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If you’re looking for the best protein powder, it often comes down to MyProtein vs Optimum Nutrition. Both are popular brands with quality products, but which one is right for you?
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard is the best overall protein powder because it mixes well, tastes great, and has an excellent amino acid profile. However, if you’re on a tight budget, MyProtein Impact Whey may be the better choice. It’s affordable and provides a solid protein source.
Keep reading as I compare their protein content, ingredients, flavors, and more based on my experience with both brands.
MyProtein Vs Optimum Nutrition
MyProtein
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Having tried the Myprotein Impact Whey Protein Powder myself, I must say it delivers on taste and mixability.
The product comes in a variety of flavors, making it easy to find one that suits your taste buds. The vanilla flavor, in particular, compliments smoothies and shakes well.
One downside I noticed is that the sweetness can be overpowering for some. You can easily remedy this by adding more water or adjusting your mixture to suit your preferences.
Additionally, the protein content per serving is sufficient but not outstanding at 18g. For those seeking a higher protein content, you may want to consider using a larger serving size or exploring other options.
Pros:
- Low in carbohydrates and fats
- Minimal sugar content
- Affordable and value for money
- A variety of flavors is available
Cons:
- Many MyProtein products contain soy or milk that some users may be allergic to.
- It may be too sweet for some
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Calories per serving | 100 |
| Fat content | 3% or less |
| Carbohydrates | 1% or less |
| Protein content | 36% (or more) |
| Cholesterol | 20% |
| Different flavors available | Yes |
| Emulsifier | Soy, Lecithin |
Myprotein Impact Whey Protein Powder offers an affordable and tasty option for those in search of a quality protein supplement. While it may not be the most potent protein powder on the market, its mixability and flavor variety make it a solid option for your fitness journey.
Optimum Nutrition
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The Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder offers impressive nutritional benefits to help you reach your fitness goals.
With 24 grams of blended protein, including whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and whey peptides, it’s perfect for muscle building and recovery. Plus, the naturally occurring 5.5 grams of BCAAs in each serving help accelerate muscle growth and repair.
One potential downside is the slightly higher price compared to some competitors. However, you certainly get what you pay for in terms of quality and ingredient profile.
It’s also worth noting that this product contains artificial sweeteners, which may not be everyone’s preference. As for taste, the Double Rich Chocolate flavor could be polarizing – some love it, while others may find it too sweet or artificial.
Pros:
- 100% Whey blend encourages lean muscle mass in athletes and bodybuilders.
- Easy to mix and less chance of clumps or lumps forming.
- Available in a wide range of varying packs, weights, and flavors.
- Over 5g of naturally occurring BCAAs
Cons:
- More expensive compared to competing protein brands
- Customers with bowel problems may experience digestive issues
- Contains artificial sweeteners
- Double Rich Chocolate flavor is hit or miss for some
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Calories per serving | 120 |
| Fat | 2% or less |
| Carbohydrates | 1% or less |
| Protein | 48% |
| Cholesterol | 18% |
| Different flavors available | Yes |
| Emulsifier | Soy lecithin |
| Dietary fiber | 2% |
| Calcium | 10% |
The Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder deserves a spot on your supplement shelf if you’re looking to invest in a high-quality protein source for muscle building and recovery.
While it might not be perfect for everyone, it’s worth a try, especially for its mixability and flavor variety.
Related Read: Muscle Milk vs. Gold Standard [Which is Better for You?]
MyProtein Vs Optimum Nutrition: In-depth Comparison
Protein Content
MyProtein and Optimum Nutrition both contain considerable quality protein in their products. Both brands include a variety of whey proteins (protein isolate, protein concentrate, etc.). Also, the amino acid content in both brands remains impressive.
However, a closer look at the protein distribution in each brand reveals some details that might make one more preferable to the other.
Optimum Nutrition provides more punch in protein. One scoop of Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein will contain about 48% protein, while MyProtein servings contain about 36% at minimum.
Optimum Nutrition also offers a richer blend of Whey Protein. The Gold Standard Protein Powder comes with a healthy dose of Whey isolates and Whey concentrates. It also contains Whey peptides, adding an added protein powder dose to every serving.
