Unbiased Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein Review
Here’s my Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein Review—after four years of reviewing protein powders, I’m finally diving into a plant-based option. Use my grading criteria, modify them to fit plant-based protein powders, and see if you should purchase Gold Standard Planted Plant-Based Protein, a protein powder.
Honest Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein Review: Is It Worth It? 🌱
Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein Review shows this product offers a decent plant-based option but has flaws. You’ll get 24 grams of protein per scoop, which is great for post-workout recovery, but to truly stimulate muscle growth, you may need two scoops. The blend of pea, fava bean, and brown rice proteins creates a complete amino acid profile, but the taste and texture can be hit or miss. If you’re on a budget, this protein powder is a good start, but there are better options if you’re serious about gains.
- Affordable price point 💰
- Complete amino acid profile 🌾
- Dairy and gluten-free options ❌
- Needs extra servings for best results 💪
- Taste and texture aren’t universally loved 🤷♂️
- Needs extra servings for best results 💪
🌟 As a certified expert in strength conditioning (NSCA) and nutrition (CISSN), I provide hands-on, unbiased reviews. My insights are based on personal use, giving you real-world feedback and confidence in the product.
👥 I review products based on your requests and my interest, with no influence from brand sponsorships, ensuring impartiality and relevance.
💼 Transparency is key. I may use affiliate links, but they don’t affect my opinions. I believe in honesty and empowering you to make informed decisions.
🔍 I’m dedicated to clear, straightforward reviews so you can trust the information and feel confident in your choices.
📖 Optimum Nutrition Vegan Protein Review Details
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Plant Based Protein may offer some value for individuals looking for an alternative to dairy-based protein powders. Here is what you are receiving when buying a bag of Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Plant Based Protein
- Budget-priced
- Multi-source plant-based powder blend of Pea, Fava Bean, and Brown Rice protein
- Lactose-free and gluten-free
- 24 grams of plant-based, complete protein
- 0 sugars, with no artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners
Let’s get into the real details of this Optimum Nutrition Vegan Protein Review: is this budget plant-based protein powder worth your money? This is one of the best Optimum Nutrition 100 Plant Gold Standard Protein Reviews you will find.
🏋️♂️ Is Gold Standard Plant Based Protein Powder a Meal Replacement or Post Workout Shake?
Gold Standard Plant Based Protein Powder offers a flexible nutritional profile that can be used as a meal replacement or a post-workout shake. Let’s break down the details to help you make an informed decision.
Each serving of Gold Standard Plant Based Protein Powder provides 150 calories, 3.5 grams of fat, 6 grams of carbohydrates (including 2 grams of dietary fiber), and an impressive 24 grams of plant-based protein. Depending on your dietary needs, this combination can suit either purpose.
Whenever I see fiber, I use protein powder as a meal replacement. Due to the nature of plant-based protein powders, you will always see some fiber. Let’s examine Gold Standard Plant Based Protein Powder as a meal replacement and post-workout shake.
🥗 Meal Replacement
The 24 grams of protein provide a solid base for muscle maintenance and satiety for those considering it a meal replacement. However, it’s worth noting that the calorie count is relatively low compared to typical meal replacements, which usually offer around 300-400 calories to ensure you’re getting sufficient energy and nutrients to replace a full meal.
To address this, add healthy fats or additional carbohydrates, such as a banana or a tablespoon of almond butter, to make it more filling.
Research suggests that protein intake during meals can help with appetite control and weight management, making Optimum Nutrition Organic a useful component of a weight loss or maintenance plan.
I’ve reviewed some if you want meal replacement protein powder for weight loss.
- BSN Syntha 6 Review
- MRE Lite Protein Review
- Hitpoint Ultra Protein Powder Review
- Machine Whey Protein Review
🏃♂️ Post-Workout Shake
On the other hand, Optimum Nutrition Organic shines as a post-workout shake. Its 24 grams of muscle-building plant-based protein are ideal for muscle recovery, aligning with the recommended post-exercise protein intake to maximize muscle protein synthesis. The moderate carbohydrate content can also help replenish glycogen stores, especially when paired with a piece of fruit or another quick source of carbs.
