The quest for the perfect protein supplement goes back decades. These days, protein powders are a pre-and post-workout staple. Now have access to an incredible selection of protein products.
In fact, today we have a plethora of options for our protein fix, from whey concentrate, whey isolate, grass-fed whey, to casein and vegan protein powders and protein bars. If you are thinking about buying one, take a look at our Orgain protein powder review before you make your decision.
Why Plant-Based Protein
Plant-based protein powder is the fastest-growing segment of protein supplements, projected to reach $7.38 billion globally by 2025.
Vegan protein powders have been stealing share from whey and other protein sources. They will soon represent a full one-third of all protein supplement sales. As a result, this growth has been fueled by an ever-increasing demand for vegan sources of protein.
One of the pioneers in plant-based proteins is a company named Orgain Clean Nutrition. We have heard many things about Orgain and decided it was worth taking a closer look.
In this Orgain protein powder review, we will explain the inspiration for non-GMO, and organic plant-based protein products.
In brief, we will also:
- Detail the varieties offered
- Review the benefits of vegan protein
- Discuss consumer’s reviews
- Identify potential side effects
- Illustrate where you can access the products
- Provide pricing details
And, finally, we will assign our rating of the product’s efficacy and value.
What is Orgain Protein?
Dr. Andrew Abraham is the founder and CEO of Orgain. In his teens, Andrew was diagnosed with an aggressive form of tissue cancer. Post-surgery, his medical team recommended protein shakes as a means of returning to his normal weight.
Unfortunately, the recommended dairy-based products did not work for Andrew. Seeking a better solution, Andrew and his mother began blending homemade shakes using only whole organic ingredients.
Years later, Dr. Abraham created Orgain basing the products on the recipes he and his mother used during his recovery. Dr. Abraham is a patient turned doctor turned entrepreneur.
About Orgain
Orgain was initially only a protein powder supplement and ready-to-drink protein option. However, it has since dramatically expanded to include:
- Protein Powders
- Ready-to-Drink (RTD) shakes
- Protein Bars
- Kid’s Protein RTDs and Bars
- Superfood Powder
- Grass-Fed Pasture Raised Collagen Peptides
- Whey Protein from Grass-Fed Cows
- Organic Meal Powder
For this review, we will focus on plant-based protein powder and ready-to-drink protein options. These are still the stars of the Orgain organic protein line and by breaking them down we will make our review helpful in your journey into finding a vegan protein that works for you.
Orgain Organic Protein Ingredients
Orgain protein products are designed with quality and effectiveness in mind.
The Orgain organic plant-based protein powders are:
- Soy-free
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
- Dairy-Free
- USDA organic certified
Here are some of the highlights of the protein powder.:
- Vegan powder protein blend
- Organic ingredients
- 21 grams of protein per serving
- 6 grams of dietary fiber
- 0 grams of sugar
In every review we do, we look for a high-quality protein powder with great ingredients at an appropriate price. Let’s take a closer look at some of the ingredients.
Orgain Organic Protein Powder Blend
- Organic Pea Protein
- Orgain Organic Creamer Base â¢
- Organic Brown Rice Protein
- Erythritol sugar alcohol
- Organic Chia Seeds
- Sea salt
- Organic Stevia
- Natural flavors, and sweeteners
Other added ingredients include guar gum, acacia gum, sunflower oil, rosemary extract, and more.
Flavors
Orgain Protein Powder currently comes in six flavors:
- Creamy Chocolate Fudge
- Chocolate Coconut
- Chocolate Peanut Butter
- Peanut Butter
- Unsweetened
- Vanilla Bean
With this variety, this nutritional shake is a standout among ready-to-drink shakes.
As of now, my two favorites are the natural unsweetened flavor and the vanilla bean flavor. However, the chocolate protein powder flavors can also be versatile. Plus, this Orgain organic protein powder nutrition shake contains no artificial ingredients.
The unsweetened blend is perfect for mixing into other drinks. You can add it to smoothies, almond milk, peanut butter, greens drinks, or whatever you would like.
Ingredients: Final Verdict
These ingredients are pretty straightforward and we were impressed by a few things.
First, we like to see that Orgain incorporates multiple plant-based protein sources. This is not just a pea protein powder, but rather a plant-based protein powder with organic chia seed and brown rice as well.
