We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

The 8 Best Organic Protein Powders, Tested, Researched, and Dietitian-Approved

We taste-tested 25 protein powders to find the most nutritious options you'll actually want to put in your smoothie

Protein Powder

Health

Hitting your protein goals can often be a challenge especially if you’re an athlete with higher nutrient needs, are pregnant or breastfeeding, short on time, or have dietary restrictions. In these cases, protein powders are a great way to give your protein intake a much-needed boost.

Protein supplements often have many different nutritional claims. However, the USDA-certified organic label means the foods are grown according to specific federal guidelines that consider soil quality, animal-raising practices, pest control, and additive use. According to Allison Knott, MS, RDN, organic protein powders, and conventional protein powders do not differ in their nutritional value. Although, they are a good choice if you’re looking to avoid synthetic ingredients, pesticides, GMOs, artificial flavors, or additives.

To select our top organic protein powders, our dietitians analyzed research, interviewed experts, and evaluated protein powders based on the quality of ingredients, independent verification, and nutritional composition. We also tested 25 top-ranked protein powders in our lab by mixing a serving of each powder with water in a shaker bottle and rated them for taste, texture, and smell. We combined those results with independent verification, nutrition, and value scores to select our top picks and give you plenty of options to pick from, including both plant-based and milk-derived protein powders.

A Note About Supplements

Dietary supplements are minimally regulated by the FDA and may or may not be suitable for you. They also may interact with other supplements or medications you are taking. Experts from our medical review board review supplements according to our rigorous dietary supplement methodology. We also had a registered dietitian review this page for its scientific accuracy. Please always speak with a healthcare provider to discuss any supplements you plan on taking

Why We Like It

Sprout Living Epic Protein earns the top spot on our list of organic protein powders. This vegan protein is balanced for post-workout nutrition needs, with 20 grams of protein and 13 grams of carbohydrates per serving. The protein comes from a blend of different plant-based foods, such as yellow pea protein, sunflower seed, pumpkin seed, sacha inchi, and cranberry seed. Sacha inchi seeds are high in iron and boost this powder's iron content to 30% of the Daily Value. Keep in mind that iron is a nutrient that can sometimes be challenging to get, especially on a vegan diet, and it's necessary for transporting oxygen.

In addition to its quality nutrient profile, we also appreciate that this protein powder is flavored with a blend that includes a South American lucuma fruit, coconut milk, cinnamon, ginger root, baobab fruit, and vanilla bean. It gives this a subtle sweetness that isn't too overpowering, with a delicious creamy vanilla and cinnamon flavor. It also contains three grams of fiber, mainly from Jerusalem artichoke, and is sweetened with coconut sugar and stevia. It mixed well in just plain water with a smooth texture, but it would also be a good choice blended into a fruit smoothie.

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.

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

Why We Like It

If you prefer an organic whey protein powder, we recommend Natural Force Organic Grass Fed Whey. This protein powder is made with whey protein concentrate from grass-fed cows, and it 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. We recommend mixing this powder into smoothies to get the best taste and texture. 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.

Product Details

  • 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

Why We Like It

Aloha Organic Plant-Based Protein is a great option if you're looking for an organic protein powder and following a plant-based diet. Vegan sources of protein are typically less bioavailable and contain fewer essential amino acids than animal-based sources. Therefore, adding additional protein from a variety of plant-based sources can be a helpful way to increase your protein intake and diversify your amino acid intake.

This 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 in their diet. 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 and carbohydrate replenishment after exercise.

It's Worth Noting

This protein powder has an added probiotic, which may or may not suit your preferences. It’s also not clearly independently verified.

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, soy-free

Why We Like It

KOS Organic Plant Protein Chocolate is an excellent choice if you want a plant-based, organic protein powder packed with added vitamins and minerals. It includes a blend of five plant-based protein sources: peas, flaxseed, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds. This blend provides all essential amino acids, with 20 grams of protein per serving.

The impressive nutrient profile includes a vitamin and mineral blend, making KOS a good source of iron, vitamin E, manganese, vitamin B12, zinc, copper, chromium, and molybdenum. You also get a fruit and veggie blend with apple, carrot, orange, cranberry, mushroom, and tomato, delivering an antioxidant and nutrient boost. The powder also has a digestive enzyme blend, though the health benefits of regular use aren't scientifically proven.

Unlike many plant-based powders with a grainy texture, this one mixes well into smoothies and plain water, providing a smooth texture without grittiness or an unpleasant aftertaste. It has a mild chocolate flavor and subtle sweetness from stevia and monk fruit, reminiscent of chocolate milk. For a simple protein shake, mix it with water in a shaker bottle, 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 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, as not exceed the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for any nutrient. Also, this is not an independently verified product.

