NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate
Value seekers who want the most protein per dollar with Informed Sport certification
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey
Budget-conscious gym-goers who want proven, great-tasting protein at the best value
Score Comparison
Pricing & Features
Making Your Decision
When to Choose NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate
Value seekers who want the most protein per dollar with Informed Sport certification
NOW Sports delivers the best value in this comparison at $0.89/serving for 81 servings. The unflavored single-ingredient isolate is as pure as it gets. Informed Sport certification adds credibility. The trade-off is taste and aesthetics — this is no-frills protein at its most practical.
Strengths
- Best protein-per-dollar value — 81 servings at $0.89/serving
- Single-ingredient unflavored option for maximum purity
- Informed Sport certified with GMP-compliant manufacturing
Limitations
- Unflavored version has a bland dairy taste — best mixed into smoothies
- Lower protein per serving (25g) in unflavored compared to some competitors
- Basic packaging and branding lacks the premium feel of boutique brands
When to Choose Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey
Budget-conscious gym-goers who want proven, great-tasting protein at the best value
Gold Standard has been the world's best-selling protein powder for over a decade, and the value proposition is hard to beat — 74 servings at $1.08 each with Informed Choice certification. The trade-off is artificial ingredients and a whey blend rather than pure isolate.
Strengths
- Informed Choice certified — the most popular protein powder worldwide for a reason
- Outstanding value at $1.08/serving with 74 servings in the 5lb size
- Excellent taste and mixability across 20+ flavor options
Limitations
- Contains artificial flavors (acesulfame potassium) and soy lecithin
- Uses whey blend (isolate, concentrate, peptides) rather than pure isolate
- Does not publish independent lab test results or batch-level COAs