We also liked the use of all-natural zero-calorie sweeteners like Stevia and erythritol sugar alcohol. Many competing companies ruin a perfectly good protein powder by loading it up with sugar. Orgain does not have any added sugar.
One serving has 3 grams net carbs meaning this protein is also suitable for keto and low-carb diets and can be the go-to protein powder for these individuals.
More importantly, this plant-based protein powder contains all nine essential amino acids, which is something that not all vegan protein powders offer.
Orgain Macros
Whenever we do a protein powder review, we take a close look at the supplement’s macro-ingredient profile.
While high-quality ingredients and great taste are important, you should also pay attention to the macros to see if they fit your diet.
Orgain has 150 calories per serving, and each one contains
- 4 grams fat
- 15 grams carbohydrates (3 grams net carbs)
- 7 grams Fiber
- 21 grams of protein per serving
Serving Size
For this plant-based protein powder, a serving size is two scoops. These two scoops should be mixed with almond milk or water.
If you want to make a “Power Smoothie,” you can mix two scoops of protein powder with 12 ounces of almond milk, 1 tablespoon of almond butter, and a frozen banana.
Orgain’s Organic Protein Health Benefits
As an overview, plant-based proteins tend to have fewer calories and less fat than animal proteins. At the same time, they are higher in fiber and other nutrients.
Overall, you can expect similar health benefits from Orgain as you would from any protein powder. Protein powders can:
Keeps you full longer
This protein plant-based organic nutrition shake is a good way to prevent weight gain and unhealthy cravings because it can keep you satisfied for longer than other protein powders.
Unlike other protein plant-based shakes, this one does not have a ton of sugars and additives, which often cause you to feel hungry quicker.
Helps you build muscle mass
If you tried whey protein before to build muscle mass, then you surely want it to be a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids.
In this case, Orgain organic plant protein is also a complete protein that will boost your muscle mass and help restore it when you exercise.
This protein shake is not like most protein powders because it is made solely with vegan protein sources that will help your body utilize amino acids efficiently.
Boost your metabolism
Eating more protein when you are active is a good way to prevent your metabolism from slowing down. It also happens to help weight loss efforts by giving your body the energy it needs without sugars and additives.
Unlike most protein powders and nutritional powders, this one contains no gluten or soy, both of which can be harder to digest.
Speed up recovery after a tough workout
Drinking this Orgain organic plant-based protein shake can help your body absorb the nutrients adequately and recover muscle mass that otherwise might be lost. You can attempt to lose weight without compromising your lean muscle mass.
Improve your hair and skin health
This vegan protein contains vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients, such as organic acacia gum, collagen peptides, sunflower oil, and rosemary extract. All of these are beneficial for your hair and skin.
Promote healthy brain function
The ingredients in Orgain organic protein are anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, protecting your cells from oxidative damage that could lead to illnesses. Furthermore, these are particularly efficient in helping your neurons and brain remain healthy and work effectively.
Benefits: Last Words
The company uses high-quality ingredients that are compatible with a range of popular diets, from the vegan diet to the keto diet.
If you are looking for weight loss, higher protein intake, muscle recovery, and more organic fiber, then this is one good choice among plant-based protein powders.
Downsides To Orgain Organic Protein
Although we are pleased with the health benefits and ingredients in this formula, there are always things to consider before you buy this product. Keep in mind that everyone reacts differently to every nutritional supplement.
Below are some of the downsides to Orgain organic plant-based protein:
- Sugar alcohols might be harder on the stomach
- Flavors can be too sweet for some
- The texture is sometimes chalky
- Money-back guarantee is limited to 30 days
Orgain vs. Other Vegan Protein Powders
So, now you know all the details about Orgain’s vegan protein powder. How does it rank overall?
Orgain Protein Plant-Based Powder Reviews on Amazon
The Orgain organic plant-based protein has nearly 6,000 customer reviews on Amazon and about 60% of the ratings have five stars. People also say they experience fewer cravings for sweets, weight loss, and more energy after taking the product.
Reviewers seem to love the vanilla bean flavor best (we are also inclined to agree) and people seem to respond to the powder’s creaminess as well.
There are also a handful of negative reviews that criticize the taste. I was actually quite fond of the taste, but I am accustomed to artificial sweeteners like Stevia and erythritol. Is Orgain going to taste like a fast-food milkshake? No, and that is okay because it is a health product.
