It’s the tastiest, most satisfying protein powder I’ve ever tried – and it’s on sale at Walmart

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Full Disclosure: I’m one of those annoying people who set out to work in quarantine. After years of half-hearted gymnastics given up after only a month or two, I finally found a program I liked and stuck to it. However, this new workout obsession has come from others: tracking my macros, monitoring my activity with a shiny new Apple Watch, and changing my eating habits to complement my goals. It introduced me to the vast world of protein powders – exploring which has been an adventure in its own right.

As a vegetarian who focuses on building muscle, I quickly realized that I had to find ways to add protein to my diet other than eating obscene amounts of peanut butter and hummus. After a little google search, I discovered whey, a milk-based protein that is easily digestible (unless you have a lactose or dairy allergy, in which case you should avoid it). After a little more research, I decided that whey protein powder would be the most beneficial for my diet and my fitness goals. Why exactly? Apparently, whey protein can limit muscle breakdown and aid in muscle repair and rebuilding, especially when consumed within 60 minutes of your workout, New Jersey-based sports nutritionist Heidi Skolnik previously said. . Form.

Hoping for the best, I hesitantly bought the smallest bag of whey protein powder I could find. This hope must have worked, because the first one I tried ended up being the one I liked the most. Enter: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder in Rich Double Chocolate (Buy it, from $ 52, walmart.com), my absolute favorite protein powder. (Related: The Best Protein Powders For Women, According To Nutritionists)

Buy it: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder, from $ 52, walmart.com

After trying other powders, I can confidently say that Optimum Nutrition Double Rich Chocolate is the tastiest protein – at least in my opinion. The thought of drinking it actually helps me improve my workout knowing that I will reward myself in the end. It tastes like super rich chocolate milk with maybe a hint of brownie, and it doesn’t have a chemical or coarse aftertaste. Mixing it in a shaker with oat milk is simply divine.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also very filling. I’ve learned not to make the mistake of drinking it too close to dinner time, otherwise it will ruin my appetite. And I can feel confident knowing that I am putting a high quality formula into my body. FYI, when buying protein powder your best bet is to look for a whey protein isolate – not concentrate – as it contains the highest concentration of protein (90-95 percent) and very little. fat, according to Skolnik. This particular protein powder has a blend of the two, but has more isolate than concentrate, making it a solid choice. Per scoop, it also contains just 1g of sugar, 25g of protein, and over 5g of branched-chain amino acids (aka BCAAs, a group of three essential amino acids – the building blocks of protein – which are very important. for muscle growth and physical performance.). This means it supplements more than my low protein diet. (Related: Why You Might Want To Skip The Recommended Daily Protein Intake)

I’m not the only one obsessed with the incredible taste and quality of protein. Walmart shoppers who have reviewed it say it’s the best protein powder they’ve tasted and helps build muscle without causing bloating. (Note: The lactose in whey protein powders can sometimes cause digestive issues, such as bloating, cramping, and diarrhea, especially in people with lactose intolerance.) One reviewer even said they had changed their usual brand after trying Optimum Nutrition, and I haven’t looked back since.

Even though I started out with a 1 pound bag, it didn’t take long for me to switch to the 5 pound tub. I have shopped for various other protein powders, but none have come close to Optimum Nutrition. Normally, the 5-pound jug can be found on other retail sites for $ 60, but it’s currently discounted to $ 52 at Walmart. And, if you’re not a big fan of chocolate, you can also take the same powder in a vanilla ice cream flavor – which I can only believe tastes just as delicious, and like a milk- vanilla shake. (Related: Unflavored Protein Powder You Can Add To Anything And Anything)

You’ve been warned: when you try Optimum Nutrition’s delicious Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder, you can never look for another protein powder again.