Research examining plant-based protein powders shows that the minimum threshold for stimulating muscle growth is between 30 and 40 grams post-workout.
📝 Choosing How to Use Gold Standard Plant Based Protein Powder: Meal Replacement or Post-Workout Shake?
Whether you use Optimum Nutrition Organic as a meal replacement or a post-workout shake depends on your personal goals. If you’re looking for a low-calorie, high-protein plant-based option, it can be a great meal replacement that keeps you full. In contrast, the plant-based protein content for post-workout recovery makes it an excellent choice to support muscle growth. However, that statement comes with the question: How many scoops post-workout?
💪 Is Plant Protein Powder Good For Building Muscle?
It is commonly known that dairy-based protein powders are extremely effective at stimulating MPS. Research shows that as little as 20 to 40 grams of protein may be needed to stimulate muscle growth. The main transmitter for muscle growth is leucine. The same article shares that the leucine range is between 1 and 3 grams.
If you’ve been a long-time reader of my protein reviews, I’ve always shared this research article: you should aim for a minimum of 25 grams of protein and error on the higher end of the leucine spectrum: 3 grams.
Since we are talking about plant-based protein, it’s going to be different due to these factors:
- The main plant-based source
- Is the profile of the plant-based protein a complete or incomplete protein
- What does the research say about plant-based protein and MPS
Here is what we know about Optimum Nutrition Dairy Free Protein
- One serving size is 40 grams
- Offering 24 grams of protein
- Plant-protein source is a blend of pea, fava, and rice proteins
To provide an early answer on how many scoops, the 2017 research article states that you may have to consume between 30 and 40 grams of protein to stimulate muscle growth with plant-based protein.
Let’s examine the research of each of the protein sources and then provide a final recommendation on how many scoops of Optimum Nutrition dairy-free protein are necessary to stimulate MPS.
🟢 Is Pea Protein Good For Muscle-Building?
Pea protein has become a potent plant-based alternative to animal-derived proteins for muscle building. Extensive research has demonstrated that pea protein can effectively promote muscle thickness gains, particularly when consumed correctly and with resistance training. This robust evidence should instill confidence in the effectiveness of pea protein for muscle building.
In this research study, participants consumed 25 grams of pea protein twice daily, and significant increases in muscle thickness were observed over 12 weeks. This suggests that 25 grams of pea protein per serving is sufficient to stimulate muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and support muscle hypertrophy. The results were comparable to those obtained with whey protein, making pea protein a strong contender for those looking to build muscle on a plant-based diet.
🫘 Are Fava Beans Good For Building Muscle?
Fava beans are a key component in Optimum Nutrition Dairy Free Protein, but how effective are they for building muscle? This research study on fava bean protein provides valuable insights, specifically regarding muscle protein synthesis (MPS).
Researchers explored the impact of fava bean protein on MPS. In this study, participants consumed 0.33 grams of fava bean protein per kilogram of body weight, which amounted to approximately 23.1 grams for a person weighing 70 kg. Despite this intake, the study found that this amount of fava bean protein did not significantly enhance MPS at rest or after resistance exercise. They suggested that fava bean protein may not be as potent in stimulating muscle growth as other protein sources, such as whey.
However, the overall effectiveness can be enhanced when fava beans are part of a blended protein like Optimum Nutrition Dairy Free Protein, which combines fava bean protein with pea and rice proteins. Combining these plant-based proteins helps create a more complete amino acid profile, which is crucial for muscle building.
🍚 Is Brown Rice Protein Good For Muscle Building?
When it comes to muscle building, understanding the necessary intake of brown rice protein to stimulate muscle protein synthesis (MPS) is crucial, especially when using a product like Optimum Nutrition Dairy Free Protein.
Research has shown that the leucine content of the protein consumed is critical to effectively stimulating MPS. Brown rice protein contains approximately 6-8% leucine. In a study published in the Nutrition Journal, participants consumed 48 grams of brown rice protein isolate, which provided about 3.8 grams of leucine. This amount was sufficient to stimulate MPS comparably to whey protein, known for its high leucine content.
🏋️♂️ How Many Scoops of Optimum Nutrition Dairy Free Protein Post Workout?
