Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Naturally Flavored Protein Powder, Vanilla, 1.9 Pound (Packaging May Vary)

The Chocolate tastes good to me. I haven't experienced any stomach aches after using. I usually use two scoops (it comes with a plastic scoop) per drink I make. I use it mostly as a meal replacer to help me trim down fat while retaining muscle mass for the warmer seasons because it is relatively low in calories for the amount of protein you get per serving, and it keeps your hunger feeling satiated for a while. I like to mix collagen peptides with it. Of all the whey protein powders this seems to be the best value for your buck.

I never write reviews, but I want to do whatever I can to make sure this product is not discontinued.It took me forever to find this protein powder. Once I did, I stuck to it!1. The macros are incredible.2. There are no artificial sweeteners.3. Yet, it tastes amazing!Most notably, it doesn't taste too sweet. I don't have much of a sweet tooth naturally, but I've also conditioned myself to not crave sugar by gradually reducing the amount of "sweeteners" (real or artificial) in my diet—especially in my smoothies, since that is a daily part of my diet.Now, that the "natural vanilla" is out of stock, I have to buy the other "vanilla" flavors, which do have artificial sweeteners. Not only do I not want to put artificial sweeteners in my body, but I also don't want the daily addition of these artificial sweeteners to change my palate and cause me to crave sugar. Plus, I just don't like the taste of artificial sweeteners, and I don't like my smoothie tasting that sweet (whether artificially or not).Moreover, the mild flavor of the "natural vanilla" is great for adding protein powder to baking because it doesn't overwhelm the recipe with its own flavor.I have been using this protein powder for at least 7 years now—once a day, on average. (I put 2 servings into a large smoothie that I divide into 3 portions, ergo 2/3 per smoothie and I have 1-3 of those portioned smoothies per day.)My family knows I do my research on these things. So, once I started using this, my mom, sister, aunt, and uncle all started using it, too!I'm not sure if this is unavailable because there has been a hiccup in production, or if it is being discontinued. But, I really hope it returns.There really is nothing like it on the market. (If someone here thinks they've found another protein powder that (1) has these macros, (2) has no artificial sweeteners, and (3) is a mild vanilla taste, please let me know!)

This is my first time buying protein. I've been working out for about three weeks now, trying to lose fat and gain muscle. I did a lot of research before I decided on this product, because I saw how expensive protein powders were. There's so many claims that every manufacturer make about how their product is superior to their competitors. I decided that I wouldn't base my decision on the flashy claims written on bottles, bright colors, or even on customer reviews. I did my own research online about what a GOOD protein powder should have. Here's why I love my Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard Natural Whey, Vanilla, 5 Pound:1.) LOW CALORIE and LOW FAT - For me, this was probably the most important factor being someone who is try to shed fat. There are only 130 calories, 1g of fat, and 0.5g of saturated fat per scoop ( 1 scoop = 32g). This is by far the leanest protein I found.2.) HIGH PROTEIN per scoop - If I was going to shell out over 50 bucks on a supplement, it better be worth my money. This powder packs 24g of protein per scoop. Another plus as Optimum Nutrition has made a high protein, and low calorie/fat product. You can't beat a powder which is 75% of pure protein by weight.3.) ALL NATURAL ingredients - According to my research, the biggest dangers of protein powders were that they were chock full of artificial flavors and sweeteners which can cause harm if taken over a long period of time. This is why I opted for Optimum Nutrition's natural form of protein. This product only has natural flavorings, and natural cane juice for sweetness. Some reviews say that this powder lists stevia or Rebaudiana-A in the ingredients. This is FALSE. At least for me it is. My bottle lists evaporated cane juice as the only sweetener. No stevia in mine. I'm glad Optimum Nutrition did this, because there is still a lot of research that should be done on stevia before we can truly call it safe.4.) Simple and versatile vanilla flavor - I must say that this product tastes fine. Its not a dessert/milkshake, and its not a treat. Its a protein powder SUPPLEMENT, and I'm satisfied with the way it tastes. I was worried about buying this because a few reviews said how this was "undrinkable" or had a "artificial sweetener aftertaste". I honestly don't have any such problem with this protein. Its very much drinkable. Even if you do somehow hate the flavor, just dilute the powder in a greater amount of liquid before you drink it. I love how this vanilla flavor is very versatile in that I am able to add it to anything and it fits. So far, I've put it in berry smoothies, oatmeal, and my morning cereal. I'm sure I won't get bored trying to find the different ways I can add this protein into my meals.5.) A,GOOD PROTEIN BLEND with all the AMINO ACIDS I need - Through research, I found that there are so many types of protein, and the best type of protein is whey isolate or whey peptides, but these types of powder can get very expensive. I wasn't ready to spend that much money on a powder. This product lists a protein blend of whey isolates, whey concentrate, and whey peptides in each serving. Many other manufacturers only use the cheap whey concentrate in the products. I like how this is a high quality blend which keeps the cost low. ON has also put in all the essential amino acids, and BCAA's I need to help my body's muscles recover quickly after a workout.Overall, I happy I made this choice. ON has made a product which is nutritious, low calorie, high quality, and all natural. What more can I ask for in a decently priced protein powder? Get this now, and I promise you won't regret it.

I love this product line, as I avoid artificial sweeteners except stevia, and soooo many use the chemical ones. Was excited about the strawberry flavor as they only had chocolate and vanilla before (I keep some of both to mix things up).As a friend of mine says, "Its just not as good as I wanted it to be..."Having said that, Im still happy with the purchase, and Ill definitely use it all. I may use some frozen strawberries and a blender to make a sort of strawberry milkshake (I use unsweetened vanilla almond milk with my protein powders). The frozen fruit will make it cold without diluting the flavor like ice would.I have dried blueberry powder, perhaps I try and find some strawberry powder that will let me add a bit more to boost the flavor. Freeze-dried strawberries may work as well.Taste is subjective. Its worth buying to try. Just realize the flavor is subtle, not super strong. The protein is good quality I think, a preferred brand Ive used for years.

This is the best protein shake I've ever drank ever I usually don't like them that much because some of them are chalky but this is perfect with some ice, honey and 2% milk.

Very good flavor. Totally dissolved in water. No grit.Sufficient protein with not too many calories. My hubby loves it!