Ingredients and Quality
When it comes to whey protein powders, the ingredients and quality can vary widely between brands. Both MyProtein and Optimum Nutrition use quality ingredients, but there are some key differences.
MyProtein’s whey concentrate makes up 96% of its powder. While whey concentrate is a good source of protein, it is not as pure or rapidly absorbing as whey isolate.
Optimum Nutrition uses a blend of whey isolates, concentrates, and peptides. The isolates filter out more non-protein components, resulting in 90% or higher protein content. This makes Optimum Nutrition’s whey blend more pure and fast-absorbing.
Additionally, Optimum Nutrition includes whey peptides in its proprietary blend. These pre-digested whey fragments require even less breakdown than isolates or concentrates. This means faster amino acid delivery to muscles for recovery.
Both brands use soy lecithin as an emulsifier for better mixability. Minor amounts of flavors and sweeteners also improve taste and palatability.
Flavors and Taste
Both protein brands offer a variety of flavors catering to different preferences. However, MyProtein holds the upper hand in terms of the number of flavors offered and the taste quality of each flavor.
Optimum Nutrition offers more than 20 different flavors across its whey protein products. Their popular flavors include Vanilla Ice Cream, Cookies & cream, and Mocha Cappuccino. But the Double Rich Chocolate flavor with the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard remains the top choice for most buyers.
On the other hand, MyProtein products come in a whopping 40 different flavors. Vanilla remains the most widely bought flavor across all MyProtein products.
The sweet and familiar taste of the flavor is a favorite for many athletes and gym-goers. Flavors like Salted Caramel, Chocolate Mint, and Marshmallow Cereal are also widely loved by buyers.
MyProtein’s Whey protein has a natural taste and neutral flavor that blends well with almost any flavor. This flexibility is also a reason why MyProtein enjoys general appeal with a wide range of athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Dietary Restrictions and Allergens
MyProtein and Optimum Nutrition both offer whey protein powders that are gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly. However, those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance need to be more cautious.
Whey protein is derived from milk, so both brands’ regular whey powders contain dairy. Optimum Nutrition does offer both dairy-free vegan protein powder and hypoallergenic whey isolate for those with dairy issues. MyProtein also has dairy-free vegan proteins but no hypoallergenic whey option.
People who must avoid soy due to allergies or preferences need to be aware that soy lecithin is used as an emulsifier in most MyProtein and Optimum Nutrition whey powders.
However, both brands offer at least one soy-free whey protein powder. Checking labels is important for anyone with food sensitivities.
Packaging and Branding
Optimum Nutrition exhibits a more conventional approach to branding and packaging. They use strong colors, popping text, and different sizes of containers to pack the protein powder.
The issue with traditional branding practices is that many other competitors appear similar in appearance. It’s not a problem for seasoned users who know and love Optimum Nutrition as a premium protein brand. However, new buyers may get confused or perceive other ordinary protein products as equally good.
In my opinion, MyProtein displays more style and nuance in its branding and packaging. The minimalist fonts, logo, dual colors, and light theme make it more visually pleasing.
The subtle branding and quality packaging in MyProtein’s products make it the clear winner over Optimum Nutrition in this category.
Price and Value
Optimum Nutrition offers premium quality protein with a price tag that matches this superiority. Most ordinary protein brands will not match up to the optimized blend of isolates, concentrates, and peptides that Optimum Nutrition balances in its protein formula.
But that’s also the reason why it’s more expensive compared to general brands.
MyProtein remains the most affordable quality protein in the market. The whey is sourced from quality milk and processing. But the price remains competitive with lower quality protein products.
Both brands offer excellent value for money. And the extra dollars you add for Optimum Nutrition are worth the gains.
The Final Verdict: Which One is the Winner?
MyProtein and Optimum Nutrition both qualify as outstanding protein powders that can suit a variety of athletes or regular gym users.
However, the protein content in MyProtein products and its affordability make it more suited for ordinary folk who may be in the beginning of their fitness or bodybuilding journey.
Optimum Nutrition is preferred by athletes or fitness enthusiasts who want more concentrated protein and are willing to pay out the extra cash for it.
