Optimum Nutrition

Gold Standard 100% Whey

Barcode 5060469988474

Scanned 31 times by Nomi users

Yes — Gold Standard 100% Whey is ultra-processed.

The product contains several ultra-processed ingredients according to NOVA: soy lecithin (emulsifier), unspecified flavourings, the thickener xanthan gum, and artificial sweeteners sucralose and acesulfame K. The presence of these industrial additives makes the overall product ultra-processed.

Ingredients

3 ultra-processed markers

OK

whey protein blend (93%) [milk] (whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, hydrolysed whey protein isolate, emulsifier: soy lecithin)
OK

fat-reduced cocoa powder

Cocoa powder with reduced fat content, produced by removing part of the fat from cocoa beans. Used to provide chocolate flavor with less fat.
UPF

flavourings

Flavourings are additives that are used to enhance or impart flavor to food products. They are considered ultra-processed as they are synthetic or natural substances that are typically extracted, isolated, or synthesized for their flavor properties.
UPF

xanthan gum

A fermented polysaccharide thickener used as a food additive to improve texture.
UPF

sweeteners (sucralose, acesulfame k)

A blend of artificial sweeteners sucralose and acesulfame potassium used to sweeten foods and beverages.

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.

Not Ultra-Processed

Soya Protein Unflavoured

Pulsin

View product →

Not Ultra-Processed

Naked Organic Vegan Protein Blend

Wyldsson

View product →

Swap it for something less processed

See all Drinks →

Other drinks Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Gold Standard 100% Whey

Is Gold Standard 100% Whey ultra-processed?

Yes — Gold Standard 100% Whey by Optimum Nutrition is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product contains several ultra-processed ingredients according to NOVA: soy lecithin (emulsifier), unspecified flavourings, the thickener xanthan gum, and artificial sweeteners sucralose and acesulfame K. The presence of these industrial additives makes the overall product ultra-processed.

Which ingredients in Gold Standard 100% Whey are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 3 ingredients in Gold Standard 100% Whey as ultra-processed markers: flavourings, xanthan gum, sweeteners (sucralose, acesulfame k). See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Gold Standard 100% Whey?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Soya Protein Unflavoured by Pulsin, Naked Organic Vegan Protein Blend by Wyldsson. See the healthier alternatives above for details.

What does "ultra-processed" (UPF) mean?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations made with ingredients and additives you wouldn't find in a home kitchen — such as emulsifiers, artificial flavourings, colourings and modified starches. The classification is based on the NOVA system used by researchers and dietitians worldwide.

How can I check whether other foods are ultra-processed?

Scan any barcode — or photograph the ingredients label — with the free Nomi app for iOS and Android. You'll get an instant ultra-processed verdict with every ingredient explained in plain English.

Product information comes from public databases and Nomi's own analysis, and may contain errors. Always check the packaging. Ultra-processed classification is based on the NOVA food processing system.