Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Casein Benefits And Effectiveness
Aminogen is a blend of enzymes that may improve nutrient absorption a 2008 study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that men who took Aminogen with whey concentrate had an increased absorption rate, as measured by the amino acids in their blood and urine.
So a lot of people like it when protein powder contains Aminogen or other digestive enzymes.
There are some ingredients that could cause issues for certain users: theres soy, there are artificial sweeteners, and there are three kinds of gums, which can cause digestive issues. If they dont for you, its likely not worth worrying about.
Otherwise, as noted above, the benefits of casein are that it digests more slowly and its more filling. One thing thats really important to note here is that the first ingredient in Gold Standard Casein is micellar casein, which is when the protein is encased in a globular structure called a micelle.
That means its a little more bioactive, but its extra noteworthy because not all casein protein powders have micellar casein as the sole source of protein. This, coupled with the enzymes, could be why Gold Standard is worth the slightly higher price.
Casein Protein For Fat Loss
Another by-product of cheese manufacturing activity is Casein Protein.
- Micellar Casein is absorbed slowly in the body.
- Keeps you full for an extended period
- Casein is slowly reacting, and after the workout, the muscles do not benefit from immediate repair.
- But on the other hand, with Casein protein powder, there is a better opportunity for muscle repair when you are sleeping, so casein is better at that time.
What is the best casein protein? Micellar is the best Casein protein before bed as it is the slowest digesting casein protein suited for all-night MPS if taken just before sleeping. Due to this, it is also known as the best casein protein for females. It is called so as it forms micelles when added to any liquid.
Natural dairy products are the best sources of casein protein. Milk, natural yoghurt, and cheese all have a lot of this protein. Cottage cheese and natural yoghurt with a lot of protein are two popular ways to get dairy protein without eating a lot of calories.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder Chocolate 564 Lb Bag
Lowest Price |
Product Details
No Artificial Growth Hormones-Protein Blend of Whey Isolate and Concentrate-24 Grams of Protein. This great tasting whey formula mixes easily into cold water or milk. In addition, its gluten-free and banned substance tested for your peace of mind while you work to achieve your health and fitness goals.
Nitrite Free |
Reviews From Real Customers
This is the only protein powder Ive tried, as Optimum Nutrition was highly recommended to me as the gold standard in protein powders by several weightlifting enthusiast friends of mine. Luckily, the first flavor I tried, Chocolate Malt, ended up being amazingly delicious to me, so I never had to buy and try any others though they have so many different flavors, Id like to try some of the ones that sound good, such as the coffee, the vanilla, or the mint chocolate flavors.
Anyway, I use whole milk and drop a spoonful of this whey powder in a Blender Bottle, shake the crap out of it, and enjoy it after lifting. This powder blends REALLY well *with a Blender Bottle*, and I rarely get clumps/bubbles of dry powder.
I tried using a spoon and stirring once, and got tons of clumps. This powder is packed full of protein, as it contains a form of whey that packs more protein per volume when compared to regular whey which some protein powders use, which means you have to use more of those powders to get the same amount of protein as you would with Optimum Nutritions.
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Best Tasting Protein Powder: Ghost Whey Protein
This brand seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, just like a ghost a few years ago. Similar to their eccentric labels, their flavors and collaborations with famous brands have led to some delicious-tasting protein powders. One of the most popular flavors is Fruity Cereal, although we didn’t find that one to be the best tasting. We loved the Chip Ahoy and Nutter Butter flavors as they took us down memory lane. Another aspect we dig is their transparent labeling of the protein content and break down telling you how much of each type of whey protein was used, with Isolate always coming in first. They also add digestive enzymes in their formulas which may help with absorption and digestion.
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Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Casein Protein

Protein Ratio: 24 grams
Delivering 24 grams of slow-digesting protein that can be used at night, before bed, or between meals, this casein is one of the top-selling casein protein powders on the market. With 10 flavors to choose from, Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard casein offers 5 grams of BCAAs and 5 grams of glutamine to power your workouts. Built off of its flagship product, Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein, Optimum Nutrition, one of the most trusted brands in the industry, expanded its reach with the addition of this casein.
Read Also: Protein Shake Before And After Workout
Best Organic Protein Powder: Natural Force Grass Fed Organic Whey Protein Powder
Consumers worldwide are searching for products that are “clean” without any additives, chemicals, or other substances. This organic whey protein concentrate is certified by USDA and is made from grass-fed cows humanely raised in California that have access to pasture year-round and are tested by third parties. It’s a whey concentrate, so the protein content is less than some other protein powders on this list, with 20 grams per serving. They use an organic monk fruit sweetener, this whey protein tastes and mixes well. Besides the high quality of the product, we love their mission to plant a tree with every purchase made through their partnership with One Tree Planted.
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WHO SHOULD BUY?
