Sprout Living Epic Protein Vanilla Lacuma is delicious & has 20 grams of protein
If you’re an athlete with higher nutrient needs, are pregnant, breastfeeding, are short on time, or have dietary restrictions, you may have a harder time reaching your protein needs. In these instances, protein powders can be a helpful way to get a protein boost.
USDA certified organic foods are grown according to specific federal guidelines that look at soil quality, animal raising practices, pest control, and additive use.1
According to Allison Knott, MS, RDN, founder of Anew Well Nutrition, organic protein powders and conventional protein powders do not however differ in their nutritional value. Knott says, “Organic is a regulated term that pertains to the production of the food, not the nutrition content of the food. In other words, an organic protein powder may have the same or similar nutrient profile as a non-organic protein powder of the same type.”
Organic protein powders may be a good choice if you’re looking to avoid synthetic ingredients, pesticides, GMOs, or artificial flavors or additives. When choosing the best organic protein powders, we considered the protein source, ingredients, third-party testing, and cost.
Best Overall: Sprout Living Epic Protein Vanilla Lucuma
Why We Like It: This vegan protein powder contains 20 grams of protein, 13 grams of carbs, a good source of iron, and a delicious blend of coconut milk, cinnamon, ginger root, and vanilla bean.
It’s Worth Noting: It also contains stevia which may not suit everyone’s taste preference.
Sprout Living Epic Protein gets our top pick for organic protein powders. This plant-based organic powder is well rounded for post-workout nutrition needs with 20 grams of protein and 13 grams of carbohydrates per serving. The protein comes from yellow pea protein, sunflower seed, pumpkin seed, sacha inchi, and cranberry seed. It also provides you with 30% of the Daily Value for iron and 8% of the Daily Value of calcium—two nutrients that can sometimes be challenging to get especially on a vegan diet.
In addition to its quality nutrient profile, we also appreciate that this protein powder is flavored with a blend that includes a South American lacuma fruit, coconut milk, cinnamon, ginger root, baobab fruit, and vanilla bean. It also contains three grams of fiber mainly from Jerusalem artichoke and is sweetened with coconut sugar and stevia.
Sprout Living’s website mentions that their products undergo third-party testing, but they do not provide further details. If you’re not a vanilla fan, this powder also comes in chocolate maca, complete coffee, green kingdom, mindful matcha, and unflavored options.
Product Details
- Protein Source: Yellow pea protein, sunflower seed, pumpkin seed, sacha inchi, and cranberry seed
- Serving Size: 2 scoops
- Protein per serving: 20 grams
- Sugar per serving: 6 grams
- Fiber per serving: 3 grams
- Other ingredients: Lacuma fruit, coconut milk, cinnamon, ginger root, baobab fruit, vanilla bean, coconut crystals, heirloom red banana, Jerusalem artichoke, himalayan pink salt, stevia lead
- Dietary Considerations: Vegan, kosher, gluten-free, nut-free
Best for Athletes: Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder
Why We Like It: This vegan protein powder is NSF Certified for Sport and is higher in protein to meet athletes’ increased protein needs.
It’s Worth Noting: It’s sweetened with stevia, which some find to be too sweet or artificial tasting. It also has an added probiotic which some may not want or need.
The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that athletes get 1.2 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight.2 This amount is higher than protein recommendations for adults who do not do much exercise. Most protein powders contain around 20 grams of protein, so we like that Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant Based Protein is designed specifically for athletes with a little higher protein amount—30 grams of protein per serving. It also has 2.5 grams of leucine, one of the branched chain amino acids needed for muscle growth and recovery.
In addition to a protein blend derived from vegan sources, this protein powder contains apple, tart cherry, turmeric, blueberry, and goji berry. These are all sources of antioxidants that can help with post-exercise recovery. However, specific amounts of each ingredient are not listed. It also contains good amounts of minerals iron, zinc, selenium, and manganese.
Another plus for this protein powder is that it is NSF Certified for Sport and Informed Choice certified—two third-party certifications that certify ingredient amounts and lack of harmful contaminants. It is particularly important to choose third-party tested supplements if you are a competitive athlete to ensure you do not get any banned substances in supplements.
Keep in mind that this protein powder is sweetened with stevia, which may or may not suit your preferences. It also has an added probiotic which may not be necessary for some people and might cause some stomach discomfort for some with underlying gastrointestinal (GI) disorders especially if you take other probiotic supplements.
