Best-Rated Protein Supplement

See Our Ratings Methodology.

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Most Satisfied Customers | Optimum Nutrition (ON)

Aussies have rated Optimum Nutrition (ON) as the top pick for Canstar Blue’s latest protein supplement ratings, receiving five star ratings for effectiveness, taste, texture & consistency, packaging convenience and overall satisfaction. 

Fact Checked Fact Checked

 

How we rate protein supplements

Our review compares protein supplements on customer satisfaction, so you can find out what other Aussies think about the compared brands before you go ahead with a purchase. Think of it as like asking hundreds of your closest mates which protein supplements they think is best!


Canstar Blue surveyed 1,334 Australians for their feedback on the protein supplements they have purchased and consumed in the last 6 months. NOTE: This includes protein shakes/powder/whey and protein bars/balls that are designed to supplement a regular diet, NOT be a meal replacement

  • The outcomes reported in these ratings are measured via accredited research panels managed by Qualtrics.


Respondents rate their satisfaction with their protein supplement brand(s) from zero to ten, where zero is extremely dissatisfied and ten is extremely satisfied. Brand satisfaction was rated by respondents on the following criteria:
  • Overall satisfaction: measures consumer satisfaction with a protein supplement brand as an individual score NOT a combined total of all criteria.
  • Effectiveness: the product was effective and helped achieve the desired results (i.e. helped achieve protein intake levels, help with perceived muscle growth, etc.).
  • Taste: the protein supplement tasted pleasant, and as described on the packaging.
  • Value for money: the price was reasonable for the quality and quantity of the protein supplement.
  • Texture & consistency: the protein supplement’s texture was pleasant and the consistency was as expected when used correctly.
  • Variety & range: the protein supplement brand offered a variety of products in it’s range.
  • Packaging convenience: the products packaging made the protein supplement easy to store and dispense.

The winning brand is the one that receives the highest Overall satisfaction rating once all the scores from the Overall satisfaction criteria are combined and averaged.

  • Overall satisfaction is asked as a specific question and represents an individual measure, not a combined total of all criteria.
  • When we cannot determine a clear winner from the criteria for the Overall satisfaction rating, we will then look at the other criteria measured in the rating.
    • The brand with the highest number of five-star ratings within the supporting criteria will become the five-star recipient in overall satisfaction, and thus win the award. If a clear leader still cannot be determined from the supporting criteria, joint winners will be declared.

Brands must have received at least 30 responses to be included, so not all brands available in the market have been compared in this survey. The brands rated in this survey are listed below in order of best overall satisfaction.

  • Optimum Nutrition (ON)
  • My Protein Australia
  • Bulk Nutrients
  • Musashi
  • ALDI Onset
  • Nature’s Way
  • Muscle Nation
  • BSC (Body Science)
  • Coles
  • Bounce
  • Quest
  • Atkins
  • Vital Plant Proteins

Find more detailed information on our Most Satisfied Customer methodology.


Top Protein Supplement Brand – Optimum Nutrition (ON)

Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein

Optimum Nutrition (ON) is part of the global nutrition group Glanbia and has been manufacturing protein supplements for over 35 years. Focussed on helping performance athletes achieve their goals with a variety of products including pre-workout drinks and supplements, whey protein, creatine powder, glutamine powder and much more. Its products also come in a range of flavours including watermelon, orange, chocolate, strawberry and more.   

  • Optimum Nutrition was rated five stars for effectiveness, taste, texture & consistency, packaging convenience and overall satisfaction. It also achieved four star ratings for value for money and variety & range. 

Types of protein supplements

There are a number of different types of protein supplements to choose from each, each with its own benefits for your body and fitness. Some of the most well-known protein supplements include:

  • Whey protein: A mixture of proteins isolated from whey, which is a dairy by-product. Its benefits include boosting your general protein intake and BCAA intake, and is often mixed in a shake or other drink.
  • Casein protein: Casein protein is the other protein that is found in milk similar to whey. Casein protein helps providing the body with the amino acids necessary to build muscle.
  • Plant protein: Because whey and casein protein are dairy by-products, plant proteins are an alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan. Plant protein is often served from pea, fava bean or rice proteins.

About our consumer experts


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Kate King: Home & Lifestyle Content Producer

This report was written by Canstar Blue’s Home & Lifestyle Content Producer Kate King. Kate holds a Bachelor of Creative Industries from QUT majoring in Journalism and Media and Communications, and has written for a number of publications over the past five years.

 

Meet the Editorial Team

 

Samantha Howse: Consumer Research Specialist

Sam Howse Research Specialist

Samantha Howse is Canstar Blue’s Consumer Research Specialist, coordinating the consumer research program behind our customer satisfaction awards across Canstar and Canstar Blue in Australia and New Zealand. Sam has earned a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) from Griffith University and, with seven years in market research and 2 years in marketing, she is experienced in survey design, implementation and analysis, coupled with an understanding of marketing principles and best practice.

 

Meet the Research Team

Frequently asked questions

Below are the previous winners of Canstar Blue’s Protein Supplement reviews:

  • 2022: Bulk Nutrients
  • 2021: ALDI
  • 2020: Bulk Nutrients & Sustagen
  • 2019: Bulk Nutrients
  • 2018: Bulk Nutrients
  • 2017: Optimum Nutrition

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