Head-to-head · Protein Powder
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey vs Orgain Organic Protein Plant-Based Protein Powder
Which should you buy in 2026? FR Scores, specs, prices and 9 independent video reviews, side by side.

The benchmark whey: 24 g protein, Informed Choice certified, 15+ flavors
Typical price · 5 lb tub (74 servings, about $1.78/serving) at ON's store

USDA Organic pea, rice and chia blend: 21 g vegan protein, 7 g fiber, no added sugar
Typical price · 2.03 lb tub (20 servings, about $1.90/serving) at orgain.com
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The quick verdict
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey edges ahead with an FR Score of 9.1 vs 7.9, winning on formula & dosing, quality & transparency, taste & mixability and value per serving. It’s our Best Overall, while Organic Protein Plant-Based Protein Powder is our Best Vegan. Organic Protein Plant-Based Protein Powder is the cheaper pick by about $94.
Choose Gold Standard 100% Whey if…
- Informed Choice certified, with two flavors on NSF's Certified for Sport registry
- In Consumer Reports' better-choices group for lead (Oct 2025)
- Mixes easily with just a spoon or shaker
Choose Organic Protein Plant-Based Protein Powder if…
- USDA Organic, vegan and gluten-free with no added sugar
- Creamy texture that blends well into smoothies
- 7 g of fiber per serving
Scores
Score breakdown
Each criterion scored 0–10 by our methodology. The winner of each row is highlighted.
Specs
Specs side by side
| Spec | Gold Standard 100% Whey | Organic Protein Plant-Based Protein Powder |
|---|---|---|
| Protein per serving | 24 g | 21 g |
| Calories per serving | About 120 (varies by flavor) | 150 |
| BCAAs per serving | 5.5 g (naturally occurring) | — |
| Protein source | Whey blend with whey protein isolate as the primary ingredient | — |
| Servings | 74 per 5 lb tub (Double Rich Chocolate) | About 20 per 2.03 lb tub |
| Sweeteners | Sucralose and acesulfame potassium (most flavors) | — |
| Third-party testing | Informed Choice certified; Double Rich Chocolate and Vanilla Ice Cream on NSF's Certified for Sport list | — |
| Gluten-free | Yes | — |
| Sizes | From 10-serving tubs up to roughly 10 lb bags | — |
| Serving size | — | 2 scoops (46 g) |
| Fiber per serving | — | 7 g |
| Sugar per serving | — | Less than 1 g (0 g added) |
| Protein blend | — | Organic pea, brown rice, mung bean and chia seed |
| Sweetener | — | Organic stevia extract (Reb A) |
| Certifications | — | USDA Organic, vegan, non-GMO (per brand) |
Gold Standard 100% Whey: pros & cons
- Informed Choice certified, with two flavors on NSF's Certified for Sport registry
- In Consumer Reports' better-choices group for lead (Oct 2025)
- Mixes easily with just a spoon or shaker
- Deep flavor lineup in sizes up to roughly 10 lb
- Competitive cost per gram of protein, especially in large tubs
- Most flavors use sucralose and acesulfame potassium
- Isolate-led blend, so slightly more lactose and carbs than a pure isolate
- Some reviewers find certain flavors overly sweet
Organic Protein Plant-Based Protein Powder: pros & cons
- USDA Organic, vegan and gluten-free with no added sugar
- Creamy texture that blends well into smoothies
- 7 g of fiber per serving
- Stevia-sweetened; current formula made without erythritol
- Easy to find, including official Amazon and TikTok Shop stores
- Consumer Reports rated its lead level OK only for occasional use (Oct 2025)
- 21 g of protein takes a two-scoop, 150-calorie serving
- Some reviewers note an earthy or grassy aftertaste
- No sport certification
On video
What reviewers say
Gold Standard 100% Whey vs Organic Protein Plant-Based Protein Powder: FAQ
Is Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey better than Orgain Organic Protein Plant-Based Protein Powder?
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey scores higher overall (9.1 vs 7.9 out of 10), winning on formula & dosing, quality & transparency, taste & mixability and value per serving. Organic Protein Plant-Based Protein Powder still has the edge for some buyers.
Which is cheaper, Gold Standard 100% Whey or Organic Protein Plant-Based Protein Powder?
At typical prices, Orgain Organic Protein Plant-Based Protein Powder costs about $94 less ($131.99 vs $37.99). Sizes and deals vary, so check the current price at the retailer.
Which has more video reviews?
We’ve cataloged 5 independent video reviews of Gold Standard 100% Whey and 4 of Organic Protein Plant-Based Protein Powder. Both products’ pages list every review with the creator’s verdict.