Finding the Best Plant-Based Protein Powder
Vega vs Orgain Protein Powder – two brands of plant-based protein powders that seem to have many more similarities than differences.
Whether you’re a committed vegan, a health-conscious vegetarian, or simply seeking a plant-based protein alternative, Vega and Orgain are both reliable options. Both brands specialize in protein powders meant as protein supplements or meal replacements.
However, upon closer inspection, there are a handful of differences that stood out to me and might also cause you to choose one over the other.
By the end of this article, you will see side-by-side comparisons of Orgain and Vega popular products as well as learn about the brands enough to make a decision on which is worth your money. So, let’s get started!
Is plant-based protein good for you?
Yes, plant-based protein is good for you. It can be a healthy and nutritious alternative to animal-based protein, and it has been linked to a number of health benefits, including:
- Reduced risk of heart disease: Plant-based proteins are typically lower in saturated fat and cholesterol than animal-based proteins, which can help to reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Lower risk of type 2 diabetes: Plant-based proteins are often higher in fiber than animal-based proteins, which can help to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Reduced risk of cancer: Some studies have shown that people who eat more plant-based proteins have a lower risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as colon cancer and breast cancer.
- Weight loss and maintenance: Plant-based proteins can help you to feel full and satisfied after meals, which can lead to weight loss or maintenance.
A 2020 study found that the nutritional quality of plant-based proteins is very good, however, incomplete if you only consume plant protein from one source, as many plants do not provide the full array of amino acids necessary in the human body.
However, a quality protein supplement will ensure you get all essential amino acids in one product. Keep reading to find out if Vega and Orgain offer the complete line-up of protein.
Plant-Based Protein Powders With All Essential Amino Acids
As we saw above, the main concern regarding protein from plant sources is that plants rarely contain all of the essential amino acids that a human body needs to construct its own proteins.
For an animal-based protein like whey, this comes easy as animal proteins are “complete” and bring all building blocks to the table.
Therefore it is essential that a plant-based protein powder do the same. Brands accomplish this by specially blending ingredients to ensure all protein needs are met.
Is Vega protein powder a complete protein?
Yes, Vega protein powder is a complete protein. This means that it contains all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own and must obtain from food. Vega protein powder is typically made with a blend of plant-based proteins, such as pea protein, rice protein, and hemp protein.
Here is a table of the nine essential amino acids and the amount of each (in milligrams) contained in a serving of Vega Sport Premium Plant-Based Protein Powder:
Vega Sport Premium (1 Serving)
| Amino Acid | mg / serv. |
| Histidine | 300 |
| Isoleucine | 800 |
| Leucine | 1300 |
| Lysine | 1200 |
| Methionine | 300 |
| Phenylalanine | 700 |
| Threonine | 400 |
| Tryptophan | 200 |
| Valine | 900 |
As you can see, Vega Sport Premium Plant-Based Protein Powder provides a good source of all nine essential amino acids. This makes it a good choice for people who are looking for a complete protein powder, such as vegans, vegetarians, and athletes.
Note: Vega protein powders may vary slightly in their amino acid profile depending on the specific blend of plant proteins that are used. However, all Vega protein powders are considered to be complete proteins.
Is Orgain protein powder a complete protein?
Yes, Orgain protein powder is a complete protein. This means that it contains all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own and must obtain from food.
Orgain protein powder is made with a blend of pea protein, brown rice protein, and chia seed protein, which together provide a complete amino acid profile.
Here is a table of the nine essential amino acids and the amount (in milligrams) of each contained in a serving of Orgain Organic Protein Powder:
Orgain Organic (1 Serving)
| Amino Acid | mg / serv. |
| Histidine | 420 |
| Isoleucine | 700 |
| Leucine | 1100 |
| Lysine | 1000 |
| Methionine | 440 |
| Phenylalanine | 720 |
| Threonine | 510 |
| Tryptophan | 290 |
| Valine | 700 |
As you can see, Orgain Organic Protein Powder provides a good source of all nine essential amino acids. This makes it another good choice for people who are looking for a complete protein powder.
Can you build muscle with plant-based protein?
Yes, you can build muscle with plant-based protein. This analysis of 16 scientific papers on the subject concludes that plant-based proteins are just as effective as animal-based proteins for muscle growth and repair.
To build muscle, you should both consume enough protein and engage in resistance training. The resistance training causes your muscles to break down, and then the protein comes in to repair and rebuild them stronger.
Plant-based proteins are a good source of essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Essential amino acids cannot be produced by the body, so they must be obtained from the diet.
