Rule 1 Protein Vs Gold Standard

I’m going to do a Rule 1 Protein vs. Gold Standard comparison. The two protein powders are similar in their minimal ingredient profile, multiple protein sources, certification by the same third-party agency, variety of flavors and container choices, etc. 

Without examining price, which protein powder offers the highest quality of protein and the most significant value for gym-goers?

In this Rule 1 Protein vs. Gold Standard battle, I’ll discuss their nutrition facts, including the serving size, total fat, sodium, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, total sugars, and protein content. I’ll also delve into their ingredient analysis, which includes the types of protein used, any additional ingredients, and their potential benefits or drawbacks. Finally, based on these factors, I’ll share which protein powder is the winner. 

If you’re looking for a great-tasting protein with more protein per serving, Rule 1 Protein is a great choice. However, Gold Standard is the superior choice if you want a protein powder that offers complete ‘transparency’ in terms of its ingredients and manufacturing process, higher ‘quality’ ingredients that are sourced responsibly, and a protein powder that isn’t ‘spiked’ with additional amino acids. Now, let’s move on to the taste comparison of Rule 1 Protein and Gold Standard. 

Before making this comparison, I reviewed both powders in depth. Check them out: R1 Whey Protein review and Optimum Nutrition 100% Gold Standard Whey review. 

🌟 As a certified expert in strength conditioning (NSCA) and nutrition (Precision Nutrition, CISSN), I bring a meticulous, unbiased approach to my protein reviews. My insights are not just based on research but also on personal use, ensuring you receive real-world feedback on each product. This expertise and experience should instill confidence in the information I provide.

Your input is invaluable in shaping the content of these reviews. I select products for review based on your requests, their relevance, and my genuine interest. Brand sponsorships do not influence my selection, ensuring I maintain impartiality and provide you with the most relevant and unbiased information.

💼 Transparency is a cornerstone of my reviews: I may use affiliate links, but they do not cost you extra. Any purchases made through these links might earn me a small commission, but they do not sway my opinions or the integrity of my reviews. This transparency should reassure you about the reliability of the information provided.

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

Nutrition Facts 🍽️

The nutrition facts offered by both protein powders are simple to examine. I always examine the protein percentage per serving when I do my unbiased protein reviews.

Let’s examine the nutrition facts in this Rule 1 Protein vs Gold Standard showdown.

	Rule 1 Protein	Gold Standard
Calories	120	120
Serving Size	32 grams	30.4 grams
Total Fat	.5 grams	1.5 grams
Sodium	60mg	130mg
Total Carbohydrates	3 grams	3 grams
Dietary Fiber	1 gram	<1 gram
Total Sugars	0 gram	1 grams
Protein	25 grams	24 grams

Examining the two protein powders, it appears that Rule 1 Protein is the superior protein. However, when we do an amino acid analysis, the wheels start falling off for Rule 1 Protein.

How Much Protein is in Rule 1 Protein?

Rule 1 Protein offers 25 grams of protein per serving. What is the total protein percent found in one serving of Rule 1 Protein?

25 grams of protein / 32 grams serving size = 78% protein per serving

How Much Protein is in ON Gold Standard Whey?

Looking at ON Gold Standard Whey nutrition facts, it falls short of what is offered by Rule 1. You’re getting a lower-quality protein powder with only 24 grams of protein, twice the sugar, fat, and sodium. 

24 grams of protein / 30.4 grams serving size = 79% protein per serving

Rule 1 Protein may have a 1-up in this Rule 1 Protein vs Gold Standard comparison. However, that is not the truth. 

Rule 1 Protein is an amino spiked protein. I’ll share how I found out that Rule 1 is amino spiked. 

Ingredient Analysis 🔍

Let’s examine the ingredient profile of both proteins in this Rule 1 Protein vs Gold Standard. 

What Kind of Protein is Rule 1?

Examining Rule 1 Protein’s ingredient list, we find only two protein sources: whey protein isolate and hydrolyzed whey protein isolate. These two proteins are excellent for stimulating muscle protein synthesis (MPS).

