I found.

🌟 As a certified expert in strength, conditioning, and nutrition, I offer an unbiased, hands-on review of protein supplements based on both personal use and thorough research.

👥 I choose products for review based on your requests, their relevance, and my genuine interest. This isn’t influenced by brand sponsorships, allowing me to maintain impartiality.

💼 I value transparency. Though I use affiliate links, they won’t affect your purchase price. While they offer me a small commission, they don’t influence my opinions.

🔍 Rest assured, I focus on providing clear, honest reviews to help you make informed decisions.

📖 Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Isolate Protein Review Details

Dive into the world of Optimum Nutrition, a heavyweight in the protein game revered for its top-notch quality. Their Optimum Nutrition Isolate Gold Standard packs a punch with the following:

• A hefty 25 grams of protein in every scoop,
• An impressive 5.5 grams of BCAAs to fuel muscle recovery,
• A dual-threat combo: Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate + Whey Protein Isolate, ensuring quick absorption and muscle support,
• A solid 80% protein content per serving – pure muscle food,
• Gluten-free for a happy gut,
• And, peace of mind with each shake, knowing it’s clear of any banned substances.

🏋️‍♂️ Is Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Isolate Protein a Meal Replacement or Post Workout Shake?

Optimum Nutrition Isolate Gold Standard features fast-digesting proteins, ideal for post-workout or anytime shake. If you want ON Isolate as a meal replacement shake, use whole milk and chia seeds to slow digestion. 

You’re probably wondering how many scoops of Gold Standard Isolate you should take after a workout.

How Much Protein to Maximize Muscle Growth?

Are you looking to optimize your post-workout routine? You’re not alone. I’m trying to blend the ultimate shake, aiming for that golden number: 25 grams of protein enriched with 3 grams of leucine. Why this specific mix, you ask? 

Well, it’s not just a whim. The academic paper ‘How Much Protein to Maximize Muscle Growth?‘ advocates for precise balance to kickstart muscle recovery and growth.

Optimum Nutrition Isolate Gold Standard doesn’t have a detailed amino acid profile, leaving us guessing about the true content of leucine in each 25-gram protein serving.

So, here’s the million-dollar question: How much leucine is in one serving of Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Isolate? My guess is it offers the same amount of ON Gold Standard Whey. What’s your take on this mystery?

At face value, to reach your target of 3 grams of leucine post-workout, you would need approximately 1.14 scoops.

🛒 Where Can I Buy Gold Standard Whey Protein Isolate?

Are you looking to snag some Optimum Nutrition Isolate Gold Standard? Here’s my real-deal scoop on where to buy and the perks you might score. I grabbed my batch from GNC—quick and local, which is how I like it.

GNC: The Local Hotspot

Why GNC? They’ve got deals you can’t ignore:

• BOGO 50% off in the first week of each month.
• Scoop up 15% off with in-store pickup.
• Spread your payment, interest-free, over four installments.
• Bag-free shipping for orders over $39.99.

Pricing’s pretty straightforward:

• Twenty-four servings at $54.99 ($1.96 per serving with 15% off).
• Forty-four servings at $74.99 ($1.45 per serving with 15% off).

Direct from Optimum Nutrition: The Official Route

Do you prefer buying straight from the source?

• Free shipping over $75.
• The more you buy, the more you save – up to 20% off.
• Choose from two sizes: 24 servings at $46.99 or 44 servings at $72.99.

Amazon: For the Prime Time Shoppers

Prime member or not, Amazon’s a solid pick:

• Free shipping for the Prime folks.
• Competitive pricing: 24 servings at $40.99 or 44 servings at $70.62.

💸 Money-Back Guarantee? Not Quite… 

Heads up – Optimum Nutrition doesn’t do refunds. With such quality, who needs a safety net?

Value: 6 out of 10. Suppose you have a GNC close buy. Take advantage of that 15% savings for in-store pickup. If you’re willing to wait, take a flyer and find more potential savings directly at Optimum Nutrition. 

📌 Gold Standard Isolate Amino Acid Profile

I made a mistake when I initially reviewed Optimum Nutrition Isolate Gold Standard. I found the amino acid profile for Gold Standard Whey, commonly posted on the Optimum Nutrition website: “What is the Amino Acid Profile in Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey?”

That is the entire reason for this (re)review. I’ve also made some tweaks to my review process. I contacted Optimum Nutrition for two reasons.

• Amino acid profile for Gold Standard Isolate
• Country of origin list (more on that in the ‘Ingredient List”)

Optimum nutrition is not unwilling to provide an amino acid profile for their Gold Standard Isolate. Raising concerns about the validity and quality of their isolate. 

📜 Is ON Gold Standard Isolate 3rd Party Tested?

Optimum Nutrition Isolate Gold Standard is tested for banned substances by Informed Choice. Here’s the link for Informed Choice certification: https://choice.wetestyoutrust.com/supplement-search/optimum-nutrition/gold-standard-isolate

I’ll share this much about the country of origin. “On Gold Standard Isolate meets the FSSAI and local market regulations. However, the good manufacturing practices and product quality remain the same.”

