Organic protein powders are made from ingredients that have been produced without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or irradiation. In addition, organic protein powders must adhere to certain standards set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and are certified by a USDA-accredited certifying agent.
In order for a protein powder to be certified as organic, all ingredients in the product must be certified organic. This means that the plants used to produce the protein powder must be grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, and the animals used for the protein source must be raised without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones. Additionally, the manufacturing process must adhere to certain organic standards, such as not using ionizing radiation or genetic engineering.
Organic certification is intended to ensure that the products are produced in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner, while also meeting certain nutritional and safety standards. Some studies have suggested that organic foods may have higher levels of certain nutrients, such as antioxidants, than conventionally grown foods, although more research is needed to confirm this.
Overall, choosing an organic protein powder may be a good choice for those who are concerned about the use of synthetic chemicals in food production and are looking for a product that meets certain environmental and nutritional standards.
- United States Department of Agriculture. Organic 101: What the USDA Organic Label Means.
- Baranski M, Srednicka-Tober D, Volakakis N, et al. Higher antioxidant and lower cadmium concentrations and lower incidence of pesticide residues in organically grown crops: a systematic literature review and meta-analyses. Br J Nutr. 2014 Sep 14;112(5):794-811. doi: 10.1017/S0007114514001366. Epub 2014 Jun 26. PMID: 24968103.