The 10 Best Organic Protein Powders, Tested and Reviewed

The 10 Best Organic Protein Powders, Tested and Reviewed

As a registered dietitian, protein powder is one of the supplements I’m asked about the most. Since I use it daily, I’ve tried countless animal-based and vegan options to find the best choices for a wide range of preferences.

Protein powders have evolved over the past several years from being associated with “gym bros” and containing a long list of artificial ingredients to now using more thoughtfully sourced, organic, whole-food-based ingredients. While organic and conventional protein powders do not differ in nutritional value, choosing an organic option is often a personal preference—especially if you want to limit exposure to synthetic ingredients, pesticides, GMOs, artificial flavors, or additives.

The USDA-certified organic label ensures that foods meet specific federal guidelines, including standards for soil quality, animal-raising practices, pest control, and additive use. So, if you prefer organic protein powders or ones that contain mostly organic ingredients, these are our top choices. One of my current favorites is our Best Vegan, EarthChimp Organic Vegan Protein Powder, which I blend into my daily smoothie with frozen berries, unsweetened almond milk, fresh spinach, and ice for a delicious and balanced breakfast.

Our team of dietitians and editors tested more than 25 top-ranked protein powders in our lab to select our top organic protein powders. We mixed a serving of each powder with water in a shaker bottle and rated them for taste, texture, and smell. We then combined those results with our evaluation of the quality of ingredients, independent verification, and nutritional composition to select our top picks, including plant-based and animal-based protein powders.

EarthChimp Organic Vegan Protein Powder
Credit: Amazon

EarthChimp protein powder excels in taste and texture. Many vegan protein powders can be super gritty and overly sweet, but I found this one smooth, especially when paired with almond milk, with a perfect, medium level of sweetness. It also has a rich vanilla flavor with hints of cinnamon and tastes better when mixed into nut milk or a smoothie rather than just water. I recently used it in a smoothie when I hosted a brunch with friends and family, and everyone agreed it was one of the best-tasting vegan protein powders they had tried.

This USDA-certified organic protein powder is a complete protein containing all essential amino acids and made from a blend of plant proteins including organic peas, pumpkin, coconut, and sunflower. It also contains a probiotic strain, Bacillus coagulans, which, according to research, may help promote better digestion and reduce gas and bloating. The powder contains an impressive 5 grams of fiber from flax seed. In addition to tasting great mixed with nut milk and ice, it is perfect for smoothies.

This powder contains a digestive enzyme and probiotic blend, which some people may not want. It also contains coconut and is made in a facility that uses peanuts, tree nuts, and sesame.


Protein Source:
Organic Plant Protein Blend (Organic Pea, Organic Pumpkin, Organic Coconut & Organic Sunflower)| Serving size: 2 scoops | Protein per serving: 20 grams | Sugar per serving: 3 grams | Fiber per serving: 5 grams | Other ingredients: Organic Fruit Blend (Organic Date, Organic Banana & Organic Baobab), Organic Agave Fiber, Organic Pea Starch, Flax Seed Fiber, Organic Cocoa Alkalised), Natural Flavors, Probiotics & Digestive Enzyme Blend (Bacillus Coagulans, Amylase, Protease, Cellulase, Lactase & Lipase), Organic Monkfruit Extract, Milled Flax Seeds, Organic Ceylon
Cinnamon, Organic Turmeric | Dietary Considerations: Vegan, gluten-free, soy-free

Health


Person scooping out powder from Natural Force Organic Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder pack
Credit: Health / Jhett Thompson

Why We Like It

If you prefer whey, Natural Force Organic Grass Fed Whey is made with whey protein concentrate from grass-fed cows and contains 20 grams of protein per scoop. Whey protein is high in essential amino acids, including branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which are particularly important for muscle repair and growth.

This protein powder has a simple ingredient list, including whey protein concentrate, monk fruit powder, and vanilla flavor. For the best taste and texture, we recommend mixing it into smoothies. When mixed with plain water, it does not fully dissolve, leaving a grainy texture and some clumps. It also has a slight aftertaste. For a great post-workout snack, try blending it with your milk of choice, a frozen banana, and a scoop of peanut butter.

This product is free from fillers, colors, artificial ingredients, gluten, and soy. We like that every batch is independently verified for purity and potency, including heavy metal and microbe testing.

It’s Worth Noting

Since this protein powder is whey-based, it’s not suitable for those with dairy allergies or sensitivities.

