Best Organic Protein Powders (Plus Protein Shake Recipes)

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The market size of protein powder is $21.5 billion and growing at a 6.5% compounding annual growth rate (“CAGR”). Within this, the plant based protein supplement market size is $2.51 billion and growing at a 8.8% CAGR. If you are serious about your nutrition, consider trying one of the best organic protein powders in this article.

From the editor: I have been an action sports athlete for the past twenty years. From racing motocross during high school to competing in endurance water sports races as an adult, nutrition has always played a big part in my training program. While training for the 41-mile outrigger canoe race between the Hawaiian Islands of Molokai and Oahu, hydration and nutrition were two of my biggest focuses.

When training at a high level, your body will react to the most subtle changes in diet. For example, Tour de France riders grudgingly talk about their “rice and chicken” dinner which they can not deviate from eating daily. Having a meal plan that nourishes your body and provides the necessary fuel is critical for endurance athletes. I realized this for the first time when I went to a clean diet that included morning protein shakes, raw treats, and simple meals. Within a few days of incorporating this diet, my performance shot up. My teammates were astonished by the heightened level of endurance and energy that I had. A major part of this diet was using the best organic protein powder as a daily supplement.

What makes a good protein powder?

A good protein powder should provide an optimal blend of ingredients. The best protein powders will contain ingredients like essential vitamins and minerals from real food sources to support overall health. They should also be low in sugar, carbohydrates, fats and calories so as not to sabotage your dieting goals. Lastly, look for a product that has been third-party tested for purity and safety to ensure what you are consuming is free from contaminants or banned substances.

Why organic protein powders are important

Organic whey proteins are derived from cows that have been fed organic, non-GMO feed. As such, these proteins are free of potentially harmful contaminants. This higher standard provides a higher quality source of all nine essential amino acids that our bodies need for muscle growth and maintenance.

Additionally, organic protein powders are often fortified with additional vitamins and minerals from real food sources for better absorption and assimilation into our bodies. Many organic protein powders are also lower in sugar, carbohydrates, fats and calories than other conventional options.

5 Reasons to have a Protein Shake everyday

1. Improved Muscle Recovery: Protein shakes are an excellent way to quickly replenish the body with essential amino acids and proteins needed for muscle recovery. Drinking a protein shake on a regular basis can help ensure you have the necessary building blocks for repair and growth post-workout.

2. Increased Metabolism: Consuming protein shakes can also help boost metabolism due to their thermogenic effect – where the body uses energy to digest them. This effect can be further enhanced if you add certain ingredients like green tea extract or caffeine to the protein shake. These extra ingredients can make protein shakes even more effective for fat loss and weight management.

3. Satiety: Having a protein shake as part of your daily routine can also help reduce hunger throughout the day. This makes it easier to control cravings and maintain caloric balance for better weight management. The high nutritional content in protein shakes can also keep you feeling fuller longer, meaning fewer unnecessary snacking between meals.

4. Improved Energy Levels: Protein shakes are often fortified with other essential vitamins and minerals which can improve overall energy levels during workouts. In addition, many organic plant-based protein powders can help regulate cortisol levels, improve alertness and focus while reducing stress-related inflammation. All of this contributing to increased energy levels day-to-day.

5. Enhanced Strength Gains: Protein shakes are arguably one of the best ways to increase strength gains over time. Looking for even more of a natural boost? Add adaptogenic herbs like maca root extract which may actually increase testosterone production.

Misconceptions about Protein Powders

There are a lot of rumors that protein powders have no nutritional benefits. Many poor quality products have become popular with the growth of social media. These brands rely on big marketing budgets which can only be obtained by manufacturing bad products with bad ingredients. Sadly, this strategy of putting lipstick on a pig results in a poor customer experience.

If you are serious about your training, you need to be serious about your diet. Athletes know that there is not quick fix or instant solution. Becoming stronger and faster takes time. It takes discipline. And, it takes fueling your body with the best foods and supplements. After all, you wouldn’t put regular gasoline in a race car, right?

Editor Notes: I have spent the time and money creating this article in hopes of promoting only high quality products. While I make a small commission from sales that came from purchases, none of the brands on this page gave me any product for free or paid a flat fee to be included. I believe in the benefits of using protein powders because I’ve realized the athletic gains from using high quality brands.

