Our ReviewOrgainSimple Plant Protein
Orgain Simple Plant Protein is a straightforward, clean formula designed for those who prioritize organic ingredients and minimal additives. With 20 grams of protein per two-scoop serving, it combines a mix of pea, brown rice, pumpkin seed, chia, and peanut proteins to offer a blend of plant-based nutrition. Each serving delivers 150 calories, 11 grams of total carbohydrates (3 grams of fiber), and 2.5 grams of fat, making it a solid choice for those looking for a balanced nutritional supplement. The absence of artificial sweeteners, gums, and thickeners aligns with its focus on simplicity and whole-food nutrition, aimed at supporting general wellness rather than high-intensity muscle-building.
Ingredients
Orgain Simple protein powder incorporates an interesting protein matrix, combining six plant-based protein sources: organic pea protein, brown rice protein, roasted peanut flour, pumpkin seed protein, almond protein and chia seed. This blend not only offers a range of plant-based amino acids but also brings a few unique components into the mix, starting with the roasted peanut flour.
Roasted peanut flour adds a distinct nutritional profile to this protein blend, contributing not just protein, but also a naturally rich flavor. It enhances the overall taste and provides an additional layer of texture without adding much fat. This ingredient is particularly beneficial for those seeking a plant-based protein that still brings that nutty depth and helps round out the flavor. Peanut flour also provides a solid source of arginine, an amino acid important for blood flow and cardiovascular health, complementing the other protein sources in this mix.
Pea protein, the main component, is a well-known source of plant protein that is rich in lysine, making it an ideal building block for muscle repair and growth. It's highly digestible and doesn't carry the same allergens found in dairy-based proteins. Brown rice protein, while lacking in lysine, complements pea protein by contributing cysteine and methionine, thus making the blend more balanced. This combination helps ensure that the product delivers a complete amino acid profile.
Pumpkin seed and chia seed proteins further diversify the matrix, adding not just protein but healthy fats and fiber. Pumpkin seed protein is particularly high in magnesium and zinc, while chia seed provides omega-3 fatty acids, which can help support heart health. This multifaceted approach makes the blend suitable for general wellness, particularly for individuals looking to support a plant-based diet.
The use of organic coconut sugar as a sweetener, rather than stevia or artificial sugar substitutes, is a smart choice for those seeking a more natural sweetness without the aftertaste often associated with stevia. However, the lack of digestive enzymes might make it a bit harder for some individuals to digest, especially since plant-based proteins can sometimes be more challenging to break down compared to whey.
The product's clean, organic ingredient profile is a major highlight, and the inclusion of roasted peanut flour adds a unique twist not often seen in plant-based protein supplements. Still, adding digestive aids could further improve its utility.
Effectiveness
Orgain Simple is designed to deliver balanced nutrition using a blend of six plant-based protein sources: pea protein, brown rice protein, roasted peanut flour, pumpkin seed protein, almond protein and chia seed. With 20 grams of protein per serving, it meets the needs of those looking for daily protein supplementation while avoiding artificial ingredients.
Pea protein, the primary component, is well-regarded for its high bioavailability and solid amino acid profile, particularly in lysine, which supports muscle repair. Brown rice protein complements pea protein by adding cysteine and methionine, helping round out the amino acid profile. Together, they provide a well-balanced plant-based protein blend that can help meet daily protein needs. The addition of pumpkin seed protein and chia seed enhances this formula with fiber, healthy fats, and additional micronutrients like magnesium and omega-3s.
Roasted peanut flour, however, sets this blend apart from other plant-based proteins by adding both flavor and a rich source of arginine, an amino acid that supports cardiovascular health. Its inclusion also boosts the overall protein content, adding variety to the amino acid profile and providing nutrients that may be lacking in typical plant protein blends. The peanut flour also contributes healthy fats and some fiber, which supports satiety and aids digestion.
With 8 grams of net carbohydrates and 2.5 grams of fat per serving, the macro profile is balanced enough to serve as part of a meal or snack for general nutrition. It may not be ideal for those on low-carb diets, but it provides enough nutrients to support most daily activities without spiking blood sugar levels.
Orgain Simple is best suited for individuals seeking a clean, plant-based protein supplement to support general wellness rather than performance-specific goals. This product is particularly beneficial for those looking to maintain or increase their daily protein intake in a way that aligns with a natural, organic lifestyle. The added fiber and healthy fats make it a good choice for individuals looking to improve digestion, manage weight, or promote satiety throughout the day. While it may not be specifically tailored for high-performance goals, its balanced protein blend still makes it quite beneficial for supporting muscle maintenance and recovery, especially for those engaged in light to moderate physical activity. However, for those focused on more intense muscle-building or performance enhancement, other products with targeted ingredients may be more appropriate.
