Whey and whey isolate comparison
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey vs BSN Syntha-6
ON Gold Standard Whey scores higher on our standard, 78/100 to 41/100. It earns more points for protein density (77% vs 47% protein by weight), third-party testing (Informed Choice vs none found), sugar (1 g vs 3 g) and ingredient simplicity (mixed natural and artificial vs artificial flavors or sweeteners). Per 25 g of protein, ON Gold Standard Whey costs $1.86 and BSN Syntha-6 $1.80.
Both are scored out of 100 against our published standard: protein density, third-party testing, label transparency, sugar, ingredient simplicity and verified label data. Every number below is from the manufacturer's label; last checked 2026-10-14.
Optimum Nutrition
Gold Standard 100% Whey
Side by side
Per serving, from each label. Bold marks the better score, protein density, sugar and cost where the two differ. How we score
| Compared | ON Gold Standard Whey | BSN Syntha-6 |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 78/100 (better) | 41/100 |
| Protein density | 22 / 30 (better)77% of each scoop is protein | 6 / 3047% of each scoop is protein |
| Third-party testing | 15 / 25 (better)Independently tested for contaminants or label accuracy | 0 / 25No verified independent testing program |
| Label transparency | 20 / 20Fully disclosed formula, no amino spiking | 20 / 20Fully disclosed formula, no amino spiking |
| Sugar | 10 / 10 (better)1 g sugar per serving | 6 / 103 g sugar per serving |
| Ingredient simplicity | 6 / 10 (better)Mix of natural and artificial flavors or sweeteners | 4 / 10Artificial flavors or sweeteners |
| Verified label data | 5 / 57 of 7 label values verified | 5 / 57 of 7 label values verified |
| Type | Whey Blend | Whey Blend |
| Protein per serving | 24 g | 22 g |
| Serving size | 31g (About 1 Scoop) | About 1 scoop (47 g) |
| Protein by weight | 77% (better) | 47% |
| Sugar | 1 g (better) | 3 g |
| Calories | 120 | 190 |
| Cost per 25 g protein | $1.86 | $1.80 (better) |
| Price per serving | $1.78 | $1.58 |
| Third-party certifications | Informed Choice | None found |
| Sweeteners | Acesulfame Potassium | Acesulfame Potassium, Sucralose |
| Allergens | Milk, Soy | Milk, Soy |
| Proprietary blend | No | No |
| Added free amino acids (amino spiking) | No | No |
| Last checked | 2026-10-13 | 2026-10-14 |
Which to choose
Only the differences in our records. A value we couldn't verify never counts as a difference.
Choose ON Gold Standard Whey if…
- You want independent testing for contaminants or label accuracy (Informed Choice); we found no third-party testing for BSN Syntha-6.
- You want more protein per serving (24 g vs 22 g).
- You want more of each scoop to be protein (77% vs 47% by weight).
- You want less sugar (1 g vs 3 g per serving).
- You want fewer calories per serving (120 vs 190).
- You want a powder the brand labels gluten-free (our record for BSN Syntha-6 has no such label).
- You want more flavors to choose from (22 vs 8).
Choose BSN Syntha-6 if…
On the label facts we track, BSN Syntha-6 has no clear edge over ON Gold Standard Whey. Taste, how it mixes and the price where you shop may still decide it.
The two powders
Good to know
Labels and prices change, so check the package before buying, especially if you have allergies. If you are pregnant, nursing, buying for a child or managing a health condition, ask your doctor before adding a supplement.