Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard vs MyProtein Impact Whey — Head-to-Head
When it comes to whey protein in Australia, two names dominate the conversation: Optimum Nutrition (ON) 100% Whey Gold Standard and MyProtein Impact Whey. Both are industry staples with millions of units sold worldwide — but which one actually delivers better value for Australian lifters?
We dug into the data to find out.
The Contenders
| Spec | Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard | MyProtein Impact Whey |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$89.95 (2.27kg) | ~$34.99 (1kg) |
| Protein per serve | 24g | 21g |
| Protein per dollar | ~0.63g per $1 | ~0.60g per $1 |
| Primary source | Whey Protein Isolate | Whey Protein Concentrate |
| Calories | 120 kcal | 103 kcal |
| Flavour range | 20+ flavours | 40+ flavours |
| Serving size | 31.4g | 25g |
Round 1: Protein Content
ON Gold Standard edges ahead with 24g per serve and whey isolate as its primary ingredient. MyProtein delivers a respectable 21g per serve, but uses concentrate as the main source. Whey isolate is more rapidly absorbed and contains less lactose — a win for anyone with dairy sensitivities.
Verdict: ON wins by a few grams.
Round 2: Value for Money
At face value, MyProtein looks cheaper — but the numbers tell a subtler story. ON's 2.27kg tub works out to roughly $1.59 per 24g serve. MyProtein's 1kg bag comes in at roughly $0.87 per 21g serve. To get the same protein quantity as one ON scoop, you'd need ~1.15 serves of Impact Whey.
After normalising for protein-per-dollar, the gap tightens considerably. ON still offers marginally better protein-per-dollar, but MyProtein's frequent flash sales (often dropping below $25/kg) make it the better budget pick when discounted.
Verdict: MyProtein wins on sale price. ON wins at full price.
Round 3: Taste & Mixability
Both mix cleanly with water and milk, but ON's instantized formula dissolves slightly faster. Flavour is subjective — MyProtein's Salted Caramel and Birthday Cake are cult favourites, while ON's Double Rich Chocolate is the benchmark most competitors chase.
Verdict: Draw. Both are excellent.
Round 4: Ingredient Quality
ON's ingredient list is longer and includes artificial sweeteners (acesulfame potassium, sucralose). MyProtein keeps it simpler with just whey concentrate, soy lecithin and sucralose. Neither is particularly "clean", but MyProtein wins for fewer additives.
The ProteinRanked Verdict
- Best overall quality: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard
- Best budget pick: MyProtein Impact Whey (on sale)
- Best for beginners: MyProtein — lower upfront cost
- Best for serious trainers: Optimum Nutrition — isolate wins out
Both are solid choices. Your decision should come down to budget, flavour preference, and whether you need the marginal benefits of whey isolate over concentrate.
This comparison uses data from the ProteinRanked database. Prices may vary by retailer and promotion. Last updated May 2026.