- For people who want to gain muscle, with 30 grams of protein per serving, there are not many other brands offering the same, plus the creatine monohydrate is a nice added benefit.
- Those who favor texture and having the option to chose from many flavors.
WHO SHOULDN’T BUY?
- People who want to avoid artificial sweeteners.
- Calorie counters that want fewer calories in a protein powder.
- Those looking for a total whey isolate as this is a blend with isolate and concentrate.
There are higher quality protein powders out there that use only whey isolate but with this one you get whey peptides, whey isolate and whey concentrate. We liked that they give you 3 grams of creatine per serving plus 30 grams of protein, this is a muscle builder!
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Kaged
For guys looking to put on muscle mass, Kaged whey protein is a good way to go. Whey protein isolate contains essential amino acids for the body to undergo muscle protein synthesis, otherwise known as muscle growth. This product doesnt offer a full amino acid profile breakdown, which we would like to see. Still, it does have 12 grams of essential amino acids, 8.3 grams of non-essential amino acids, 5.7 grams of BCAAs and 4.7 grams of conditional amino acids per serving.
Kaged Muscle offers whey protein isolate that contains no artificial colors or flavors. This product contains pure whey protein isolate however, it is flavored with sucralose, which causes the product to taste very sweet and can possibly cause gastric distress for sensitive individuals. That being said, if you can tolerate the artificial sweetener, at only $1.16 per serving of protein this supplement is a great option for those looking to maximize their budget.
Kaged Muscle offers the standard Chocolate and Vanilla flavor options, but also includes Chocolate Peanut Butter, Smores and my personal favorite, Cinnamon French Toast.
Key features:
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Best Isolate Protein Powder: Dymatize Iso 100
There are plenty of whey isolate protein products on the market to choose from, but we constantly find ourselves coming back to this one. Whey protein isolate is always more expensive than whey concentrate as the protein content is higher while the fat and carbs are lower. However, in the case of Dymatize ISO 100, the price is very reasonable as it is one of the cheapest and most consistent whey isolates on the market. This protein powder is also a hydrolyzed isolate, meaning it has been partially broken down by enzymes, allowing for easier digestion and faster absorption. With 25 grams of protein per serving along with 2.6 grams of leucine, you can’t go wrong with this.
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WHO SHOULD BUY?
- Anyone who likes a high-quality product at a reasonable cost.
- Those who take their nutrition seriously and want a pure whey isolate that can be absorbed into the body quickly.
- Hydro homies who like to mix protein powder with water.
- People who want a variety of flavors to choose from.
WHO SHOULDN’T BUY?
- Anyone that doesn’t care to pay more for isolate rather than concentrate.
- People who enjoy less sweetness.
For years on end, this protein powder ends up on most people’s “top” lists because it’s affordable, tastes good, and is easy to digest, thanks to the hydrolyzed isolate. Dont hesitate to pull the trigger on this one.
Garden Of Life Raw Organic Protein
Image courtesy Garden of Life
Unflavored Garden of Life Organic Raw Protein – Unflavored is an organic, raw, vegan protein powder with unlocked nutritional potential. RAW Protein is a high-quality source of complete protein with 22 grams and 44% of the Daily Value in all essential amino acids, making it ideal for vegans looking to get more out of their diet.
RAW Protein from Vitamin Code is a high-quality, low-calorie food that combines probiotics and protein-digesting enzymes to improve digestive health and function while supporting the metabolism of live probiotics and protein-digesting enzymes. Gluten, soy, and dairy free. No sugar, artificial flavors or sweeteners have been added.
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Skratch Labs Sport Recovery Drink Mix
Aimed specifically at athletes, this protein will help you refuel, rehydrate, and rebuild muscle after even your toughest workouts. Made to be shaken, not stirred, add two scoops into a glass of water for a convenient, on-the-go way to get your blood sugar up fast after a long run, hike, bike ride, or any other high-intensity exercise. With a taste like chocolate milk, this is non-GMO, gluten-free, vegetarian, and Kosher option great for almost everyone. (
Is Whey Protein Hard On Your Kidneys
Any protein powder can be hard on your kidneys if you consume too much. Whey protein is generally regarded as having one of the highest protein yields in the industry at an average of 25 g. of protein per serving. This can be harmful to you if you end up taking too much protein.
But this can happen with any protein powder in the market. Its important you make sure youre getting just the right amount of protein and not too much to avoid damaging your kidneys.
Read Also: Student Exploration Rna And Protein Synthesis
What Are The Side Effects Of Taking Protein Powder
Protein powder is generally safe to take, but there are a few potential side effects to be aware of. Some people may experience bloating, gas, or constipation when they first start taking protein powder. This is typically due to the body’s inability to digest and absorb all of the protein.
Other potential side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms are usually caused by taking too much protein powder at once or not drinking enough water. If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and reduce the amount of protein powder you’re taking.