The major issue with Optimum Nutrition Dairy Free Protein is that it’s a multi-sourced plant-based protein. Each protein offers something different regarding whether it’s complete or incomplete. The last piece to the puzzle was when I contacted Optimum Nutrition, and the rep shared that Optimum Nutrition Dairy Free Protein offers a complete amino acid profile. So, how many scoops are necessary?
Given that one scoop of Optimum Nutrition Dairy Free Protein provides 24 grams of protein and considering that plant-based proteins may require a higher intake to achieve the necessary leucine content for MPS, 2 scoops (48 grams of protein total) would be the minimum amount to stimulate muscle protein synthesis effectively. This amount ensures you are close to the effective dose needed, particularly focusing on the critical leucine threshold for MPS.
Here’s the reasoning:
- Pea Protein: Effective at 25 grams per serving, contributing to MPS.
- Fava Bean Protein: Less effective alone but valuable in a blend.
- Brown Rice Protein: Effective at approximately 48 grams per serving to stimulate MPS.
If you found my Optimum Nutrition Plant Based Protein Review, I want to know if my serving suggestions are helping you build muscle. Comment below.
🛒 Best Place to Buy Gold Standard Plant Based Protein Powder
Usually, I purchase my protein powder from two places: directly from the source or from Amazon. Today, we have a third option: Walmart. I scanned the aisles for new protein powders to add to my cache of proteins. Walmart had Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Plant Based Protein on sale for only $19.98.
- $19.98, 12 servings, $1.67 per serving
Here is the advantage of purchasing protein powders at Walmart: budget-saver pricing. You won’t find Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Plant Based Protein, 12-serving container anywhere else. However, how does Walmart’s budget pricing compare to the bigger sizes offered at Optimum Nutrition and Amazon?
🥇 Optimum Nutrition
Here are the benefits of purchasing directly from Optimum Nutrition.
- All supplement choices are available
- 15% off for first-time orders and signing up for their newsletter
- Free delivery for orders $75+
- Pop-up and holiday sales
Here are the price and sizing options for Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Plant Based Protein.
- $23.99, 12 servings, $1.99 per serving
- $36.99, 20 servings, $1.85 per serving
📦 Amazon
Here are the benefits of purchasing Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Plant Based Protein from Amazon as a Prime Member.
- 2-day shipping
- Subscribe & Save 5% and 10% discount
I have to share that, at the time of this writing, there is a $5 price difference between Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Plant Based Protein flavors—the difference is mildly annoying. The cheapest of the two prices is vanilla, which, chances are, doesn’t taste that great. Finally, you only have one sizing option: 20 servings.
- French Vanilla: $33.22, 20 servings, $1.66 per serving (S&S: $1.58 per serving)
- Rich Chocolate Fudge: $36.38, 20 servings, $1.82 per serving (S&S: $1.73 per serving)
Your best value is going through Amazon, especially for the subscribe and save value. But go with vanilla.
💸 Does Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Plant Based Protein Offer A Money-Back Guarantee?
Examining Optimum Nutrition’s ‘Return Policy’ page: “Dietary Supplements and other consumable products: Dietary supplements and other consumable product returns are only accepted if it was purchased through optimumnutrition.com or Consumer Affairs for which 75% or more of the product is unused.”
One last statement from the ‘Return Policy’ page: “The merchandise must be received by ON within 30 days of your purchase; no returns will be accepted after this time period.” There are things to note before starting a return: have your order number ready and contact Optimum Nutrition during normal business hours.
Value: 6 out of 10. Two schools of thought: It’s a budget-priced plant-based protein powder that can be implemented to address the health and fitness needs of people with dietary restrictions. Gold Standard Plant Based Protein Powder is under-dosed due to its three plant-based sources.
Honest Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein Review: Is It Worth It? 🌱
Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein Review shows this product offers a decent plant-based option but has flaws. You’ll get 24 grams of protein per scoop, which is great for post-workout recovery, but to truly stimulate muscle growth, you may need two scoops. The blend of pea, fava bean, and brown rice proteins creates a complete amino acid profile, but the taste and texture can be hit or miss. If you’re on a budget, this protein powder is a good start, but there are better options if you’re serious about gains.
