Optimum Nutrition100% Whey Gold Standard Whey, Vanilla Flavored, 1.9 lbs

I started using this after learning my breakfast and lunch don't supply a lot of protein. Since I am trying to lose weight, I was stalling due to too little calories and my body was hoarding fat. I needed something to add a few additional calories and protein, and whey protein was recommended. Finding a whey protein without artificial sugars is very difficult, so I was happy to give this product a try. In addition to detesting the taste of artificial sugars, along with the negative things I have read about the use of them, I was determined to find a product that didn't use them.I just mix it with water. It blends fine using a free water container I received at a health fair - nothing fancy, just a plastic bottle with a screw cap. I'm trying to keep calories and sugars down, so I chose this flavor. I found that adding a dash of vanilla extract improves the flavor, but it still has a musty smell. Since I only take it once a day, I figure I can live with both the taste and the flavor. My husband has started to use it in a banana smoothy on those days he doesn't eat well and he doesn't even notice it is in there, so the taste and smell can obviously be hidden if you add something that actually has a flavor.The good news is that after I started to use it, my weight loss began again. I'm not going for a fast loss rate, just acquiring better eating and exercise habits and reaping the benefits of both.Since it is only the flavor and smell I find a problem with, I am giving this 4 stars. If I were rating it on effectiveness only, it would be a 5 star product.11/3/12 Update:I reordered this product and it tasted markedly different - no mustiness. Since I had never tried it prior to the order in the above review, I didn't know what it was SUPPOSED to taste like. When I was ready for my 3rd order, Amazon had a notice about there being a problem with the product at that time and they were not selling it until the issue was resolved. That makes me think my 1st order contained 2 jars that probably shouldn't have been sold. I had no ill effects from them, just didn't care for smell nor taste.As for the weight loss, I did lose an additional 7 lb over 2 months, but seem to be stalling again. I only wish to lose 7 more pounds, so may add an additional serving of this to rev up my metabolism and give my body something to work with in the afternoon.

Drinking whey protein powder helps me feel better. I have more energy and I don't get as hungry before dinner on days I drink the shake compared to eating my normal light lunch of a sandwich and a few chips or fruit.I previously was using Spiri-tein whey protein powder (meal) and thought I'd give this a try. Gold Standard is is better in some ways, but not as good in others.Taste - (I mix it with Blue Diamond Reduced Sugar Almond milk) The Gold Standard tastes much better. With Spiri-tein, I needed to add cocoa to the vanilla flavored drink to make it easier to drink. It still had an odd after taste that was almost like an artificial sweetener wang, but it doesn't have artificial sweetener in it. I love the taste of Gold Standard Vanilla just as it is. It really tastes like a vanilla shake. I can add cocoa if I want, but it's not necessary.Blending - Spiri-tein tops Gold Standard in blending. It takes a little longer to initially blend, but it stays blended, whereas Gold Standard will separate if left standing very long. (Blue Diamond Almond milk used)Economy - A serving size of Gold Standard is larger than a serving of Spiri-tein. The Gold Standard powder is fluffier so that may explain it.Filling - Spiri-tein is more filling and keeps me from getting hungry longer than the same size shake made with Gold Standard. Spiri-tein tended to cause more intestinal gas. Spiri-tein is actually called a "meal" rather than just a supplement. It has more added vitamins and ingredients, so it makes sense that it would fill me up more and last longer.Not sure which one really comes out on top. I like both for different reasons. Gold Standard comes in a BIG plastic jar with a screw on lid. Some settling evidently occurs because it looks only 2/3 full when opened. Spiri-tein comes in a more compact cardboard canister with plastic snap on lid and is also available in individual packets that are good for travel. I really look forward to my daily shakes.

I was hesitant after a few of the negative reviews stating this tasted so bad. For me personally, the taste is better than any vanilla protein drink I've ever had. It's sweetened with evaporated cane juice so there aren't any artificial sweeteners and it's also void of artificial colors. If you're picky about certain ingredients, this does contain "xanthan gum," which is typically added as a thickening agent.Nutritionally, xanthan gum is a carbohydrate with 7 grams of fiber per tablespoon. This may cause bloating in some people. Xanthan gum may be derived from a variety of sources such as corn, wheat, or soy. People with an allergy to one of the above need to avoid this or do more research to ascertain the source.The 2lb container is 909 grams and provides 28 rounded scoops. Each scoop contains 130 calories, 1 gr of fat, 0.5 sat fat, 0 trans fat, 30mg of cholesterol, 60 mg sodium, 5g carbs, 3g sugar, and 24g of protein.If you're concerned with additional ingredients that have weird scientific names, another low on the list is rebaudioside A. I was curios as to what that was and found out it's another name for Stevia. (another natural sweetener.)What I'm not sure about is if this product contains some of the harmful metals that are abundant in many of the popular protein powders out there. I don't see any in the ingredient list but I'm not sure if they're hidden somewhere? If anyone knows I'd love to find out!All in all, this is a great tasting product with a lot of protein, low (natural) sugar and a great taste. I don't like to clean so I usually steer clear of the blender - but this mixes up great with a glass of milk and a fork!Look forward to trying the chocolate flavor next.....hope you enjoy!

I've been using whey ( OPTIMUM NUTRITION Gold Standard Natural 100% Whey, Vanilla 2lb ) , it really works well you can actually see results .the taste not so much tho but I only drink it for the gain so who cares about the taste !

I used it for a long while, but I got very sick of the flavour. Yuck. You can get better ones, that's for sure.