Product Details
- Protein Source: Pea protein, sprouted navy bean, sprouted lentil bean, sprouted garbanzo bean, cranberry protein seed
- Serving Size: 2 scoops
- Protein per serving: 30 grams
- Sugar per serving: Less than 1 gram
- Fiber per serving: 2 grams
- Other ingredients: Vanilla flavors, stevia extract, sea salt, apple, tart cherry, turmeric, blueberry, goji berry, Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04 probiotic
- Dietary Considerations: Vegan, gluten-free
Best Plant-Based: Aloha Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder
Why We Like It: It has 18 grams of protein per serving from pea protein, brown rice protein, hemp seed protein, and pumpkin seed protein. It also has 35% of the Daily Value of iron and five grams of fiber.
It’s Worth Noting: This protein powder has an added probiotic, which may or may not suit your preferences. It’s also not clearly third-party tested.
Aloha Organic Plant Based Protein is a great option for those looking for an organic protein powder and following a plant-based diet. We especially like this choice for vegan athletes, as athletes require more protein than the general population. Some vegan sources of protein may not be digested as well as animal-based protein.34 Vegan athletes may need to consume more protein overall to meet their needs, making protein powders a helpful addition.
Aloha Organic Plant Based Protein Powder contains protein from a mix of sources including pea protein, brown rice protein, hemp seed protein, and pumpkin seed protein. The pumpkin seeds also help provide 35% Daily Value of iron, a mineral vegans sometimes struggle to get enough of. This powder is also higher in fiber compared to other protein powders with five grams of fiber per serving.
Two scoops of this powder provide you with 18 grams of protein and 10 grams of carbohydrates. We recommend pairing this protein powder with other carbohydrates such as in a fruit smoothie or with a side of toast to further help with muscle recovery after exercise. It’s also important to note this choice is not clearly third-party tested.
Product Details
- Protein Source: Pea protein, brown rice protein, hemp seed protein, pumpkin seed protein
- Serving Size: 2 scoops
- Protein per serving: 18 grams
- Sugar per serving: 5 grams
- Fiber per serving: 5 grams
- Other ingredients: Blue agave inulin, coconut sugar, xanthan gum, natural flavor, cinnamon, monk fruit extract, medium chain triglycerides from coconut oil, ground vanilla beans
- Dietary Considerations: Vegan, kosher
Best Whey: Garden of Life Organic Whey Protein Lightly Sweet
Why We Like It: This protein powder is made from organic, hormone-free, grass-fed cows, is stevia free, and is high in muscle-building amino acids.
It’s Worth Noting: It is expensive, and not everyone may want or need the added probiotic.
Whey protein is a milk-derived high quality protein that contains all of the essential amino acids, or the building blocks of protein that we need to obtain from the diet. This includes high amounts of leucine, a branched chain amino acid needed for muscle repair and growth.
For those reasons, Garden of Life Organic Whey Protein Lightly Sweet is a great option for an organic protein powder choice. It may especially be appealing to those looking to avoid a protein powder with stevia. A two scoop serving provides you with 21 grams of protein, 15 grams of carbohydrates, and two grams of fiber thanks to the added tapioca fiber. As the name suggests, this pick is only lightly sweetened and may be best enjoyed mixed with other ingredients in a smoothie. Garden of Life also offers stevia-sweetened organic whey protein flavors that include chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, strawberry, or vanilla.
Besides whey protein concentrate, this powder has organic cane sugar, tapioca fiber, vanilla flavor, gum acacia, and an added probiotic that may not suit everyone’s needs. Also, since this protein powder is made from whey, it’s not suitable if you have a dairy allergy.
Product Details
- Protein Source: Whey protein
- Serving Size: 2 scoops
- Protein per serving: 21 grams
- Sugar per serving: 15 gram
- Fiber per serving: 2 grams
- Other ingredients: organic cane sugar, tapioca fiber, vanilla flavor, gum acacia, and an added probiotic
- Dietary Considerations: Gluten-free
Best Single Ingredient: Sprout Living Organic Pumpkin Seed Protein
Why We Like It: This single-ingredient protein powder contains 20 grams of protein and 30% Daily Value of iron per serving. It’s suitable for vegans and is free of common food allergens.
It’s Worth Noting: It is low in carbohydrates which are needed for post-exercise recovery.
