MyProtein vs Optimum Nutrition Whey {Which Powder To Pick?}
MyProtein vs Optimum Nutrition Whey {Which Powder To Pick?}
My Protein and Optimum Nutrition are two of the most popular and best known brands for muscle building products including BCAAs, creatine and, of course, protein! We've put their protein products, including isolate and casein, head to head to determine which is the best!
Which is better Optimum Nutrition or MyProtein whey?
MyProtein vs Optimum Nutrition whey comparison
Impact Whey vs Gold Standard 100% Whey Protiein
1. Price
MyProtein supplements are typically considered a more budget friendly sports nutrition brand. One way you might have noticed this is that in MP use pouches over tubs for their powder supplements. For those looking for a low cost protein shake, My Protein is our winner!
2. Macros
My Protein Impact Whey Per Serving (25g)
103kcal
1.9g fat
1.0g carb
21g protein
*based on Salted Caramel flavour
Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Per Serving (30.4g)
113kcal
1.1g fat
1.8g carb
23.9g protein
*based on Double Chocolate flavour
Gram for gram, amount of protein and calories are very similar in Impact Whey VS GSW. Impact whey contains every so slightly more calories from fat and less from carbs, whereas GSW is the opposite, with a slightly higher carb:fat ratio.
With this in mind, we would not consider macros or calories to be significantly different enough to factor into your decision when comparing the two products!
3. Ingredients
Impact Whey Ingredients: Whey Protein Concentrate (Milk) (96%), Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Flavouring, Colour (E150c), Sweetener (Sucralose). *based on Salted Caramel flavour
Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Ingredients: Protein Blend (Whey Protein Isolates* [Contains Emulsifier: Soy Lecithin], Whey Protein Concentrate*, Whey Peptides*), Fat-Reduced Cocoa Powder, Flavorings, (Acesulfame Potassium, Sucralose, Enzyme Complex (Amylase, Protease, Cellulase, Beta-D-Galactosidase, Lipase). *based on Double Chocolate flavour
Despite the very similar macronutrients, there is quite a stark difference in the ingredients used in each.
The protein in Impact Whey comes solely from Whey Protein Concentrate. Whey Concentrate has a yield of around 80% protein. GSW, on the other hand, uses a blend including whey isolate. Whey isolate is higher in protein per gram, free from lactose and digested quicker and more easily by most.
Gold Standard whey also contains digestive enzymes to aid the digestion of the whey further.
For those who are prone to digestive distress when including dairy proteins in their diet, we'd suggest going for the Optimum Nutrition product over My Protein.
4. Flavours and Taste
Both wheys contain a huge variety of flavours to suit all tastes! Highlights include chocolate mint, mocha, chocolate brownie and double rich chocolate. Impact Whey even has an unflavored option, perfect for recipes and baking!
We simply can't choose a winner here as both The Hut Group and Glanbia have spoiled us with variety!
Winner: Draw
To sum up this round... we have a 1-1 result with 2 draws. We'd leave it up to you to weigh up price vs quality of ingredients ultimately when deciding!
Impact Whey Isolate vs Gold Standard Isolate
1. Price
My Protein is certainly the cheaper option here. For a much lower cost, you'll also be getting an extra 70g of powder!
2. Macros
Impact Whey Isolate Per Serving (25g)
88kcal
0.3g fat
0.5g carb
21g protein
*based on Chocolate Smooth flavour
Gold Standard 100% Isolate Per Serving (30g)
100kcal
0g fat
1g carb
25g protein
*based on Chocolate Bliss flavour
Based on this, if you were to use the same amount of each, calories and grams of protein are very similar. Both contain such negligible amounts of carbs and fat, we wouldn't really take this into account. It's a draw for us!
3. Ingredients
Impact Whey Isolate Ingredients: Whey Protein Isolate (Milk) (91%), Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Cocoa Powder, Flavouring, Sweetener (Sucralose).
*based on Chocolate Smooth flavour
Gold Standard Isolate Ingredients: Partially Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate, Cocoa [Processed with Alkali], Natural and Artificial Flavor, Lecithin, Salt, Sucralose.
*based on Chocolate Bliss flavour Both contain a very similar list of ingredients. You might argue that the Optimum product contains higher quality protein overall with some of the protein coming from hydrolyzed whey, the purest whey available.
If you want the best digesting post-workout shake possible, we'd go with Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Isolate.
4: Flavours and Taste
Optimum have stuck to the classic and most popular flavours here: chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. My Protein, on the other hand, have gone all out with a huge variety in flavours!
Myprotein Impact Whey Isolate is for sure our winner for this round.
Winner: Impact Whey Isolate
My Protein take the win on this round! With more flavours and for much lower cost, it just trumps the Optimum protein.
