Optimum Nutrition 100% Casein Review

When people think of Optimum Nutrition, the first product that comes to mind is Gold Standard 100% Whey. However, what many people may not know is that Optimum Nutrition does not just make one of the world’s top selling whey proteins, but they also make one of the world’s top selling casein proteins too. Gold Standard 100% Casein is a casein protein powder with quality that you would expect from the leading protein manufacturer.

What is Gold Standard 100% Casein?

Gold Standard 100% Casein is a high quality and high purity casein protein powder. Unlike whey protein, casein is digested very slowly, which makes it a great way to provide your body with a steady flow of amino acids when you’re not eating. Right before bed would be an excellent time to consume Gold Standard 100% Casein.

Gold Standard 100% Casein First Impressions

Gold Standard 100% Casein is an honest and simple supplement. It is primarily made up of micellar casein and very little else. In each 32 g serve, you get 24 g protein, only 1 g fat, 3 g carbs, and no sugar. Beyond these basics, you are also looking at around 5 g of BCAAs and 5 g of glutamine and glutamine precursors. These are all great amino acids to help with recovery.

Gold Standard 100% Casein Difference from the Competition

Compared to the number of whey products on the market, very few manufacturers actually develop a casein supplement. However, among these, Gold Standard 100% Casein is one of the few that is actually a pure casein product. Many competitors use a blend of proteins including whey, as well as other forms of casein, which may be considered to be inferior. Although there are merits to using a blended protein, it is refreshing to be able to purchase a pure product and know exactly what you’re getting.

Of Particular Interest

The nutrition panel of Gold Standard 100% Casein states that the product contains no sugar. This means that technically, this product should be lactose-free. Although this is not specifically stated, it is likely that that Gold Standard 100% Casein may be suitable for lactose intolerant people.

Optimum Nutrition has added Aminogen to the mix. This is a blend of digestive enzymes to help with protein digestion and absorption. Although this is a nice addition, whether or not it is strictly needed for a casein product is up to debate. Of course, as with other protein powders from Optimum Nutrition, Gold Standard 100% Casein uses only the finest ingredients from diary giants Glanbia.

Gold Standard 100% Casein Flavour & Mixability

Like all Optimum Nutrition products, Gold Standard 100% Casein mixes very well. Compared to the average protein shake it is quite thick, so if you prefer a thinner shake, be sure to use more than the recommended amount of water. The taste is good and very milky, very much like a milkshake. My personal pick would be the chocolate flavour.

Gold Standard 100% Casein Negatives

Being a casein product, Gold Standard 100% Casein is very slow digesting. This makes Gold Standard 100% Casein completely unsuitable as a post workout shake, if used by itself. Remember that although casein is a great addition to your supplement cabinet, it should only be used in addition to, and not instead of whey during any given day.

Who is Gold Standard 100% Casein for?

Gold Standard 100% Casein is really for anyone looking to increase their protein intake. Whether it be because you are looking to build/maintain muscle mass, or even to fill you up while dieting, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Casein is a great supplement to consider.