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As a certified personal trainer who priorities both my physical and mental health, I pay close attention to everything I put into my body. After all, nutrition plays a vital role in building a strong, lean physique and a sharp, engaged mind.
Although it’s taken me a few years and plenty of experimentation with different diets, I’ve embraced the idea of going organic as often as possible to set my brain and body up for success. While it’s not difficult to find high-quality fruits and veggies, it can be more of a challenge to find supplements made with only ingredients that meet USDA certified organic standards.
When it comes to protein shakes, there are plenty of tasty options that have earned rave reviews from the Garage Gym Reviews squad. However, few fall under the “organic” category. Luckily, there is a company that offers a variety of protein shakes and other protein products aimed at consumers like myself: Orgain.
RELATED: Best Protein Shakes
But does an impressive formulation necessarily mean you need to make room in your fridge for a new ready-to-drink (RTD) lineup? In this Orgain Protein Shake review, I’ll go over everything from the ingredients to the taste to the price so you can get a clear picture of what you’ll be sipping on should you decide to go the organic route.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.
When It Comes to Protein Shakes, We Take Our Sipping Duties Seriously
The Garage Gym Reviews team features certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, CrossFit loyalists, and an Olympian who can outlift everyone on the squad. With decades of collective experience in the health and fitness world, we’ve scooped, shook, and sipped on dozens of protein powders and have also tasted more than 20 different RTD shakes to determine which ones are worth keeping in your arsenal.
Using our supplement testing methodology, we carefully evaluate protein shakes using a 1-5 scoring system across a variety of categories, including:
- Price per serving
- Formulation
- Taste
- Side effects
- Customer reviews
For this Orgain Organic Protein Shake review, I’ll share direct insight from GGR Director of Content and fellow certified personal trainer Nicole Davis on her sipping experience with their grass-fed protein shake. While I won’t give everything away already, let’s just say her tastebuds gave this clean, creamy concoction a firm stamp of approval.
Orgain Organic Grass-Fed Protein Shake
Product Highlights
- Organic and non-GMO ingredients
- Made from all grass-fed protein sources
- No artificial preservatives or carrageenan
- Low in sugar and high in protein
Pros
- Clean ingredients
- Great taste
- Widely available
Cons
- One flavor option
- Contains erythritol
Orgain Organic Grass-Fed Protein Shake is a great option if you are looking for a standard protein shake that is organic with clean ingredients.
A Quick Look at Orgain Protein Shakes
Founded by Dr. Andrew Abraham, M.D., Orgain prioritizes great taste, clean nutrition, and high-quality ingredients. The company offers a wide range of protein products that feature zero artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Here’s an overview of Orgain’s lineup:
- Protein Shakes: There’s no shortage of variety in Orgain’s top product category. The company offers a plant-based protein shake made with pea protein and sweetened with monk fruit extract. Meanwhile, their Vegan Organic Nutrition Shake features 21 vitamins and minerals and an organic protein blend that includes pea protein and chia seeds. Plus, there are even protein shakes for kids so you can keep the whole family on the #organic train.
- Powders: From plant-based protein powders to a food-based nutrition shake powder to a greens powder made with probiotics and adaptogens, you have plenty of options to scoop into your shaker cup.
- Collagen: Whether it’s basic collagen peptides or a keto collagen protein powder made with MCT oil powder, Orgain provides several ways to get this key building block in your diet.
- Protein Bars: Perfect when you’re on the go, Orgain Protein Snack Bars come in four flavors (Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Brownie, and Peanut Butter), providing prebiotics, fiber, and plant-based protein in a convenient gluten-free form.
RELATED: Best Protein Bars
Before You Buy
- Orgain produces these shakes with organic and non-GMO ingredients, including grass-fed protein sources. The clean ingredient list results in favorable macros, highlighted by 26 grams of protein and just four grams of fat in each Organic Protein™ Grass-Fed Protein Shake.
- While the Grass-Fed Protein Shake only comes in Creamy Chocolate, other Orgain shakes come in other flavors. For example, you can get the 20g Clean Protein Shake in Vanilla Bean or Creamy Chocolate Fudge.
- Be aware that these shakes are sweetened with organic erythritol. If your stomach is sensitive to this low-calorie sugar alcohol, you may want to go with a different brand.
- Although they have a high protein content, the Grass-Fed Protein Shake also has a fair amount of carbohydrates (15 grams) per serving. However, if you subtract the sugar alcohols and fiber, each shake only has 6 grams of net carbs.
