What Is The Best Natural Protein Powder

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A healthy protein powder can be used for muscle growth and recovery, weight loss, meal replacement or an easy way to get your key nutrients on the go. Did you know that you can get an even healthier version of the classic protein powder supplement? You can, so what is the best natural protein powder?

Many powders are full of artificial ingredients including sweeteners and preservatives. We are going to discuss what it means to be “all natural”, the benefits you get from protein powders and the different protein sources that they come from. And of course, I’ll be reviewing my picks for the best all natural protein powders.

What Is an All Natural Protein Powder

Protein is one of the most important nutrients in our diets. It’s necessary for muscle growth, bone strength, hair and nails, digestion and anything else important to your health.

Protein powder is an excellent way to get these extra nutrients, especially if you lead an active lifestyle because you will need more.

A Natural protein powder has all of the benefits that come with standard protein powders except that the artificial ingredients are missing. This includes artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners.

The traditional most popular powders that we are accustomed to are still a safe option. However, many of us fitness minded people want to keep anything that is potentially harmful out of our diet.

Natural protein powders will use fruit and vegetable extracts to enhance their flavors and colors naturally. Many times natural vanilla bean and cacao are used as well. These type of flavorings are not as potent as artificial ones, so all natural powders may taste a little more bland.

Most of the time natural protein powders are sweetened with Stevia. This is a healthier, sugar free alternative that is processed from sugar. You may also see sweeteners such as pure cane sugar, coconut palm sugar, brown rice syrup, and monk fruit.

All natural protein powders can cost a bit more, but not always. They will still average out to be less than $1.50 per serving.

Organic Protein Powders

These don’t contain artificial ingredients either, but the Organic Protein powder category takes purity to another level. Organic ingredients have to be grown or processed without the use of any man-made chemicals, fertilizers or pesticides.

Ingredients coming from an animal product must ensure that these animals eat only Organic feed. Anything labeled Organic has to be fully approved by the USDA Organic agency. Because of these strict guidelines, there is less of a selection when it comes to Organic protein powders. However, this is an excellent choice for your body.

Vegan Protein Powders

Vegan products are made without the use of any animal or dairy products. The machinery that processes Vegn can’t be used for any animal products either so there is no cross over.

The proteins in plant based powders may not be as concentrated as animal sourced proteins, but the ones I’ve included below have the highest amount.

These vegetarian options are thought to be the healthiest because of the lack of animal products, additional fiber, can have more vitamins, and contain fewer calories. Don’t be mistaken by some of the labels. Just because a protein powder is plant based Vegan, doesn’t make it Organic.

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments about the natural, organic or vegan protein powder categories. You can leave a message at the bottom of this page.

All Natural Protein Benefits

Natural protein powders contain all of the incredible benefits as the standard ones, without the added chemicals.

Protein is crucial for muscle formation, the health and function of skin and other tissues, better digestion, maintaining blood pH, hormone synthesis, as well as keeping proper bone and ligament strength.

Taking a protein supplement will help to build the muscles stronger and faster. Protein will also help to maintain existing muscle mass.

Additional protein is also critical for muscle recovery after working out. This will improve performance for the next time you exercise. Protein helps to stabilize metabolism as well as keeping you more alert and satisfied.

The importance of protein extends to using this as a weight loss supplement. Protein powder is a great way to get the largest amount of protein and nutrients for a very low number of calories. Since protein is the most filling type of food, it will decrease your appetite better than any other kind of reduced calorie food.

This increased feeling of being full will help to keep you from snacking and eating larger meals. This supplement, in combination with an exercise program, will burn fat faster and enable you to get more toned.

⊕ Studies have revealed that protein helps to build and maintain muscle mass, assist athletes with recovery from exercise and increase muscle strength when training strength training.

⊕ Other studies in normal and overweight individuals suggest that protein improves body composition by decreasing fat mass and increasing lean mass.

If you have any questions or comments about the benefits of protein powder, please leave a comment below and I will respond.

Learn more about Protein Powder for Weight Loss

The Problem With Artificial Ingredients

Artificial flavors are made by combining chemicals from inedible ingredients, such as petroleum or paper pulp. Amazingly, they are able to make these products taste exactly like the flavor intended. However, many believe that artificial flavors can cause a host of health problems.

Recreating these flavors is a science done by “flavorists”. Up to 70 and 80 combinations of chemicals can be used to get the exact smell and taste for artificial flavorings. This is why many people avoid these.

