Optimum Nutrition Whey Isolate vs Gold Standard: What's best?
Optimum Nutrition Whey Isolate vs Gold Standard: What's best?
Choosing the right protein supplement is crucial for achieving your fitness goals. But when it comes to whey proteins, they’re not all created equal.
Whey protein encompasses all protein powders that contain the ‘whey’ part of milk, after it has been separated from casein (another dairy-based protein supplement). There are different versions of whey protein available, including whey protein and whey isolate.
This guide compares two top-tier options from Optimum Nutrition: Gold Standard 100% Whey (a concentrate blend) and Gold Standard 100% Isolate (a purer form). We'll break down their nutritional differences, benefits, and ideal uses to help you decide which "gold standard" best supports your individual fitness journey.
Table of contents:
- Whey Isolate vs Whey Protein: Key Takeaways
- Which Is Better, Whey Isolate or Whey Protein Concentrate?
- Gold Standard Whey Protein vs Gold Standard Whey Isolate: Which is the best whey?
- FAQs
Whey Isolate vs Whey Protein: Key Takeaways
| Gold Standard 100% Whey | Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Isolate | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy (kcal) | 110 | 100 |
| Protein | 24.2g | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 1.3g | 1g |
| Fat | 0.9g | 0g |
| Cost | Generally more budget-friendly per serving. | Generally higher in price per serving due to additional processing. |
| Flavours | Offers more flavour options; can result in a slightly thicker shake. Good for flavouring oats. | Fewer flavour options, typically more "classic" flavours; mixes well for a quick shake. |
| Absorption | Absorbed more gradually by the body. | Absorbed more rapidly by the body. |
| Ideal Use | Suitable for general muscle support around training or anytime, especially if cost is a factor and you don't have lactose sensitivities. | An excellent choice for individuals seeking to support muscle growth and repair while maintaining a low-calorie diet, or for those requiring rapid absorption and minimal lactose. |
Nutrition Information may vary depending on flavour. Tables based on approximate values for strawberry flavours. Please refer to the product label for exact values.
Which Is Better, Whey Isolate or Whey Protein Concentrate?
What is whey concentrate?
Whey protein concentrate typically boasts an impressive 80% protein content. It is filtered to reduce the amount of carbohydrates and fat. Still, whey protein concentrate may contain higher levels of lactose than isolate and is absorbed more gradually by the body compared to other forms. Whey protein concentrate is often a more budget-friendly option.
Optimum Nutrition's Gold Standard Whey provides approximately 24g of high-quality protein per serving, supporting muscle growth and repair, making it an ideal choice for performance-driven individuals.
What is whey isolate?
Whey protein isolate is a highly refined protein, typically boasting 90% protein content due to extensive filtering that removes most carbohydrates and fats. This results in a lower-calorie profile and reduced lactose content, making it more suitable for individuals with lactose sensitivities.
Optimum Nutrition's Gold Standard 100% Isolate utilises ultrafiltration to remove excess fat, cholesterol, and sugar, resulting in 0 grams of fat and 1 gram of carbohydrates. This pure, hydrolysed isolate is quickly absorbed, ideal for muscle growth and repair on a low-calorie diet.
Gold Standard Whey Protein vs Gold Standard Whey Isolate: Which is the best whey?
Both Gold Standard Whey and Gold Standard Isolate are incredible products that have a place in a muscle-building or fat-loss diet.
Both being whey products, you can expect many of the same benefits, including them being complete proteins. By this, we mean that all reputable whey protein powders contain the full spectrum of 9 essential amino acids, including the branched chain amino acids, or BCAAs (leucine, isoleucine and valine). If you’re looking for a complete protein, whey may be a better choice than something like a pea protein, which may be lower in certain essential amino acids and will need to be combined with another complementary source of protein in the same meal to make it 'complete'.
Next, both have a great mixability and will easily mix with cold water into a perfect form. You can expect a slightly thicker shake with a concentrate, due to the small amount of fat it contains.
Whey proteins are also versatile and easy to stack. If you are new to using supplements, a quality protein powder is likely one of the first things we recommend picking up, for convenience, if nothing else. Alongside your whey protein concentrate or isolate, you could use several other basic supplements, from creatine to pre-workout to BCAAs.
So, what are the differences?
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Isolate vs Whey Protein: Which One Has More Protein?
One of the key differences between a whey concentrate and an isolate is that the protein yield is higher in an isolate due to the processes used to prepare it. A typical whey concentrate is composed of approximately 80% protein, with the remaining calories derived from carbohydrates and fat. In contrast, an isolate has undergone further processing to produce at least a 90% yield of ultra-pure protein.
| Per Serving | Gold Standard Whey | Gold Standard Isolate |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 24.6g | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 2.3g | 1g |
| Of which sugars | 1.4g | 1g |
| Fat | 1.3g | 0g |
| Of which saturates | 0.7g | 0g |
*Nutrition Information may vary depending on flavour. Table based on Chocolate flavours.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Isolate vs Whey Protein: Which has more flavour options?