RELATED: Premier Protein Shake Review
Are Orgain Protein Shakes Worth It?
At around $3.58 per bottle, Orgain Protein Shakes certainly aren’t cheap. However, in this case, you get what you pay for.
Made with organic ingredients and offering a rock-solid macronutrient profile, you can sip with confidence knowing that you’re putting high-quality components into your system. Although we haven’t tested Orgain’s other shakes, Nicole was a huge fan of the taste and texture of the Grass-Fed Protein Shake.
That said, you can find other shakes with a higher protein content. For example, Premier Protein Shakes provide 30 grams of protein per serving. Still, it’s hard to knock a shake that gives you 26 grams of grass-fed protein, which can help you satisfy your daily macronutrient needs.
If there’s one drawback with Orgain, it’s that it only offers its Grass-Fed Protein Shake in one flavor. But, if you’re a chocolate lover, you’ll be more than satisfied.
RELATED: Premier Protein Shake Review
Great for:
- Anyone who prefers organic ingredients
- Chocolate lovers who want to satisfy their craving in a healthier way with far less sugar
- Those who prefer a thicker, creamier consistency with their protein shakes
Not recommended for:
- People who like a variety of flavor options
- Budget-conscious shoppers, as the price per serving is just under $3.60
- Individuals who have trouble digesting sugar alcohols since these shakes contain erythritol
- Individuals looking for plant-based protein (though Orgain does offer products in this category)
Orgain Protein Shake Specs
| Price per serving | $3.58 per bottle ($42.99 per 12-pack) |
| Serving size | 1 shake (14 fl oz) |
| Type of protein | Organic grass-fed milk protein |
| Calories per serving | 150 |
| Protein content | 26 g |
| Carb content | 15 g (6 g net carbs) |
| Fat content | 4 g |
| Notable ingredients | Grass-fed organic milk protein concentrate, organic whey protein concentrate, organic erythritol, organic agave |
| Flavors | Creamy Chocolate |
| Third-party tested? | No, but certified USDA organic |
Experience Using Orgain Protein Shakes
As a health and fitness enthusiast who’s tested everything from the best adjustable dumbbells to the best creatine supplements, Nicole is a seasoned pro who doesn’t sugarcoat anything. So, when she gives a product a proverbial thumbs up, you don’t need to take it with a grain of salt. Let’s jump right in and see what our Director of Content thought about the Orgain Organic Protein™ Grass-Fed Protein Shake.
Price Per Serving
Let’s be clear: Going organic is not the best decision for your budget. Yet even though these types of products are more expensive, Orgain Protein Shakes still earn a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars for price per serving.
A 12-pack costs $42.99, putting the price per serving at $3.58. While that would ordinarily lead to a 3-star rating, we gave these shakes a slight bump since you can knock 15% off the price by using the subscribe and save option on Orgain’s website. Going that route reduces the total cost to about $3 per bottle.
The base price of $3.58 puts Orgain right on par with Fairlife Core Power, a popular choice in the RTD market. However, that’s still significantly cheaper than Huel Ready-to-Drink (about $4.58 per serving) and slightly more affordable than Jocko Molk Protein Shakes (about $3.75 per serving), one of the top protein shakes for weight loss.
RELATED: Best Protein Shakes for Weight Loss
Formulation
While these shakes earned a solid price-per-serving rating, the formulation is a different story. To no surprise, the use of organic ingredients led to a near-perfect score of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Plus, the absence of artificial colors, flavors and preservatives also contributed to the high formulation rating.
What makes organic superior to conventional? According to a 2019 study1, organic foods have been shown to have lower levels of toxic metabolites, including heavy metals. In addition, consuming organic foods may also reduce exposure to antibiotic bacteria.
As for the macronutrient profile? Nicole was impressed that each Orgain Grass-Fed Protein Shake contains 26 grams of protein and just one gram of sugar. And with only 160 calories, this can be a great snack option that won’t eat into your caloric budget for the day.
There is one caveat: These shakes are sweetened with erythritol. This low-calorie sugar alcohol is commonly found in baked goods, beverages, gum, and candy. According to a 2024 study2, there’s increasing evidence that “erythritol in typically consumed amounts may increase cardiovascular risk.”
Furthermore, some folks with sensitive stomachs may have trouble processing erythritol. So, this is one element to keep in mind if you’re considering the Orgain route.
