Gold Standard 100% Plant is a protein powder made by Optimum Nutrition.

It’s a plant-based protein, designed to help athletes on any type of diet with growth and recovery.

Optimum Nutrition was founded in 1986, in the United States.

Ingredients Label

Active Ingredients

Pea Protein

Pea protein is one of the most effective plant-based sources of protein for athletes.

It has a high BCAA content, which is similar to that of whey. BCAAs are amino acids which are vital to muscle growth and repair (1).

Rice Protein

Although rice protein doesn’t have as high a BCAA content as pea protein, it provides a valuable smooth texture to the formula that pea protein doesn’t have (2).

Sacha Inchi Protein

Sacha Inchi is the seed of a Peruvian plant, which is becoming well-known for its nutritional value, especially vitamins and omega-3.

Sacha Inchi protein contains some BCAAs, but not as many as pea or whey protein (3).

Organic Grain Blend

This blend contains a bunch of organic grains which supply a small amount of healthy carbohydrates and fibre, for better consistency and digestion.

Who Takes It?

Athletes who are vegan or simply prefer a plant-based protein will enjoy using Gold Standard 100% Plant.

How to Take

Mix 1 scoop (38g) with 250mL water or almond milk, and consume after your workout or as desired.

Side Effects

Excess protein consumption may worsen an existing kidney or liver condition.

Pros

Plant based
Naturally flavoured and sweetened
4g of BCAAs per serve.

Cons

Not as much BCAAs per serve as whey
Sancha Inchi may be more hype than helpful.

Conclusion

Gold Standard 100% Plant is a protein powder which is built upon the typical base of pea and rice protein, which provides a solid dose of BCAAs, along with a pleasant texture.

Where the formula differs is its inclusion of Sacha Inchi protein, sourced from a special Peruvian seed. Although this seed is gaining recognition as a “superfood” it looks like its protein content is nothing too special.

You can expect good growth and recovery results from Gold Standard 100% Plant, that is almost as good as whey protein.