When using artificial sweeteners, you are also substituting real sugar for chemicals. Many believe that the use of these chemicals in food is partly responsible for the increased amount of cancer in the human population. For now, just a warning label is sufficient enough within this industry.

Product: Gold Standard Whey Natural Protein Powder

Price: $
Where to purchase: Get the Best Price on Gold Standard
Amount of Servings: 2lb contains 24 servings
Protein Per Serving: 24 grams
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Manufacturer: Optimum Nutrition Inc. at optimumnutrition.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee

Whey is the number one protein source for maximum growth. This is the “all natural” version from a long line of Gold Standard powders. It’s heavy in Amino Acids and BCAA’s. Whey Isolate has the least amount of Lactase but still contains minimal amounts.

This powder is sweetened with Stevia, a naturally derived sugar source. Gold Standard also has a surprisingly low amount of calories at 130 per serving.

Gold Standard Positives

5.5 grams of BCAA’s, 9.6 grams of Amino Acids
Great protein for muscle building
24 grams of whey isolate protein per serving
4 Grams of Glutamine to reduce fatigue
Special “instantize”, mix with a spoon
No artificial ingredients
Low sugar

Potential Negatives

Contains some cholesterol
Has a small amount of Lactase

See My Gold Standard 100% Whey Review

Product: Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein Powder

Price: $$
Where to purchase: Get the Best Price on Orgain Organic
Container size: 2lb contains 20 servings
Protein Per Serving: 21 grams
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Manufacturer: Orgain Organic at orgain.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee

Orgain is the most impressive protein powder in its category. It must meet many requirements to be both Organic and Vegan. 21 grams of protein per serving is also a high amount of protein per serving for a plant based powder.

Because it is plant based, it is great for those that are lactose intolerant. This protein powder contains zero cholesterol and 6 grams of fiber, making it an extremely healthy choice.

Orgain Organic Positives

Mixed Plant sources contain all Amino proteins
100% Vegan powder
USDA Organic
21 grams of protein with only 150 calories
Non Dairy, lactose and soy free
No sugar added
Option for added Superfoods

Potential Negatives

Plant proteins take longer to hit the bloodstream
Contains Organic Erythritol, an alcohol sugar

See My Orgain Organic Protein Powder Review

Product: Vega Sport Protein Powder

Price: $$$
Where to purchase: Get the Best Price on Vega Sport
Container size: 1.75lb contains 19 servings
Protein Per Serving: 30 grams
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Manufacturer: Vega at myvega.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee

This contains about the highest concentration of protein per serving that you can get, even more than most animal sourced powders. This blend includes pea, pumpkin seed, organic sunflower seed, and alfalfa proteins. The amount of calories at 170 is very low for the amount of nutrients.

Vega also has added BCAA’s for muscle growth. Another bonus is that this powder contains probiotics for digestion. This is another great all natural protein powder with no added sugars. Remember that the “Non GMO” does not mean Organic.

Vega Sport Positives

Most protein from a 100% Vegan
Non Dairy, Keto-Friendly, Gluten Free, Non GMO
5 grams of BCAA’s
Contains probiotics
30 grams of protein per serving
No artificial ingredients or preservatives
No added sugar

Potential Negatives

Not Organic
Has some bad taste reviews

Product: Less Naked Whey Grass Fed Protein Powder

Price: $$
Where to purchase: Get the Best Price on Less Naked Whey
Container size: 5lb contains 60 servings
Protein Per Serving: 25 grams
Rating: 4 out of 5
Manufacturer: Naked Nutrition at nkdnutrition.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee

Less Naked Whey prides itself on making an all natural protein powder with only 3 ingredients, meaning no fillers. The Whey comes from free range, grass fed cows and processed without any artificial ingredients or preservatives.

This protein has a high amount of Amino Acid proteins with an additional 6 grams of BCAA’s. It also has a low 160 calories per serving. This is a whey protein concentrate, so it does contain lactase.

Less Naked Whey Positives

100% grass fed whey isolate
All natural ingredients
Naturally sweetened with coconut sugar
GMO Free, Soy Free, Gluten Free
25 grams of protein and 6 grams of BCAA’s
Contains all 21 Amino Acids
Added vitamins and minerals
Only 3 healthy ingredients

Potential Negatives

Some didn’t like the taste
Contains lactase from milk

Product: Legion Casein+ Protein Powder

Price: $$
Where to purchase: Get the Best Price on Legion Casein+
Container size: 2lb contains 30 servings
Protein Per Serving: 26 grams
Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Manufacturer: Legion Athletics Inc. at legionathletics.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee

Casein is a concentrated protein source similar to whey, but the micellar casein digest slowly. This distributes the Amino Acids to your muscles over a longer period of time which some feel is better.

