As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.

Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder Review: Would Buyers Buy It Again?

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test this powder in person. This verdict is based on our analysis of an expert hands-on test, Consumer Reports' published lead findings, news coverage of a lawsuit and buyer review summaries, all listed at the end of this article. Our method.

Depends

A convenient dairy-free protein, best used occasionally rather than daily

Orgain gives 21 g of organic plant protein per two-scoop serving, uses no added sugar, and mixes smoothly even in water. Garage Gym Reviews liked the texture and ingredient list but rated the taste just 2 out of 5 after four weeks, calling the vanilla grassy. The bigger caveat is heavy metals: in Consumer Reports' 2025 tests, Orgain's plant protein had 143% of CR's daily lead level of concern per serving, and CR put it in the 'OK occasionally' group rather than the daily-use group. It suits people who cannot use whey and want an organic powder now and then. If you want a daily shake, look at options CR rated better, or at whey if you tolerate dairy.

Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.

Buy it again if you…

  • can't tolerate whey or avoid dairy
  • want an organic, no-added-sugar plant protein
  • use protein powder a few times a week, not every day

Skip it if you…

  • plan to drink a protein shake every day
  • are pregnant, or buying for children, and want to minimize lead exposure
  • dislike earthy or stevia-sweetened flavors

This review summarizes expert tests, independent lab findings and buyer experiences and is not medical advice. Dietary supplements are not evaluated by the FDA to treat, cure or prevent any disease. Check with a doctor, dietitian or pharmacist before using protein supplements, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medication, or have a kidney or other health condition.

Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder is a USDA organic plant protein made from pea, brown rice and chia seed protein. A two-scoop serving gives 21 g of protein with no added sugar, sweetened with erythritol and stevia, according to Garage Gym Reviews.

We looked at a four-week expert test, Consumer Reports' heavy metal results and buyer themes to see who keeps buying it and why some stop.

What owners say, at a glance

21 gplant protein per 2-scoop servingGarage Gym Reviews
143%of CR's daily lead level of concern per servingConsumer Reports via FOX 9
2 / 5taste score after four weeksGarage Gym Reviews
Mixability and texture
Mostly positive
Clean, organic ingredient list
Strong praise
Taste
Mixed
Digestion
Mixed
Heavy metal results
Common concern

Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.

The key details

Protein sourcesOrganic pea, brown rice and chia seed protein
Protein per serving21 g (two scoops)
CaloriesAbout 140 to 190 per serving, depending on flavor
SweetenersErythritol and organic stevia, no added sugar
Other ingredientsGuar gum, organic creamer base (sunflower oil, acacia), natural flavors
CertificationUSDA organic, vegan

What buyers love

Smooth, thick texture.Garage Gym Reviews found it mixed well even with plain water, never clumped, and preferred its thick texture to the tester's usual whey. Buyer summaries also describe it as creamy, especially with almond milk.
A short, organic label.No added sugar, organic protein sources and a vegan formula are the main reasons reviewers choose it.
Easier on some stomachs than whey.Garage Gym Reviews notes that many buyers said their stomach felt better after switching from whey to a plant powder.
Lots of flavors and easy to find.It comes in many flavors, including seasonal ones, and is sold at big-box stores and warehouse clubs.

What buyers complain about

Taste divides people.The Garage Gym Reviews tester said the vanilla tasted like grass with a hint of vanilla and could not finish her shakes, even blended with fruit. Some buyers call it too sweet, while others say it is pleasantly mild.
Upset stomach for some.Some buyers report stomach upset. Erythritol is a sweetener some people find hard to digest.
Less protein than some rivals.21 g per serving is lower than many competing powders, and the pea and rice blend is lower in some amino acids than whey.

Heavy metals: what the testing shows

In Consumer Reports' 2025 test of 23 protein powders and shakes, about 70% exceeded CR's level of concern for lead. Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder had 143% of CR's daily lead level of concern per serving. CR placed it among products that are "OK to eat occasionally throughout the week" and advised against daily use of most protein powders, noting that none are necessary to meet protein goals. CR also said there is no reason to panic if you have used these products.

In July 2026, a class action filed against Costco alleged that Orgain Vanilla Bean and Creamy Chocolate Fudge powders sold there contain lead, arsenic and cadmium, citing plaintiff-commissioned testing, the CR results and a 2025 Clean Label Project report that found plant-based, especially organic, powders tended to have higher heavy metal levels. These are allegations, not court findings. Orgain says its products are safe and comply with food safety standards, and notes that trace environmental elements can occur in plant ingredients. Orgain also says it tests for arsenic, cadmium, mercury and lead, though we did not find published results or an independent certification such as NSF Certified for Sport.

Tips from buyers

  • Blend it with fruit or nut milk if you find the plain flavor earthy.
  • Try a small tub first, since taste opinions vary widely by flavor.
  • Use it a few times a week, in line with Consumer Reports' advice, and get most protein from food.
  • Start with one scoop if sweeteners tend to upset your stomach.

Pros and cons

What owners love

  • USDA organic and vegan
  • No added sugar
  • Mixes smoothly, even in water
  • Many flavors and widely available
  • An option for people who can't use whey

What owners complain about

  • Taste is divisive, often described as earthy or grassy
  • Lead above Consumer Reports' level of concern per serving
  • Only 21 g protein per two scoops
  • Erythritol can upset some stomachs
  • No independent sport certification found

Other protein powders buyers compare

These are common alternatives. Consumer Reports' lead results differ between them, so check before using any powder daily.

ProductStyleConsider it if…
Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder (this review)Organic pea, rice and chia blendYou avoid dairy and use protein powder occasionallySee on Amazon
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey
Read our review
Whey proteinYou tolerate dairy and want a well-reviewed, better-tasting stapleSee on Amazon
Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based ProteinOrganic plant protein for athletesYou want a sport-focused plant powder; note CR advised limiting it to about once a weekSee on Amazon

Need a dairy-free protein for the occasional shake?

Check current flavors and sizes on Amazon.

See it on Amazon →

Frequently asked questions

How much protein is in Orgain Organic Protein?

21 g per two-scoop serving, from organic pea, brown rice and chia seed protein.

Does Orgain protein powder contain lead?

Consumer Reports' 2025 tests found 143% of its daily lead level of concern per serving and rated it OK to use occasionally. Orgain says its products are safe and meet food safety standards.

Is it safe to drink every day?

Consumer Reports advised against daily use of most protein powders it tested, including this one. Ask a doctor or dietitian about your own needs.

What is it sweetened with?

Erythritol and organic stevia, with no added sugar.

Is it better than whey?

Not necessarily. It suits people who avoid dairy, but whey usually has more protein per scoop and testers often prefer its taste.

Sources we analyzed

Figures reflect each source as of October 14, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.