Protein powders have become a popular nutritional supplement among fitness enthusiasts and athletes. Two of the most well-known brands in the protein supplement market are Ascent and Optimum Nutrition. But which one offers the highest quality protein and overall better value?
This comprehensive guide compares Ascent and Optimum Nutrition across several categories to help you determine which protein powder is right for you.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | Ascent | Optimum Nutrition |
| Protein source | 100% Grass-fed whey isolate | Whey isolate, concentrate, and hydrolysate blends |
| Protein content | 90%+ | 80-90% |
| Carb content | 1-2g per serving | 3-4g per serving |
| Fat content | 0-1g per serving | 1-3g per serving |
| Artificial ingredients | None | Uses artificial sweeteners and flavors |
| Flavor variety | Limited | Wide variety |
| Mixability | Excellent | Very good |
| Texture | Smooth and thin | Slightly thicker |
| Price per serving | $1.30 | $0.73 |
| Best for | Pure isolate | Value and flavor |
Protein Sources And Quality
The first key consideration when evaluating a protein powder is the source and quality of the protein.
Ascent uses only whey protein isolate in their powders. Whey isolate is a fast-absorbing protein that contains 90% or higher protein content. It has little to no fat, carbs, or lactose. Ascent’s isolate is sourced from grass-fed cows not treated with hormones or antibiotics. This results in a non-GMO, rBST-free whey isolate that is easy to digest.
Optimum Nutrition offers several different protein lines including whey isolates, blends, and plant-based proteins. Their popular Gold Standard line uses a blend of whey isolates, hydrolysates, and concentrates. While still a high-quality option, the blend does contain slightly higher fat and carb content compared to a pure isolate. Optimum Nutrition sources their dairy proteins from cows in the US and Europe.
When it comes to protein quality, Ascent has the edge for using 100% whey isolate. However, Optimum Nutrition still provides high bioavailability and absorption with their blend.
Ingredients And Taste
Beyond the protein source, the additional ingredients and flavorings impact the taste and nutritional value.
Ascent keeps their ingredient list very simple and clean. Their powders contain no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or additives. They use natural flavorings like cocoa, monk fruit, and stevia for sweetness. The simplicity results in great-tasting shakes without any chemical aftertaste.
Optimum Nutrition offers a huge variety of flavors with indulgent taste profiles. To achieve this, their powders do contain artificial sweeteners (sucralose), natural and artificial flavors, and food dyes. These additions don’t negatively impact the nutrition much, but some people may wish to avoid them. The flavors cover up the typical protein taste very well.
For all natural ingredients, Ascent wins again. But Optimum Nutrition offers greater variety and stronger sweetness for those who want a treat-like shake.
Also Read: Choose Between Ka’Chava And Orgain.
Nutritional Profile
Aside from the protein content, we need to look at the other nutritional components like calories, carbs, fats, and more.
Ascent keeps their shakes straightforward with minimal other ingredients beyond the whey isolate. A typical serving contains 120 calories, 1g fat, 3g carbs, and 27g protein. There are no vitamins, minerals or additional supplements. This allows you full control over customizing your desired nutrition.
Optimum Nutrition offers a range of nutritional profiles across their various protein lines. Their Gold Standard blend normally contains around 120 calories, 1-3g fat, 3-4g carbs, and 24-26g protein per serving. Some products are enhanced with added amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and other supplements to provide more comprehensive nutrition.
For pure, unadulterated protein content, Ascent is the winner. But Optimum Nutrition may be preferable if you want a more nutritionally complete shake with added supplements.
Mixability And Texture
How well the powder dissolves and its texture when shaken are also important considerations.
Ascent dissolves seamlessly into water or milk with just a few shakes. There is no grittiness or clumping. It blends smoothly into the liquid for a light, refreshing shake.
Optimum Nutrition is also known for mixing easily without clumping or foaming. However, some users note a slightly grainier texture compared to other isolates. The shakes still go down smooth, but may have a thicker mouthfeel.
For the best mixability and lightest shake texture, Ascent wins in this category.
Also watch the video about Ascent!
Cost And Value
Lastly, let’s compare the price and value you get between the two brands.
Ascent prices their 2lb tubs at $60. This is on the higher end, but expected for a premium grass-fed isolate. With 27g of protein per 30g serving, you get about 46 servings per tub. This breaks down to $1.30 per serving.
Optimum Nutrition offers better value for money, with their 2lb Gold Standard tubs priced at $45. With 24g protein per 31g serving, you get around 62 servings per tub. This equals just $0.73 per serving. Even their more premium isolate line is priced lower than Ascent’s isolate.
If you want the highest quality isolate possible, then Ascent is worth the higher price. But if value matters more, Optimum Nutrition gives you more servings and protein per dollar spent.
Also Read: Comparison Between Thorne And Klean Creatine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Ascent uses a premium quality whey isolate that is grass-fed and sourced from hormone/antibiotic-free cows in the USA. Their isolate has over 90% protein content and is easily digestible. Ascent protein is very high quality.
Optimum Nutrition makes high quality proteins including both isolates and blends. Their Gold Standard line is extremely popular and one of the best-tasting proteins on the market. Optimum Nutrition is a top protein brand, but not strictly the best compared to isolates like Ascent.
For a pure whey isolate, Ascent is the best option with their grass-fed whey. But Optimum Nutrition offers better value for money along with quality isolates and blends. There is no definitive “best” brand – it depends on your nutritional needs and budget.
Whey isolate is generally considered the highest quality protein powder. Within isolate, grass-fed options like Ascent are viewed as higher quality than conventional isolate. But there are other high-end isolates like Dymatize ISO100 or Transparent Labs that can also be contenders for top isolate.
Also Read: Is Proti-Thin Better Than Ideal Protein?
The Verdict
So which protein powder is better when all factors are weighed?
For the highest purity, quality, and focus strictly on whey protein isolate, Ascent is the winner. Their grass-fed isolate is easier to digest, absorbs faster, and contains no extra fluff.
However, Optimum Nutrition offers greater flavor variety, more comprehensive nutrition, and better value for money. Their blends mix smoothly and are still high quality.
Here is a quick summary of the key differences:
Ascent
- 100% grass-fed whey isolate
- More easily digestible
- Naturally sweetened and flavored
- Cleaner ingredient profile
- Better mixability and texture
Optimum Nutrition
- Whey protein blends
- More flavor varieties
- Sweeter taste from artificial sweeteners
- Enhanced nutrition with added supplements
- Lower cost per serving
So choosing between Ascent and Optimum Nutrition depends on your priorities:
- If you want pure, high-quality isolate – choose Ascent
- If you want variety and nutritional extras – choose Optimum Nutrition
- If you want value for money – choose Optimum Nutrition
Either option can fit into a healthy diet and help you meet your protein goals. Take your preferences on taste, texture, ingredients, and budget into account when selecting the best protein powder for you.