Taste
Taste is paramount when deciding if a protein shake is worth sipping on. Unfortunately, Orgain Grass-Fed Protein Shakes only come in one flavor. Fortunately, Nicole enjoyed her Creamy Chocolate experience, rating the taste 4 out of 5 stars.
“It’s definitely chocolate-y,” she noted. “A bit of an aftertaste, but it’s not super off-putting. If I was out and about and needed an easy protein source, I’d buy one of these again!”
While you’re limited to one flavor with Orgain’s Grass-Fed Protein Shakes, you can venture into different tasty directions with the company’s other shakes. For example, their line of Organic Nutrition Shakes come in Sweet Vanilla Bean, Iced Cafe Mocha, and Strawberries & Cream. Meanwhile, Orgain makes nutrition shakes for kids in flavors such as Strawberry, Vanilla, and Fruity Cereal.
Texture
Mixing protein powder in a shaker bottle doesn’t always produce the smoothest results. On the other hand, ready-to-drink products often go down easier.
Yet even though Orgain doesn’t use carrageenan (a common thickening agent used in the food industry), these shakes boast a beautifully creamy texture that earned a perfect score of 5 out of 5 stars from Nicole.
“These are very creamy…similar to whole milk,” she explains. “This was what sold me — you just can’t really achieve this consistency with protein powder at home.”
Third-Party Testing
The GGR team prefers supplements that have undergone third-party testing to verify exactly what’s inside. Although Orgain does not meet that standard, it does get credit for being transparent with its ingredient list.
Nicole gave these shakes a 3-out-of-5 rating in this category, noting that in addition to being up front about what’s inside, these shakes are also certified USDA organic.
Orgain Protein Shakes vs ALOHA Protein Shakes
ALOHA Organic Protein Shakes
Product Highlights
- Organic, plant-based protein drinks
- Comes in Coconut, Vanilla, Chocolate, And Iced Coffee flavors
- 20 g of protein in 12-oz shake
- Gluten-free, non-GMO, dairy-free, stevia-free, and soy-free
Pros
- Vegan-friendly
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO
- No artificial ingredients
Cons
- Some reviews complained that texture was too thick
- Some added sugars
Aloha Organic Protein Shakes are made with no artificial ingredients, and pack 20 grams of protein in each 12-ounce shake. The shakes come in four different flavors and have plant-based protein, making them gluten-free, dairy-free, and also soy-free. The combination of pea protein and brown rice protein makes this shake have all essential amino acids, along with prebiotics and electrolytes.
If you’re in the market for organic protein shakes, your options are a little limited. Orgain certainly should be in the mix, but you may also want to consider another brand: ALOHA.
On one hand, Orgain’s formulation is a bit more macro-friendly, providing higher protein content (26 grams vs. 20) and fewer net carbs (6 grams vs 8 grams). It’s important to note, however, that ALOHA Protein Shakes are made with pea protein and brown rice protein, making them well-suited for vegan dieters.
From a cost perspective, expect to pay a bit more for Orgain. However, there’s not a major difference between the two, so you will need to consider other factors such as taste, texture, and the ingredients used.
For a full-scale look at this plant-based product, check out our full ALOHA Protein Shake review.
| Orgain Protein Shakes | ALOHA Protein Shakes | |
| Price per serving | $3.58 | $3.33 |
| Serving size | 1 shake (14 fl oz) | 1 bottle (12 fl oz) |
| Type of protein | Organic grass-fed milk protein | Pea protein, brown rice protein |
| Calories per serving | 150 | 170 |
| Protein content | 26 g | 20 g |
| Carb content | 15 g (6 g net carbs) | 11 g (8 g net carbs) |
| Fat content | 4 g | 5 g |
| Notable ingredients | Grass-fed organic milk protein concentrate, organic whey protein concentrate, organic erythritol, organic agave | Coconut milk, pea protein, rice protein, coconut sugar, blue agave, monk fruit extract |
| Third-party tested? | No, but certified USDA organic | Organic, non-GMO, and Fair Trade Certified |
Customer Experience
Nicole gave Orgain a 3 out of 5 for customer experience, as there aren’t many ways to get in contact with the company. You have to fill out a request form online to report issues about quality feedback.
According to the company website, “Requests will be serviced on a first-come, first-served basis and response times may vary based on volume of requests.”