- Affordable price point 💰
- Complete amino acid profile 🌾
- Dairy and gluten-free options ❌
- Needs extra servings for best results 💪
- Taste and texture aren’t universally loved 🤷♂️
- Needs extra servings for best results 💪
⚛️ Does Optimum Nutrition Spike Their Protein?
I firmly believe that Optimum Nutrition does not spike its protein powder. The amino acid profile of Optimum Nutrition 100 Gold Standard Whey is well within the acceptable range for leucine content. I discuss this in my ON Gold Standard Whey Review.
Based on communication with Optimum Nutrition, Optimum Nutrition’s plant based protein is not amino spiked. The issue with Optimum Nutrition’s plant based protein is that it needs the following information: the BCAA amount per serving and the amino acid profile per serving.
Why is the amino acid profile important, especially for plant-based protein powders? The amino acid profile determines the protein’s quality and ability to stimulate muscle growth. Understanding the amino acid profile is crucial for our Optimum Nutrition Vegan Protein Review. What is Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein’s amino acid profile?
🌱 Exploring the Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein Amino Acid Profile: A Look into Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein Powder
After reviewing whey protein powders for years, I’ve keenly understood which ones are worth your investment. I can confidently say this because all my reviews are unbiased and self-funded, ensuring a thorough and reliable evaluation.
Some key information regarding Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein needs to be included. I contacted Optimum Nutrition for details like the BCAA content per serving and a complete amino acid profile. Unfortunately, the representative declined to provide this crucial information, leaving a significant gap in consumers’ needs and highlighting the importance of transparency in product information.
Understanding the amino acid profile is vital, especially for plant-based proteins, as it directly impacts the protein’s quality and ability to support muscle growth. Without this information, it isn’t easy to fully assess the value of Optimum Nutrition’s plant-based offering.
⚠️ Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein, Heavy Metals
If you’re looking to ingest minimal fillers and hormones, a plant-based protein powder may interest you. The purpose of a plant-based protein powder, outside of dietary choices, is to provide a clean and natural source of protein without the additives commonly found in dairy-based powders. How does Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein Powder stack up compared to its dairy-based cousin?
Once again, Optimum Nutrition gave me the “talk: don’t show” routine. The rep reassured me that Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein Powder has undergone rigorous ingredient testing and quality control and received a “certificate of analysis.”
Of course, I did request a copy of the certificate of analysis (as well as an amino acid profile), but I received a non-answer. That’s mildly infuriating. Then again, I paid $20 for a bag of plant-based protein. I’m not surprised. A certificate of analysis is a document that provides information about a product’s quality, safety, and compliance with regulatory standards.
✅ Is Optimum Nutrition Third Party Verified?
Optimum Nutrition Organic is the budget-priced option you want if you’re looking for a verified plant-based protein powder free of banned substances. Here is the list of certifications received by Optimum Nutrition Organic.
- Informed Choice (listed as ON Gold Standard Plant Protein)
- cGMP
I’m repeating the same talking points here: the purpose of a plant-based protein powder (outside of dietary choices) is not to consume fillers, artificial ingredients, hormones, and, in this case, pesticides. Unfortunately, Optimum Nutrition Organic is not verified as organic. Requesting a certificate of analysis or a toxicology report is not at the top of the list for Optimum Nutrition Organic.
Amino Spiking: 6 out of 10. Optimum Nutrition Organic is not an amino-spiked protein. Well, what if Optimum Nutrition Organic was an amino-spiked protein powder? Why would a leader in protein powders spike a plant-based protein powder? It’s not spiked. Finally, I’d love to see a USDA Organic badge on the product. That isn’t the case for Optimum Nutrition Organic.
🥤 How to Make an Optimum Nutrition Organic Shake
The instructions for making Optimum Nutrition Organic are simple. They say you should first add the scoop and water and then shake. However, Optimum Nutrition Organic is a thick powder. My suggestion is the same when making any shake.
- 10 to 12 ounces of water or nut milk
- 1 scoop
- Shake
Adding your beverage of choice will make the mixing experience more enjoyable. How did my Optimum Nutrition Organic shake turn out?
Following the directions, Optimum Nutrition Organic mixes amazing. I did not experience any clumping. Then again, if you’re following my recommendations for post-workout nutrition, this is where the wheels fall off.