In rare cases, people may be allergic to protein powder. If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing, stop taking protein powder and see a doctor right away.
The Benefits Of Casein Protein Powder

A number of studies have shown that casein protein helps you gain more muscle and increase fat loss. Research has also found that this high quality form of protein can improve your overall health, even promoting the health of your colon and teeth.
Although casein is not thought of as the best source of protein immediately after a workout, it is an excellent source to use throughout the day alongside your normal dietary protein intake.
Recommended Reading: How To Incorporate More Protein
Does Casein Protein Cause Acne
Dairy in general favors the development of acne if you happen to have sensitive skin. Casein, just as whey, may cause acne in some cases. It all depends on your genetics and on how your body reacts to this kind of protein.
If you find yourself among the few people who get acne from casein protein you can always try out different protein sources such as soy or eggs. Start with smaller amounts and keep an eye on how you react before starting with full doses.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder Extreme Milk Chocolate 2 Pound
Lowest Price |
Product Details
Optimum Nutritions Gold Standard 100% Whey uses pure Whey Protein Isolates as the primary ingredient. Combined with ultra-filtered whey protein concentrate, each serving provides 24 grams of all-whey protein and 5.
5 grams of naturally occurring Branched Chain Amino Acids which are prized by athletes for their muscle building qualities. With more than 20 tempting flavors to choose from, ONs Gold Standard 100% Whey gives you plenty of ways to keep workout recovery interesting.
6.0 x 5.0 x 4.0 inches |
Reviews From Real Customers
Ive used this several times because its been recommended by several friends and can easily be found at Costco. I only use the chocolate flavored one as I dont care for any of their other flavors. However, Ive started and stopped using this several times because I dont think whey sits well with my GI tract.
It upsets my tummy in all sorts of ways . I stopped using it for a while to try other protein alternatives, to which I have the same or similar experiences. I just think my body doesnt do well with protein powders.
But if they work for you, this is a pretty decent one to have.
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Dymatize Elite Casein Protein Powder Best Tasting
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Like the other powders reviewed so far, Dymatize Elite Casein contains 25g micellar protein. However, in this case, there is absolutely zero sugar. Elite Casein does not use any banned substances in the manufacturing process. In fact, its tested banned substance-free by Informed Choice.
Elite Casein is also known to be one of the best tasting casein powders on the market. While taste should never come before results, its nice to know this product is enjoyable to drink. Dymatize plays up the fact that it tastes good by advertising delicious recipes.
Certainly, the fact that it can be made into various great tasting snacks and shakes sets it apart from the competition. For this reason, Dymatize Elite Casein is the best-tasting casein protein.
PROS
Pro Jym Protein Powder
Studies have shown that a blend of proteins allows for optimum muscle-building potential. This powder made for both men and women is 50 percent casein, 40 percent whey, and 10 precent egg protein, which promotes energy, endurance, and recovery. With a great taste and texture, you can easily mix this with water, milk, nut milk, and other ingredients for a meal before or after a workout.
“My husband and I love this protein powder, it’s a good mix for both of us he works out and builds muscle and I just try to stay lean and have good protein in the am with my smoothies. It doesn’t leave any funky taste, not chalky, and mixes well. We’ve had the vanilla and chocolate, both delicious,” wrote a shopper.
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Is Casein Protein Necessary
From a nutritional point of view, casein protein is not necessary for health reasons.
Is it necessary to supplement with a casein powder product? Well, that will depend on how much protein you are taking in from your food. If you cant eat enough food to cover your daily target protein intake, a casein protein powder will be a great choice.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Casein Taste
The Banana Cream flavor tastes more like banana candy than actual bananas, which is fair its notoriously difficult to make an artificial banana flavor that tastes good. So this product tastes a little like an extra sweet kind of cereal
We also tried Cookies n Cream, which we werent fans of because it tasted more like coffee. But the Vanilla and Chocolate flavors are perfectly enjoyable, though we would point out that all of these flavors are definitely on the sweeter side. If you dont have a sweet tooth, you might not be so wild about ONs flavors.
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Bulksupplements Casein Protein Powder
Check the ingredients on the bag, and you’ll see only one: casein. The pure protein is made without artificial ingredients and is essentially tasteless, so it won’t overpower other components of your smoothie or shake. The powder consistency is also quite thin, making it easy to mix into milk or water.
“This is an excellent product and I highly recommend it for those sick of being sold on sugary protein powders and simply want the real deal,” wrote a customer. “The main reason I prefer this product over all others is the strict ingredients. No sugars, no sucralose, no ridiculous ingredients that only chemistry majors can pronounce. Just casein protein powder. My one-speed bump with the product is that it foams rather easily, so to avoid this all you have to do is use more of a liquid to powder ratio than stated on the packaging. And use milk instead of water since this will bring both a better flavor and consistency.”