Optimum Nutrition is the brand behind the industry icon Gold Standard 100% Whey, and despite the company’s enormous international reach, we don’t tend to see all that many new products from it. There have been plenty of flavors, sizes, and regional releases over the years, although not many here in the US. This month, we’ve got something completely new, and it’s even more interesting because it is in that core category of protein powder.
Essential Protein is one of the latest supplements from the giant Optimum Nutrition, and it comes at a time when prices of protein powder are rapidly changing, and so are approaches to the category as a whole. Optimum’s Essential Protein is a different take on the space, not an overlap, with a product that relies entirely on milk protein for its lean 24g of protein per serving, less than a gram of fat, 3g of carbohydrates, and 110 calories.
Optimum Nutrition promises an indulgent taste for its Essential Protein Powder, featuring a smooth, creamy consistency and a classic milkshake taste. Flavor-wise, it has stuck to the classics for launch with two tastes to choose from: Creamy Milk Chocolate and Creamy Vanilla. There are also two sizes for the protein innovation in the usual 2lber packing, 26 servings at $45.99, and the trial-size 9oz with a sample-like eight servings at $15.99.