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

The product combines a whey protein blend with flavorings, soy lecithin as an emulsifier, kanthan gum as a thickener, curcumin for colour and sucralose as a sweetener, all of which are typical ingredients that raise the processing level to NOVA 4.

Is Gold Standard 100% Whey suitable for vegan, keto, or gluten‑free diets?

It is not vegan because it contains dairy‑derived whey and milk, it is not strictly gluten‑free due to possible gluten cross‑contamination, but its very low carbohydrate (5.6 g) and sugar content make it compatible with keto diets for most users.

Does the presence of soy lecithin pose a risk for people with a soy allergy?

Yes, soy lecithin is derived from soy and can trigger reactions in individuals with a diagnosed soy allergy, so such consumers should avoid this whey protein powder.

Optimum Nutrition • 2.28 kg

Gold standard 100% Whey

Dietary Supplements

Product Insights

Gold Standard 100% Whey is a whey protein powder marketed as a dietary supplement for bodybuilding. It falls within the Dairy products group of the French PNNS classification, carries a Nutri‑Score that is not applicable to supplements, and is classified as NOVA 4, meaning it is ultra‑processed and contains several additives such as flavorings, soy lecithin, sucralose, kanthan gum and curcumin. Nutritionally it provides an exceptionally high protein content (79 g per 100 g) while keeping sugar (3.3 g) and salt (0.20 g) low, but it also lists gluten, egg, nuts, soy and milk as allergens and includes synthetic sweetener and thickener ingredients.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal378 kcal

Fat4.2 g

Monounsaturated Fat1.4 g

Carbohydrates5.6 g

Sugars3.3 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average protein powders, this whey delivers far more protein (79 g vs ≈ 37 g) while containing less sugar, salt and carbohydrates, though its calorie density is higher than the category average.

Ingredients

WHEY Protein Blend (98%) [MILK] (WHEY Protein Isolate, WHEY Protein Concentrate, Hydrolysed WHEY Pro S SEE Emulsifier: SOY Lecithin), Flavourings [MILK), Thickener Kanthan Gum, Sweetener (Sucralose), Colour (Curcumin). FOR ALLECTORUM INGREDIENTS CAPITALISED AND BOLD. May Contain: Gluten, Egg, Nuts and Peanuts.

84%

35%

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