Protein powder is a popular supplement, especially for those looking to support their workout routines or manage their weight. Orgain, founded in 2009, is a well-known brand in the plant-based protein powder market, offering a variety of options. This article dives deep into Orgain Organic Protein Powder, examining its ingredients, nutritional value, taste, solubility, cost, and overall effectiveness for weight loss.
About Orgain
Orgain was founded in 2009 by Dr. Andrew Abraham, an integrative medicine specialist and cancer survivor who believes that "food is medicine." The company focuses on creating clean, organic supplements, including protein powders, shakes, and bars. Orgain aims to provide good, clean nutrition to everyone. Orgain products are certified organic whenever possible, non-GMO, and made without soy, carrageenans, and artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, and preservatives. To keep sugar content low, the protein powders are sweetened with erythritol, monk fruit, and/or stevia.
Orgain's Product Line
Orgain offers a full line of protein powders, including grass-fed whey-based protein powder, plant-based protein powders, and formulations made for kids. Orgain protein powders come in different flavors, including Pumpkin Spice, Fruity Cereal, Churro Caramel Swirl, Peppermint Hot Cocoa, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Vanilla Horchata, Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt, and Cookies’ n Cream.
What is Orgain Organic Protein Powder?
Orgain Organic Protein Powder is a plant-based protein powder that aims to provide a clean and organic source of protein. It is available in 15 different flavors and three different container sizes, with prices starting at roughly $1.90 per serving.
Ingredients and Formulation
The formulation includes a blend of organic pea protein, organic chia seed, and organic brown rice protein. It also contains emulsifiers and binders like guar gum, plus an "organic creamer base" made from sunflower oil and acacia, which acts as a thickening agent.
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- Organic Pea Protein: Derived from peas, pea protein powder is naturally high in fiber and protein but low in the amino acids methionine and cysteine. It is also free of all major allergens.
- Chia Seed Protein: Chia seed protein is obtained by pressing out the oil from chia seeds. The remaining substance is rich in protein and fiber, making it suitable for those seeking a meal replacement protein.
- Organic Acacia: The Orgain Organic Creamer base contains organic acacia, a fiber from the sap of Acacia trees, which may improve gut health and increase satiety.
Orgain’s protein powders contain Orgain’s own organic protein blend containing organic pea protein, organic brown rice protein, and organic chia seed. Orgain Protein Powders use high-oleic sunflower oil. High-oleic sunflower oil contains a high amount of monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acids. Monounsaturated fat or oleic acid, along with polyunsaturated fat, is considered one of the healthier fats and can help lower LDL or bad cholesterol.
Nutritional Value
Each serving of Orgain Organic Protein Powder delivers 21 grams of protein, along with varying amounts of carbs and fats depending on the flavor. Calorie-wise, you can expect between 140 and 190 calories per serving, depending on your flavor of choice. The powder also contains vital micronutrients, including iron, which is essential for athletes, especially those following vegan diets.
A serving contains 21 grams of protein, 15 grams of carbs (9 grams of net carbs), 4 grams of fat, and zero added sugar.
Taste and Mixability
Taste is a critical factor for many protein powder users. User Nicole Davis tried the Vanilla Bean flavor and found it tasted like grass with a hint of vanilla. Even when blended with fruit and spinach, it was difficult to consume. However, another tester thoroughly enjoyed the richness of the chocolate variety. There is a bit of mildness in some profiles while others are almost too sweet. The reviewer did note that there’s no chalky aftertaste and the natural flavors mask the “earthy” sensations often associated with plant-based proteins.
The serving size is two scoops, which can make the powder quite thick when mixed. While it mixes fine, even with water, it can leave some residue at the bottom of the shaker cup.
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Potential Benefits for Weight Loss
Protein powders can contribute to weight loss and body composition changes when incorporated into a healthy lifestyle. Orgain also offers meal replacement shakes and protein bars that can be part of a weight-loss plan.