I recommended using 18 ounces of your favorite beverage for 1.5 scoops. If you’re going for a double scoop, aim for a minimum of 20 ounces.
⚖️ Does Optimum Nutrition Protein Come With A Scoop?
Yes, Optimum Nutrition Plant Based Protein comes with a scoop.
Shakability Test: 10 out of 10. Following the directions on the bag will ensure a flawless mixing experience. If you want to stimulate MPS, use a minimum of 18 ounces.
📋 What Are The Ingredients in Optimum Nutrition Vegan?
Here is a list of ingredients found in Optimum Nutrition Vegan. The ingredient profile is for Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein Chocolate.
Ingredients | Description |
Plant Protein Blend (Pea Protein, Fava Bean Protein Isolate, Brown Rice Protein Concentrate) | A combination of plant-based proteins that provide a complete amino acid profile. |
Cocoa Powder (Processed with Alkali) | Adds chocolate flavor and smooth texture, with alkali processing to reduce bitterness. |
Oil Creamer (Coconut Oil and/or Oleic Sunflower Oil, Rice Syrup Solids, Pea Protein, Sodium Citrate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Sunflower Lecithin) | A blend that provides creaminess and stabilizes the mixture, acting as emulsifiers and thickeners for a smooth texture. |
Natural Flavor | Enhances the overall taste with natural plant-derived flavors. |
Salt | It balances flavors and acts as a preservative. |
Gum Blend (Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Gum Acacia) | Used to improve texture and thickness, providing a smooth consistency. |
Stevia Leaf Extract (Reb A, Reb M) | A natural sweetener that offers sweetness without added calories. |
Even though my experience is limited (so far) with plant-based protein powders, Optimum Nutrition Vegan Whey appears to be standard fare. You’re taking a plant-based protein powder due to dietary choices. In contrast, shouldn’t this list be shorter? Should the Optimum Nutrition Vegan Whey ingredient list be certified as organic? Then again, this is a budget, plant-based protein powder.
🧪 Tricalcium Phosphate: Why It’s in Optimum Nutrition Vegan Whey
Phosphate (TCP) plays a crucial role in ensuring the user-friendliness of your Optimum Nutrition Vegan Whey. It prevents clumping, ensuring a smooth, easy-to-mix powder. Additionally, it provides a nutritional boost by supplying calcium, which is particularly beneficial in a plant-based protein powder where natural calcium sources may be less abundant.
But TCP does more than prevent clumping. It also contributes a small yet important nutritional boost by providing calcium. This is particularly beneficial in a plant based protein powder Optimum Nutrition formula, where natural calcium sources may be less abundant. So, when you see Tricalcium Phosphate on the label, you can be confident it’s there to enhance your protein powder’s usability and nutritional value.
🌍 Where Does Optimum Nutrition Get Their Protein?
It’s been a game of tag with Optimum Nutrition. I get less than satisfactory information and a boatload of information. Regarding plant based protein powder Optimum Nutrition, the company was tight-lipped.
Here is what the rep (most likely a customer service bot) shared with me: “[Optimum Nutrition Vegan Chocolate] must go through rigorous steps to be an approved supplier of ingredients for GPN. On top of receiving a certificate of analysis, our in-house procedures also include the GPN’s additional testing of all raw materials for identity, purity, strength, and composition to prevent banned substances from being permitted into our products.”
As you guessed, I requested a Certificate of Analysis (as well as an amino acid profile). Unfortunately, we are left speculating on ingredient sourcing for the plant materials. What’s my guess?
India. If Optimum Nutrition is sourcing their dairy whey from India, why not their plant-based protein?
Ingredients List: 6.5 out of 10. I expected Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Plant Based Protein to be a minimally processed protein with natural ingredients. That isn’t the case. Plus, we have no idea where the plant-based protein is sourced in Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein Powder. My guess is India, just like their whey.
🥗 Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein Nutrition Facts
Here are the Nutrition Facts for Optimum Nutrition Vegan Chocolate.
