This is the tastiest, most filling protein powder I've ever tried—and it's on sale at Walmart

This is the tastiest, most filling protein powder I've ever tried—and it's on sale at Walmart

Full disclosure: I'm one of those annoying people who came to workout because of quarantine. After years of half-hearted fitness pursuits that were abandoned after just a month or two, I finally found a program I liked and stuck with it. However, with this new workout obsession came others: tracking my macros, monitoring my activity through a shiny new Apple Watch, and changing my eating habits to complement my goals. This led me into the wide world of protein powders – exploring which was a journey all its own.

As a vegetarian focused on building muscle, I quickly realized that I needed 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 protein made from milk that is easily digestible (unless you have a lactose or milk allergy, in which case you should avoid it). After a little more research, I decided that whey protein powder would benefit my nutrition and fitness goals the most. Why exactly? Apparently, whey protein can limit muscle breakdown and help repair and rebuild muscles, especially when consumed within 60 minutes of exercise, Heidi Skolnik, a New Jersey-based sports nutritionist, told Shape.

I hoped for the best and, somewhat hesitantly, purchased the smallest bag of whey protein powder I could find. That hope must have worked because the first one I tried ended up being the one I liked best. Enter: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder in Double Rich Chocolate (Buy it from $52, walmart.com), my absolute favorite protein powder. (

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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 best tasting protein - at least in my opinion. The thought of drinking it actually helps me get through my workouts knowing I'll reward myself at the end. It tastes like a super rich chocolate milk with maybe a hint of brownie, and it doesn't have a chemical or gross aftertaste. Mixing it with oat milk in a shaker bottle is simply divine.

Not only is it delicious, but it also fills you up. I've learned not to make the mistake of drinking it too close to dinner because it ruins my appetite. And I can feel confident knowing I'm putting a quality formula into my body. FYI, when looking for protein powder, it's best to look for whey protein isolate—not concentrate—as it contains the highest concentration of protein (90 to 95 percent) and very little fat, according to Skolnik. This particular protein powder has a mix of both, but contains 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 (also known as BCAAs, a group of three essential amino acids - building blocks of proteins - that are extremely important for muscle growth and fitness performance). That means it more than complements my otherwise low-protein diet. (

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I'm not the only one obsessed with the incredible taste and quality of the protein. Walmart shoppers who have reviewed it say it is the best protein powder they have ever tried and that it helps build muscle without causing bloating. (Notable: The lactose in whey protein powders can sometimes cause digestive problems like bloating, cramps, and diarrhea, especially in people with lactose intolerance.) One reviewer even said that they switched from their usual brand after trying Optimal Nutrition, and haven't looked back since.

Although I started with a 1 pound bag, it didn't take long before I switched to the 5 pound tub. I have looked around for various other protein powders but none have lived up to Optimum Nutrition. Normally the 5-pound jug retails for $60 on other retail sites, but it's currently discounted to $52 at Walmart. And if you're not a huge chocolate fan, you can also grab the same powder in a vanilla ice cream flavor - which I think tastes just as delicious and like a vanilla milkshake.

Unflavored protein powder that you can add to anything and everything

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