The high protein content in Orgain Organic Protein Powder can help increase protein intake, which can facilitate weight loss.
Potential Downsides
- Taste: Some users find the taste unpleasant, describing it as grassy or too mild.
- Mixability: The large serving size can make it difficult to mix thoroughly, leaving residue.
- Amino Acid Profile: Plant-based proteins don’t have as many amino acids as animal proteins like whey. While this serving can be helpful for plant-based athletes looking to reap protein powder benefits, it is wished that Orgain would have added some essential amino acids to the formulation, as this is a typical pitfall of vegan-friendly powders. To be a “complete protein,” you need to have a full amino acid profile in order to support lean muscle mass.
- Processed Ingredients: Although many of the ingredients in the Orgain Protein powders and bars are organic and non-GMO, they do include some highly processed ingredients in most of their formulas, such as guar gum, xantham gum, high-oleic sunflower oil, and sugar alcohols like stevia extract and Erythritol.
- Digestive Issues: Some users may experience digestive issues from certain ingredients, including erythritol and stevia.
Orgain Protein: Healthy or Not?
For most people, Orgain powder consumed in moderation is a relatively healthy choice, although there are less processed protein powders and real food protein options available. Orgain Protein Powders and protein bars are organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free, and most of the products are vegan, kosher, and have no added sugars. They are somewhat healthier than some other protein brands. These organic protein powders do not contain artificial sweeteners or artificial flavors which is a plus.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
Some of the Orgain Protein products contain allergens such as dairy and nuts and should be avoided by people with food allergies to these ingredients. People may also experience digestive issues from certain ingredients including stevia or erythritol.
Alternatives to Orgain Organic Protein Powder
Several alternatives to Orgain Organic Protein Powder exist, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
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- Garden of Life Raw Organic Whey Protein: Similar to Orgain, Garden of Life offers a certified organic protein powder without artificial sweeteners or flavors. It also contains 21 grams of protein per serving and has lower calorie counts, making it suitable for weight loss.
- Transparent Labs Organic Vegan: This option boasts higher protein counts and does not contain erythritol as a sweetener. The price per serving is also lower, especially with discount codes.
- Garden of Life Plant-Based Protein: Another organic option, the Garden of Life protein powder has 30 grams of protein in two scoops. The protein blend is a bit different-it comes from peas, navy beans, lentils, and garbanzo beans-but the ingredient list is equally clean. It’s soy-free and gluten-free and sweetened with stevia. This protein powder includes natural flavors, plus a recovery blend of superfoods like apple, tart cherry, turmeric, and goji berry that can help fight inflammation.
- Now Sports Plant Protein Complex: This one has 22 grams of protein per serving, but the serving size is only one scoop so you’ll really get more bang for your buck. The protein comes from a blend of yellow peas, quinoa, and hemp, and the rest of the ingredient list is fairly clean, too.
Customer Reviews and Reputation
Orgain has maintained a fairly positive reputation with athletes since its start in 2009. The Orgain organic plant-based protein powder has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on the brand’s site. It gets high marks from customers with food sensitivities or on restrictive diets who want to up their protein intake but have to be extra careful about ingredients. Amazon shoppers are big fans of this protein powder, too. It has more than 62,000 reviews with a 4.5-star average. Many customers agree that the flavors are pretty mild-like Nicole, some said they wished for just a little more oomph in the flavor department.
How Much Protein Do You Need?
To receive the maximum health benefits of protein, studies recommend consuming 0.36 grams per pound per day.
Purchasing Options and Return Policy
When ordering directly from the manufacturer, you can choose from three sizes: 10 single-serve packets, a 1.02-pound canister, or a 2.03-pound canister. You can also opt for a single order or commit to a recurring subscription. If you sign up for the subscription, you’ll save 25% on the first order and 10% on all orders after that. Subscription orders also ship free.
Orgain does accept returns. If you don’t like the protein powder, you have 30 days from the day you receive it to send it back for a full refund.