Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey
Budget-conscious gym-goers who want proven, great-tasting protein at the best value
Levels Grass-Fed 100% Whey Protein
Budget-conscious consumers who want affordable grass-fed whey without fillers
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 Levels Grass-Fed 100% Whey Protein
Budget-conscious consumers who want affordable grass-fed whey without fillers
Levels offers solid grass-fed whey at competitive prices with clean ingredients. The lack of major certifications keeps it from premium territory, but third-party lab testing and honest ingredient lists make it a reliable budget option for those who want grass-fed quality without the premium price.
Strengths
- Grass-fed, hormone-free whey with no artificial ingredients or fillers
- Good value with multiple size options from 1lb to 5lb
- Third-party tested by independent labs with results available on request
Limitations
- No major third-party certification (no NSF, Informed Sport, or Labdoor rating)
- Smaller brand with less established quality track record
- Uses whey concentrate rather than isolate — lower protein percentage