Serving size, about 1 scoop, 40 grams
Calories 150
- Total Fat 3.5g
- Sodium 540mg
- Total Carbohydrate 6g
- Dietary Fiber 2g
- 24 grams of muscle-building plant-based protein
Optimum Nutrition Vegan Chocolate comes heavily dosed with sodium. You wonder why? I’ll share more in Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein Chocolate taste test review. No denying 25% of your daily sodium intake; you’ll look bloated drinking this plant-based protein.
🍗 What Percent Protein is In Optimum Nutrition Vegan?
Optimum Nutrition Plant Based Protein Powder is offered in only two flavors: Optimum Nutrition Vegan Protein Chocolate and Optimum Nutrition Vegan Protein Vanilla. Here are the percent protein per serving for each flavor.
Optimum Nutrition Vegan Protein Chocolate = 24 grams of protein / 40 gram serving = 60%
Optimum Nutrition Vegan Protein Vanilla = 24 grams of protein / 40 gram serving = 60%
Optimum Nutrition Plant Based Protein Powder offers 60% per serving regardless of which flavor you select.
🍨 Is Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein Dairy Free?
Yes, Optimum Nutrition Dairy Free Protein is truly dairy-free. If you’re also looking for a gluten-free protein, the ON Representative told me that Optimum Nutrition Dairy Free Protein is formulated to be gluten-free. Optimum Nutrition follows strict GMP standards to maintain its gluten-free listing when producing the protein powder.
Nutrition Facts: 6 out of 10. We all know that dairy-based protein powders will offer more protein per serving. When factoring in the price, Gold Standard Plant Based Protein Powder may offer a higher value due to personal dietary choices.
👌 Taste Test: Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein Chocolate
Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein Powder comes in two flavors: Chocolate and Vanilla. When purchasing directly from the #1 physical retailer in the world, they only had one choice: Chocolate. How does Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein Chocolate taste?
My first taste surprised me. If you can get past the mental imagery that you’re essentially drinking a chocolate form of vegetables and legumes, Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein tastes great. My only issue regarding taste stems from the nutrition facts: a quarter of your daily sodium intake is in one shake.
⭐️ Amazon Whey Protein Review: Optimum Nutrition Plant Based Protein Review
Reviewing Optimum Nutrition Organic reviews on Amazon, it currently sits at 4 out of 5 stars based on certified buyers. Here is what reviewers didn’t like about Optimum Nutrition Organic
- Formula change due to previous versions
- Gritty and chalky, and the texture was not pleasant
- Stevia’s flavor is overpowering
- Digestive issues
- Sodium bomb
What did some of the positive reviews share about Optimum Nutrition Organic?
- Lactose-free
- Great taste
- Affordable
- It mixes great with smoothies
The use of Optimum Nutrition Organic is going to depend on your dietary choices. If you’re someone who has fully embraced going strictly to a plant-based diet, you may enjoy Optimum Nutrition Organic value. However, suppose you’re someone just getting into your plant-based journey. In that case, you may not enjoy Optimum Nutrition Organic due to normally occurring issues with plant-based proteins: texture, taste, and digestive issues.
Lets get into my final thoughts in this Optimum Nutrition 100 Plant Gold Standard Protein Reviews.
🏁 Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Plant-Based Protein Review – Final Thoughts
There is a lot to like about Gold Standard Plant Based Protein Powder
- Budget-priced
- Mixes great
- Solid taste
- Free of banned substances and PEDs
This sounds like a standard fare found in the protein supplement industry. However, here’s what I don’t enjoy about Gold Standard Plant Based Protein Powder
- Multiple scoops to stimulate muscle growth
- Not certified as organic
- Optimum Nutrition is tight-lipped about specific information on their plant-based protein.
- Multi-source protein (that’s the standard for plant proteins)
Due to vegetables ‘ incomplete amino acid profile, I understand that multi-source plant protein is the standard. After a quick search, I found that some plant-based protein powders offer two sources. Then again, I examined the research on protein sources to provide an objective opinion.
🌱 Is Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein Good?
Examining the big picture concepts for plant-based protein powders
- You need to consume 30-40 grams of plant protein to stimulate MPS
- Multisource plant-based proteins are not as effective at stimulating MPS
As we know, Gold Standard Plant Based Protein Powder is a multi-sourced plant protein offering only 24 grams of protein. At first glance, it is a great value. Due to academic research, muscle growth may require 1.5 to 2 scoops of Gold Standard Plant Based Protein Powder to stimulate muscle growth.
