The Best Organic Whey Protein Powders For Bodybuilding

March 20, 2024
Sam Andreas

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Top Pick

Whether chosen for health benefits or on ideological grounds, the best organic whey protein powder can boost wellbeing and improve muscle growth.

This article explains exactly what organic whey protein is, how it functions, what to look for, and the top five products available today.

The Five Best Organic Whey Protein Powder

Here are our organic whey protein powder favorites:

1. Source Classic Organic Whey Protein by NorCal Organic

In my opinion, this could be the best organic whey protein powder currently available.

You may be asking, “Why?” Because this is a powerful formula. Containing 21 grams of protein per 25-gram serving, this makes it the most protein-packed organic whey supplement in my top list—which I would suggest makes it ideal for those looking for the highest protein level possible.

Sourced from California cows, this product not only provides peace of mind, knowing it’s organic—it’s also certified by the American Humane Association and is 100 percent kosher.

What’s more, with just 100 calories per serving, this supplement may appeal to those people who don’t want their whey product to pile on the pounds.

Here’s the detail per 25-gram serving:

Protein: 21 grams (84 percent).
Carbs: 2 grams (1 percent).
Fat: 1.5 grams (6 percent).
Calories: 100.

Possibly the best whey powder for protein content.
Low in calories and fat.
Ethically sourced.
Made in the USA.
Available in three flavors.

May require a little effort when mixing.

2. Organic Grass-Fed Whey Protein by Protein 17

It’s my belief that this is the best organic whey protein powder for those who want the ultimate in flavor-purity.

The reason is, although some organic whey protein supplements use concentrated flavorings or essences (admittedly, themselves organic)—this product takes it a step further. Each of the different flavors is provided from real and whole organic food sources.

So, if it tastes of peanuts, that’s because it contains peanuts.

But, don’t assume that it’s all about the taste. This supplement also packs in a hefty 24 grams of protein per 30-gram serving—which I would suggest is sufficient for those looking for either health benefits or muscle gains.

Let me give you the nutrition per serving:

Protein: 24 grams (80 percent).
Carbs: 3 grams (1 percent).
Fat: 2 grams (6 percent).
Calories: 120.

Flavored with whole organic foods.
Solid protein content.
Sourced from dairy herds roaming in pastures in the USA.
Manufactured without high-heat processing which can reduce nutrient content.

Only 15 servings in each container.

3. Grass Fed Undenatured Organic Whey Protein Powder by Natural Force

If you’re one of those people who wants nothing but the cleanest and most pure nutrition products available—it’s my feeling that this could be thebest organic whey protein powder for you.

This is my reason. Apart from 100-percent organic whey protein concentrate, this supplement has no other ingredients—it’s totally unflavored.

What’s more, this product may appeal to people whose welfare ethics are not restricted to animals, but to the world in general. The packaging uses 70 percent less plastic than many of the other supplements, and is also completely recyclable.

A potent product, providing 20 grams of protein in every serving.

Take a look at the detail per 26-gram drink:

Protein: 20 grams (77 percent).
Carbs: 2 grams (1 percent).
Fat: 1.5 grams (5 percent).
Calories: 100.

A pure supplement with just one ingredient.
Environmentally-friendly packaging.
Sourced from family-owned farms in the USA.
Gluten-free.
30-day money back guarantee.

May not suit people who don’t enjoy the natural flavor of whey.

4. Rooted 100% Organic Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder by Rooted Whey

Consuming protein doesn’t have to be about gaining muscle—the health benefits are valuable in themselves. I’d consider this to be the best organic whey protein powder for those people—guys and girls looking to simply boost their nutritional intake.

This is due to the fact it includes 17 grams of protein—what I believe to be excellent for “topping-up”, but not potent enough for the serious bodybuilder.

I would additionally suggest that this could be a nice choice for people who struggle taking their protein drinks. It contains lecithin, a compound (from sunflowers) that assists with mixing and creates a smoother and easier to consume shake.

Here’s the lowdown per 25-gram serving:

Protein: 17 grams (68 percent).
Carbs: 4 grams (1 percent).
Fat: 1.5 grams (6 percent).
Calories: 100.

A good choice for those seeking protein for wellbeing improvements.
Easy-to-drink formula.
Soy-free.
A charity donation is made by the company for every purchase.

17 grams of protein may be insufficient for those looking for a hefty dose.
Some people have adverse reactions to lecithin.

5. Organic Whey Protein Natural Unflavored by Now Foods

This is what I would consider a solid organic whey protein supplement—although it doesn’t tear up any trees (either metaphorically or literally).

Coming from well-known sports nutritionists Now Sports, this product delivers a respectable 19 grams of protein per 24-gram serving. I personally believe this to be a worthwhile dose for boosting nutritional intake, or as a gentle muscle-builder.

This supplement also contains lecithin (sourced from soy) to improve drinkability—so may not be ideal for those who are intolerant to soy products.