If creaminess and flavor are important to you, consider mixing Orgain with almond milk.
Where to Buy Orgain
Since Orgain has been in business for over ten years, it has built a solid base of distribution both online and in brick and mortar stores.
Whether you shop in a grocery store, mass merchandiser (Walmart or Target), chain drug stores (Walgreens and CVS), specialty store (Sprouts and Whole Foods), or (GNC and Vitamin Shoppe) you will find Orgain products.
Most e-tailers, such as Amazon, will also carry a full assortment of Orgain products.
Still, the best place to buy Orgain is on the company’s official website. You can get access to most products and flavors on Orgain’s website. Plus, you will get access to the best deals and free shipping on most orders.
Orgain Pricing
Many of those who reviewed the Orgain products cited price as influencing their decision. The Orgain products prices are below many of the other popular vegan proteins such as Garden of Life, Sequel Vega, and SunWarrior. On a price per ounce basis, Orgain is about one-third less than the other brands.
You can get a two-pound container of Orgain Organic Protein Powder for $29.99. This container has about 20 servings with 21 grams of protein each.
Orgain also offers a subscription program, where you can save more money by receiving your protein or other product every 30, 45, or 60 days. The subscription can be canceled at any time, but if you are a regular protein drinker, this might be the cheaper choice.
As always, we like to see if companies care about your satisfaction. In this case, Orgain offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. With some sales, you might also be eligible for an exchange or credit to purchase another Orgain product.
Common Questions About Orgain Protein Powder
We had a few people contact us since we posted our initial Orgain review so we decided to address some of the common questions about the product to make a review helpful to you.
Is Orgain Organic Protein Healthy?
Absolutely! Orgain uses all-natural, organic ingredients. Additionally, there is no sugar added and the product is a great source of protein. It is also non-dairy, gluten-free, soy-free, and 100% organic.
Each serving is also free of saturated fat or cholesterol and contains some calcium, potassium, and iron too.
Can Orgain Be Used As A Meal Replacement?
Orgain is not a meal replacement shake. Each serving only has 150 calories, which does not suffice for a meal. Consequently, these organic protein shakes should be used to curb hunger (as a snack) or after a workout.
You can also use them to supplement protein in your diet if you are deficient or if you are trying to gain weight or muscle mass.
Is Orgain Lactose and Dairy Free?
Yes, Orgain is made without lactose and any dairy ingredients.
How Many Orgain Shakes Should You Have Each Day?
This point is partly up to you. Each Orgain vegan protein shake has 21 grams of protein, so you should only have one serving at a time. Having more than this does nothing for your body, as it will not be able to digest and absorb all of the protein.
Orgain shakes can be taken at any time of day and will be particularly beneficial after a workout. You can also use organic fruits or vegetables along with almond milk to make a smoothie any time of the day.
As to how many you should take, it depends on your diet. In fact, start by thinking about how much protein you are trying to consume every day. In general, you still want to get protein from real food sources.
While you can take Orgain multiple times per day, there is really no reason to have more than 1-2 servings daily.
Are There Any Side Effects?
As with any nutritional supplement or protein powder, you might experience some stomach discomfort at first. Some common side effects include gas, bloating, cramping, and loose stools.
However, these should subside with time and they are likely due to higher intake than the recommended daily dosage. Nevertheless, if you experience any symptoms or have questions, we suggest you reach out to your health care provider.
Orgain Protein Powder Review: In Summary
Orgain Organic Protein is one of the better protein powders we have reviewed. As a matter of fact, the company uses high-quality, organic ingredients, and has spent a good amount of time considering the formulation.
The protein powder also happens to be vegan, kosher, gluten-free, non-GMO, soy-free and certified organic.
The macros are right where they need to be as well. In fact, this vegan protein powder is only 150 calories and comes with 21 grams of protein.
We highly recommend giving Orgain organic protein a try today. Even though it might not be the best vegan protein powder out there, you can surely try it yourself to test the benefits and see some results.
We hope you found this review helpful in explaining all the benefits of this product. Nonetheless, if you are not sure about the product, we recommend you start with one container and see how you feel. Try one of the flavors as well, but for better mixing, go with the vanilla one.
Try this cheaper yet highly effective vegan protein powder after a workout, as a snack, or a protein boost every day.
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