Gold Standard 100% Whey: what does the label list, and which size should you pick?

Gold Standard 100% Whey is the product most searches for this page name. Each serving provides 24 g of whey protein, primarily from whey protein isolate. The powder is instantized, so it mixes with a glass and a spoon. Sizes here are 454 g, 907 g and 5 lb (2.27 kg). Pick the 454 g tub to test a flavour, and the 5 lb tub once you know you like it.

Isolate or Platinum Hydro Whey: how do they differ from Gold Standard?

Two other tubs sit next to it, and their labels read differently.

• Gold Standard 100% Isolate: 25 g of ultra-filtered whey protein per serving, with 0.5 g of fat and 1 g of carbs. Sold in a 2 lb vanilla tub.
• Platinum Hydro Whey: made from hydrolyzed whey protein isolates, with 30 g of protein and 8.8 g of BCAAs per serving. Sold in a 1.80 lb tub.

Serious Mass and Amino Energy: the tubs that are not whey

Serious Mass is the mass gainer. A 2-scoop serving lists 1,250 calories, 50 g of protein and 252 to 254 g of carbohydrates. It comes in vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. Essential Amino Energy is a flavoured amino acid powder that also contains caffeine.

If you are buying your first Optimum Nutrition tub, start with Gold Standard 100% Whey in the 907 g size. To compare brands, see the whey protein page or the mass gainers page.