Doing the math, buying the budget container of Gold Standard Plant Based Protein Powder may yield up to 8 servings or as little as six servings per container. That’s not a great return on investment. However, people living the vegan lifestyle, especially plant-based athletes, already know the importance of their dietary choices.
I still recommend Gold Standard Plant Based Protein Powder. Plant-based protein powders have their caveats. You’ll need more Gold Standard Plant Based Protein Powder scoops post-workout to stimulate muscle growth. Then again, if you’re already living the vegan lifestyle, you already know that.
Are you looking for more protein reviews? Here are all of JKremmer Fitness unbiased protein powder reviews. Are you looking for a protein review that I haven’t done yet? Email me at my ‘Contact Me’ page, and I’ll do my best to get an unbiased review out in 4 weeks.
Honest Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein Review: Is It Worth It? 🌱
Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein Review shows this product offers a decent plant-based option but has flaws. You’ll get 24 grams of protein per scoop, which is great for post-workout recovery, but to truly stimulate muscle growth, you may need two scoops. The blend of pea, fava bean, and brown rice proteins creates a complete amino acid profile, but the taste and texture can be hit or miss. If you’re on a budget, this protein powder is a good start, but there are better options if you’re serious about gains.
- Affordable price point 💰
- Complete amino acid profile 🌾
- Dairy and gluten-free options ❌
- Needs extra servings for best results 💪
- Taste and texture aren’t universally loved 🤷♂️
- Needs extra servings for best results 💪
🧐 Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein Review Round-Up
Value: 6 out of 10
Amino Spiking: 6 out of 10
Shakability Test: 10 out of 10
Ingredients List: 6.5 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 6 out of 10
Overall Score 34.5/50, 69%, Average
📑 Sources
Babault, N., Païzis, C., Deley, G., Guérin-Deremaux, L., Saniez, M., Lefranc-Millot, C., & Allaert, F. A. (2015). Pea proteins oral supplementation promotes muscle thickness gains during resistance training: a double-blind, randomized, Placebo-controlled clinical trial vs. Whey protein. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-014-0064-5
Gorissen, S. H. M., Crombag, J. J. R., Senden, J. M. G., Waterval, W. a. H., Bierau, J., Verdijk, L. B., & Van Loon, L. J. C. (2018). Protein content and amino acid composition of commercially available plant-based protein isolates. Amino Acids, 50(12), 1685–1695. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-018-2640-5
Jäger, R., Kerksick, C. M., Campbell, B. I., Cribb, P. J., Wells, S. D., Skwiat, T. M., Purpura, M., Ziegenfuss, T. N., Ferrando, A. A., Arent, S. M., Smith-Ryan, A. E., Stout, J. R., Arciero, P. J., Ormsbee, M. J., Taylor, L. W., Wilborn, C. D., Kalman, D. S., Kreider, R. B., Willoughby, D. S., . . . Antonio, J. (2017). International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: protein and exercise. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-017-0177-8
Joy, J. M., Lowery, R. P., Wilson, J. M., Purpura, M., De Souza, E. O., Wilson, S. M., Kalman, D. S., Dudeck, J. E., & Jäger, R. (2013). The effects of 8 weeks of whey or rice protein supplementation on body composition and exercise performance. Nutrition Journal, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-12-86
Leidy, H. J., Clifton, P. M., Astrup, A., Wycherley, T. P., Westerterp-Plantenga, M. S., Luscombe-Marsh, N. D., Woods, S. C., & Mattes, R. D. (2015). The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 101(6), 1320S-1329S. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.114.084038
Martineau-Côté, D., Achouri, A., Karboune, S., & L’Hocine, L. (2022). Faba bean: an untapped source of quality plant proteins and bioactives. Nutrients, 14(8), 1541. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14081541
ON Returns policy. (n.d.). Optimum Nutrition US. https://support.optimumnutrition.com/en/support/solutions/80000297548
Stark, M., Lukaszuk, J., Prawitz, A., & Salacinski, A. (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
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