Drinking whey protein shakes or mass gainers is one of the best ways to achieve muscle growth, lose weight, and other fitness goals faster, along with a well-balanced diet and regular exercise.
MyProtein and Optimum Nutrition are two protein powders that are recognized and sold all over the world. Both of their protein powders share a lot of similarities in terms of available flavors, quality level, muscle-building qualities, nutritional value, and many more.
Based on our observations, to put it simply, MyProtein is one of the main competitors of Optimum Nutrition, while Optimum Nutrition is also one of the main competitors of MyProtein. However, these two top brands and protein powders still share many differences.
If you’re interested to know more about the MyProtein vs Optimum Nutrition review, keep on reading to find out.
Table of Contents
TLDR: Myprotein vs Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard
Product Description/Ingredients
MyProtein is BRC-accredited and included in the Hut Group, a manufacturer that continues to expand internationally. Consumers can also find numerous diet, health, and even beauty-related products under the company.
Mostly, they sell decent-quality protein supplements such as whey protein shakes. MyProtein’s ingredients include whey protein, inulin, impact whey isolate, modified food starch, acesulfame potassium, hydrolyzed whey, and creatine. It does not include soy lecithin, but the brand warns that it has soy.
As an all-whey protein powder, it also includes amino acids and naturally occurring BCAAs or branched-chain amino acids.
Based on our observations, their best product is the MyProtein Impact Whey Isolate Protein Powder, which is gluten-free and helps build muscle or lean muscle mass.
Interested? Here’s the link to purchase!
On the other hand, Optimum Nutrition includes more experience and a longer history compared to MyProtein. It is known for its protein content and three separate ingredients namely, whey isolate, whey concentrate, and whey peptides. It also includes a digestive enzyme, xanthan gum, and acesulfame potassium. No artificial flavors or artificial sweeteners can be found in this product.
Their protein powders are made of pure whey and are available in unique and decadent flavors such as chocolate mint, mocha cappuccino, chocolate coconut, and chocolate peanut butter.
The competing protein shake brand was founded and developed in 1986 by brothers Tony and Michael Costello. Their protein shakes are available in a delicious flavor range such as double-rich chocolate and extreme milk chocolate.
Their best-selling and most popular protein shake is the Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder. Optimum Nutrition has been in the supplement industry for 31 years now.
Its reputation has been built on its products’ quality and simple but tasty ingredients. On the other hand, MyProtein’s best product is its MyProtein Impact Whey Protein.
However, Optimum Nutrition was purchased by an Irish company named Glanbia in 2008. One of the major differences of this supplement brand from MyProtein is that Optimum Nutrition products are sold internationally.
The company’s successful strategy also makes them a well-distributed brand. However, one similarity between these two protein shakes is their target audience.
Interested? Here’s the link to purchase!
Pros and Cons
Pros of the MyProtein Impact Whey Protein
- BRC-accredited company
- Sells numerous health, diet, and beauty-related products
- Best European company in health and sports
- Sells the best create and whey protein products
- Protein powders available in 9 flavors
- Includes protein ingredients such as whey protein concentrate and myprotein impact whey isolate
- Has amino acids, branched-chain amino acids, and no soy lecithin
Cons of the MyProtein Impact Whey Protein
- Might cause bloating
- Includes a bitter aftertaste
- Tastes too sweet
Pros of the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey:
- Made out of simple and tasty ingredients
- Includes a blend of protein ingredients
- Available in 20 flavors to choose from
- Contains a protein blend such as whey isolate, whey protein concentrate, and whey peptides
- Available in four different sizes (1, 2, 5, and 10 lbs)
- Has a great mixture
Cons of the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey
- Tastes too sweet
- Not suitable for those with a sensitive stomach
- Customers have claimed that double rich chocolate doesn’t taste good
Is it worth it?
Yes. After trying out these products, MyProtein Impact Whey and Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard 100 Whey are both worth it. They are two of the most popular and best-selling protein powders in the supplement industry. It consists of higher quality protein ingredients such as impact whey isolate and whey concentrate.
In-Depth Review of the Myprotein vs Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard
Specifications / Nutritional Information
| MyProtein’s Impact Whey Protein | Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard 100 Whey Protein | |
| Available flavors | Over 40 flavors | More than 20 flavors |
| Protein per serving | 20 grams | 24 grams |
| BCAA content per serving | – | 5.5 grams |
| Price per serving | Medium | Medium to high |
| Overall rating | 8.5 | 9.2 |
| MyProtein whey isolate | Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard whey isolate | |
| Whey isolate content per serving | 21 grams | 25 grams |
| Total fat per serving | 0 grams | 1 gram |
| Sugar content per serving | 1 gram | 1 gram |
| Cost per serving | Medium | High |
| Rating | 7.3 | 9.2 |
Warranty
Yes, MyProtein’s Impact Whey includes a warranty or return policy. They accept returns or refunds as long as you present the receipt. All protein products that are damaged and incorrect will be checked by their Returns Department.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard also includes a return policy. You will be asked to fill up a return form and RET number via email. Products such as fitness equipment, electronics, and blenders usually offer a two-year warranty.