Another area where Orgain could do better is shipping. Free shipping and handling is only available on single orders totaling $75 or more. Otherwise you have to pay a flat-rate shipping fee of $9.95 on ground shipping, which is only available in the continental U.S.
Ordering Orgain Protein Shakes
The easiest way to order Orgain Protein Shakes is on Amazon or directly through the company’s website. If you’re a Prime member, you can take advantage of free shipping and even choose the subscribe-and-save option to keep more money in your pocket.
While the shipping cost may preclude you from making a one-time purchase through Orgain’s website, the subscribe-and-save option comes with several perks. First, you can save 15% on all recurring orders. You’ll also qualify for free shipping with no additional fees.
Furthermore, you can find Orgain Protein Shakes at many retailers, including Costco, Walmart, and CVS. As is the case with many supplements, the price will vary depending on where you order from.
Customer Reviews
Orgain Protein Shakes have earned a 4.3-star rating based on 1,336 Amazon reviews. Customers consistently leave positive feedback about the taste, texture, and high-quality ingredients.
“Tastes awesome, very filling, smells like dessert and often I’ll drink one of these when I want something good for me that is sweet. Bc the ingredients are clean, it doesn’t upset your stomach. The drink is filling and not too thick or too thin in texture but just the right level of thickness. Love this. It’s not the lowest price, but for the value you get in quality, it’s not to be missed,” wrote a customer named CT.
However, not everyone agrees about the taste. Although he enjoys some of Orgain’s other products, a customer named P. Killion didn’t find the Grass-Fed Protein Shakes quite so appealing.
“So we love the normal Orgain drinks, and the kids versions as well, but the Protein versions unfortunately are only so-so when it comes to flavor. It’s very artificial tasting and watery to boot. Granted, this doesn’t have sucralose and better-tasting artificial sweeteners like the traditional protein drinks do, so flavoring without massive calories will only go so far, but it does have erythritol, which I’m fine with but it’s sneaking into a heck of a lot of foods nowadays and at higher levels can cause gastric issues (plus, it’s caloric content and processing in the body is a bit of lengthy and confusing topic),” he wrote in his 4-star review.
Final Verdict of Our Orgain Protein Shake Review
Featuring an excellent formulation and ultra-creamy texture that’ll remind you of full-fat whole milk, Orgain Protein Shakes are a fantastic option if you want an organic protein shake with favorable macros. They may not be the most budget-friendly pick, but if you want to prioritize your health and feel confident about what you’re feeding your brain and body, they’re definitely a solid choice. Just keep in mind that you need to be a chocolate fan and be OK with consuming erythritol if you want to get on the Orgain train.
Full Rating
Orgain Protein Shake
Orgain Organic Grass-Fed Protein Shake is a great option if you are looking for a standard protein shake that is organic with clean ingredients.
Product Brand: ALOHA.
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 3.58
Product In-Stock: InStock
Orgain Protein Shake: FAQs
Is the Orgain Protein Shake good for you?
As a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, I like that Orgain Protein Shakes are made with organic ingredients and have a solid macronutrient profile. As long as you’re not concerned about consuming erythritol (a commonly used sugar alcohol), I would recommend them to clients who want a clean, high-protein shake.
How does Orgain compare to Ensure?
Like Orgain, Ensure offers a wide variety of protein shakes suited to different nutritional needs. However, Orgain stands out in that it generally provides a better macro profile and contains organic ingredients.
What is the healthiest plant protein shake?
If you’re looking for the healthiest plant protein shake, you have a few options. Owyn Plant-Based Protein Shakes contain a superfood greens blend, all nine essential amino acids, and are formulated without artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols. ALOHA protein shakes are another strong option since they’re made with pea protein and brown rice protein and are Fair Trade Certified.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
References
- Vigar V, Myers S, Oliver C, Arellano J, Robinson S, Leifert C. A Systematic Review of Organic Versus Conventional Food Consumption: Is There a Measurable Benefit on Human Health? Nutrients. 2019 Dec 18;12(1):7. doi: 10.3390/nu12010007. PMID: 31861431; PMCID: PMC7019963.
- Witkowski, M., Wilcox, J., Province, V., Wang, Z., Nemet, I., Tang, W. W., & Hazen, S. L. (2024). Ingestion of the Non-Nutritive sweetener erythritol, but not glucose, enhances platelet reactivity and thrombosis potential in healthy volunteers. Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, 44(9), 2136–2141. https://doi.org/10.1161/atvbaha.124.321019
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