Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey
Budget-conscious gym-goers who want proven, great-tasting protein at the best value
Vega Sport Premium Protein
Plant-based athletes who need NSF-certified vegan protein with recovery ingredients
Score Comparison
Pricing & Features
Making Your Decision
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
When to Choose Vega Sport Premium Protein
Plant-based athletes who need NSF-certified vegan protein with recovery ingredients
Vega Sport is the premier NSF-certified plant-based protein for athletes. The multi-source blend provides a complete amino acid profile, and added recovery ingredients like tart cherry give it functional edge. Plant-based heavy metal concerns and premium pricing are the trade-offs.
Strengths
- NSF Certified for Sport with 30g plant-based protein per serving
- Multi-source plant blend (pea, pumpkin seed, sunflower, alfalfa) for complete amino profile
- Added tart cherry and turmeric for post-workout recovery support
Limitations
- Some Consumer Reports concern over heavy metals in plant-based proteins generally
- Strong stevia taste can be polarizing for some palates
- Premium price at $3.00/serving for 20 servings per container