Being the more widely popular and recognised product, Optimum do offer more flavours in Gold Standard Whey, including some fun ones such as Caramel Toffee Fudge and Chocolate & Hazelnut! In the Isolate, we see the more ‘classic’ flavours like Vanilla, Strawberry and Chocolate flavour. Whatever you choose, Optimum Nutrition is known for doing a great job with their flavouring system, as we’ve seen in products like Amino Energy.
Both protein powders get their taste from sucralose as a sweetener and flavourings (both natural and artificial flavours are used in the Gold Standard 100% Isolate), which is fairly typical for a whey product. In our experience, it yields a more authentic taste than protein powders that use artificial sweeteners, such as stevia.
Our advice:
Looking for a quick shake? Go for isolate.
Want something to flavour your oats? Gold Standard Whey has fun flavours and a thicker consistency that takes them to a whole new level.
| Gold Standard 100% Whey flavours | Gold Standard 100% Isolate flavours |
|---|---|
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|
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Isolate vs Whey Protein: Which has fewer calories?
The isolate contains fewer calories, coming in at approximately 100kcal. The whey isolate protein contains 0 grams of fat. It uses the highest quality whey, whereas the concentrate contains added digestive enzymes and a slightly higher carbohydrate content, still coming in at less than 2 grams per serving. For those on a very low-carb diet, choosing an isolate can save a few of those precious macros to use elsewhere.
| Per Serving | Gold Standard Whey | Gold Standard Isolate |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 120kcal | 100kcal |
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Isolate vs Whey Protein: Which is better for digestion?
Whey protein isolate offers easier digestibility compared to whey protein concentrate. Supported by research in the Scholars' Research Journal, which concluded that whey isolate supplements are rapidly absorbed.
At other times of the day, such as before bed, a slower-releasing protein, like a concentrate, casein, or blend, might be preferable to provide a slower release of those valuable aminos, including the 3 BCAAs.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Isolate vs Whey Protein: Which is lower in price?
A concentrate normally comes at a lower cost per serving. If you are just entering the world of protein supplements, it is wise to start with an affordable whey concentrate first to see how you like the supplement and how your body responds to it. As a result, you can experiment with different flavours and ways of serving up your whey to find the perfect powder for you.
With Optimum Nutrition, you can trust that supplements are of high quality no matter what. The brand has been leading the sports nutrition industry for many years, and you can trust that they produce some of the best protein powders available.
FAQs
Should I take whey isolate or concentrate as a beginner?
While whey protein isolate offers excellent nutritional values, whey protein concentrate can be an ideal starting point for those new to fitness goals. Costs associated with supplements, gym memberships, and personal training can add up. Whey protein concentrate provides valuable protein to support your muscles as part of a balanced diet and exercise routine, often at a more accessible price.
For those with more flexibility in their budget or who follow a calorie-controlled nutrition plan with limited room for dietary variations, whey protein isolate can be a preferred choice.
What is clear whey isolate?
Clear whey isolate is a type of protein supplement derived from whey protein isolate. Unlike traditional creamy whey protein shakes, clear whey isolate undergoes a specific purification and acidification process at a lower pH, making it more soluble and giving it a transparent, juice-like appearance.
Does whey isolate have lactose?
Whey protein isolate does contain lactose, as it's derived from milk. Still, the amount is significantly reduced compared to whey protein concentrate due to advanced filtration processes. While not completely lactose-free, typically containing less than 1 gram of lactose per serving, this lower content often makes it a suitable option for individuals with mild lactose intolerance. However, for those with severe lactose intolerance or dairy allergies, truly lactose-free or plant-based protein alternatives are more suitable. It is always recommended to check product labels.
Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate vs Gold Standard Whey: Conclusion
Ultimately, both whey protein isolate and concentrate have value in helping you reach your daily protein targets and being a source of amino acids, including BCAAs and glutamine.
As usual, it's essential to lead with a food-first approach, incorporating a diet rich in protein sources. However, supplements can be beneficial if you are short on time and your diet doesn't quite meet your needs.
Whey isolate may be the better choice if you're looking for a fast-digesting protein source, if you're unable to consume high amounts of lactose, or if you're on a diet with very limited total fat and carbohydrates.
Whey concentrate could be the better option if looking for a more 'milkshake' like taste and consistency, and to be more cost-effective.
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