BioStacks
Optimum Nutrition
Gold Standard 100% Whey (Chocolate Malt)
Powder · 31 Grams · 29 servings · $1.49/serving
Best for
Ingredients (3)
Whey Protein
100%Dose
24 g
Target
20–30 g
Form
Not listed
Calcium
130 mgTrace amount — not scored
Iron
0.8 mgTrace amount — not scored
Nutrition
Calories, macros & sodium.
- Sodium130 mg
- Dietary Fiber1 g
Other Ingredients (13)
SucraloseSweetener
Dose context matters. As a trace excipient in a tablet coating or capsule, the amount is minimal and not a meaningful concern. The evidence below applies to the gram-level intakes typical of sweetened protein powders, pre-workouts, and drink mixes: a 2022 human trial (Suez et al., Cell) showed sucralose disrupts gut bacteria and worsens blood sugar control in healthy adults, and a 2023 study (Schiffman et al.) found that sucralose-6-acetate — a compound formed when sucralose is digested — was genotoxic to human cells in vitro. It remains an artificial sweetener with no nutritional purpose.
Acesulfame PotassiumSweetener
Older NTP rodent studies (1980s, contested) reported lymphoma and leukemia at very high chronic doses; modern reviews (FDA 2003, EFSA 2000) concluded no cancer risk at human exposure levels but the issue is not fully resolved (Mishra 2020 review). Animal evidence suggests gut microbiome disruption (Bian 2017 — male mice on Ace-K showed altered microbiota and metabolic markers). Manufacturing uses methylene chloride, with potential residue concerns. Purely cosmetic additive — risk:benefit unfavorable for supplements.
Artificial FlavorsFlavor
Composition is proprietary and not disclosed on the label, so allergens or solvents cannot be verified. Naturally flavored alternatives are more transparent.
MaltodextrinBinder
Spikes blood sugar faster than table sugar (glycemic index 85–105). Research links it to gut bacteria changes that may promote intestinal inflammation (Nickerson et al. 2015). Used as a cheap filler — adds nothing beneficial.
Natural FlavorsFlavor
Broad regulatory category of flavor constituents derived from natural sources. Composition is proprietary and not disclosed — 'Natural Flavors' can include several hundred different compounds depending on the target flavor profile, including hexane-extracted constituents and proprietary carrier solvents. 'Natural' is a regulatory definition (21 CFR §101.22), not a safety guarantee.
Soy LecithinEmulsifier
Widely used emulsifier derived from soybeans
PotassiumMineral
Essential mineral naturally present in many plant-based supplement ingredients
StarchBinder
Carbohydrate polymer used as a binder, filler, and disintegrant in tablets and capsules
How to Take It
Take it anytime
Total daily protein is what matters — the post-workout "anabolic window" has not held up in controlled trials.
With or without food
On the label
Mix about one scoop of the powder into 6 to 8 fluid ounces of cold water, milk or other beverage. Stir, shake or blend until dissolved. For best results, mix up your shake 30 to 60 minutes after your workout or use as an anytime snack in your balanced diet. For healthy adults, consume enough protein to meet your daily protein requirements with a combination of high protein foods and protein supplements throughout the day as part of a balanced diet and exercise program.
General guidance based on the ingredients, not a substitute for the label or your doctor.
Price Check
$43.26
Near the median of 165 muscle supplements
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Sources & Scoring
Nutrient data (RDA, UL, and safety thresholds) sourced from: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and National Academies Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI).
This is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before making changes to your supplement routine.
The score analyzes what's on the label: ingredient doses vs. clinical ranges, chemical forms, evidence levels, and known interactions. It does not verify label accuracy or test for contaminants — for that, look for third-party certifications like USP or NSF.