Safety Information
We encourage everyone to carefully read the label first and consult with a medical professional before trying any nutritional products. Myprotein supplements mostly contain ingredients such as whey protein concentrate, whey isolate, and amino acids.
On the other hand, Optimum Nutrition protein products consist of complex carbohydrates, calories, proteins and vitamins, and other micronutrients that will support your weight gain or weight loss goals.
Warnings: Do not exceed the recommended daily serving of the supplement. If you have any medical conditions, we suggest you consult a physician before drinking the protein powder to ensure safety.
Both brands are also both labeled to the United States standards and may differ from similar products sold elsewhere in their ingredients, labeling, and allergen warnings.
Legal Disclaimer
Statements regarding dietary supplements of both brands have not been evaluated by the FDA. They do not also aim to prevent, treat, cure, and diagnose any health conditions or diseases.
The provided information is for informational purposes only and does not aim as a piece of alternative advice from your doctor. Any information found in any packaging or product label does not also intend as a substitute for medical advice.
We also recommend everyone not rely solely on the information that can be read on labels, directions, and warnings when trying a specific product. Actual materials and product packaging may include different or more information shown on the brands’ websites.
Who is it Best For?
MyProtein Impact Whey and Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey are best for those who are looking for the best whey protein powder in the market. Drawing from our experience, if you’re looking for a protein shake that includes a blend of more protein content such as whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate, these two brands are worth a try.
What Do People Say About it?
Timmy from Amazon gave positive feedback on the MyProtein Impact Whey Protein Powder by giving it five stars. He writes in the comments, “This is a great whey protein option for those looking for a good powder supplement. I like this brand because you know what you’re getting, based on independent lab testing. Do some research for yourself and find out, that’s what I did, and this was one of the top brands out there. Plus, the vanilla is one of the best-tasting whey protein powders I’ve had so far. It’s definitely worth a try.”
However, Candice Yi only gave the product one star and calls the whey protein powder “disgustingly sweet.” She explains in the comments, “It’s ok, way too sweet for me though. Even if I water it down a lot, it’s super sweet. I’m only keeping it because I’ve had a few scoops and it was cheap but had a decent amount of protein per scoop.”
Gabriel Albores rated the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard five stars saying, “I see a lot of reviews on here of people complaining how they’ve used this specific brand for 50 years and all of a sudden it changes and now it’s no good to them. I’m new to this brand and to ease some others about the skeptical view of other reviews on here, I think it tastes fine. Some say it’s too sweet. Well, you should check the ingredients first, or don’t expect vanilla ice cream flavor to not taste sweet. I got vanilla and that’s exactly what it tastes like.”
Shae Shae uploaded a YouTube video reviewing the MyProtein Impact Whey protein powder. She ordered six different flavors including chocolate smooth, rocky road, salted caramel, and strawberry cream, and tasted every single one of them. Shae praised the MyProtein Whey Isolate for being an affordable brand and recommends it to anyone looking for a whey protein powder with good flavors on a budget.
Barbend reviewed the different flavors of the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard protein powder. He describes the double-rich chocolate flavor as relatively mild and comes nicely with milk. However, the Gold Standard Whey Protein tasted so-so with water. He praises the brand’s versatility of flavors and its whey protein ingredients such as whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate. He also mentions that the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard may not be suitable for those who are lactose intolerant. However, it contains enzymes that may help with lactose sensitivities.
The Verdict: Should You Try It?
MyProtein and Optimum Nutrition are two of the leading and best-selling brands in the supplement industry.
However, these two competing brands share many similarities and differences.
Therefore, we created an in-depth comparison of Myprotein vs Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard to see which is the better mass gainer.
As per our expertise, we highly recommend you to try MyProtein Whey. They’re an affordable brand, which is perfect for those who are on a budget. Their best product is the MyProtein Impact Whey Isolate protein powder, which encourages you to increase your protein intake.
It includes a blend of more protein ingredients such as whey concentrate and impact whey isolate powder. They offer various flavors such as caramel, chocolate, and strawberry.
If you like this article, you might want to read our other reviews at ExpertFitness.org.
Nathan Lloyd, MSc
LICENSED PERSONAL TRAINER
I’m a personal trainer, based in Boulder, Colorado.
I service clients physically in the Boulder area, mainly in the ONE Boulder Fitness Gym, but am also available for online consulting and coaching.
If you’re interested in my personal coaching programs, please contact me via the contact page.