Orgain Organic Protein review: a smooth vanilla plant protein for shakes and oats

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What does a plant protein have to do to win over people who don't usually like plant protein? Taste decent, mix without clumps, and not leave that gritty, earthy feeling on your tongue. Orgain Organic Protein has managed that well enough to become the top-selling protein powder in Amazon's sports nutrition section.

I picked the vanilla bean version to look at, since it's the one most people start with.

A serving, by the numbers

Two scoops gives you 21 grams of protein and 1 gram of sugar. Orgain also says each serving has 6 grams of prebiotics and fiber for gut support, with low net carbs. A 2.03 pound tub holds 20 servings.

The protein itself is a blend of four organic sources: pea, brown rice, mung bean and chia seed. Mixing sources like this is common with plant proteins, because together they cover all nine essential amino acids. Orgain points that out on the label.

What makes it taste good

Here's the thing most reviews skip. A big part of why this powder is creamy is something Orgain calls its Creamer Base, made from organic acacia, high oleic sunflower oil, rice dextrin, sunflower lecithin and rosemary extract. That's why it doesn't drink like chalky water.

It's sweetened with organic stevia (Reb A) and contains no erythritol. If sugar alcohols upset your stomach, that's a quiet bonus. The fiber comes from organic agave inulin.

A label made for picky eaters

This is a USDA Organic, certified plant-based powder. It's vegan, gluten-free and kosher, made without soy ingredients, and non-GMO. Orgain also says there's no carrageenan, lactose, dairy, artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners or preservatives.

For anyone avoiding dairy, that list is gold. A lot of people who feel bloated after whey switch to something like this and never look back.

Ways to use it

The label just says to shake two scoops with water or almond milk. That's fine. But honestly, it's better in other things.

• Morning smoothie. Banana, frozen berries, a spoon of peanut butter, oat milk, two scoops. Breakfast in two minutes.

• Overnight oats. Stir a scoop into your oats the night before. Orgain suggests this one too.

• Baking. Pancakes and muffins take a scoop well, as the company points out.

• Coffee shake. Cold brew, ice and vanilla protein in a blender. Trust me on this one.

Vanilla is the easy flavor to work with because it doesn't fight anything you mix it into. If you find it a little sweet on its own with water, cut it with milk or ice, or add a pinch of cinnamon. Small tweaks like that are how a tub of Orgain Organic Protein actually gets finished instead of sitting at the back of the cupboard.

Who it's good for

Orgain pitches it at pretty much everybody, and fairly so. It suits people who lift and want a post-workout shake, people trying to get more protein at breakfast, vegans who are tired of beans at every meal, and anyone who needs something quick on a busy morning. It's not a complete meal replacement on its own with water, but blended with fruit and a fat source it gets close.

A couple of small tips

If your stomach isn't used to fiber like inulin, start with one scoop for the first few days and let your gut adjust. If you have kidney disease or your doctor has you on a protein limit, check with them about how much powder fits your plan. And as the label says, if you notice any allergic reaction, stop using it.

Good protein shouldn't feel like a chore to drink. If you want a clean, organic, dairy-free option that tastes like vanilla rather than a field, Orgain Organic Protein is a very easy yes.

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