As a whole, Rule 1 Protein is best utilized as a post-workout protein. The two protein sources are protein isolate and hydrolyzed protein isolate, two fast-digesting protein powders. 

I wrote an article examining how much protein is needed to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. In that article, I examined multiple protein powder types and which was most effective for muscle growth. I also discussed the importance of a post-workout shake. 

Let’s examine what kind of protein is Gold Standard 100% Whey.

What Kind of Protein is Gold Standard 100% Whey?

Examining the ingredient list on Gold Standard 100% Whey, we find that 100% is a three-source protein: whey protein isolate, concentrate, and hydrolyzed whey protein. You’re wondering what’s “hydrolyzed whey protein.”

Wondering the same thing, I did a deep dive, examining the question: is whey isolate low lactose? I created a table examining whey protein powders with the lowest lactose amount. 

Bringing that information to hydrolyzed whey protein, we find out that whey protein is a low-quality protein powder commonly used to enrich food products. What are the benefits of hydrolyzed protein?

Simple: the lowest amount of lactose. 

As a general rule, Gold Standard 100% Whey is best utilized as a post-workout shake. However, seeing hydrolyzed whey protein in the ingredient list lowers the protein quality. 

After a thorough comparison, Rule 1 Protein emerges as the winner in this round of Rule 1 Protein vs. Gold Standard. It offers higher-quality protein sources, with only two, both of which are protein isolates. This makes it an excellent choice for gym-goers seeking a protein powder with a high protein content and great taste.

Let’s examine the taste profile of Rule 1 Protein’s Chocolate Fudge and ON Gold Standard Whey’s Double Rich Chocolate.

Taste 😛

I understand that taste is subjective. I always look at the ingredient list when I do a taste review. Here’s why.

I looked at the ingredient list for artificial sweeteners and stevia.

Stevia used in high doses makes protein powders taste too sweet. Rule 1 Protein sometimes leaves a medicinal taste in the flavoring. 

Regarding artificial sweeteners, there is not nothing wrong with drinking them. We live in a world with access to excess-calorie foods and pollution. If you get upset about artificial sweeteners in food, that’s on you.

They shared that you should be aware of some artificial sweeteners. I wrote an article examining the most dangerous artificial sweeteners. Some of these sweeteners are not lethal and are commonly used in protein powders.

These artificial sweeteners used in protein powder may affect your gut biome, making you hungry or craving sweet foods. 

Sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium are used in both of these powders. If you’re anti-artificial sugars, you’ve already dropped Rule 1 and Gold Standard proteins. 

Does Rule 1 Protein Taste Good?

Rule 1 Protein has both sucralose and acesulfame potassium as artificial sweeteners. It has a slight artificial taste. The question is, “Does chocolate fudge taste good?”

As a whole, all the Rule 1 protein powders taste great—the flavors taste as advertised. In the initial sip, you may experience trace amounts of artificial sweetness. If you have a sweet tooth and are losing weight, you will enjoy any Rule 1 Protein flavors. 

Does Gold Standard Whey Taste Good?

Looking at the ingredient profile for Gold Standard Whey, the only artificial sugar is sucralose. 

There are hints and notes of Gold Standard Whey’s advertised flavor. The flavor is as expected and provides a good experience. 

Your flavor preference will matter in this Rule 1 Protein vs Gold Standard showdown. If you enjoy a sweet protein shake (especially if you’re trying to lose weight and stay in that calorie deficit), Rule 1: Protein tastes better.

However, if you don’t like an overly sweet protein but want one that offers trace amounts of flavor without being bombastic, Gold Standard is a great choice. 

Overall, Rule 1 Protein tastes better than the Gold Standard. Let’s examine the amino acid profiles of the two protein powders.

Amino Acid Profile 🔬

Here is the head-to-head comparison for the amino acid profile in this Rule 1 Protein vs. Gold Standard. Here’s the problem. 

Rule 1 Protein does not have a valid amino acid profile. Rule 1 lumped essential, non-essential, and conditionally essential amino acids with percentages. There is no specific way to gauge the protein quality of Rule 1 protein.

