someone holding heart hands over an orgain protein powder canister

Gain Strength

Here's why clean protein is so important

April 13, 18

Whatever your approach to food--vegan, gluten free, omnivore, or vegetarian--protein is a key component to health. But all proteins are not created equal, and it’s time to get picky with the what’s and why’s of your protein sourcing.

First, read labels

Whether you’re picking up yogurt at the grocery store or considering a new protein powder, labels are important. Does it say “Certified Organic” or the mysterious “All Natural”? Are there artificial sweeteners? How many calories per serving? What does the ingredients list look like? A recent survey shows that Americans spend more time deciding what to watch on Netflix than reading food labels, but much of what we need to know about what is going into our bodies is right there on the box. The first step in learning the importance of clean protein is understanding where the information lies, and most of it can be found on the packaging. At Orgain we’re proud to display our Certifications, Nutrition Information, and Ingredients as often as possible.

If you’re going with animal proteins

There are two simple ways to make sure that you’re purchasing the best possible dairy-based protein sources, like milk, cheese, or whey. Look for either USDA Certified Organic and/or 100% New Zealand Sourced Grass Fed. Why did we choose New Zealand Grass Fed Whey? A 365 day per year grazing cycle allows for the cows to be in pesticide free pasture longer than anywhere in the U.S., improving the quality of the milk that whey is derived from, and quality of life for the cows. Additionally, no GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) foods are grown or produced in New Zealand, making New Zealand Grass Fed Whey the cleanest and clear choice.

If you’re a plant based protein person

A plant based diet has been shown to be better for the planet, so whether you’re taking small steps to incorporate more plants and fewer animal proteins into your life, or you’ve been vegan since diapers, thank you for doing your part to look out for the planet. There are additional ways to make sure you are taking better care of your body, too. Start by looking for the USDA Certified Organic certification symbol. This means that your plant based protein is “free of synthetic additives like pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and dyes, and must not be processed using industrial solvents, irradiation, or genetic engineering.” We think that’s a great start for establishing a clean protein, but to take it further, consider if it is soy free. Ask, does this have added sugar? Is it 100% vegan? All of the answers to these questions can help you decipher if the product is, in fact, a clean protein product.

What else should I consider?

Don’t disregard the importance of taste and texture! Clean foods should also be enjoyable, so make sure your clean protein is also delicious protein. It’s also important to make sure that your primary protein sources have a complete amino acid profile, which basically means that you’re getting the nine essential amino acids necessary for healthy body and brain function.

How much protein do I need? Let’s ask Sierra!

“We all need different levels of protein based on our exact needs, weight, gender, age and level of activity. However, a general rule of thumb, take your bodyweight and multiply it by 0.36. That’s the amount of protein your body needs just to live and function properly. As you begin your training program, it’s best to increase your intake to 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight. Depending on your training regimen and goals, you may need to take in even more.” -Sierra Nielsen, Certified Personal Trainer & Sports Nutritionist

New Arrivals

Organic Protein™ Plant Based Protein Powder - Peppermint Hot Cocoa Featured Image
  • New

Organic Protein™ Plant Based Protein Powder

Peppermint Hot Cocoa

Finally, a holiday indulgence that tastes and feels good.
  • Vegan
  • USDA Organic
$26.99
Organic Protein™ Plant Based Protein Powder - Pumpkin Spice Featured Image
  • New

Organic Protein™ Plant Based Protein Powder

Pumpkin Spice

Authentic Pumpkin Spice flavor, all fall, every day.
  • Vegan
  • USDA Organic
$26.99
30g Protein Shake - Chocolate Fudge Featured Image
  • New

30g Protein Shake

Chocolate Fudge

Be Better Than Your Best
$35.99
Organic Protein™ Plant Based Protein Powder - Birthday Cake Featured Image
  • New

Organic Protein™ Plant Based Protein Powder

Birthday Cake

Have your cake, and get your protein too.
  • USDA Organic
  • Vegan
$26.99
Supreme Greens - Green Apple Featured Image
  • New

Supreme Greens

Green Apple

Clean, Green and Apple Flavored Supreme!
  • 50 Superfoods
  • Certified Plant Based
$39.99
Nut Butter Protein Powder - Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Featured Image
  • New

Nut Butter Protein Powder

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter

Nuttier than a peanut gallery. Dreamy like a jar of JUSTIN’S® nut butters
  • Certified Plant Based
  • USDA Organic
$39.99
Wonder Gut Powder - Strawberry Lemonade Featured Image
  • New

Wonder Gut Powder

Strawberry Lemonade

A daily 5-in-1 Fiber & Greens Superfoods Powder
  • High Fiber
  • Gut Health
$29.99
Supreme Greens - Lemon Twist Featured Image
  • New

Supreme Greens

Lemon Twist

Support your gut health and Supercharge your everyday nutrition.
  • 50 Superfoods
  • Certified Plant Based
$39.99
Wonder Gut Powder - Orange Mango Featured Image
  • New

Wonder Gut Powder

Orange Mango

5-in-1 Fiber & Greens Superfoods Gut Powder
  • High Fiber
  • Gut Health
$29.99
Nut Butter Protein Powder - Vanilla Almond Butter Featured Image
  • New

Nut Butter Protein Powder

Vanilla Almond Butter

The protein powder that puts the Nut in Nutritious.
  • Certified Plant Based
  • USDA Organic
$39.99
30g Protein Shake - Vanilla Bean Featured Image
  • New

30g Protein Shake

Vanilla Bean

Elevate yourself, surpass yesterday, and win every day with a 30g vanilla protein shake.
$35.99
Nut Butter Protein Powder - Peanut Butter Featured Image
  • New

Nut Butter Protein Powder

Peanut Butter

Super nutty. Crazy nutritious. No ifs, ands, buts, or nonsense.
  • Certified Plant Based
  • USDA Organic
$39.99
30g Protein Shake - Fruity Cereal Featured Image
  • New

30g Protein Shake

Fruity Cereal

Elevate yourself, surpass yesterday, and win every day with a 30g fruity cereal protein shake.
$35.99
Marine Collagen Powder Featured Image
  • New

Marine Collagen Powder

Unflavored

Feel, Move and Look Your Best
$39.99
Perfect Blend Plant Protein Powder - Creamy Chocolate Featured Image
  • New

Perfect Blend Plant Protein Powder

Creamy Chocolate

You know what they say...less is more, and they’re right.
  • Certified Plant Based
  • Gluten Free
$29.99
Perfect Blend Plant Protein Powder - Vanilla Featured Image
  • New

Perfect Blend Plant Protein Powder

Vanilla

You know what they say...less is more, and they’re right.
$29.99
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