When it comes to workout supplements, the best protein powders are perhaps the most iconic. These high-quality protein shakes aren’t solely dairy-based, however. There are a number of organic, plant-based options, such as Orgain’s Organic Protein Powder, that can provide ample protein counts without faltering on taste, calories, or price.
In our experience with over 100 different protein powders, we’ve come to recognize Orgain Organic Protein Powder as a budget-friendly option for plant-based athletes. While the carb and fat counts can be less ideal for certain individuals, this can still be a great protein source for those steering clear of animal-based products. In this Orgain Organic Protein review, we’ll outline the product’s formulation, how it tastes and performs, and what you can expect when considering this powder as a go-to daily supplement.
For further information on how we trial and test products for this guide and more, be sure to read the BarBend Supplement Methodology page.
Medical disclaimer: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.
Orgain Organic Protein Plant Based Powder offers 21 grams of protein per serving, along with 5 grams of fiber and net carbs!
Main Takeaways
- Orgain Organic Protein Powder mixes easily in any liquid of choice, although our tester recommends using a countertop blender due to the large serving size.
- This product, one of the best organic protein powders we’ve tested, uses erythritol and stevia as sweeteners, which may lead to some GI distress for some athletes.
- There are 15 available flavors, giving you plenty of options to choose from when trying to combat flavor fatigue.
Orgain Organic Protein Powder Specs
| Price Per Serving | Starting at $1.90 |
| Calories Per Serving | 140-190 |
| Protein Per Serving | 21g |
| Carbohydrates Per Serving | 7-16g |
| Fat Per Serving | 4-5g |
| Protein Source | Organic pea, organic brown rice, organic chia seed |
| Sweetening Agents | Erythritol, stevia |
| Available Flavors | Creamy Chocolate Fudge, Chai Latte, Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt, Chocolate Coconut, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Churro Caramel Swirl, Cookies ’n Cream, Fruity Cereal, Horchata, Iced Coffee, Natural Unsweetened, Peanut Butter, Strawberries & Cream, Vanilla Bean, Vanilla Horchata |
Orgain Organic Protein Powder is available in 15 different flavors and three different container sizes with prices starting at roughly $1.90 per serving. This can be especially helpful for athletes following a plant-based diet as many of the best vegan protein powders typically hover between $2 and $3 per serving.
At this lower cost, you can easily stock up on popular flavors — from your basic Vanilla flavor to bolder tastes like Fruity Cereal or Horchata — without breaking the bank, especially if you take advantage of the brand’s subscription model that can save you 15% off your order total.
Regardless of your chosen flavor, each serving can deliver 21 grams of protein with some minor fluctuations when it comes to carbs and fat counts. The protein blend consists of multiple plant-based protein sources, including pea protein, organic brown rice protein, and organic chia seed protein. This protein count per serving is on par with other popular protein powders and can be influential when trying to promote muscle protein synthesis by reversing the muscle damage caused by exercise and promoting the growth of new muscle tissue. (1)
In addition to the macronutrient counts, this plant-based powder also contains vital micronutrients, including iron — a much-needed nutrient for athletes following vegan diets. (2) “I love that many of this product’s flavors provide a significant portion of your daily iron needs in just one serving,” says Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, our expert reviewer. “Up to 35 percent of your iron needs can be met in two scoops of this plant-based protein powder!”
Calorie-wise, you can expect between 140 and 190 calories per serving, depending on your flavor of choice. While we feel this isn’t enough to warrant a full meal replacement, it could be satiating enough to keep you full in between whole-food dishes.
Lastly, Orgain Organic Protein Powder is sweetened with both erythritol and stevia. These sweetening agents can leave some aftertaste and erythritol may even lead to some GI distress, so be sure to take your body’s sensitivities into consideration before ordering this supplement.
[Related: What Is Erythritol?]
That said, our one tester, who was hesitant about the presence of erythritol, reported no negative side effects. “I was a little worried at first, but I drink this protein regularly and never have any issues spawning from the erythritol. If you aren’t overly sensitive to it, I’d highly recommend giving this protein a whirl,” they add.
Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use Orgain Organic Protein Powder
As many athletes there are looking for supplements, there are just as many different types of protein. While we’ve become fans of Orgain Organic Protein’s plant-based powder, we understand that not every appetite will feel the same. Below are some suggestions as to whom this organic protein blend rich with quality ingredients is best suited for.
Recommended for:
- Athletes wanting an organic plant-based protein powder that’s free of artificial ingredients, artificial sweeteners, gluten, and GMOs.
- Those wanting a large flavor assortment to help avoid flavor fatigue.
- Budget-minded athletes that want to keep their protein supplements below $2 per serving.
Not Recommended for:
- Individuals who prefer whey protein powder or those wanting calorie counts equivalent to the best meal replacement shakes.
- Athletes sensitive to erythritol — a low-calorie sugar alcohol commonly used in plant-based protein powders.
- Gymgoers that don’t want to blend two scoops of protein powder per serving.
Our Experience Using Orgain Organic Protein Powder
We’ve tested this Orgain Organic Protein Powder for multiple weeks, examining the taste of multiple available flavors as well as how well the powder mixed in a standard shaker with liquids including water, almond milk, oat milk, and others. We also took note of any potential side effects that resulted from the consumption and compared these experiences to our history with over 100 different protein supplements.
In addition to the hands-on testing, we also closely examined the Orgain protein powder ingredients list, available third-party testing certifications, and available container sizes that affect price per serving, using a multi-point methodology to rate each category on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Expert insight was gathered from our in-house registered dietitians, too, for better clarity on how the formulation can impact your fitness goals.
Ingredients and Formulation
When looking at the nutritional facts of Orgain’s Organic Protein Powder, our expert reviewer, registered dietitian nutritionist Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, was pleased with the lean makeup and scored it at 4.5 out of 5. “I like that it helps you boost your protein intake without significantly affecting your other macros or overall calorie intake. It’s ideal for working into a well-balanced diet,” they say.
In terms of the protein content itself, we were happy with the mixture of organic pea protein, organic chia seed protein, and organic brown rice protein that combined for a 21-gram dosage of the vital macronutrient. While this serving can be helpful for plant-based athletes looking to reap protein powder benefits, we do wish 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. (3)
[Related: Essential Amino Acids — What They Are and Why You Need Them]
Another standout of this Orgain formulation is the Orgain Organic Creamer base, which acts as a thickening agent for the powder. This component features organic acacia and organic sunflower oil and gives the protein supplement its rich, creamy mouthfeel. Plus, studies suggest that acacia can help bolster gut health and overall satiety. (4)
Taste
From a taste perspective, we had a sort of mixed experience. Our tester rated this protein supplement at 2 out of 5 for the category, stating, “I tried both the Vanilla Bean and Chocolate flavors and thoroughly enjoyed the richness of the chocolate variety. The vanilla sample was more of a generic sweet, whereas the chocolate was more enjoyable thanks to the added organic cocoa.”
We’ve had experience with other flavor varieties, too, and feel there is a bit of mildness in some profiles while others are almost too sweet. The natural flavors are present, but some come through more so than others. It can really be a toss-up depending on your taste of choice, but we do appreciate that Orgain has a large array of available flavors to choose from.
[Related: Are Protein Shakes Good for You?]
Despite the inconsistency across the flavor profiles, our tester did note that there’s no chalky aftertaste and the natural flavors mask the “earthy” sensations often associated with plant-based proteins. “The stevia does give it a little aftertaste, but it’s not entirely off-putting. Plus, you don’t get that ‘grassy’ taste like you would with other plant-based powders,” they add.
Solubility
One of the major pitfalls of this Orgain Organic Protein Powder lies in its mixability, which we attribute to the abundance of powder needed for a single serving. You need two full scoops equating to 46 grams, which can be a lot to try and blend in the recommended 12 ounces of liquid.
As such, our tester rated this protein powder’s solubility at 3 out of 5. “While I was able to get all the powder blended in my shaker cup, I did see a bit of residue at the bottom during my last few sips. The texture is fine and smooth, but there is some leftover powder at the end,” they say. “Honestly, I think the best course of action with this protein supplement is to mix it with a countertop blender to avoid overworking your arms or relying on your shaking prowess for a tasty beverage.”
