Head to head · Protein Powder
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Casein vs Vega Performance Protein + Recovery (formerly Vega Sport Premium Protein)
Optimum Nutrition and Vega finish level in our scoring (8.1 vs 8.1), so the right pick depends on what you value most — Optimum Nutrition is stronger on value and experience, Vega on quality & purity.
Updated September 2026 from our full reviews · How we score
A slow-digesting micellar casein with 24 g of protein per scoop for bedtime or long gaps between meals; thick, filling and fairly priced.
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Vega's sport protein, formerly Vega Sport Premium Protein: 30 g plant protein, tart cherry and a probiotic per scoop, NSF Certified for Sport.
We may earn a commission when you buy through these links — it never affects our scores. How we make money
We may earn a commission when you buy through these links — it never affects our scores. How we make money
The short answer
Choose Optimum Nutrition if…
- A slow-digesting shake before bed
- Staying full between meals
- Thick shakes and protein puddings
- You care most about value, experience
Choose Vega if…
- Vegan athletes in drug-tested sports
- Dairy- and gluten-free diets
- Lifters who want 30 g of plant protein per scoop
- You care most about quality & purity
Side by side
| Gold Standard 100% Casein | Performance Protein + Recovery (formerly Vega Sport Premium Protein) | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 8.1 / 10 | 8.1 / 10 |
| Efficacy (30%) | 8.3 | 8.6 |
| Quality & Purity (25%) | 7.4 | 8.9 |
| Value (20%) | 8.6 | 7.0 |
| Experience (15%) | 8.5 | 7.2 |
| Transparency (10%) | 7.8 | 8.0 |
| Form | Powder | Powder |
| Serving | 1 scoop (34 g)53 servings per container | 1 scoop (41 g)20 servings per container |
| Testing & certifications | None verified | NSF Certified for Sport |
| Dietary | Gluten-free | Vegan, Dairy-free, Gluten-free |
| Key ingredients |
|
|
| Flavors | 4 (Chocolate Supreme, Creamy Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter…) | 5 (Vanilla, Chocolate, Mocha…) |
| Creator video reviews | 3 | 3 |
Pros and cons
Gold Standard 100% Casein
- 24 g of micellar casein protein per 120-calorie scoop
- Adds 500 mg of calcium and 100% of the Daily Value for zinc
- About $1.40 per serving, good value for casein
- 4.6 stars from more than 9,000 buyer ratings, with many saying it keeps them full
- Not listed among ON's Informed Choice-certified products
- Sweetened with both acesulfame potassium and sucralose, plus artificial flavor
- Thick texture and mixability get mixed reviews
- One scoop is below the 30 to 40 g used in most pre-sleep protein studies
Performance Protein + Recovery (formerly Vega Sport Premium Protein)
- 30 g of protein and 2.6 g of leucine per scoop
- NSF Certified for Sport
- Tart cherry and probiotic amounts are fully disclosed on the label
- Vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free
- Grainy or clumpy texture and a thicker consistency are common complaints
- 490 mg of sodium per scoop
- About $2.25 per serving, and considerably more on the brand site
- Not certified organic
Our verdicts
Gold Standard 100% Casein
Gold Standard 100% Casein is a dependable, well-priced micellar casein for nighttime or between-meal protein, with good flavor and a filling texture. It lacks the named third-party certification of ON's whey and uses artificial sweeteners, but for most people who want a slow-digesting shake it does the job at a fair price.
Full review
Performance Protein + Recovery (formerly Vega Sport Premium Protein)
Vega Performance Protein + Recovery is a strong, sport-certified plant protein with a whey-like 30 g dose and solid leucine content. Texture and price hold it back, but for vegan athletes who need NSF certification it remains one of the best options, especially when bought at a discount.
Full review
What creators say
Questions people ask
Is Optimum Nutrition better than Vega?
Are Optimum Nutrition and Vega third-party tested?
Who should choose Optimum Nutrition over Vega?
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