Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% WheyvsMomentous Creatine Monohydrate

Whey is the liquid fraction of milk left after cheesemaking, dried into a protein-rich powder. Gold Standard 100% Whey uses a blend led by whey protein isolate plus whey protein concentrate and a small amount of hydrolyzed whey. It is rich in essential amino acids, especially leucine and the other branched-chain amino acids (5.5g BCAAs per serving), which help trigger muscle protein synthesis via the mTOR signaling pathway. Whey digests quickly, raising blood amino acids soon after intake. Combined with the mechanical stimulus of resistance training, this supports the repair and growth of muscle tissue. The powder simply makes it easy to add concentrated, high-quality protein to your day; it does not do anything food protein cannot, it is just convenient.

Creatine is a compound your body makes from amino acids and stores mostly in muscle as phosphocreatine. During short, intense effort such as lifting or sprinting, phosphocreatine helps rapidly regenerate ATP, your cells' immediate energy currency, which can let you sustain a few extra reps or seconds of maximal work. Daily supplementation raises muscle creatine stores above what diet alone typically provides, supporting greater training volume and, combined with resistance training, gains in strength and lean mass over time. It also draws water into muscle cells. Momentous supplies this as creatine monohydrate (Creapure), the most-studied and most clinically effective form of creatine.

The evidence supports whey protein for modest gains alongside training, not this product specifically, since it has not been studied on its own. A 2018 British Journal of Sports Medicine meta-analysis (Morton et al., 49 studies, 1,863 participants) found protein supplementation during resistance training increased one-rep-max strength by about 2.5 kg (2.49 kg) and fat-free mass by roughly 0.3 kg (0.30 kg) versus training alone, with no further fat-free-mass benefit once total protein passed about 1.6 g/kg/day (1.62 g/kg/day). A separate 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis in Nutrients (Davies et al., 13 RCTs from 8 studies) reported small-to-medium effects (effect sizes about 0.4 to 0.7) for whey on the recovery of muscle contractile function from under 24 to 96 hours after exercise, though only half the individual studies showed a benefit. Bottom line: results hinge on consistent training and adequate total daily protein, not on the powder by itself.

Creatine monohydrate, the exact compound in Momentous, is the form the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) calls "the most effective ergogenic nutritional supplement currently available" for increasing high-intensity exercise capacity and lean body mass during training. A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 randomized controlled trials (1,093 adults aged 55+) found that combining creatine with exercise significantly improved one-rep-max strength versus exercise alone (mean difference 2.12 kg, P=0.001). The same analysis found a modest reduction in body-fat percentage (mean difference -0.55%, P=0.026), though the authors caution this body-composition finding was fragile and lost statistical significance when one influential study was removed. Benefits accrue with consistent daily use combined with training, not from the powder alone. Momentous's specific advantage is verified purity: third-party testing reported by the brand shows 99.8% potency accuracy with no detectable heavy metals, and a certificate of analysis is published per batch.

Most healthy people tolerate whey well. Common, usually mild effects come from the lactose and protein load: bloating, gas, stomach cramps, or loose stools, more likely in lactose-intolerant users (the lower-lactose isolate version may help). Drinking too quickly or using too much at once tends to worsen this. Serious reactions are rare but possible: people with a true milk allergy can have an allergic reaction and should not use it (it contains milk and soy). Very high total protein intake can add stress to already-impaired kidneys, so anyone with kidney disease should consult a doctor before use; whey is generally not shown to harm kidney function in healthy adults at sensible intakes. On contaminants, independent 2025 testing by Consumer Reports found measurable lead in most protein powders tested, with dairy-based products averaging far lower levels than plant-based ones, though some dairy products still showed concerning amounts; choosing an NSF Certified for Sport flavor adds independent contaminant and banned-substance screening if this concerns you.

Creatine is among the most extensively studied supplements and has a strong safety record in healthy people. The most common effect is a small increase in body weight, often around 2-4 lb early on, which is largely water drawn into muscle cells (intracellular), not fat, and is reversible if you stop. Some users, especially during a high-dose loading phase, report mild gastrointestinal upset, bloating, or stomach discomfort; these are reduced by skipping loading and taking a steady 5g maintenance dose with water. Serious adverse effects are rare in healthy individuals. Despite persistent myths, the ISSN concluded there is no compelling evidence that short- or long-term use (up to 30 g/day for 5 years) harms kidney function in otherwise healthy people. Anyone with existing kidney disease, another medical condition, or who takes medications affecting the kidneys should consult a doctor first.

As of 2026 in the US, the 2 lb tub (about 29 servings) commonly runs about $40 to $55, and the 5 lb tub (about 74 servings) about $70 to $95; the manufacturer's own list price is at the higher end (around $1.89 per serving on its site), while Amazon, Costco, and supplement retailers frequently discount well below that. Realistically that works out to roughly $1.00 to $1.90 per 24g serving depending on size and where you buy, among the better values for a name-brand whey. As a dietary supplement it is generally not covered by health insurance or HSA/FSA. To lower the per-serving cost, buy the larger size, watch for sales, and use subscribe-and-save where available.

As of 2026, Momentous Creatine Monohydrate runs about $39.95 for a 90-serving (5g) tub direct from livemomentous.com, roughly $0.44 per serving, dropping to about $29.96 (around $0.33/serving) with the 25%-off Subscribe & Save option. Single-serve travel packets and chewable versions cost more per gram. This is a premium price: commodity creatine monohydrate tubs often cost around $0.10-$0.20 per serving, and some other NSF-tested brands undercut Momentous. Creatine is a general supplement, so it is typically not covered by health insurance, and HSA/FSA eligibility varies by plan and retailer, so confirm before assuming reimbursement. The value here is the NSF Certified for Sport testing and Creapure sourcing, not a superior or stronger active dose.

Best for healthy adults doing resistance or strength training who struggle to reach their daily protein goal (roughly 1.6 g/kg/day for muscle building, per the evidence) from food alone. Also useful for generally active people, older adults working to offset age-related muscle loss, and anyone wanting a convenient post-workout protein source. Avoid it, or consult a clinician first, if you have a milk allergy (it contains milk and soy), significant lactose intolerance (consider the pure isolate version), or chronic kidney disease. It is not suitable for vegans. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and anyone with a medical condition should check with a healthcare provider before adding any supplement.

Best for healthy adults doing resistance or high-intensity training who want strength, power, and lean-mass support, and especially drug-tested athletes who need NSF Certified for Sport assurance. Vegetarians and vegans may respond more strongly because dietary creatine comes mainly from meat and fish, leaving their baseline muscle stores lower. Older adults using it alongside exercise may see improvements in strength and body composition. Avoid or consult a clinician first if you have kidney, liver, or heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are under 18, as data in these groups is more limited. Anyone on medications that affect kidney function should check with a doctor before starting.