Price Per Serving
Lastly, we rated the price per serving at 4 out of 5 given Orgain’s ability to keep costs low in comparison to other plant-based protein powders. Dosages start at roughly $1.90 if you opt for the 2-pound container (or roughly 20 servings). This can be a great benefit for those looking to keep their budget top of mind while still trying to follow an animal-free diet.
This $1.90 per serving is also on par with some of the best whey protein powders. So, for those looking to make the switch to a different protein source, costs shouldn’t be a scare tactic when considering this protein supplement.
What to Consider Before Buying Orgain Organic Protein Powder
As with any protein supplement — whether you’re looking for the best protein powders for weight gain, something to aid in weight loss, or just a simple treat to keep you satiated in-between meals — there are a few factors worth considering before tallying up your shopping cart. Below are a few components we recommend thinking through before adding Orgain Organic Protein Powder to your list.
- Protein Type: Choosing your protein type can depend on your body’s sensitivities and your dietary restrictions — animal-based proteins like whey or casein often contain lactose, meaning you’ll want to steer clear if you’re sensitive to this allergen.
- Protein Counts: To receive the maximum health benefits of protein, studies recommend consuming 0.36 grams per pound per day, so be sure that your protein powder can assist with this in relation to your protein consumption from whole foods throughout the day. (5)
- Sweetening Agents: Many plant-based protein powders utilize natural sweeteners like stevia, erythritol, monk fruit, and others to generate that appealing taste, but be sure to take your body’s sensitivities into question before opting for a specific formulation, as these components can potentially lead to such issues as bloating, diarrhea, and other forms of GI distress.
- Third-Party Testing: Orgain’s Organic Protein Powder is third-party tested, and it’s always wise to look for these certification marks when choosing a protein supplement, especially if you’re a competitive strength athlete. According to their site, Orgain protein powder heavy metal levels are safe, given that their products are tested for arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead.
Orgain Organic Protein Powder Vs. Competitors
In the realm of protein powders, it would be bonkers to think there aren’t comparable silhouettes to Orgain Organic Protein Powder despite its formulation being free of added sugars, preservatives, and other non-natural ingredients. Below are two highly comparable supplements — Garden of Life Raw Organic Whey Protein and Transparent Labs Organic Vegan — and how they match up to this popular organic protein blend.
[Related: Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Review]
| Orgain Organic Protein Powder | Garden of Life Raw Organic Whey Protein | Transparent Labs Organic Vegan | |
| Price Per Serving | Starting at $1.90 | Starting at $2.87 | Starting at $1.50 |
| Calories Per Serving | 140-190 | 120-130 | 130-150 |
| Protein Per Serving | 21g | 21g | 24g |
| Carbohydrates Per Serving | 7-16g | 6-7g | 3-5g |
| Fat Per Serving | 4-5g | 2-2.5g | 2.5-3g |
| Protein Source | Organic pea, organic brown rice, organic chia seed | Organic whey protein concentrate | Organic rice protein, organic pea protein isolate |
| Sweetening Agents | Erythritol, stevia | Erythritol, stevia | Stevia |
| Available Flavors | Creamy Chocolate Fudge, Chai Latte, Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt, Chocolate Coconut, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Churro Caramel Swirl, Cookies ’n Cream, Fruity Cereal, Horchata, Iced Coffee, Natural Unsweetened, Peanut Butter, Strawberries & Cream, Vanilla Bean, Vanilla Horchata | Vanilla, Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Unflavored | French Vanilla, Chocolate |
First, Garden of Life Raw Organic Whey Protein is very comparable to Orgain in that both formulations are certified organic, contain no artificial sweeteners or flavors, and contain 21 grams of protein per serving. We’d recommend Garden of Life as one of the best protein powders for weight loss, too, given the lower calorie counts per serving. That said, those servings can begin to add up in price — Garden of Life starts at $2.87 per serving compared to the $1.90 per serving cost of Orgain.
