Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey | Gluten Free

On average gluten intolerance is a condition that affects 1 in 70 Australians.¹ As a result there has been an increase in demand for gluten-free supplements, particularly protein powders. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey is considered one of the top-quality protein powders and is still the leader in the market. While Optimum Nutrition offers nutritional products in every category and many of the products are considered gluten-free within their whey protein range some are not labelled as gluten-free.

In this article, we’ll be highlighting the areas of what gluten is, which flavours are gluten-free and the clear labelling Optimum Nutrition has layered their gluten-free labels.

What is Gluten?

Gluten is a naturally occurring protein found in wheat, barley and rye, and other food products containing these ingredients; all of which can cause discomfort for gluten intolerant or coeliac.

Before we go into the details of Optimum Nutrition’s features and the different flavours; examples of the Optimum Nutrition 100% Gold Standard Whey labelling are illustrated here to users to display the distinct difference in the labelling between gluten and non-gluten-free.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey: Gluten-Free Ingredients & Dosage

Optimum Nutrition's 100% Whey Gold Standard is a protein powder containing mostly whey protein isolates. The protein powder is used as a dietary supplement to help build muscle. One rounded scoop of protein powder contains 120 calories, 1 gram of fat, 60 milligrams of sodium, 3 grams of carbohydrates and 24 grams of protein.

Note: The nutritional panel may vary slightly depending on flavour.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey: Flavours

Since Optimum Nutrition's repackaging and re-branding in 2021, they have widened their range of gluten-free options. Previously somewhat limited, now all flavours excluding Cookies & Cream and Choc Malt are gluten-free. At the time of writing, ON offers 16 different flavours for their Gold Standard Whey in Australia - meaning there are 14 gluten-free flavours available. 

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey: Gluten-Free Labelling

The "Gluten-Free" stamp can be seen on the bottom left of the packaging. Alternatively, it can also be found underneath the nutritional panel, i.e. “Contains Milk, Soy & Gluten.” The product label specified on the Gold Standard Whey is printed dark and contains vibrant colours with a shiny and smooth finish.

To make it easier for customers the label is fairly straightforward and has the statement “gluten-free” specified on the front of the label. It is important to stay clear of proteins that contain glutamine peptides as in most cases they are derived from wheat. As the leader of the industry, ON Gold Standard 100% Whey uses top-quality proteins such as whey protein isolates which are mostly gluten-free.

What Makes a Flavour Not Gluten-Free?

Within the range of Optimum Nutrition’s Whey protein powder, there are only 2 flavours that are not considered gluten-free. Although whey protein does not contain any gluten there are still many food sources or ingredients that may contain traces of gluten and its derivatives. Some things to look out for include malt, brewer’s yeast and wheat starch.

Naturally, whey protein does not contain any wheat protein or gluten as it is a complete protein carrying all of the essential and non-essential amino acids in the body. Because whey protein is bland in flavour many companies like Optimum Nutrition have chosen to incorporate other ingredients to enhance flavour and come up with delicious flavours for their customers.

A prime example of a flavour not being gluten-free would be Optimum Nutrition’s Cookie & Cream flavour which contains added cookie crumbs that do contain gluten.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey: Gluten-Free Final Verdict

Optimum Gold Standard Whey is packed with the highest quality whey protein isolate available on the market today. Every serving you take contains 24g of protein to fuel your body with the nutrients you need for optimal recovery after training. Optimum Whey flavours are top-of-the-range catering for those who are looking for gluten-free options.

Finding out whether a supplement is gluten-free can be challenging at times, but Optimum Nutrition has made it easier for users through its clear labelling. 

This article is written with the best information available at the time of writing and serves only as a guide. Product formulations and labelling claims may change without notice and it is up to the consumer to ensure that products are indeed gluten-free.