Overall, Orgain Simple Plant Protein effectively fulfills its purpose as a clean, plant-based protein option that supports general nutrition.
Taste
When selecting a flavor to review, we were torn between the chocolate, vanilla, and peanut butter options, largely because we were curious about how the use of roasted peanut flour might influence the flavor profile. Ultimately, we decided on the chocolate flavor and were pleasantly surprised by the results.
The chocolate taste is rich cocoa with a hint of bitterness, with a smooth, balanced sweetness from the organic coconut sugar. However, what sets this product apart is the subtle nutty undertone provided by the roasted peanut flour. It blends seamlessly with the chocolate, enhancing the richness without being too strong or overwhelming.
In terms of texture, the product is remarkably smooth, especially for a plant-based protein powder. The roasted peanut flour likely also contributes to the creaminess, making the shake feel richer when mixed with almond milk or other dairy alternatives. There’s no noticeable grit or chalkiness, which can often be a downside with plant proteins. Whether mixed with water or plant-based milk, the texture remains consistent, with no clumping or separation.
Mixability is another strong point. Whether shaken in a bottle or blended, the powder dissolves quickly and evenly, leaving no lumps or residue. Overall, the combination of cocoa and roasted peanut flour delivers a nuanced, layered taste experience, with smooth mixability and texture that sets it apart from many other plant-based protein powders.
Value
In terms of value, Orgain Simple into the mid-range category for plant-based protein powders. It’s priced higher than some budget plant protein options, but this can be justified by the use of high-quality, organic ingredients. Compared to more cost-effective plant-based proteins, which may use lower-grade sources or add fillers and artificial sweeteners, Orgain offers a clean product free from such additives. This transparency and focus on organic, non-GMO ingredients do raise its perceived value, especially for those prioritizing clean-label products.
That said, there are other plant-based proteins at similar price points that offer more protein per serving or include additional supplements like digestive enzymes, or vitamins, which could enhance their appeal to more performance-oriented users. Orgain Simple Plant Protein doesn’t feature these extras, making it more suitable for someone looking for balanced, general nutrition rather than a performance-driven protein powder.
The ingredients themselves, such as pea protein and pumpkin seed protein, are known for their digestibility and amino acid profiles, which helps justify the premium price tag. While the product doesn’t offer an exceptionally high protein content per serving, the balance of plant-based sources, along with the addition of fiber and healthy fats, gives it an edge for those seeking overall wellness rather than a protein isolate strictly for muscle recovery.
When compared to other mid-range plant proteins like Vega or Garden of Life, Orgain holds its own with its organic certification and clean ingredient list but falls short when it comes to additional functional ingredients that could cater to more specific goals. Ultimately, it offers good value for those who are prioritizing a simple, clean, organic protein powder without unnecessary additives, though it may not be the most cost-effective option for those looking to maximize protein intake or gain added benefits from extra ingredients.
Conclusion
Orgain Simple Plant Protein is a well-rounded option for those seeking a clean, organic plant-based protein supplement that aligns with a natural, whole-foods lifestyle. Its unique blend of protein sources, including pea, brown rice, pumpkin seed, chia, and roasted peanut flour, offers a balanced amino acid profile that supports general wellness, muscle maintenance, and recovery. While it’s not specifically tailored for high-performance athletes, the product still provides sufficient protein for moderate activity levels and everyday nutrition. The roasted peanut flour adds a subtle but enjoyable nutty flavor, enhancing the overall taste experience without overpowering the cocoa chocolate base.
In comparison to other plant-based proteins, Orgain stands out for its smooth texture and easy mixability, along with the absence of artificial additives and sweeteners. However, those looking for performance-specific supplements may find the lack of additional ingredients like BCAAs or digestive enzymes a limitation. For anyone focused on a clean, sustainable protein option that integrates well into a balanced diet, Orgain Simple Plant Protein remains a solid choice, particularly for those who prioritize ingredient quality over sheer protein content.
Where to buy?
The protein matrix includes the primary protein components included in this product. These protein sources are listed in order of volume from greatest to least in the product.
This diagram provides the digestion profile for the protein types contained within this product. The chart plots the digestion of the included protein types over an hourly timeframe. All profiles have their advantages depending on your goals. More information regarding digestion and timing can be found in our guides.
The cost indicators provide a relative cost comparison with all protein products. The lower the score the better!
The "Product Cost Indicator" provides the comparative product cost, as a whole.
The "Protein Cost Indicator" provides a comparative cost based on only the protein component. While this can be useful for comparing products excluding fillers, many additional ingredients can provide additional benefits and value.
Note: Products that serve a dual purpose, such as mass gainers and ketogenic powders don't include the "Protein Cost Indicator".
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