For an organic, single plant-based ingredient, and nutritious protein powder, we recommend Sprout Living Simple Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder. This single-ingredient powder contains cold-pressed pumpkin seed powder and nothing else making it a good option if you have common food allergies. Since it only has pumpkin seeds, it is also vegan and vegetarian-friendly.
Each serving provides not only 20 grams of protein but also a good dose of iron—30% Daily Value and 12% Daily Value of potassium per 2 scoop serving. It’s also free from artificial flavors, gums, and additives.
If you’re using this protein powder to recover after exercise, you may want to pair it with some other carbohydrate sources. Two scoops contain only four grams of carbohydrates.
Product Details
- Protein Source: Pumpkin seeds
- Serving Size: 2 scoops
- Protein per serving: 20 grams
- Sugar per serving: 0 grams
- Fiber per serving: 3 grams
- Other ingredients: None
- Dietary Considerations: Gluten-free, kosher, vegan
Best Flavored: Truvani Plant Based Protein Powder Vanilla
Why We Like It: This vanilla flavored protein powder has minimal ingredients, no artificial sweeteners, and is suitable for vegans. It has both in-house and third-party testing for ingredient purity and heavy metals.
It’s Worth Noting: It’s not a good source of minerals like some other protein powders.
Truvani plant based protein is a quality organic protein powder with only five ingredients: pea protein concentrate, vanilla powder, pumpkin seed concentrate, monk fruit extract, and chia seed protein concentrate. One scoop gives you 20 grams of protein and two grams of fiber. You can easily mix it into your favorite smoothie, bake with it, or simply mix with a liquid of choice.
Many protein powders contain artificial sugars or sugar alcohols that can cause stomach upset or a noticeable after taste for some people. Truvani is sweetened with monk fruit extract and has no artificial ingredients or fillers. In addition to vanilla, this powder comes in chocolate, peanut butter, banana cinnamon, chocolate peanut butter, vanilla chai, and unflavored varieties.
Truvani takes testing for ingredient purity and heavy metals seriously, and they do both in-house and third-party testing. However, seeing the certificate of analysis for these tests on each product is not currently available. One downside is that this protein powder is on the more expensive end. However, we think that the high quality for this protein powder makes it worth it.
Product Details
- Protein Source: Pea protein concentrate, pumpkin seed concentrate, chia seed protein concentrate
- Serving Size: 1 scoop
- Protein per serving: 20 grams
- Sugar per serving: 2 grams
- Fiber per serving: 2 grams
- Other ingredients: Vanilla powder, monk fruit extract
- Dietary Considerations: Vegan, gluten-free
Best Unflavored: Natural Force Grass Fed Organic Whey Protein Powder
Why We Like It: This protein powder is made from whey protein concentrate and has minimal ingredients. It’s unflavored so you can mix it with a liquid of choice.
It’s Worth Noting: It’s recommended to mix this protein powder with a blender or shaker cup rather than just using a spoon. It is not suitable if you have a dairy allergy.
If you prefer an organic unflavored protein powder that can be suited to fit your taste preferences, we recommend Natural Force Organic Grass Fed Whey. This protein powder is made with whey protein concentrate and nothing else, and it’s only made from grass-fed cows. It has 20 grams of protein per scoop, and every batch is third-party tested.
The manufacturers of this protein powder note that it’s not designed to be mixed with a spoon. Instead, they recommend mixing it with a blender or shaker cup. Since it only contains two grams of carbs per serving, we think adding it to a smoothie with fruits and vegetables can be a great way to provide a balanced post-workout snack. It can also easily be added to your favorite baked goods.
Natural Force Organic Grass Fed Whey is free from fillers, colors, or artificial ingredients. Since it is whey based, it’s not suitable for those with dairy allergies. If you like this protein powder but prefer a flavored taste, it also comes in vanilla and chocolate options.
Product Details
- Protein Source: Whey protein concentrate
- Serving Size: 1 scoop
- Protein per serving: 20 grams
- Sugar per serving: 1 grams
- Fiber per serving: 0 grams
- Other ingredients: None
- Dietary Considerations: Gluten free, kosher
Best with Greens: Orgain Organic Protein + Superfoods Powder, Creamy Chocolate Fudge
Why We Like It: Orgain Organic Protein + Superfoods Powder has a great balance of protein and carbs to support muscle recovery. The superfood blend also means this powder is a great source of many vitamins and minerals.
It’s Worth Noting: It is not third-party certified, and it contains artificial sweeteners such as erythritol.
