Head-to-head comparison updated for 2026. See which protein product comes out on top.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Brand | NOW Sports | Optimum Nutrition |
| Protein / serving | 25gBest | 24g |
| Calories / serving | 110Best | 120 |
| Fat / serving | 0.5gBest | 1.5g |
| Carbs / serving | 1gBest | 3g |
| Sugar / serving | 0gBest | 1g |
| Price / serving | $0.83Best | $0.86 |
| Price / gram protein | $0.0333Best | $0.0360 |
| Overall score | 88/100Best | 76/100 |
| Value score | 85/100Best | 78/100 |
| Purity score | 98/100Best | 73/100 |
| Protein source | Whey Isolate | Whey Blend |
| Sweetener | none | sucralose |
| Certifications | Informed Sport, GMP Certified, Non-GMO | Informed Sport |
| Dietary tags | Gluten-Free, Soy-Free | Gluten-Free |
| Third-party tested | Yes | Yes |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate combines two things that rarely go together: Informed Sport certification and budget-friendly pricing. At $64.99 for 78 servings, it delivers 25g of protein per scoop at just $0.033 per gram of protein — an exceptional value for a sport-certified product. NOW Foods has been a trusted supplement manufacturer since 1968, bringing over five decades of quality assurance to every batch.
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.
NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate edges ahead with an overall score of 88 vs 76. For value, NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate wins with a 85/100 value score.
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Last updated: March 2026