You can also find plant-based protein powders that are specifically designed for muscle building. These powders typically contain a blend of different plant-based proteins, as well as other nutrients that are important for muscle growth, such as BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) and creatine.
Vega offers Sport Protein in vanilla and chocolate, and Orgain has Sport Protein in the same flavors. We do a side-by-side comparison of both products below
Shop Orgain Sport Shop Vega Sport
Side-By-Side Comparison of Orgain vs Vega
We’ve now seen that both Orgain and Vega protein powders offer us a complete protein (yay!) and now we’re left to look at other factors to decide which protein to buy.
Let’s look at exactly what macronutrients we can find in each of their top products.
Original Protein Powder
Here is a comparison of the original and most basic protein powders offered by Vega and Orgain.
The colors represent comparisons of the values. Blue indicates the number is lower than the competitor. Black indicates the same value. Green indicates a higher number.
Orgain Organic Protein
2 scoops – 46 g Serving
| Protein | 21 g |
| Calories | 150 |
| Total Fat | 4 g |
| Sodium | 290 mg |
| Total Carbs | 15 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 0 g |
| Erythritol | 5 g |
The Orgain original protein notably has less protein but also less salt than the competing Vega product.
Vega Original Protein
2 scoops – 46 g Serving
| Protein | 25 g |
| Calories | 180 |
| Total Fat | 3 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
| Total Carbs | 14 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 0 g |
| Erythritol | 0 g |
Vega original powder offers a higher amount of protein than Orgain, as well as a bit more fiber and no sugar alcohols (erythritol) as it is sweetened with Stevia.
Sport Protein Powder
Here is a comparison of the “sport” powders that Orgain and Vega offer.
Vega Sport Protein
1 scoops – 41 g Serving
| Protein | 30 g |
| Calories | 170 |
| Total Fat | 3.5 g |
| Sodium | 370 mg |
| Total Carbs | 4 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 1 g |
| Erythritol | 0 g |
| BCAA | 5 g |
The majority of a scoop of Vega sport protein is protein, with a much shorter ingredients list than Orgain.
Orgain Sport Protein
2 scoops – 57 g Serving
| Protein | 30 g |
| Calories | 200 |
| Total Fat | 6 g |
| Sodium | 380 mg |
| Total Carbs | 15 g |
| Fiber | < 1 g |
| Sugars | 1 g |
| Erythritol | 5 g |
| BCAAs | 5 g |
The serving size weight is heavier/more than Vega sport protein with the same amount of protein. So the extra weight is presumably from their addition of “Orgain Organic Fruit and Vegetable Blend”.
Vega vs Orgain Protein Powders
Vega vs Orgain protein powder: Here are some general takeaways as we summarize the differences and similarities of Orgain and Vega protein powders.
Protein Content and Source
Vegan protein powders are designed to provide you with a substantial dose of plant-based protein, essential amino acids, and other essential nutrients. When it comes to protein intake, both Vega and Orgain offer excellent options.
Vega, known for its Vega Essentials and Vega Sport Premium products, offers a blend of plant-based proteins like organic pea protein, hemp protein, and brown rice protein.
Shop Vega on Amazon
Orgain, on the other hand, provides an organic protein powder with a mixture of organic pea protein, chia seeds, and hemp seeds.
Shop Orgain on Amazon
The protein content in these products typically ranges from 15 to 30 grams of protein per serving, depending on the specific product and serving size.
Flavor Variety and Taste
Your taste buds play a significant role in choosing the best vegan protein powder for you. Both Vega and Orgain offer a wide range of flavors, including the basic vanilla, chocolate, and peanut butter options.
However, Orgain offers a greater variety of flavors. You’ll find more “trendy” or unique flavors such as Horchata, Peppermint Hot Cocoa, Fruity Cereal, Pumpkin Spice, and Churro Caramel Swirl.
It’s a good idea to experiment with different flavors to find the one that suits your palate. Ultimately the best protein powder for you is the one you will drink consistently!
Remember to look at the labels! Some vegan protein powders use natural flavors, avoiding artificial additives, making them a healthier choice.
Nutritional Needs
Vega and Orgain products are designed to cater to your nutritional needs, whether you’re seeking to boost your protein intake, support muscle recovery, or achieve your weight loss goals.
They often contain added essential vitamins, fatty acids, and digestive enzymes, ensuring you receive the essential nutrients your body craves.
The Orgain brand even offers vegan protein bars, meal replacement shakes, and protein drinks marketed for kids.