Amino Spiking: 5 out of 10. Optimum nutrition provided no amino acid profile. Discussing the ingredient section in more detail, we have concerns about ingredient quality. I don’t believe it’s amino spiked, and I believe Gold Standard Isolate offers 2.6 grams of leucine per serving.

🥤 What’s The Best Way To Mix Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Isolate Protein?

These simple steps include mixing Optimum Nutrition Isolate Gold Standard with a shaker bottle.

• About one scoop of whey protein isolate powder, 31 grams.
• 6-8 fl oz of cold water, milk, or other beverage.
• For thirty seconds, stir, shake, or blend until dissolved.

Using a shaker does not guarantee a 100% complete instant mix. However, you will not encounter dry spots in your beverage or at the bottom of the shaker pour spout. 

How do you prefer to mix your Optimum Nutrition Isolate Gold Standard? If you’ve tried different methods or mix-ins, I’d love to hear what gives you the best taste and consistency.

⚖️Does Optimum Nutrition Come With a Scoop?

Yes, Optimum Nutrition Isolate Gold Standard comes with a scoop. Plus, one level scoop is one serving.

Value: 10 out of 10. Shaking ON Gold Standard Isolate was no problem; it came out clean.

📋 Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Isolate Ingredients List

Here is the ingredient list for Gold Standard 100 Isolate by Optimum Nutrition, chocolate.

Ingredient	Purpose	Description
Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate	Protein Source	A pre-digested form of whey protein for rapid absorption. Ideal for post-workout recovery.
Whey Protein Isolate	Protein Source	A pre-digested form of whey protein for rapid absorption. Ideal for post-workout recovery.
Cocoa Powder (Processed with Alkali)	Flavoring	High-quality protein with minimal fat and carbs. It helps in muscle building and recovery.
Natural and Artificial Flavor	Flavoring	Enhances taste, making the protein powder more enjoyable to consume.
Lecithin	Emulsifier	Improves mixability, ensuring a smooth texture when the powder is blended with liquids.
Salt	Flavor Enhancer	Users with allergies or dietary restrictions need to know.
Sucralose	Sweetener	A calorie-free sweetener used to improve taste without adding extra calories.
Contains: Milk and Soy	Allergen Information	Important for users with allergies or dietary restrictions to know.

Is Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Better Than Whey Protein Isolate?

Which is better, hydrolyzed whey protein isolate, or regular whey protein isolate? I found a research study titled “Comparative Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Concentrated, Hydrolyzed, and Isolated Whey Protein Supplementation on Body Composition of Physical Activity Practitioners.” Let’s break down this study to understand its insights on Hydrolyzed Whey Protein versus Whey Protein Isolate.

This research addresses whether Hydrolyzed Whey Protein or Whey Protein Isolate is superior in bolstering muscle development.

What Researchers Did

Through meticulous comparative analysis, this study scrutinized these proteins against a backdrop of isocaloric carbohydrates (the control group). Hydrolyzed Whey Protein and Whey Protein Isolate are celebrated for their muscle-building potential. The study’s critical eye was their impact on muscle mass (measured as fat-free mass or FFM) and fat mass (FM).

Research Conclusion

The twist in this study’s tale is quite intriguing—while Hydrolyzed Whey Protein and Whey Protein Isolate might not have a significant edge over each other in terms of muscle mass enhancement, they both excel in aiding fat reduction, especially when paired with a solid workout regimen. 

So, if your fitness agenda includes shredding fat or refining your body composition, these protein variants are your go-to allies. However, when it comes to declaring a supreme choice for muscle building, the decision seems more personal, based on individual nutritional preferences, goals, and budget.

Where is Gold Standard Whey Protein Made?

This ingredient component checklist started with my unbiased Levels Grass Fed 100% Whey Protein review. This is real talk.

I don’t particularly appreciate seeing a stamp sharing “This product contains ingredients of international and domestic origin” on my protein powder.

Unfortunately, Gold Standard 100 Isolate by Optimum Nutrition shares that same seal. I contacted Optimum Nutrition for a “country of origin ingredient list.”

I was surprised to receive a transparent response. As shared in the last section, the whey is imported from Europe, meeting local standards for the US. The representative shared that all products are tested through multiple stages. 

Optimum nutrition is made in America. The most important parts are not from USDA Farmers. The whey used in Gold Standard 100 Isolate by Optimum Nutrition is from Europe or India.

Ingredients List: 8.5 out of 10. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Isolate protein has a minimal ingredient list profile, earning a 9.5. Seeing that stamp that some of the components are from international sources is not a good sign. Do you want your whey from Europe or USDA Farmers?

🥗 Gold Standard Whey Protein Isolate Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts for Gold Standard 100 Isolate by Optimum Nutrition, Chocolate

Serving size 31 grams

Calories 110

• Total Fat. .5g
• Sodium 190mg
• Total Carbohydrate 1g
• Protein 25 grams

🍗 How Much Protein Does Gold Standard Isolate Have Per Serving?

25 grams of protein per serving / 31 gram serving = 81% protein per serving 

🍨 Is ON Gold Standard Isolate Lactose-Free?