The protein is made from grass fed, free range cows from a small farm in Ireland. Legion Casein+ contains 13 grams of Amino Acids with only 140 calories. Although I haven’t tried Banana Creme Pie, they somehow made this flavor from all natural ingredients.

Legion Casein+ Positives

13 grams of Amino Acids per serving
Non-GMO, Low Carb, Keto Friendly
100% Grass Fed Cow Milk
No artificial ingredients/sweetened with Stevia
Slow Release Muscle Recovery up to 8 hours
Only 140 calories and .5 grams of fat
Added vitamins and minerals
No fillers

Potential Negatives

Contains milk products

The Most Popular Protein Sources

There are two major categories that proteins are derived from. They are either animal or plant based. The animal which comes from meat or dairy tends to be the most popular and has the greatest concentration of Amino Acid proteins. The Vegan or plant based proteins usually have more fiber and nutrients, but fewer calories and Aminos.

Whey Protein

This is the most popular source of protein. Whey comes at a good price, high amount of protein per serving, fairly low amount of calories and is very nutritious.

If you are lactose intolerant, there is a more pure version called whey protein isolate that is usually 99% lactose free. Some may still have issues with digestion even with small amounts of lactose.

Whey digests very quickly and contains plenty of BCAA’s (Branch Chain Amino Acids). This protein source is excellent for helping to build more muscle and gain mass.

Casein Protein

This is the other main protein that is sourced from milk. However, Casein is digested and absorbed much more slowly than other types of protein.

Because of this, it results in a more gradual, steadier release of Amino Acid proteins to your muscles. Some feel that this process gives Casein an edge when it comes to muscle growth rather than the fast release that comes with other proteins.

Egg Protein

This is another great source of animal protein. Eggs digest very easily and include all 21 Amino Acids and BCAA’s. One reason why this is such a healthy option is that it is made from the egg whites only.

Because the yolks are missing this makes it a less filling option, so you may get hungry sooner. Egg protein not as popular as it should be because, for now, it is a less studied protein source.

Pea Protein

This is a very popular protein source for Vegans or those that are lactose intolerant. Pea is rich in BCAA’s and all of the Amino Acids, except it lacks one of them. This healthy source of protein is also high in fiber, helping to keep you feel more satisfied and it’s also great for your colon. Pea does not work quite as well for muscle gains.

Hemp Protein

This protein is related to marijuana but without the THC. It’s rich in vitamins including Omega-3’s. However, Hemp is not a complete protein source since it has low levels of Amino Acid proteins. Hemp protein digests well and is a good source of fiber. It performs best if your goal is weight loss, and it can be used for muscle recovery to some degree.

Brown Rice Protein

Brown rice is an easily digestible, vegan option. It is full of fiber and low in calories, so it will work well for weight loss since it keeps you feeling fuller. This source contains all of the Amino Acids, but in low concentrations, so it is not great for muscle growth.

Mixed Plant Proteins

If you are going Vegan, this is the protein source that I recommend. Because it is a blend from different plants, you will be getting all of the Amino Acid proteins the body requires. This makes it great for building muscle.

These blends can include pea, brown rice, hemp, Chia seeds, and other plant sources. The high fiber content making it better for your system and will digest at a slower rate.

The All Natural Conclusion

A natural protein powder comes with all the benefits of a standard powder but without any artificial ingredients or sweeteners. Artificial ingredients are made out of non-edible products and chemicals to enhance the colors and flavors.

Adding a protein supplement will help to maintain and grow muscle, keep skin and nails healthy, stabilize metabolism levels and even assist with weight loss.

These all natural protein powders are a safe and healthy addition to your diet and best for anyone with an active lifestyle. It can be taken for post workout muscle recovery, meal placement or simply to get your nutrition on the go.

Protein powders primarily come from animal and dairy sources or from plants. Both options come high in protein and low in calories. It simply depends on your dietary goals.

If you have any questions or comments on what is the best natural protein powder, please leave a message below and I will respond.

What Is The Best Natural Protein Powder – Only All Natural Ingredients