Protein Source: Whey protein concentrate| Serving size: 1 scoop | Protein per serving: 20 grams| Sugar per serving: 2 grams | Fiber per serving: 0 grams | Other ingredients: monk fruit powder, vanilla flavor| Dietary Considerations: Gluten-free, soy-free, kosher

Garden of Life SPORT Organic Plant-Based Protein
Credit: Amazon

Athletes require more protein—the American College of Sports Medicine recommends that athletes get 1.2 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. And while most protein powders contain around 20 grams of protein per serving, we appreciate that Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein, designed for more active people, includes 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.

This protein powder contains a vegan protein blend and apples, tart cherries, turmeric, blueberries, and goji berries. These are all sources of antioxidants that can help with post-exercise recovery. However, the specific amounts of each ingredient are not listed. It also contains good amounts of iron, zinc, selenium, and manganese. 

This protein powder is NSF Certified for Sport and Informed Choice certified—two independent verifications certifying ingredient amounts and the absence of harmful contaminants or banned substances for sports. 

It’s Worth Noting

Keep in mind that this protein powder is sweetened with stevia, and not everyone loves that taste. It also has an added probiotic, which may not be necessary for some people and might cause stomach discomfort for some people with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, especially if you take other probiotic supplements.

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: Cocoa, carob, chocolate and vanilla flavors, stevia extract, sea salt, apple, tart cherry, turmeric, blueberry, goji berry, Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04 probiotic | Dietary Considerations: Vegan, gluten-free

Sprout Living Epic Protein Vanilla Lucuma on blue surface next to blender bottle
Credit: Health / Alexander Huang

Why We Like It

Sprout’s Living Epic Vanilla Lucuma vegan protein powder contains 20 grams of protein and 13 grams of carbohydrates per serving, perfect for post-workout refueling. The protein blend in this pick comes from yellow pea protein, sunflower seed, pumpkin seed, sacha inchi, and cranberry seed. Sacha inchi seeds are high in iron, boosting this powder’s iron content to 30% of the Daily Value. This is helpful because iron can sometimes be challenging to obtain, especially on a vegan diet, and it’s necessary for transporting oxygen.

We appreciate this pick’s unique and quality ingredients, which include many superfoods— it is flavored with South American lucuma fruit, coconut milk, cinnamon, ginger root, baobab fruit, and vanilla bean. I found this powder to have a rich, creamy vanilla and cinnamon flavor with a subtle sweetness from the lucuma fruit, coconut sugar, and stevia that isn’t overpowering. I also love that it contains three grams of fiber from Jerusalem artichoke, a prebiotic that can help support digestive health. We found that it tasted better and was smoother when blended in a smoothie versus mixed in a shaker bottle with water or nondairy milk.

It’s Worth Noting

Sprout Living’s website mentions that their products are independently verified, 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.

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 leaf | Dietary Considerations: Vegan, kosher, gluten-free, nut-free

Orgain Organic Protein + Superfoods Powder, Creamy Chocolate Fudge
Credit: Amazon

Why We Like It

Orgain Organic Protein + Superfoods Powder is an excellent option if you’re looking for a plant-based protein powder with extra nutrients. It contains an impressive 50 superfoods, 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 necessary for post-exercise recovery, so this pick provides a great post-workout option. This powder also contains 45% of the Daily Value of Iron and 20% of the Daily Value of vitamin C, B vitamins, and magnesium.

It’s Worth Noting

A drawback of this protein powder is that it is not independently verified. It also contains the sugar alcohol erythritol, which may or may not suit your taste preferences and can cause bloating in some. However, compared to other organic protein powders, it is a more affordable option.

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, and erythritol | Dietary Considerations: Vegan

Truvani Unflavored Protein Powder
Credit: Truvani

Truvani is a USDA-certified organic plant-based protein with only five real food 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. I found this protein powder very smooth when mixed with water, non-dairy milk, and a smoothie—making it a great on-the-go option because it’s also available in individual packets. It’s sweetened with monk fruit extract and has no artificial ingredients or fillers, but I did find it to be on the sweeter side, which may not appeal to everyone. It also doesn’t leave any bad aftertaste.

Truvani takes testing for ingredient purity and heavy metals seriously, and they do both in-house and independent testing. However, the certificate of analysis for these tests on each product is not currently available on their website.. You can easily mix it into your favorite smoothie, bake with it, or simply mix it with a liquid of choice. In addition to vanilla, this powder comes in chocolate, peanut butter, banana cinnamon, chocolate peanut butter, vanilla chai, and unflavored varieties.

