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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.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey
Higher score

Optimum Nutrition

Gold Standard 100% Whey

Best Overall

FR Score 9.1 out of 10, Exceptional

The benchmark whey: 24 g protein, Informed Choice certified, 15+ flavors

Typical price ~$131.99 · 5 lb tub (74 servings, about $1.78/serving) at ON's store

Orgain Organic Protein Plant-Based Protein Powder
FR Score 7.9 out of 10, Good

USDA Organic pea, rice and chia blend: 21 g vegan protein, 7 g fiber, no added sugar

Typical price ~$37.99 · 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.

CriterionGold Standard 100% WheyOrganic Protein Plant-Based Protein Powder
FR Score (overall)9.17.9
Formula & Dosing8.87.8
Quality & Transparency9.57.4
Taste & Mixability9.28.1
Value per Serving9.08.4
Typical price~$131.99~$37.99
Video reviews54

Specs

Specs side by side

SpecGold Standard 100% WheyOrganic Protein Plant-Based Protein Powder
Protein per serving24 g21 g
Calories per servingAbout 120 (varies by flavor)150
BCAAs per serving5.5 g (naturally occurring)—
Protein sourceWhey blend with whey protein isolate as the primary ingredient—
Servings74 per 5 lb tub (Double Rich Chocolate)About 20 per 2.03 lb tub
SweetenersSucralose and acesulfame potassium (most flavors)—
Third-party testingInformed Choice certified; Double Rich Chocolate and Vanilla Ice Cream on NSF's Certified for Sport list—
Gluten-freeYes—
SizesFrom 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
Full Gold Standard 100% Whey review

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
Full Organic Protein Plant-Based Protein Powder review

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.