Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein (Double Rich Chocolate)
Red flags
- −Red flag: Contains Acesulfame Potassium
Green flags
- +Green flag: High protein (79g per 100g)
- +Green flag: No added sugar
Ingredients, decoded
4 listed- Protein Blend (93%) (Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate, Emulsifier: INS 322(i))
- Cocoa Powder (Processed with Alkali)
- Artificial Flavours (Chocolate, Vanilla)
- Sweetener (INS 950)
Our take
CleanPlate reviewWhey protein powder with 24 g protein per scoop
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey (Double Rich Chocolate) lists a protein blend (93%: whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, hydrolysed whey protein isolate and lecithin), cocoa powder, artificial flavours (chocolate, vanilla) and a sweetener (INS 950, acesulfame potassium). The pack is 907 g and the panel is printed per 100 g and per 30.4 g scoop.
CleanPlate scores it CC2. The C for nutrition is middling: 79 g protein per 100 g. The C for ingredients reflects mostly refined or industrial ingredients (led by whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate and hydrolyzed whey protein isolate), with additives that cost points: acesulfame potassium and flavouring. The 2 for risk is low: sodium, free sugar and saturated fat are all modest (sodium 164 mg, free sugar 0 g, saturated fat 2 g per 100 g).
Claims vs reality
What the pack says, checked against the ingredient list and nutrition panel.
- On the packHolds
“24 g Protein helps build and maintain muscle*”
The panel gives 24 g per 30.4 g scoop and 79 g per 100 g.
- On the packBe careful
“5.5 g BCAAs** supports endurance & recovery”
The BCAA figure is not on the nutrition panel; the support wording is the maker's.
- On the packHolds
“Contains naturally occurring sugars. No sugar (sucrose) added”
Added sugar is 0 g; the 3 g of sugar per 100 g comes from the whey and cocoa.
- On the packHolds
“Whey Protein Isolate primary source”
Whey protein isolate is first in the protein blend.
How CC2 breaks down
Each grade is scored on its own. Here are the label numbers behind each one, per 100 g.
Adequate nutrient density
- Protein
- 79 g
- Fibre
- Not declared
- Vitamins and minerals
- None declared
- Energy
- 383 kcal
Scored on protein, fibre and twelve vitamins and minerals, against the Codex and FSSAI "source" and "high" levels, per 100 g and per 100 kcal.
Mixed processing and additives
- Base
- Protein Blend)
- Sweeteners
- None added
- Additives
- 1
- Flagged
- Acesulfame Potassium
- Artificial flavour or colour
- Yes
Scored on how processed the ingredients are, which additives are used and why, and whether the label keeps its promises.
Low risk
- Added sugar
- 0 g
- Sodium
- 164 mg
- Saturated fat
- 2 g
- Trans fat
- 0 g
Scored on free sugar, sodium, saturated fat and trans fat, each weighed by how strong the evidence of harm is.
A closer look
Does the label add up?
Protein blend (93%) of whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, hydrolysed whey protein isolate and lecithin (322(i)), cocoa powder processed with alkali, artificial flavours (chocolate, vanilla) and sweetener 950.
Per 100 g: 383 kcal, 3 g fat of which 2 g saturated, 3 g sugar of which 0 g added, 79 g protein, 164 mg sodium. The pack is a limited-edition RCB design with the usual panel. The panel is for the dry powder; the score uses it as sold, as for the other protein powders. Protein, carbohydrate and fat add to 92 g per 100 g and Atwater energy (383 kcal) matches the declared value. No fibre line is printed.
Ingredients to watch
- Sweetener and flavoursWorth watching
Acesulfame potassium costs 3 additive points and artificial flavours 2.
- CaloriesWorth watching
383 kcal per 100 g, 116 kcal in a scoop.
- ProteinFine
79 g per 100 g and 24 g per scoop, mostly whey isolate.
- Risk nutrientsFine
0 g added sugar, 2 g saturated fat and 164 mg sodium per 100 g.
Common misconceptions
Myth: "Protein powder is just protein"
A scoop is 24 g of protein in 30.4 g; the rest is cocoa, flavouring and acesulfame potassium.
Myth: "More protein is always better"
The pack says it is not recommended for children, pregnant or lactating women; one scoop already covers 44% of the adult RDA on the panel.
How often, and how
- Healthy adultsA scoop a day at most, if food protein falls short
- ChildrenNot needed
- Diabetes or prediabetesFine in moderation
Smarter ways to eat it
Measure the scoop
One 30.4 g scoop is the serve; two scoops double the sweetener and the calories.
Mix with water or milk
Water keeps it at 116 kcal a scoop; milk adds protein and calories.
Common questions
Is Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein (Double Rich Chocolate) healthy?
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein (Double Rich Chocolate) scores CC2 (Good) on CleanPlate, which makes it a reasonable choice with a trade-off or two worth knowing about. The main concerns are: Contains Acesulfame Potassium. On the plus side: High protein (79g per 100g); No added sugar.
What does the CC2 score mean?
The first letter (C) grades nutritional value: adequate nutrient density. The second letter (C) grades ingredient and label integrity: mixed processing and additives. The number (2) grades risk nutrients (sugar, sodium, saturated fat): low risk.
Which ingredients in Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein (Double Rich Chocolate) should I watch?
Sweetener (INS 950) (Acesulfame Potassium).
Last reviewed October 13, 2026. Scored with the CleanPlate method from the published label.