Adaptogens in Protein Powder

Adaptogens are natural herbs and botanicals that have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese, Ayurvedic, and other Eastern medicinal practices. They are also being incorporated into protein powders to promote overall health and wellness. Adaptogens are believed to have the following effects:

• Emotional benefits
• Reduced psychological stress by regulating hormones
• Improving sleep quality
• Boosting cognitive performance
• Reducing fatigue
• Increasing endurance.

Organic plant based protein powders that contain adaptogens can be a great way to get the nutritional benefits of these powerful ingredients without having to add other supplements. Common adaptogens found in organic plant-based protein powder include

• Ashwagandha root extract
• Ginseng root extract
• Maca root extract
• Astragalus root extract

How to find the Best Organic Protein Powders

The best organic protein powders are those made from clean ingredients with additional vitamins and minerals to support optimal performance. Look for products that contain additional nutrients such as iron, magnesium and zinc. It’s also important to check the label for added vitamins such as B-vitamins which can help reduce fatigue and improve focus during physical activity.

Sources:

• Vitamins and Minerals for Energy, Fatigue and Cognition: A Narrative Review of the Biochemical and Clinical Evidence

Ingredients to avoid

There are some ingredients in protein powders to avoid that can be detrimental to your health and fitness goals. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame K are often added to protein powders for flavor, but they can have a negative effect on your body. Studies have linked these sweeteners to weight gain, increased blood pressure, and even cancer.

Many protein powders contain fillers such as maltodextrin or potato starch which not only add unnecessary calories and carbohydrates to the powder but can also trigger an allergic reaction for those with food sensitivities. Similarly, artificial flavors, colors and preservatives should be avoided due to the potential risks from exposure to these chemicals. Watch out for hidden sugars and unhealthy saturated fats like palm oil. These are sometimes added to protein powders for taste but can do more harm than good when it comes to managing your dieting goals.

Sources:

• Gain weight by “going diet?” Artificial sweeteners and the neurobiology of sugar cravings
• Nonnutritive sweeteners and cardiometabolic health

Why Plant Based Protein Powder is so good

Plant based protein powder is a great choice for those looking to improve their health and reach their fitness goals. Plant-based proteins are derived from whole food sources like hemp, peas, and brown rice, making them naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. Additionally, these proteins contain essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce on their own which are necessary for muscle growth and repair. Plant based protein powders are also higher in fiber which helps keep you feeling full while providing sustained energy throughout the day.

Organic plant proteins are particularly beneficial due to the lack of synthetic chemicals used in the production process. In contrast to whey proteins which require pasteurization to kill bacteria and denaturing to increase shelf life, organic plant proteins

Plant-based Protein vs Whey Protein

In comparison to traditional whey protein powder, plant based proteins often contain fewer calories and carbohydrates. Plant protein still delivers a high quality source of protein. For example, one serving of pea protein contains around 25 grams of protein with only 4 grams of carbohydrates. Additionally, plant based proteins tend to be lower in fat than other sources like beef or dairy. This can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Plant-based proteins tend to be more allergen friendly since they’re free of the lactose and casein. This typically makes them a safer choice for those with food sensitivities or allergies. Lastly, plant based proteins tend in to be lower in sugar than whey protein.

Top 3 Best Organic Protein Powders

#1 Best Organic Protein Powder: Sunwarrior Sport Active Protein

When you take your training to the next level, Sunwarrior Sport Active Protein is the best organic protein powder to achieve performance increases. This organic protein powder combines plant-based proteins like pea, alfalfa, pumpkin seed, hemp seed and sacha inchi with additional nutrients such as iron, magnesium and zinc to provide a complete source of essential amino acids and support optimal performance during workouts.

Each serving contains anti-inflammatory ingredients like tart cherry and turmeric extract which can help reduce muscle soreness after exercise. Additionally, this vegan-friendly option is low in calories with no added fat or sugar. With its clean ingredients, this is the ideal choice for athletes seeking an all natural protein powder that delivers maximum results.

