Whey and whey isolate comparison
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate vs Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey
Transparent Labs Whey scores higher on our standard, 90/100 to 78/100. It earns more points for protein density (80% vs 77% protein by weight) and ingredient simplicity (natural flavors vs mixed natural and artificial). Per 25 g of protein, Transparent Labs Whey costs $1.93 and ON Gold Standard Whey $1.86.
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 2026-10-13.
Transparent Labs
100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
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 | Transparent Labs Whey | ON Gold Standard Whey |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 90/100 (better) | 78/100 |
| Protein density | 30 / 30 (better)80% of each scoop is protein | 22 / 3077% of each scoop is protein |
| Third-party testing | 15 / 25Independently tested for contaminants or label accuracy | 15 / 25Independently tested for contaminants or label accuracy |
| Label transparency | 20 / 20Fully disclosed formula, no amino spiking | 20 / 20Fully disclosed formula, no amino spiking |
| Sugar | 10 / 101 g sugar per serving | 10 / 101 g sugar per serving |
| Ingredient simplicity | 10 / 10 (better)Natural flavors and sweeteners | 6 / 10Mix of natural and artificial flavors or sweeteners |
| Verified label data | 5 / 57 of 7 label values verified | 5 / 57 of 7 label values verified |
| Type | Whey Isolate | Whey Blend |
| Protein per serving | 28 g | 24 g |
| Serving size | 1 Scoop (34.9g) | 31g (About 1 Scoop) |
| Protein by weight | 80% (better) | 77% |
| Sugar | 1 g | 1 g |
| Calories | 130 | 120 |
| Cost per 25 g protein | $1.93 | $1.86 (better) |
| Price per serving | $2.17 | $1.78 |
| Third-party certifications | Informed Choice, Informed Protein | Informed Choice |
| Sweeteners | Stevia Extract | Acesulfame Potassium |
| Allergens | Milk | Milk, Soy |
| Proprietary blend | No | No |
| Added free amino acids (amino spiking) | No | No |
| Last checked | 2026-10-13 | 2026-10-13 |
Which to choose
Only the differences in our records. A value we couldn't verify never counts as a difference.
Choose Transparent Labs Whey if…
- You want more protein per serving (28 g vs 24 g).
- You want more of each scoop to be protein (80% vs 77% by weight).
- You prefer natural flavors and sweeteners (ON Gold Standard Whey uses a mix of natural and artificial ones).
- You avoid soy: ON Gold Standard Whey's label lists it as an allergen and Transparent Labs Whey's does not.
- You want a powder the brand labels grass-fed and non-gmo (our record for ON Gold Standard Whey has no such label).
Choose ON Gold Standard Whey if…
On the label facts we track, ON Gold Standard Whey has no clear edge over Transparent Labs 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.