ON does not have a stamped-on amino acid profile; however, they share an amino acid profile for ON Gold Standard Whey.

I use an academic study as my basic guideline for building muscle. To stimulate muscle protein synthesis, you need at least 25 grams of protein with at least 3 grams of leucine to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. 

Is Rule 1 Protein Good for Muscle Growth?

Based on the Pro6 Protein powder review, I calculated the amount of leucine in Rule 1’s discontinued protein. 

I found out that Rule 1’s protein supplier is of low quality. The average amount of leucine found in Pro6 was below the 10% average for protein powders. Pro6 leucine content was around 8% leucine per protein serving.

What does that mean to you?

Rule 1 Protein does not stimulate muscle protein synthesis using only one scoop. Here’s the reason: Rule 1 uses a low-quality whey distributor in its protein powders. Rule 1 Protein takes at least 1.5 scoops, up to 2 scoops, of protein to stimulate MPS. 

In my article, “Does Rule 1 Amino Spike?” I assessed that Rule 1 Protein powders may have as little as 15 grams of whole whey protein per serving, up to 20 grams per serving.

Using the 8% leucine per protein serving guideline, Rule 1 Protein powders may have as little as 1.2 grams up to 1.6 grams of leucine. Hence, the reason why you need more scoops of Rule 1 Protein to stimulate MPS.

Does Gold Standard Whey Protein Build Muscle?

ON Gold Standard Whey’s amino acid profile is available on the website. A serving size is 29. 4 g, which offers 24 grams of protein and 2.64 grams of leucine.

Research suggests it would only take 1.15 scoops of ON Gold Standard Whey Protein to stimulate MPS. Compared to Rule 1 Protein, it takes less protein from ON Gold Standard Whey to build muscle. 

In this Rule 1 Protein vs Gold Standard, Optimum Nutrition readily shares the amino acid profile for their flagship 100% Gold Standard Whey protein. We also found out that Rule 1 Protein does not share an amino acid profile, leaving the buyer wondering and questioning the quality of the protein powder. 

Let’s examine transparency by both companies. 

Transparency 🧐

A protein company’s transparency is essential when examining protein powders if a company is willing to share its most essential element, an amino acid profile, that goes a long way toward ensuring the quality of ingredients and integrity. 

Is Rule 1 Amino Spiked?

Here is a list of all the Rule 1 proteins I’ve examined: Rule1 Pro6 review, Rule1 Source 7 review, R1 Whey Blend review, and R1 Whey Protein review. I’ve also reviewed four Rule 1 protein powders.

In each of those Rule 1 protein reviews, I contacted Rule 1 via email, and every time, the company shared an amino acid profile that needed to be legitimate.

During my last Rule 1 protein review, Pro6, I discovered that Rule 1 Pro6 is spiked with at least 2 grams of added amino acids. Even though Pro6 is discontinued and a spiked protein, it makes you wonder what other protein powders Rule 1 is spiking. I firmly believe that all Rule 1 protein powders are spiked. Plus, Rule 1 will not share a proper amino acid profile.

Even after multiple emails, Rule 1 has finally decided to stop answering any follow-up questions I had with ingredient sources.

Let’s examine 100% Gold Standard Whey.

Is Gold Standard Whey Amino Spiked?

When I reviewed ON Gold Standard Whey, I was surprised by the level of transparency that Optimum Nutrition provided. Get an amino acid profile for 100% whey and understand where their protein powder is sourced. 

Based on my findings, Gold Standard Whey is not amino spiked. An amino acid profile is shared—the amount of leucine per serving is within the average of 10% to 11% for protein powders. 

However, when I did an Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Isolate review, the representative wanted to keep an amino acid profile private, raising concerns about other dairy-based protein powders that Optimum Nutrition offers. 

Examining transparency in this Rule 1 Protein vs. Gold Standard debate, it’s evident that the front-runner is leading by a mile. Let’s examine the quality of the two brands. 

Quality ⭐

Is it possible to assess the quality of a protein powder? Yes. You can examine the protein quality if the candle provides an amino acid profile. 

I’ve assembled a table providing the average amount of leucine in protein powders based on protein type. 