Shop Orgain for Kids
Vegan and Organic Ingredients
For those who follow a strict vegan or vegetarian diet, both Vega and Orgain prioritize plant-based nutrition. They source their ingredients from whole-food sources, and many of their products are free from soy and gluten, making them suitable for people with food allergies.
Additionally, Orgain prides itself on being an organic protein powder, while Vega also offers organic options within its product range.
Quality and Safety
When it comes to your overall health, safety is an important consideration. To ensure product safety, both brands often undergo third-party testing for heavy metals, confirming that you’re consuming a high-quality product.
Muscle Repair and Muscle Recovery
Vega and Orgain are great choices for supporting muscle repair and muscle recovery, thanks to their protein content and the presence of essential amino acids.
These products can help you maintain and build muscle mass while providing the necessary fuel for your active lifestyle.
They both offer a “Sport” protein powder (compared above in this article) offering 5 grams of BCAAs per serving. BCAAs (Branch-chain amino acids) have been linked to muscle mass and recovery.
Furthermore, Vega has a “sport” line that is further split into phases of your exercise routine. This includes products like Pre-Workout Energizer, Hydration, Recovery, and Rest & Repair to suit the needs of different phases of exercise.
Expert Opinions
Registered dietitians like Dr. Andrew Abraham and plant-based nutrition advocates like Brendan Brazier often offer positive feedback about these vegan protein powders. Their expertise underscores the importance of choosing products that align with your dietary goals.
My Personal Experience and Thoughts
As far as protein supplements go, Vega protein powders seem better suited for athletic and exercise-minded individuals, as their range of products includes pre- and post-workout blends. Also in side-by-side comparisons, their products often contain slightly more protein per serving.
On the other hand, Orgain is a great brand for people looking to increase their protein intake or perhaps find a meal replacement shake, but perhaps do not have an exercise-focused routine. The fun range of flavors is broadly appealing. Honestly, the flavors alone make me excited to try the Orgain products.
Also, their products feature organic ingredients for those who have this in mind, and their prices are usually lower than Vega products. Plus, if you’re interested in getting your kids some extra protein, they have products to suit that as well.
Is Vega protein powder as good as whey?
Both Vega protein powder and whey protein powder are effective protein supplements. However, whey protein powder has a higher protein content per serving and is generally easier to digest.
Vega protein powder is a good option for people who are looking for a plant-based protein powder or who have difficulty digesting whey protein powder.
We compare whey protein with a plant-based protein extensively in this article here.
Can you eat plant protein powder every day?
Yes, you can eat plant protein powder every day. Plant protein powder is a safe and healthy way to increase your protein intake. It is also a good option for people who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, or who have lactose intolerance.
However, it is important to note that plant protein powder is not a complete meal. It does not contain all of the nutrients that your body needs, such as carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins.
Therefore, it is important to eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Consider incorporating plant protein into a smoothie — we’ve got you covered on healthy recipes!
If you are choosing to eat plant protein powder every day, it is important to choose a high-quality product. Look for a powder that is made from whole food sources and does not contain added sugars or artificial ingredients.
Tips for eating plant protein powder every day:
- Add it to your breakfast smoothie or oatmeal.
- Mix it with water or milk for an on-the-go snack.
- Add it to soup or yogurt.
- Use it to bake protein pancakes or muffins.
- Make a protein shake and drink it after a workout.
- Add protein powder to one of our fun recipes, here!
The amount of plant protein powder that you need will depend on your individual needs and goals. On our website, we always recommend that newbies start with a small amount and gradually increase their intake over time.
Conclusion
Either way, you can’t go wrong with either of these vegan protein powders. The Orgain vs Vega debate is settled based on flavor preferences and price points.
In the pursuit of a healthy, plant-based diet, these vegan protein powders can be a fantastic addition to your daily routine. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, so the best plant-based protein powder is whichever option is the best fit for you.
Whether it’s Vega or Orgain, you can trust that you’re making a choice that supports your journey toward a healthier, more plant-centric lifestyle.
Bibliography
Hertzler SR, Lieblein-Boff JC, Weiler M, Allgeier C. Plant Proteins: Assessing Their Nutritional Quality and Effects on Health and Physical Function. Nutrients. 2020 Nov 30;12(12):3704. doi: 10.3390/nu12123704. PMID: 33266120; PMCID: PMC7760812. LINK
Lim MT, Pan BJ, Toh DWK, Sutanto CN, Kim JE. Animal Protein versus Plant Protein in Supporting Lean Mass and Muscle Strength: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2021 Feb 18;13(2):661. doi: 10.3390/nu13020661. PMID: 33670701; PMCID: PMC7926405. LINK
