sucralose is listed as an ingredient so yes artificial sweeteners are present. Most protein powders on the shelf have artificial sweeteners, it's going to be a matter of preference on taste.

If you're looking for a less sweet flavor, I would recommend trying some of the "natural" proteins powders. These do not have added artificial sugar or artificial flavors.

ON makes one called natural whey, and it's pretty good and there are a number of others like the JRobb brand that are also natural.

  It does unfortunately. If that puts you off as it did me, I suggest the natural line of protein from Labrada. I am very pleased with mine, it is not nearly as sweet, but still very delicious. If you want to stay with Optimum N. they have a natural line, but it is not hydrolyzed.

  Yes there are some artificial sweeteners but they contain less unwanted carbs than sugar etc. O.N. is one of the better products on the market today...

  It contains sucralose. Fake sugar is actually 'sweeter' than real sugar.

  No

  No

  It is not recommended to be added to hot items as it can denature the protein.

  Yes usually you should not consume it with coffee, since coffee has caffeine it may result into unexpected behavior.

  It depends. That's kind of like asking 'will food make you gain weight'? Because whey protein is a food, which has calories. So yes, if you consume enough of it, you will gain weight.

The advantage of this product is that it contains a high amount of whey protein, but in hydrolyzed form (as opposed to a steak or chicken breast, or even other protein powders that aren't hydrolyzed), and so the theory is that it will be in your system and available to your muscles as quickly as possible. As opposed to that steak, chicken, or other type of protein powder, which will take longer to digest and therefore to get to your muscles. This is important, because the sooner you actually get nutrition past the digestive process and into your muscles, the better for gaining lean muscle mass.

The other advantage of this (or any) protein powder, is that it's easier for you to consume than other (whole food) protein sources. For example, you can bring it to the gym in a shaker bottle, add water, give it a good shake, and just slam it right down after your workout - as opposed to going home, taking a steak out of the fridge, cooking it up, etc.

  It's used as pre workout and post workout drink. It is not a weight gainer. Although if you do not exercise you will gain weight using this supplement. In my opinion this protein tasted good but it was too expensive and I did not see or feel any improvements. If your interested in this type of supplement I would consider alternatives like BSN Syntha 6 Protein or Optimun Nutritions lower priced whey proteins. I hope this helps answering your question.