Why is 100% Gold Standard Whey classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is labeled NOVA 4 because it combines isolated, concentrated and hydrolyzed whey proteins with several processed ingredients such as soy lecithin, xanthan gum, natural and artificial flavors, salt, the sweeteners sucralose and acesulfame potassium, and cocoa that has been alkalised, all of which are typical of ultra‑processed foods.

How does the sugar and salt content in this whey protein affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

Each 32 g serving provides about 2 g of sugars and 0.4 g of salt; the sugar amount is modest for most active adults but may raise blood glucose for people with diabetes, while the salt contributes roughly 7 % of the daily limit and could be a concern for those managing hypertension.

Is the whey protein in this product a concern for individuals with milk or soy allergies?

Yes, the formula contains whey protein, which is derived from milk, and also includes soy lecithin, so it is not suitable for anyone who is allergic to milk or soy.

Optimum Nutrition

100% Gold Standard Whey

Dietary Supplements

Product Insights

100% Gold Standard Whey from Optimum Nutrition is a protein powder classified under the protein foods group of dietary supplements. It is a NOVA 4 product, meaning it is ultra‑processed, and its Nutri‑Score is not applicable for this category. While it delivers a high protein content (75 g per 100 g) and provides essential minerals, it also contains moderate levels of sugar (6.3 g), fat (6.3 g), saturated fat (3.1 g) and salt (1.25 g), and includes additives such as soy lecithin, xanthan gum, sucralose and acesulfame potassium.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

moderate

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal406 kcal

Iron2.2 mg

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average protein powders, this whey delivers slightly more protein but markedly higher fat, sugar, saturated fat and salt, while offering virtually no dietary fiber.

Ingredients

UNCOM nytime to inkability 1O ARTIFICIAL GROWTH HORMONES* DIFFERENCE HAS BEEN SHOWN ERIVED FROM RBST-TREATED AND TED COWS rotein to meet high protein 5 part of a aining 80 servings per container Nut on at song Serving size 32g (About 1 Scoop) Amount per serving Calories Total Fat 2g Saturated Fat 1g Cholesterol 55mg Sodium 160mg Total Carbohydrate 3g Dietary Fiber < 1g Total Sugars 2g Protein 24g Calcium 140mg Iron 07mg Potassium 200mg Not a significant source of trans fat, added sugars and vitamin D *The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice Protein Blend (Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Hydrolyzed Whey Protein), Cocoa (Processed with Alkali), Natural and Artificial Flavor, Sunflower and/or Soy Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Salt, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium CONTAINS: MILK AND SOY 130 % Daily Value* 3% 5% 18% 7% 1% 2% 48% 10% 4% 4% MANUFACTURED FOR GLANBIA PERFORMANCE NUTRITION (NA), INC 3500 Lacey Road, Suite 1200 Downers Grove, IL 60515 1(800) 705-5226 MANUFACTURED IN THE USA A TAOS INCAR DIE NTS AND PORE SIR CRISIN A MOED BUT MAY SA

84%

35%

Unlock What Your Food Doesn't Tell You

Scan this and millions of other food products to discover hidden positive & negative points, scores percentage, additives, allergens, and deeper product insights with the free NutrScan app.