Gold Standard 100 Isolate by Optimum Nutrition is not lactose-free. However, hydrolyzed protein is easier to digest, making it easier on your stomach. You will experience a fuller-than-normal stomach. The effects I experienced were mild at best. 

Nutrition Facts:  8 out of 10. 80% protein per serving. 

👌 Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Isolate Chocolate Bliss Review

As when I did my flavor review for Jocko Molk Strawberry protein. I shared that strawberry flavor is a fast food milkshake without all the fun.

Where Gold Standard 100 Isolate by Optimum Nutrition shines is when you’re done shaking the protein. When you open the lid, the smell of delicious chocolate pummels your nasal cavity.

Drinking ON’s Chocolate Bliss isolate is a gourmet dessert. For that cheat code, use extra creamy oat milk.

🍬 ON Gold Standard Isolate Flavors

Surprisingly, you can choose two flavors for Gold Standard 100 Isolate by Optimum Nutrition: Chocolate and Vanilla. I’m disappointed because ON Gold Standard Whey has 18 flavors, while ON Isolate has just two.

🍫🍦 Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein Best Flavor

Having experience reviewing both vanilla and chocolate, you can’t go wrong.

Gold Standard 100 Isolate by Optimum Nutrition offers chocolate and vanilla flavors. Which one is your go-to, or do you mix it up? Do you have any creative recipes you’d like to share?

⭐ Amazon Opinions: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Isolate Review

When examining Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Isolate reviews on Amazon, 1600 reviews earned 4.5 out of 5 stars. Here are the positives of Optimum Nutriton Gold Standard Whey Isolate: mixability, flavor, and minimal bloating.

The negatives about ON Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Isolate: A non-certified Optimum Nutrition seller purchased all the negative reviews. If you want, the official Amazon seller is Optimum Nutrition. 

Flavor: 10 out of 10. Chocolate and vanilla are both great flavor profiles.

🏁 ON Gold Standard Isolate Review: Final Thoughts

Closing out this updated Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Isolate review, we circle back to our main question: Is ON Gold Standard Isolate as good as it’s hyped up to be?

Looking back, my initial impression of this protein was sky-high, with a 98% rating. But as I dove deeper and refined my criteria, that score took a hit, dropping first to 90% and now settling at 81%. That’s the beauty of revisiting and reassessing—it keeps things real and honest.

Why the drop in score?

There are two main reasons: the missing amino acid profile details and the fact that some key ingredients are imported from Europe, which makes you wonder about the true quality. Sure, ON Gold Standard Isolate combines hydrolyzed isolate with regular isolate, similar to Dymatize’s ISO 100, but at a higher cost without a clear edge.

That said, ON Gold Standard Isolate isn’t without its merits. 

It mixes like a dream, tastes fantastic, and has a clean bill of health from third-party testers. Thanks to its European dairy sources, it’s also gluten-free and not pumped with artificial hormones.

At $45 per container, it’s a decent protein option. But with so many choices, especially more wallet-friendly ones, it might not be the first protein I’d grab off the shelf.

🤔 Is Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Isolate Good?

Isolate Gold may be for you if you are willing to pay the price of admission. However, with the steeper price, I believe that both flavors offered by Isolate Gold are deeper and enriched than those of its entry-level cousins.

This begs the question: who should be buying Isolate Gold?

If you’ve used ON Gold Standard Whey and that product still causes GI issues, you may want to consider Isolate Gold. I do have to share that Isolate Gold is still a blended protein. Plus, GMO ingredients are still used in Isolate Gold. If you want a virtually lactose-free post-workout experience, check out Platinum Hydro Whey.

At this point, I still believe Isolate Gold sits on that line of being good, but there are better choices. If Isolate Gold offered a complete and transparent amino acid profile and a higher amount of leucine per serving, that would push the needle to “must buy.” However, Isolate Gold offers some good, but that good isn’t good enough for me to want to make another purchase.

So, what’s your take? Have you tried ON Gold Standard Isolate? Leave a comment and let me know if your experience aligns with mine or if you have a different angle—I’m always keen to hear what you guys think.

Are you looking for more protein reviews? Here are all the unbiased protein reviews.

🧐 ON Gold Standard Isolate Review Round-Up

Value: 6 out of 10
Amino Spiking:  5 out of 10
Shakability Test: 10 out of 10
Ingredients List: 8.5 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 8 out of 10
Flavor: 10 out of 10

Overall Score 47.5/60, 79%, Good

Sources

Stark, M., Lukaszuk, J. M., Prawitz, A. D., & Salacinski, A. J. (2012). Protein timing and its effects on muscular hypertrophy and strength in individuals engaged in weight-training. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-9-54

Castro, L. H. A., De Araújo, F. H. S., Olimpio, M. Y. M., De Barros Primo, R. B., Pereira, T. T., Lopes, L. a. F., De M Trindade, E. B. S., Fernandes, R., & Oesterreich, S. A. (2019). Comparative Meta-Analysis of the effect of concentrated, hydrolyzed, and isolated Whey protein supplementation on body composition of physical activity practitioners. Nutrients, 11(9), 2047. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11092047