MP Micellar Casein vs Gold Standard 100% Casein
1. Price
The price difference is dramatic here, with MyProtein Micellar Casein being the much more affordable choice. As most people do not use casein as their main protein supplement, instead utilising it only at specific times (such as pre-bed), it may be a supplement you don't mind going for the cheaper option on.
2. Macros
MP Micellar Casein Per Serving (30g)
110kcal
4.5g fat
3g carb
22g protein
*based on Chocolate flavour
Gold Standard 100% Casein Per Serving (32g)
114kcal
0.5g fat
3.2g carb
24.4g protein
*based on Creamy Vanilla flavour
Based on this, we'd consider the Optimum Nutrition Casein to have every so slightly better macros. For the same calories and carbohydrates, you are getting much less fat and more protein content per scoop.
3. Ingredients
MP Miscellar Casein Ingredients: Micellar Casein (Milk) (95%), Natural Flavouring, Sweetener (Sucralose).
*based on Chocolate flavour
Gold Standard 100% Casein Ingredients: Micellar Casein [Contains Emulsifier: Soy Lecithin], Flavour, Salt, Thickeners (Cellulose Gum, Carrageenan Gum, Guar Gum), Masking Agent (Contains: Dextrin, Flavourings), Sweetener (Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium), Color (Curcumin), Enzyme Complex (Amylase, Protease, Cellulase, Beta-D-Galactosidase, Lipase).
*based on Creamy Vanilla flavour
Optimum Nutrition Casein clearly has the longer list of ingredients here! Firstly, Optimum have added thickeners which will give the powder a more dessert like texture. They've also included digestive enzymes, like in their whey, which will aid the digestion of the shake. Both have opted for artificial sweeteners over something like stevia, but not to worry, unless you have any pre-identified bowel issues, these won't cause problems in moderation!
4. Flavours and Taste
The flavours available from each are the same, going with the same most popular flavours! Optimum does however win on texture, with the thicker mix making it the more indulgent protein product.
Winner: Optimum Nutrition Casein
Optimum Nutrition take the win this time. Their casein is a thicker mix, contains the more impressive ingredients list and has slightly better macros!
Platimum Hydrowhey vs Clear Whey
1. Price
My Protein Clear Whey does come in a tiny 500g tub, which does mean you will probably have to restock more often. It is however still the lowest cost choice when comparing to the larger Platinum Hydrowhey tubs.
2. Macros
Platinum Hydrowhey Per Serving (39g)
140kcal
1g fat
2g carb
30g protein
*based on Turbo Chocolate flavour
Clear Whey Per Serving (25g)
83kcal
0.1g fat
0.7g carb
20g protein
*based on Peach Mango flavour
The nutritional information for a hydrolysed whey will always be better than something like a concentrate, with more protein and less calories per gram. We call a tie on this one!
3. Ingredients
Platinum Hydrowhey Ingredients: Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolates, Micronized Branched Chain Amino Acids (L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, L-Valine), Cocoa (Processed With Alkali), Natural And Artificial Flavors, Lecithin, Contains 1.5% Or Less Of: Creamer( Sunflower Oil, Maltodextrin, Modified Food Starch, Dipotassium Phosphate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Tocopherols), Salt, Cellulose Gum, Potassium Chloride, Sucralose, Vanillin, Acesulfame Potassium, Enzyme Blend (Aminogen®, Amylase, Protease, Cellulase, Beta-D-Galactosidase, Lipase).
*based on Turbo Chocolate flavour
Clear Whey Ingredients: Whey Protein Hydrolysate (Milk) (97%), Natural Flavouring , Acid (Citric Acid, Phosphoric Acid), Emulsifier (Monosodium Phosphate), Sweetener (Sucralose).
*based on Peach Mango flavour
Quite a dramatic difference in the list of ingredients between the two! Hydrowhey contains key essential amino acids which might aid your ability to build muscle, but also more fillers. Ultimately, both contain the most pure whey you can buy for muscle growth, but those with a sensitive stomach might get on better with Clear Whey.
4. Flavours and Taste
This is probably the largest difference between the two. Clear whey is light and refreshing and available in fruity flavours, like squash. Hydrowhey, on the other hand, is your typical milky protein.
If you have a low appetite, want something that sits easily on the stomach and/or aren't a fan of dairy tastes, Clear Whey would be the best option. If you want something to accompany your oats or ground rice, stick with Hydrowhey!
Winner: Platinum Hydrowhey
It was a tough call here which ultimately came down to personal preference. Optimum have the more satiating and versatile product here with more servings per tub which means you're not forever ordering more protein!
Optimum Nutrition vs MyProtein Whey: Key Takeaways
Both brands here offer some of the best protein powders you can buy, not to mention their other products from pre-workouts to basics like glutamine. Whether the goal is weight loss or more muscle mass, protein powders can be a great inclusion in your diet to make sure you're hitting that all important protein intake.
Interested in learning more? Read our reviews of Syntha 6 vs Gold Standard and Dymatize vs Optimum Nutrition.
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