It’s not a good source of minerals like some other protein powders. Also, this protein powder is on the more expensive end. However, we think this protein powder’s high quality makes it worth it

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

Aloha Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder
Credit: Amazon

Why We Like It

If you follow a plant-based diet, adding protein from various sources can help you get all the essential amino acids while meeting your protein goals. Aloha Organic Plant-Based Protein contains protein from multiple sources, including pea, brown rice, hemp seed, and pumpkin seed proteins. The pumpkin seeds also help provide 35% Daily Value of iron, a mineral vegans often struggle to get enough of in their diet. This powder is also higher in fiber than other protein powders, with an impressive five grams of fiber per serving from agave inulin.

Two scoops of this powder provide 18 grams of protein and 10 grams of carbohydrates. If you’re using it after a workout to refuel and further help with muscle recovery and carbohydrate replenishment, we recommend pairing it with additional carbohydrates, such as in a fruit smoothie.

It’s Worth Noting

This protein powder contains agave inulin, a dietary fiber that may cause gastrointestinal symptoms in some people like gas and bloating. It’s also not clearly independently verified.

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, soy-free, kosher

Ora So Lean & So Clean Vanilla Chai Organic Plant-Based Superfood Protein displayed on a white counter
Credit: Health / Jessica Juliao

Why We Like It

Ora Organic So Lean & So Clean in Vanilla Chai is one of our favorite flavored protein powders. We found the vanilla chai flavor tastes warm and toasty without being overly sweet. It dissolves well with water in a shaker bottle, but we recommend mixing it with plant-based milk like almond or oat milk for the best taste and texture. We also found that drinking it immediately after mixing is best because it can separate and stick to the glass if left sitting and may require additional stirring.

It contains 21 grams of protein per serving, including all essential amino acids, from a plant-based protein blend made from pea, rice, quinoa, and amaranth protein. This powder also contains a vegetable and fruit blend, providing antioxidants and 6 milligrams of iron (33% Daily Value). We also appreciate that it’s independently verified for purity and potency, with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) available for each batch.

It’s Worth Noting

Note that this product contains a digestive enzyme blend, which not everyone may need or want. There is not sufficient scientific backing to prove health benefits from regular use, and it may not be suitable for everyone.

Protein Source: Pea, brown rice, sacha inchi, amaranth, sprouted quinoa Serving size: 2 scoops | Protein per serving: 21 grams | Sugar per serving: 0 grams | Fiber per serving: 1.2 grams | Other ingredients: cranberry, acai, acerola extract, apple, blackberry, blueberry, broccoli, coconut milk, Jerusalem artichoke, kale, pomegranate, strawberry, turmeric, enzyme blend (amylase, protease, lactase, lipase, cellulase) | Dietary Considerations: Vegan, gluten-free, soy-free

FlavCity Protein Powder Smoothie
Credit: Amazon

This FlavCity Protein Powder Smoothie has a soft, delicate texture, almost like powdered sugar. Because of this, we found it blends best using a blender or frother, and it tended to clump when mixed in a shaker bottle. To get a feel for the flavor and texture, we tested it with water, various milks, and a smoothie. It definitely tastes best when mixed with milk, non-dairy alternatives, or blended in a smoothie versus just water. One of our editors noted a slightly earthy flavor when mixed with water—likely because this powder includes cordyceps and reishi mushrooms for functional benefits.

We appreciate that one scoop of this protein powder contains 25 grams of protein, one of the highest on our list, from grass-fed whey and collagen. And while it’s not USDA-certified organic, most ingredients are organic. We also like that while it contains stevia and monk fruit, which can be off-putting for some people due to taste, it doesn’t have an overly sweet flavor, and there was no unpleasant aftertaste.

We had issues sealing the packaging after use. It has a self-seal zip-style closure, but the two sides don’t line up and close. We had to fold over the top and close it with a chip clip. We recommend transferring it to a sealable container to ensure it stays as fresh as possible.

Protein Source: Whey Protein Concentrate (grass-fed, undenatured), Collagen (grass-fed) | Serving size: 2 scoops | Protein per serving: 25 grams | Sugar per serving: 4 grams | Fiber per serving: <1 gram | Other ingredients: Organic Banana Powder, Organic Coconut Milk Powder, Vanilla Powder, Unrefined Sea Salt, Organic Cordyceps Powder, Organic Reishi Powder, Organic Stevia Leaf Extract, Organic Monk Fruit Extract | Dietary Considerations: none

Person scooping KOS Vegan Superfood Protein Powder
Credit: Health / Alexander Huang

Why We Like It

Unlike many plant-based powders that can have a grainy texture, KOS Organic Plant Protein Chocolate is smooth and mixes well into smoothies and plain water. We found its smooth texture free of grittiness and any unpleasant aftertaste. The chocolate flavor resembles chocolate milk, and it is on the sweeter side from stevia and monk fruit. This pick’s plant-based protein blend comes from peas, flaxseed, quinoa, pumpkin, and chia seeds. It provides all essential amino acids with 20 grams of protein per serving.

