Head-to-head comparison updated for 2026. See which protein product comes out on top.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Brand | BSN | Optimum Nutrition |
| Protein / serving | 22g | 24gBest |
| Calories / serving | 200 | 120Best |
| Fat / serving | 6g | 1.5gBest |
| Carbs / serving | 15g | 3gBest |
| Sugar / serving | 2g | 1gBest |
| Price / serving | $1.04 | $0.86Best |
| Price / gram protein | $0.0474 | $0.0360Best |
| Overall score | 57/100 | 76/100Best |
| Value score | 55/100 | 78/100Best |
| Purity score | 58/100 | 73/100Best |
| Protein source | Whey Blend | Whey Blend |
| Sweetener | sucralose | sucralose |
| Certifications | None | Informed Sport |
| Dietary tags | None | Gluten-Free |
| Third-party tested | No | Yes |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
BSN SYNTHA-6 is not your typical lean protein powder — it is more of a protein-enhanced meal replacement that prioritizes taste above all else. The Chocolate Milkshake flavor lives up to its name, delivering a thick, creamy, genuinely milkshake-like experience that has earned it a cult following among protein users who hate the taste of typical protein powders.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey is the best-selling whey protein powder in the world, and for good reason. With 24g of protein per scoop from a tri-blend of whey isolate, concentrate, and peptides, it delivers a well-rounded amino acid profile including 5.5g of BCAAs and 11g of EAAs per serving. The Double Rich Chocolate flavor is consistently praised as one of the best-tasting protein powders on the market.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey takes the lead with an overall score of 76 vs 57. For value, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey wins with a 78/100 value score.
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Last updated: March 2026