Here’s the nutritional detail:

Protein: 19 grams (79 percent).
Carbs: 1 grams (less than 1 percent).
Fat: 2 grams (8 percent).
Calories: 100.

Good protein content.
Includes lecithin for easy-drinking.
Respected manufacturer.
Informed-Sport certified for quality.

Only available in unflavored form.

Informational guide to Organic Whey Protein

What Is Organic Whey Protein?

Let me start off with some quick whey protein basics.

In order to make cheese, rennet is mixed with the milk of dairy cows. As this happens, the milk begins to curdle, which produces two products—whey and curds. It’s the curds that become the cheese—while the whey can then be refined into a protein powder.

This process is exactly the same both for “standard” whey protein and organic.

This protein powder can then be mixed with water to provide a nutritional shake—giving health and physical training benefits.

However, the organic form has some distinct differences.

For a whey protein powder to be classified as organic, it needs to meet the following key criteria:

Free from GMOs (genetically modified organisms).
The cows must be allowed outdoor access.
At least 30 percent of the herd’s food must be from grazing.
Any additional food given to the cows must be certified as organic.
The herds must be free from antibiotics or growth hormones.
The use of parasiticides (anti-parasite chemicals) is forbidden.

Additionally, anything added to the protein powder (flavorings, colorings etc.) must also meet organic standards.

However, if you really want to get down to some serious in-depth reading, here’s the complete guide to organic certification from the United States Department of Agriculture. Alternatively, you could watch this quick video.

What Are the Benefits of Organic Whey Protein?

Supplementing with protein can either help you achieve your daily nutrition requirements, or act as a booster to health and fitness.

Both standard and organic protein powders can:

Be utilized as a supplemental form of energy in addition to carbs and fats.
Build impressive muscle mass—whey is considered a complete protein in that it includes all nine essential amino acids which power size gains.
Instigate the muscle growth process by including BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids)
Speed up post-exercise recovery—tough workouts, injury, and illness can put pressure on protein reserves—supplementing with whey alleviates the problem.
Help weight loss or improve results from a cutting cycle by elevating BMR (basal metabolic rate) and reducing hunger.
Boost health by acting to improve the immune system.
Provide protein for people who find consuming sufficient quantities difficult with their current diet (due to vegetarianism or allergies, for example).

Additionally, the best organic whey protein powder has further benefits, including:

Possessing high levels of CLA (conjugated linoleic acid): Organic herds eating grass produce more of this compound, which can elevate testosterone levels and assist with weight loss.
Being hormone free: Non-organic cows may be fed steroids and these can enter the body through eating dairy products, which can lead to tumors, affect bone density, lead to female characteristics in men, and affect sexual function.
Not containing antibiotics: A report from the WHO (World Health Organization) illustrated that consuming products derived from animals that had been fed these drugs could lead to human health dangers.
Being more ethical: You know you’re consuming a product from an animal which has been free to roam and not injected with unnatural substances.

Are there Side Effects of Organic Whey Protein?

Being hormone, GMO, and antibiotic free, organic whey is one of the safest forms of protein supplementation.

Although, there used to be concern that excess protein may harm the kidneys or skeletal density—both of these claims have been found to be false.

Best Time to Take Organic Whey Protein

Most importantly, always read the label on your best organic whey protein powder—it will indicate how much water to mix in.

There’s a continuing debate on the best time to consume protein powders if you’re using them as muscle-building tools. The current opinion is to take 30 minutes after exercising—and continue to use on your rest days.

If you’re taking supplementation to boost your dietary nutrition—timing isn’t so essential.

As all our physiologies and protein needs are different—here’s a useful calculator to help you assess your daily requirement.

What to Look for in Organic Whey Protein?

Selecting the best organic whey protein powder means identifying the one which meets your particular necessities.

Here are some of the factors I consider important:

Protein Content

Theoretically, the more protein the supplement contains, the greater the benefits and, the better value for money you’re receiving.

Fat and Calorie Nutrition

If you’re looking to lose weight, select an organic whey supplement that’s low in both of these elements. Conversely, if you want to bulk up, the opposite is true.

Flavor

Some people may consider the unflavored versions the most “natural.” Yet, remember this: you want to enjoy taking your supplement, not dread it. If you prefer a shake with a little bit of added interest—select a flavored variety.

Conclusion

For me, the best organic protein powder is Classic Whey by NorCal.

With 84 percent protein per serving, it’s a potent supplement. I feel this makes it ideal for those people both wanting impressive muscle growth, as well as others wishing to ensure they meet their daily protein requirement.

Low in fat and calories, it’s unlikely to pile on unwanted body fat. Furthermore, there’s a choice of flavors or an unflavored version. This should make it appeal to a wide range of personal tastes.

Finally, being made in the USA and certified by the American Humane Association, in my opinion, this is a supplement that you can consume with moral confidence.