Optimum Nutrition

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein – Strawberries & Cream is positioned at the lowest tier on our scale for cleaner food options. The product is marked down for several reasons, primarily due to its composition of ingredients that conflict with our standards for health and wellness.

The protein blend, while offering a mix of whey isolate, concentrate, and hydrolyzed whey, is overshadowed by the presence of non-organic ingredients. The absence of a non-GMO certification further detracts from its standing. Concerns are heightened by the inclusion of citric acid, which, although commonly used as a preservative or to add a tart flavor, is considered an added sugar in our assessment criteria.

Sucralose, a synthetic sweetener, is a significant detractor. Its addition is a substantial factor in the product’s low score, as it represents a form of harmful added sugar. The product also contains various additives that raise red flags, including natural and artificial flavors, which are often undisclosed mixtures of various chemicals, and soy lecithin, a common emulsifier that some may wish to avoid. The gum blend, consisting of guar gum, gum acacia, and xanthan gum, along with the artificial flavor, further degrade the product’s score. These ingredients are frequently used to modify texture or extend shelf life but are not aligned with our criteria for clean eating.

Artificial flavors, including those not specified beyond this general term, are particularly problematic. Their synthetic nature and potential health implications warrant the most significant point deduction.

The product’s low green leaf rating reflects our recommendation to opt for alternatives that adhere more closely to natural, organic, and non-GMO standards. Consumers seeking cleaner, healthier options might consider looking for products that avoid artificial sweeteners and flavors, and prioritize transparency and natural ingredients.