Orgain Organic Protein + Superfoods Powder is a great option if you’re looking for a protein powder with extra nutrients. This powder contains an impressive 50 superfood powders including organic acai, cranberry, tart cherry, spinach, kale, parsley, beet, carrot, broccoli, and more.
Two scoops of this creamy chocolate protein powder provide a nutritional punch. You get 21 grams of protein plus 20 grams of carbohydrates. Protein powders are often low in carbohydrates, which are necessary for post exercise recovery, so that’s a big bonus in our opinion for this protein powder. This powder also contains 45% of the Daily Value of Iron, 20% the Daily Value of vitamin C, plus B vitamins and magnesium. It is also suitable for those following vegetarian or vegan diets.
One of the main drawbacks for this protein powder is that it is not third-party tested. It also contains the sugar alcohol erythritol, which may or may not suit your taste preferences. However, it is a more affordable option compared to other organic protein powders.
Product Details
- Protein Source: Pea protein, brown rice protein, chia seeds
- Serving Size: 2 scoops
- Protein per serving: 21 grams
- Sugar per serving: 1 gram
- Fiber per serving: 3 grams
- Other ingredients: 50 superfoods, organic creamer base with acacia gum, sunflower oil, rice dextrin, sunflower lecithin, rosemary extract, natural flavors, erythritol.
- Dietary Considerations: Vegan
Who May Not Want to Use Organic Protein Powders
Organic protein powders are not a necessity, and they may not be best for everyone. The following groups may not want to use organic protein powders:
- Those getting enough protein from foods: If you consume a balanced diet, you may not need organic protein powders. You can get all of the protein you need by including sources at every meal such as meat, poultry, tofu, tempeh, beans, nuts, seeds, legumes, and dairy products.
- People with allergies: If you have allergies, then you may need to be aware of which protein powders you choose. If you have a dairy allergy or are lactose intolerant, you may benefit from a plant-based powder rather than one made from whey or casein.
- Those taking certain medications or with certain diseases: We recommend discussing organic protein powders with a healthcare provider if you take medication or have a chronic condition. Whey protein powders, for example, can delay the effect of certain antibiotics, Levodopa, and bisphosphonates.5 If you have certain conditions such as chronic kidney disease, you may need to be mindful of your protein intake.
Who May Want Organic Protein Powders
- There are certain groups of people who may benefit from organic protein powders. This includes:
- Those short on time: If you do not have time to cook meals, a protein powder can be a useful way to ensure you get a quality source of protein after workouts or when you’re in a rush in the morning. Be sure to combine it with sources of carbohydrates and healthy fats for a balanced meal or snack.
- Active individuals: It is recommended that active individuals consume more protein than those who are sedentary. Knott says, “The RDA for protein is 0.8 g/kg body weight, however this is often considered to be the minimum intake for most of the adult population. Athletes and highly active people would benefit from consuming greater amounts of protein–up to 1.2-2.0 g/kg body weight.” If you find it hard to meet your increased needs, a protein powder can come in handy.
- Plant-based athletes: Plant-based athletes have higher protein needs since vegetarian sources of protein may not be absorbed as well. An organic plant-based powder can be a simple way to help increase your intake.
- Those with dietary restrictions: If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, you may find it challenging to meet your protein needs. A protein powder can be an easy source of protein to add in. Be sure to check ingredient labels to ensure your protein powder of choice is free of any allergens you have.
- People who are pregnant or breastfeeding: Protein requirements increase during pregnancy and lactation. Altered taste preferences and nausea may make it further challenging to meet these needs, making a protein powder a quick way to up your intake.6 Consult a healthcare professional before adding a protein powder, and opt for one that has strong third-party testing.
- People with elevated protein needs: Protein needs may be increased for those with certain health conditions such as injuries, burns, or a cancer diagnosis.7 We recommend speaking with a healthcare provider to determine your needs and ensure protein powders are suitable for you.
Our Approach to Supplements
Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements.
We support supplements that are evidence-based and rooted in science. We value certain product attributes that we find to be associated with the highest quality products. We prioritize products that are third-party tested and certified by one of three independent, third party certifiers: USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab.com.
It’s important to note that the FDA does not review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they go to market. Our team of experts has created a detailed, science-backed methodology to choose the supplements we recommend.
Experts we spoke to include: Registered dietitian and board certified specialist in sports nutrition Allison Knott, MS, RDN, founder of Anew Well Nutrition.