Protein Powder	Average % Leucine	Leucine Range
Whey isolate	10%	8% to 11%
Micellar Casein	9%	8% to 9%
Whey Concentrate	10%	8% to 11%
Hydrolysate Isolate	10%	8% to 11%
Egg White	8.5%	8.5%
Native Whey Isolate	11%	10% to 12%

Let’s examine the amino acid profiles for both proteins.

How Good is Rule 1 Whey Protein?

Rule 1 Whey Protein may offer a superior ingredient compared to the other two protein sources. However, the other two protein sources offer a better taste experience. 

There are some major red flags with Rule 1 Whey Protein. Without an amino acid profile to assess the protein quality utilized. Rule 1 Whey Protein should not be a protein powder for any potential buyer.

Here is why Rule 1 Whey Protein is not a good protein. The following reasons alone should prevent you from purchasing Rule 1 protein powders.

• No amino acid profile
• Rule 1 Protein lacks transparency in ingredient sourcing
• Prior history of selling spiked protein powders (Pro6 protein powder)

The three reasons above are enough not to consider any Rule 1 protein powders. Let’s examine Gold Standard’s quality.

Is Gold Standard the Best Protein?

Looking at the facts we know about Gold Standard’s 100% Whey, this is what we know: full transparency for 100% whey, an amino acid profile, a minimal ingredient profile, and an overall good-tasting protein. 

Examining Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein, you can not deny the minimal ingredients, high-quality protein, complete transparency, and taste in 100% Whey. However, ON 100% Whey could be better. 

Three protein sources are used, one of which is a low-quality standard whey commonly used in food products. Soy is an emulsifier, which may lead to more digestive issues. Soy is commonly used as an emulsifier in protein powder because it is cheap. I wrote an article comparing isolate vs. whey protein concentrate. 

Let’s conclude this Rule 1 Protein vs Gold Standard comparison. 

Is Rule 1 Protein Better than Gold Standard? 🏆

Wrapping up this article about Rule 1 Protein vs Gold Standard, we still need a final answer if Rule 1 Protein is better than Gold Standard.

Overall, Rule 1 Protein is inferior to the Gold Standard. Removing price from the equation, Gold Standard 100% Whey offers a transparent label, an amino acid profile, higher-quality ingredients, and protein. However, if you’re looking for a protein powder with a sweet taste, Rule 1 Protein may be your preferred protein to Gold Standard. 

Rule 1 Protein could be a solid choice if you can purchase it when it’s on sale. Furthermore, you just need to get more protein daily; it’s a good-tasting protein, especially if you have a sweet tooth. 

Then again, if you’re using Rule 1 Protein for post-workout nutrition to recover from an intense workout, it stimulates muscle growth. Compared to the Gold Standard, we found that it may take up to one scoop more for muscle growth to occur. 

Gym-goers, be wary when you purchase Rule 1 Protein. It may seem like Rule 1 cares about the quality of their protein powders. However, examining a now-discontinued spiked Pro6 protein powder. 

Rule 1 only cares about their bottom line and provides low-quality ingredients, charging a premium. All of Rule 1 protein powders are spiked. That was your warning.

Remember, being consistent is taking one step forward. 

Sources

Kremmer, J. (2023a, November 1). Sweet Poison: Unmasking the most lethal artificial sweeteners of all. JKremmer Fitness. https://jkremmerfitness.com/post/what-are-the-most-dangerous-artificial-sweeteners/

Kremmer, J. (2023b, November 22). Maximizing muscle gains: the protein equation you need. JKremmer Fitness. https://jkremmerfitness.com/post/how-much-protein-to-stimulate-muscle-protein-synthesis/

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 29). Unbiased R1 Pro6 Protein Review: Discontinued Spiked Protein Powder. JKremmer Fitness. https://jkremmerfitness.com/post/unbiased-r1-pro6-protein-review/

Kremmer, J. (2024d, May 3). Does Rule 1 Amino Spike? Insights into Protein Quality and Amino Spiking Practices. JKremmer Fitness. https://jkremmerfitness.com/post/does-rule-1-amino-spike/

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

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-