KOS is also a good source of iron, vitamin E, manganese, vitamin B12, zinc, copper, chromium, and molybdenum. It also contains a fruit and veggie blend with apples, carrots, oranges, cranberries, mushrooms, and tomatoes, which delivers an antioxidant and nutrient boost. Mix it with water in a shaker bottle for a simple protein shake, or blend it with your preferred milk and a frozen banana for a dessert-like, nutrient-dense smoothie, perfect for post-workout.

It’s Worth Noting

The powder contains a digestive enzyme blend, though the health benefits of regular use aren’t scientifically proven. The fiber is a bit lower, with three grams per serving, but note that this is from inulin, which can cause digestive upset in those with IBS.

If you’re taking a multivitamin or other supplements, be mindful of the vitamin and mineral blend added here to avoid exceeding the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for any nutrient. Also, this is not an independently verified product.

Protein Source: Pea protein, flax seed, quinoa, pumpkin seed, chia seed | Serving size: 2 scoops | Protein per serving: 20 grams | Sugar per serving: 2 grams | Fiber per serving: 3 grams | Other ingredients: Coconut milk, cocoa, coconut sugar, insulin, acacia gum, Himalayan salt, chocolate flavor, stevia extract, fruit and vegetable blend, digestive enzyme blend, vitamin and mineral blend | Dietary Considerations: Vegan, gluten-free, soy-free

Using an organic protein powder is a personal choice or preference. People who may not benefit from protein powder supplementation include those getting enough protein from food, those with certain preexisting medical conditions, as well as individuals on certain medications. 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. If you have certain conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, you may need to be mindful of your protein intake.

Certain groups of people may benefit from organic protein powders. This includes:

  • Those short on time: If you don’t have time to cook meals, a protein powder can be an easy way to ensure you get a quality source of protein after workouts or when you’re in a rush. 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 get more protein than sedentary individuals. The RDA for protein is 0.8 g/kg body weight; however, this is often considered the minimum intake for most adults. Athletes and highly active people would benefit from consuming greater amounts of protein–up to 1.2-2.0 g/kg body weight.
  • People 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. Check ingredient labels to ensure the protein powder is free of any allergens you have. 
  • People with elevated protein needs: Protein needs may be increased for people with certain health conditions such as injuries, burns, or a cancer diagnosis. We recommend speaking with a healthcare provider to determine your needs and ensure protein powders are suitable for you.

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. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, your needs are also higher, with an RDA of 1.1 grams per kilogram. Also keep in mind protein foods should ideally be spread fairly equally throughout the day rather than mainly consumed in one sitting.

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. Keep in mind your protein should come from a variety of foods, not solely organic protein powder.

In addition to our research, we tested 25 of the top protein powders in our testing lab to rate each product for taste, texture, smell, and value. We tested the products by mixing a serving of each powder into plain water in a shaker bottle, noting how well it dissolved, and then tasted the product, evaluating flavor, texture, and smell. We then combined these ratings with a nutrition and independent verification score from our nutrition editor to get an overall rating for each pick. We rate each powder on a scale of one to five—with five being the best ranking.

We also spoke to various experts to get their take on the best organic protein powders on the market. Experts we spoke to include:

  • Allison Knott, MS, RDN: Registered dietitian, board-certified specialist in sports nutrition, and founder of Anew Well Nutrition 
  • Holly Klamer MS, RD: nutrition editor at Health.com

Organic protein powders typically come in powdered form that must be mixed with a liquid of choice. You 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 as well as their amino acid composition.

Organic protein powders differ widely in the ingredients they contain. Since protein powders are not regulated, there is the risk of contamination from unwanted ingredients, so we recommend choosing an independently verified powder when possible. This is particularly important if you are an athlete and need to undergo drug testing or are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

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. Additionally, some contain digestive enzymes, probiotic blends, herbal blends, and added nutrients that may or may not suit your needs. It is always important to check labels so you know what you are consuming.

Amy Fischer, MS, RD, CDN, is a New York City-based registered dietitian and senior nutrition editor at Health.com. She covers a wide range of health and wellness-related topics, including nutrition, fitness, and supplements. She is also a writer and editor who has written for several publications and authored numerous chapters in clinical nutrition textbooks. She enjoys researching, testing, and reviewing supplements. She uses protein powders daily and loved researching and tasting the organic protein powders for this story.

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