100% Whey Gold Standard, Extreme Milk Chocolate, 5 lb

This Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein in S’Mores flavor is a game-changer! It’s perfect for curbing dessert cravings while still being a much healthier option. The flavor is rich and satisfying, especially when mixed with milk instead of water—it makes it feel more like a small, filling meal rather than just a shake.The 5.64 lb container lasts a long time, making it a great value for the price. It blends well, is easy on the stomach, and works great for muscle recovery after workouts. If you’re looking for a tasty and effective protein powder, this is definitely worth it!

I’ve been using Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder for a few months now, and I purchased it from Amazon after seeing its consistently high ratings. Overall, I’m very impressed with this product. The mixability is excellent—whether I use water, milk, or add it to smoothies, it blends smoothly without any clumps. The flavor options are another highlight; my personal favorite is the Double Rich Chocolate, which has a natural and not overly sweet taste.One thing I appreciate about this whey protein is its quality. It provides 24g of protein per serving with minimal fat, carbs, and sugar, which aligns perfectly with my fitness and dietary goals. I’ve also noticed quicker recovery times after workouts, which I credit partly to incorporating this supplement.Overall, Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein is a reliable and effective choice for anyone looking to boost their protein intake, and I would definitely recommend it to both beginners and experienced users.

Whey protein is a mixture of proteins in whey, which is a byproduct of cheese production. It’s usually sold as a flavored powder, which is added to shakes, meal replacements, and protein bars. Whey Protein Supplements Can Help Boost Your Protein and BCAA Intake. Proteins are the main building blocks of the human body. They’re used to make various important things, including tendons, organs and skin, as well as hormones, enzymes, neurotransmitters and various molecules. Proteins are also the building blocks of the contractile elements in your muscles. They’re assembled from amino acids, smaller molecules that are linked together like beads on a string. Some amino acids are produced by your body’s cells, while others are supplied by the food you eat. The ones that you must get from foods are termed essential amino acids. Proteins that supply all nine essential amino acids are the best, and whey protein is loaded with them. It’s particularly high in important branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) like leucine, and also contains a high amount of cysteine (7Trusted Source). Studies show that leucine is the most anabolic (growth-promoting) amino acid, and cysteine can help boost levels of the cellular antioxidant glutathione (8Trusted Source, 9Trusted Source). Whey protein appears to be particularly effective at stimulating growth in humans. In fact, human breast milk is 60% whey, compared to 20% in cow’s milk (10Trusted Source). The main types of whey protein are concentrate, isolate and hydrolysate. They can vary in protein content, taste, digestibility and price. There is a lot of evidence that whey protein is effective at increasing muscle and strength gains, though some studies find no effect. Protein has been shown to aid weight loss by boosting metabolism and reducing appetite. Whey protein can help increase fat loss while preserving lean muscle mass. Whey is high in essential amino acids and other healthy nutrients. It’s also rich in the amino acid cysteine, which raises levels of the antioxidant glutathione and leads to many health benefits. Whey protein is very safe. A commonly recommended dose is 1–2 scoops (25–50 grams) per day.

PROS: I bought this size so that I can try it because I've never had a protein shake before and I didn't want to waste the product and my money. I actually liked it. It has pretty good flavor, the scoop was actually in the bag, not too high in calories, and a good amount of protein.CONS: I tried it with a cup of soy milk right away. Not a rich double chocolate flavor that's advertised. It's more like chocolate milk. If I used less milk the flavor was better. I can't imagine what it tastes like with water. I used a blender bottle to mix the shake. Sometimes there would still be undissolved powder at the bottom even when shaking the mixture with the blender ball vigorously. Don't count on it to keep you full for long, although it's protein, it's not much and it's still a fluid that doesn't keep you full for long.Another thing is that I tried the product with real milk, and it ended up having a sour taste. Maybe that was my taste buds because I don't like regular milk but it did taste a bit off to me.Packaging-wise I didn't like it. Like most products now, it was halfway full, the seal was a bit hard to close at first (maybe I'm just weak).OVERALL: As someone trying to lose weight, I will not purchase again for two reasons: 1) the flavor wasn't that great and 2)it didn't in any way shape or form control my hunger. I had the serving size (1 scoop -120 calories) and about a cup of soy milk (80 calories). I think it was just a waste of calories because fluid is so easy to digest so it doesn't keep you full which is the whole point of the protein. I might as well get those 24 - 30 grams of protein by eating REAL FOOD that will satiate my hunger for 3-4 hours instead of 1-2.

This is my favorite flavor to date.No grainy texture when mixed.