Editor Notes: I use this protein powder in my post workout protein shakes. Because of the amount of calories that I am burning during endurance training, I am often drinking two or three protein shakes a day.

My afternoon protein shake recipe is:

• 12oz water
• 2 scoops Sunwarrior Sport Active Protein (1 serving)
• 1 Banana
• 6 Organic Frozen Strawberries

Add all the ingredients into your Ninja Bullet Blender (or similar), blend, and serve.

#2 Best Organic Protein Powder: Ka’Chava

Ka’Chava is an organic plant-based protein powder designed to help athletes maximize their workout performance. It contains superfoods such as maca root, quinoa, chia seeds and camu camu. Ka’Chava is also high in fiber which helps support better digestion and regularity.

With its clean ingredients and nutrient dense formulation this vegan-friendly product has become a popular choice among athletes who want to maximize their performance while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

#3 Best Organic Protein Powder: Sakara Organic Proteins + Greens

Sakara Organic Proteins + Greens is a plant-based superfood blend designed to provide athletes with complete protein and nutrient support for increased performance. It contains non-GMO pea, alfalfa, quinoa, amaranth and chia proteins as well as greens like kale, spinach and spirulina. Unlike other protein powders, Sakara Organic Proteins + Greens is formulated with organic ingredients and contains no added sugar or artificial preservatives.

This vegan friendly blend is also packed with essential vitamins and minerals including iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and zinc to help athletes refuel post workout. Additionally, it provides antioxidant rich superfoods such as maca root, turmeric root extract and camu camu which help fight off free radicals while promoting optimal health. With its clean ingredients and high nutritional value this product is an excellent choice for athletes who want to maximize their performance.

Top 3 Best Plant Based Protein Powders

#1 Best Plant Based Protein Powder: Sunwarrior Collagen Building Protein Peptides

Sunwarrior Collagen Building Protein Peptides is the perfect choice for athletes looking to build strength and increase performance. It has also been proven to reduce fatigue associated with prolonged exercise. And because it’s made with natural ingredients you can be sure that you’re getting the purest form of protein.

Editor Notes: I use the Sunwarrior Collagen protein powder daily. The blend of blend is light on my stomach and makes for the perfect morning protein shake. I have found that I am more focused throughout the day when I start with a shake first thing. If you are training, I recommend adding a scoop of Sunwarrior Creatine as well.

My morning protein shake recipe is:

• 12oz Oatly Oat Milk
• Frozen Organic Dark Cherry’s
• Frozen Organic Blackberries
• 1 Banana
• 1 scoop Sunwarriror protein powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of Ashwagandha powder

Add all the ingredients into your Ninja Bullet Blender (or similar), blend, and serve.

#2 Best Plant Protein Powder: Four Sigmatic Plant-based Protein

Four Sigmatic protein powder provides the necessary nutrition for muscle growth and development. Ideal for athletes and fitness enthusiasts, Four Sigmatic plant-based protein is crafted with quality ingredients. Not only does it provide all nine essential amino acids, but it also offers a range of added benefits such as improved digestion and better skin health.

#3 Best Plant Protein Powder: Vega Sport Premium

A vegan-friendly, plant-based protein powder is designed to help athletes and fitness enthusiasts achieve their goals. VEGA Sport Premium protein powder is made using a blend of organic pea, alfalfa, pumpkin seed, and hemp seed proteins that are packed with essential amino acids. It’s also enriched with performance-enhancing ingredients like tart cherry, turmeric, probiotics, omega 3 fatty acids and vitamins that help reduce inflammation.

Add-on Supplements: Sunwarrior Active Creatine

Sunwarrior Active Creatine is designed to support optimal performance and increased strength. It is formulated with 100% pure creatine monohydrate, sourced from vegan-friendly sources such as tapioca root. Sunwarrior Active Creatine helps improve recovery time after intense workouts and physical activities.

Additionally, studies have shown that creatine can help increase lean muscle mass and boost cognitive performance. There are no artificial sweeteners so you can be sure that you’re getting the cleanest possible product. With its potent blend of ingredients, Sunwarrior Active Creatine is an ideal option for anyone looking to take their fitness routine to the next level.