Transparent Labs Organic Vegan can also be a worthwhile competitor to Orgain Organic Protein Powder thanks to its higher protein counts and lack of erythritol as a sweetener. The price per serving is also lower and can be dropped further through various Transparent Labs discount codes. That said, this impressive protein is only available in French Vanilla or Chocolate — not exactly the most intriguing flavor assortment when compared to Orgain’s 15 available options.
Places to Buy Orgain Organic Protein Powder
Along with the brand’s other roster of impressive supplements — including some of the best protein bars on the market — Orgain Organic Protein Powder is available online at the brand’s retail site. Orgain products are also available via select third-party retailers, including Amazon.
Customer Experience and Brand Reputation
Orgain was founded by Dr. Andrew Abraham under the idea that “food is medicine.” As a result, Orgain has been a go-to for clean, organic supplements, ranging from protein powders and bars to collagen, greens powders, and more. To reach Orgain, you can utilize the brand’s Live Chat feature on the retail site or hit the ‘Contact’ link at the bottom of the page to connect you with the correct specialist for your inquiry.
Regarding customer reviews, Orgain has maintained a fairly positive reputation with athletes since its start in 2009. Online reviews regularly attest to the brand’s attention to taste, solubility, and formulations dedicated to clean, plant-based makeups.
Our Final Verdict on Orgain Organic Protein Powder
After trialing this Orgain Organic Protein Powder for multiple weeks across various flavors, we feel it’s a fantastic option for athletes following plant-based or more restricted diets. The flavors can be hit or miss at times, and mixing the large two-scoop servings can be tedious. That said, the consistency of each sip along with the high-quality macro counts and included micronutrients are enough for us to overlook these potential issues.
With any supplement, though, it’s wise to take your body’s sensitivities into consideration. Not every stomach responds the same to every formulation. Thankfully, this Orgain Organic Protein Powder is on the cheaper side at $1.90 per serving, meaning an initial trial run won’t put you in the red.
Orgain Organic Protein Powder FAQs
Is Orgain Organic Protein Powder good for weight loss?
Classifying this protein powder as “good for weight loss” can be subjective because it all depends on your eating habits in relation to your calorie deficit. If the 140 to 190 calories per serving fits within your regimen without putting you over your daily counts, it can be a viable option if weight loss is the end goal.
How much does Orgain Organic Protein Powder cost?
Orgain Organic Protein Powder is available in three different container sizes with costs starting at $1.90 per serving. Naturally, prices will increase with smaller containers, so be sure to choose the size that matches your budget and supplement tendencies best.
Is Orgain Organic Protein Powder gluten-free?
Orgain Organic Protein Powder is gluten-free, non-GMO, and is certified organic.
Can Orgain Organic Protein Powder be a meal replacement?
This Orgain protein powder contains between 140 and 190 calories per serving, depending on your flavor of choice. While this can be satiating enough for keeping you full in-between meals, we feel there are more calorie-dense protein powders out there that would be better solutions for full-on meal replacement. It would be best to use this powder as a means to maintain calorie counts between whole-food meals.
References
- Nunes, E. A., Colenso‐Semple, L., McKellar, S. R., Yau, T., Ali, M. U., Fitzpatrick‐Lewis, D., Sherifali, D., Gaudichon, C., Tomé, D., Atherton, P. J., Robles, M. C., Naranjo‐Modad, S., Braun, M., Landi, F., & Phillips, S. M. (2022). Systematic review and meta‐analysis of protein intake to support muscle mass and function in healthy adults. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, 13(2), 795–810. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8978023/
- Rogerson, D. (2017). Vegan diets: Practical advice for athletes and exercisers. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 14(1). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5598028/
- Protein. The Nutrition Source. (2024, May 24). https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/what-should-you-eat/protein/
- Larson, R., Nelson, C., Korczak, R., Willis, H., Erickson, J., Wang, Q., & Slavin, J. (2021). Acacia gum is well tolerated while increasing satiety and lowering peak blood glucose response in healthy human subjects. Nutrients, 13(2), 618. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33672963/
- How much protein do you need every day?. Harvard Health. (2023, June 22). https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-much-protein-do-you-need-every-day-201506188096