What to Know About Organic Protein Powders
Potency & Purity Testing
Supplements that are third-party tested are sent to a lab where they are tested to ensure they contain what they say they contain and are not contaminated with specific high-risk, common contaminants. However, it’s important to note:
- Third party testing does not test to see if a product is effective or safe for everyone, and it does not ensure the supplement will not interact with other supplements or medications.
- Not all third-party testing is created equal. It is not uncommon for supplement companies to pay labs for certificates after conducting minimal to no testing.
- The third party certifications we can trust are: ConsumerLab.com, NSF, and USP. However, these certifications are difficult to obtain and/or expensive for manufacturers, so many companies choose not to get their products tested by one of these three organizations.
- Sometimes products tested by these three companies are more expensive to try to offset the cost they pay for certification.
- Just because a supplement is not tested by one of these three companies, it does not mean it’s a bad product. We recommend doing some research on the reputability of the manufacturer, and calling up the manufacturer and their testing lab to determine their protocols and decide if you feel comfortable consuming the supplement.
While there are some supplement categories that have many options that have been third-party tested, many supplements for weight gain are treated more like food products and are not third-party tested. We recommend selecting products from brands that are transparent about their values, formulations, and manufacturing processes.
Form
Organic protein powders typically come in powdered form that must be mixed with a liquid of choice. Knott says people can choose from plant-based powders that are made from soy, hemp, pea, rice, nuts, and seeds or animal-based powders such as whey, casein, collagen, or egg. Protein powders will differ in the amount of protein they contain. It is also important to pay attention to the serving size.
Ingredients: What to Pay Attention to
It is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included, relative to the recommended daily value of that ingredient. Please bring the supplement label to a healthcare provider to review the different ingredients contained in the supplement and any potential interactions between these ingredients and other supplements and medications you are taking.
Organic protein powders differ widely in the ingredients they contain. Since protein powders are not regulated, there is risk of contamination from unwanted ingredients, so we recommend choosing third-party tested powder when possible. This is particularly important if you are an athlete and need to undergo drug testing, are pregnant, or breast feeding.
Organic protein powders may also contain sweeteners such as sugar, stevia, monk fruit, or sugar alcohols. This may or may not suit your personal preferences, plus some people find that sugar alcohols upset their stomachs. You should also be aware that certain protein powders contain performance enhancers such as caffeine or added branched chain amino acids (BCAAs). They can also contain flavorings, stabilizers, gums, or preservatives. It is always important to check labels so you know what you are consuming.
Organic Protein Powder Dosage
The daily recommended amount of protein for adults is 0.8 grams per kilogram of bodyweight, and 1.2 to 2.0 grams per kilogram for active individuals. Older adults should include 1.0 to 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight.82 If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, your needs are also higher, with an RDA of 1.1 grams per kilogram.6 Also keep in mind protein foods should ideally be spread fairly equally throughout the day rather than mainly consumed in one sitting.
How Much is Too Much?
There is no upper limit for protein, and high amounts are typically well tolerated. However, there is no benefit to consuming protein beyond your needs. Consuming excessive amounts, especially over time, could place stress on your kidneys, liver, and bones.9 Keep in mind your protein should come from a variety of foods, not solely organic protein powder.
Your Questions, Answered
Is it ok to use an organic protein powder everyday?
It is ok to use organic protein powder everyday, but you should be careful that it does not replace other foods that can provide other important nutrients like carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Eating well balanced meals in addition to using protein powders in moderation can help ensure that you meet all of your nutritional needs.
Does my protein powder have to be organic?
Choosing to use a protein powder that is organic versus conventional powders is a personal choice. While organic protein powders will be free from pesticides, antibiotics, and GMOs, they do not differ nutritionally from conventional protein powders. It is still a good practice to choose protein powders that are third-party tested when possible whether conventional or organic.
Are organic protein powders good for weight loss?
Organic protein powders can be part of a weight loss plan since protein can help you feel full and satisfied. However, organic protein powders will not help you lose weight on their own. Your overall diet and caloric balance will be the main factor contributing to weight loss. It is also important to check ingredients, as some powders may contain added sugars that can impact your weight loss goals.
What is the best source of protein in an organic protein powder?
Choosing a source of organic protein comes down to personal preference. If you have a milk allergy, dairy sensitivity, or are vegan or vegetarian, we would recommend opting for a plant-based protein powder. If these dietary concerns do not apply to you, you may prefer animal based protein powders such as whey or casein.