Product Details

  • 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

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that athletes get 1.2 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. This amount is higher than the protein recommendation 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 slightly higher 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 independent verifications that certify ingredient amounts and lack of harmful contaminants. It is particularly important to choose independently verified supplements if you are a competitive athlete to ensure you do not get any banned substances in supplements. 

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 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: 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

Why We Like It

For an organic, single plant-based ingredient, nutritious protein powder, we recommend Sprout Living Simple Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder. This single-ingredient powder contains cold-pressed pumpkin seed powder only and nothing else, making it a good option if you have common food allergies. Since it only has pumpkin seeds, it is also veganand vegetarian-friendly.

Each serving provides 20 grams of protein and a good dose of iron—30% of the Daily Value and 12% of the 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. 

It's Worth Noting

While this has a smooth consistency and blends well, it isn't our favorite tasting protein powder, as it has a bit of an earthy undertone.

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

Why We Like It

Ora Organic So Lean & So Clean in Vanilla Chai is one of our favorite flavored protein powders. It contains 21 grams of protein per serving, including all essential amino acids, from a plant-based protein blend primarily made of pea, rice, quinoa, and amaranth protein. We also like that it is independently verified for purity and potency, with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) available for each batch.

The taste of the vanilla chai flavor is warm and toasty without being overly sweet. It does dissolve well with water in a shaker bottle, but for optimal taste and texture, we recommend mixing it with plant-based milk like soy, almond, or oat milk. It is best to drink it immediately after mixing because it can separate and stick to the glass if left sitting and may require additional stirring.

This contains a vegetable and fruit blend providing antioxidants, as well as 6 milligrams of iron (33% Daily Value).

It's Worth Noting

Note that this product does contain a digestive enzyme blend, which may have health benefits for some. However, it does not have sufficient scientific backing to prove health benefits with regular use and may not be suitable for all.

Product Details

  • 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

Why We Like It

Orgain Organic Protein + Superfoods Powder is a great option if you’re looking for a plant-based 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% of the Daily Value of vitamin C, plus B vitamins and magnesium.

It's Worth Noting

One of the main drawbacks 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, 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, and erythritol.
  • Dietary Considerations: Vegan

Should I Use an Organic Protein Powder?

Organic protein powders are not a necessity and are more of an individual choice. 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.

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 get more protein than sedentary individuals. Knott explains that 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 meeting these needs even more challenging, making protein powder a quick way to up your intake. Consult a healthcare professional before adding a protein powder, and opt for one that has strong independent verification.
  • People with elevated protein needs: Protein needs may be increased for those 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.

Our Supplement Testing/Research Process

Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements; you can read more about our dietary supplement methodology here.

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 independently verified and certified by independent organizations such as 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.

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.

The Experts

Experts we spoke to include:

  • Allison Knott, MS, RDN: Registered dietitian, board-certified specialist in sports nutrition, and founder of Anew Well Nutrition 
  • Shushy Rita Setrakian, MS, RD: is a Registered Dietitian specializing in both GI and women’s health, as well as one of our nutrition and supplement editors.

The Different Types of Organic Protein Powders

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.

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 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.

How Much Organic Protein Powder Should I Use?

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.

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 organic protein powder over conventional powders is a personal choice. While organic protein powders are free from synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics, and GMOs, they do not differ nutritionally from conventional protein powders. It is still a good practice to choose protein powders that are independently verified 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 or 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.

Who We Are

Tamar Kane is a registered dietitian and writer for Health.com who has run three marathons, and is constantly applying sports nutrition principles to her training. She believes developing the right nutrition program for your sports activity level is as important as your athletic training. She recently started Tamar Kane Nutrition to help runners properly fuel their training while they wade through the nutrition information overload and confusion.

Was this page helpful?
9 Sources
Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Organic 101: What the USDA Organic Label Means.

  2. Ciuris C, Lynch HM, Wharton C, Johnston CS. A comparison of dietary protein digestibility, based on diaas scoring, in vegetarian and non-vegetarian athletes. Nutrients. 2019;11(12):3016. doi:10.3390/nu11123016

  3. Rogerson D. Vegan diets: practical advice for athletes and exercisers. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2017;14(1):36. doi:10.1186/s12970-017-0192-9

  4. Nutrition and athletic performance. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2009;41(3):709-731. doi:10.1249/MSS.0b013e31890eb86

  5. Whey Protein. Medline Plus.

  6. Elango R, Ball RO. Protein and amino acid requirements during pregnancy. Advances in Nutrition. 2016;7(4):839S-844S. doi:10.3945/an.115.011817

  7. High Protein Diet. Drugs.com.

  8. Jäger R, Kerksick CM, Campbell BI, et al. International society of sports nutrition position stand: protein and exercise. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2017;14(1):20. doi:10.1186/s12970-017-0177-8

  9. Delimaris I. Adverse effects associated with protein intake above the recommended dietary allowance for adults. International Scholarly Research Notices. 2013;2013:e126929. doi:10.5402/2013/126929

Related Articles