Pick the Top Organic & Natural Protein Powder With This Review
Virtually every sort of protein powder is available in an organic, non-GMO form. The types of protein sold as powders for making smoothies serve every athlete and consumer: vegans, vegetarians, dairy-free, gluten-free, and omnivorous eaters.
The best natural and organic versions, however, are the types which were already the very best when you were not searching for organic products. The difference is that organic supplements are safer, free of chemicals, and you will feel better about eating them.
Types of Protein
Whey is the number one protein powder worldwide, approved and beloved by bodybuilders, runners, fitness instructors, personal trainers, and more. It’s easy to digest if you don’t have a dairy allergy, tasty, and blends up into a thick and tasty shake that even kids will enjoy.
Whey turns up in many protein supplements including bars and other snacks too. There are numerous flavors and, with fruit and water, whey protein shakes make for a wonderful summertime meal replacement or a meal for fussy eaters of any age. Many people use whey as a weight loss supplement, not to pack on muscle.
Egg protein powder was top dog before whey came along. Now it takes a backseat; so far back that people tend to overlook it. If vegetarians can use whey, why bother with egg? If they are vegan, the same rule applies.
Dairy-free bodybuilders who are not vegan would probably turn to egg protein, though, and it is an excellent source which, like whey, is also easy to digest. Relative to many forms of protein, egg and whey are also inexpensive and the highest-rated organic protein is a whey supplement.
Plant proteins like hemp, pea, quinoa, and rice have expanded horizons for vegan athletes. A tablespoon of peanut butter with every meal is not even nearly enough to help them pack on muscular pounds, but these other forms have enabled them to compete with the big boys and not compromise their dietary ideals based on animal rights, environmental concerns, budget, dietary needs, or a combination of these.
What’s in the Organic Market?
Consumers will find organic protein powders at gyms, online, in grocery stores, health food stores, bulk shops, and in pharmacies. They can fill up bags with any volume of powder they like at the bulk section or purchase canisters of the stuff. It is sold in numerous container sizes and as pre-mixed drinks. There are flavored products such as chocolate and vanilla plus plain options.
Select the Best
The top organic protein products are listed by editors of health food and fitness magazines in their publications and online. These are rated for the bio-availability and nutrition of products, flavor, price, and how they made the users feel when they drank them. That is, were they more focused and energetic? Did they recover quickly after a workout? Were they still hungry half an hour later? Did the powder feel gritty in their mouths, blend nicely, or leave a nasty aftertaste?
Out of the top brands, several contain hemp. This is the seed from a plant related to cannabis, but it does not impart any of the characteristics one associates with smoking or ingesting hemp leaves and flowers. Hemp seed is highly nutritious, full of excellent protein and essential fats. A little goes a long way which is a good thing; this is an expensive seed. Most commercially available hemp is grown in the Canadian Prairies, especially Manitoba.
Features of Top Brands
Many of the organic products rated highest by writers and athletes featured raw protein from sprouted grains and seeds. Most of the top examples were vegan, containing pea protein, hemp, Amaranth, pumpkin seeds, rice, and more. Items on the list appeared to be all-natural but it is unclear as to whether vitamins found in such products were added or naturally occurring in these foods. Many of them are rich with additional nutritional properties besides protein.
The best brands of protein powder were both organic and non-GMO. While this is a difficult feature to ensure when someone is making and selling whey powder, the feat has been achieved by some farmers in carefully controlled environments. That goes for soy protein as well as whey, hemp, quinoa, and other sources.
Many of the products listed offered the additional benefits of acting like multi-vitamins and fiber supplements. One can easily see why some of these products are preferred by older people who are having trouble eating enough food or with individuals who suffer from digestive complaints.
The Price
One drawback to organic products of any kind is the price — always higher than regular items. That is why it’s a good idea to find bulk if you can, but that might mean you are not getting the brand you want and flavor could be sacrificed as a result. Somehow, certain brands have managed to make vegan protein powders palatable. Maybe you get your money’s worth when you pay more.
Don’t Waste the Benefits
When you buy these powders, some will need to be added to milk or given a boost from fruits and sweeteners. If you aren’t careful, all the toxins omitted from organic, non-GMO sources will go right back in. Choose only organic, non-GMO fruits like bananas, blueberries, and strawberries either fresh or frozen. Select organic, non-GMO milk or non-dairy alternatives.
Smoothies and shakes made with protein powder can be truly refreshing and satisfying at the same time. They fulfill your need for hydration and calories while also providing protein before or during a workout. While a piece of steak might make you feel too full to workout, protein powders leave room for exercise.
