Orgain's Official Stance on Artificial Sweeteners
Orgain is a company built on a foundation of clean, wholesome nutrition, and its messaging consistently reflects this commitment. A key part of its brand identity is the avoidance of artificial ingredients. The company explicitly states that its products do not contain artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors. For consumers wary of synthetic additives, this position is a major selling point. The brand's founder, Dr. Andrew Abraham, a cancer survivor, started the company with a focus on high-quality, nutritious ingredients, and avoiding artificial additives is central to this philosophy. However, a closer look at the ingredient lists reveals that this does not mean the products are devoid of sweeteners entirely; rather, they use naturally derived and organic options.
What Sweeteners Orgain Actually Uses
To achieve a pleasant flavor profile without relying on artificial chemicals, Orgain incorporates several natural and organic sweeteners into its various product lines. The specific combination depends on the product. These are considered to be clean, and many are plant-based, aligning with the company’s overall organic and vegan ethos. Understanding which natural sweeteners are present is key for individuals with specific dietary needs or sensitivities.
Diving Deeper: Stevia and Erythritol in Orgain Products
Two of the most frequently used natural sweeteners in Orgain products are organic stevia and organic erythritol.
- Stevia (Reb A): Derived from the stevia plant, stevia extract provides sweetness with no calories and does not impact blood sugar levels. It is used in many Orgain protein powders and shakes, such as the Organic Vegan Protein Powder line. While it offers a calorie-free sweetness, some people are sensitive to its taste, which can have a slightly bitter or licorice-like aftertaste.
- Erythritol: A sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in some fruits and vegetables, organic erythritol is often used in combination with stevia to balance the flavor. It has a very low-calorie count and a glycemic index of zero, making it popular for keto-friendly and low-carb diets. However, as mentioned in an expert review, erythritol can cause gastrointestinal (GI) distress, including bloating and diarrhea, for some individuals, particularly in larger doses.
Other Sweetening Agents
In addition to stevia and erythritol, some Orgain products, like the ready-to-drink Nutritional Shakes, may use a small amount of organic cane sugar for light sweetening. Other products, such as the Simple Organic Protein Powder, may use organic coconut sugar. For those who want to avoid all sweeteners entirely, Orgain offers a Natural Unsweetened protein powder that contains neither stevia nor erythritol.
The “Natural” Sweetener Controversy
Despite Orgain's official position against artificial sweeteners and its use of naturally derived alternatives, the company has not been entirely free of controversy. A class-action lawsuit was filed against Orgain regarding its labeling practices.
What the Lawsuit Alleged
The suit claimed that Orgain’s use of terms like “Organic Natural Flavors” and “Natural Flavor” was misleading. It argued that ingredients such as erythritol and xanthan gum, while technically derived from natural sources, are highly processed and not what the average consumer would consider “clean”. The complaint suggested that this type of labeling was deceptive and led consumers to overpay for the products, believing them to be more wholesome and less processed than they actually were.
Orgain's Stance Amid Controversy
Orgain's public responses have reaffirmed its commitment to high-quality ingredients and avoidance of artificial additives. The company's defense likely rests on the fact that its ingredients are, by definition, not artificial. The controversy highlights a broader industry issue concerning how consumers perceive the term “natural” and the level of processing involved in creating common food and supplement ingredients.
How to Identify Sweeteners in Orgain Products
For consumers concerned about specific sweeteners or sensitivities, checking the ingredient list is the most reliable method.
- Examine the label: Always turn to the ingredients panel on the product packaging. Look for sweeteners explicitly listed. For example, many Orgain products will show "Organic Reb A (Stevia Extract)" and/or "Organic Erythritol".
- Read the fine print: Some ready-to-drink shakes may list organic cane sugar or monk fruit extract. Be aware that product formulations can change, so it's wise to check the label regularly.
- Consider unsweetened options: If you want to avoid all sweeteners, Orgain offers an unflavored protein powder labeled as "Natural Unsweetened". This option allows users to add their own natural sweeteners like honey or fruit.
Orgain's Sweetener Profile Comparison
| Product | Type | Primary Sweeteners | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Organic Vegan Protein Powder | Plant-Based Powder | Organic Reb A (Stevia Extract), Organic Erythritol, Organic Agave Inulin Fiber | Uses a blend of natural sweeteners for balanced taste. |
| Keto Collagen Protein Powder | Keto-Friendly Powder | None listed (some might be unsweetened), check product specifics | Formulated for keto diets, often sugar-free with no stevia or erythritol. |
| Organic Nutritional Shakes | Ready-to-Drink Shake | Organic Cane Sugar, Monk Fruit Extract | Uses organic cane sugar for light sweetening in some nutritional shakes. |
| Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder, Natural Unsweetened | Plant-Based Powder | None | The unflavored variety is specifically made without stevia or erythritol. |
Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice
In conclusion, Orgain does not use artificial sweeteners in its products, staying true to its brand promise of clean nutrition. However, it relies on a variety of natural and organic sweeteners, predominantly stevia and erythritol, to achieve its desired taste profiles. While these are widely accepted natural alternatives, consumers should be aware that erythritol can cause digestive issues for some people. The company has also faced scrutiny over its labeling of "natural" ingredients. For maximum control over sweetener intake, Orgain's unsweetened products are an excellent option. By carefully reviewing the ingredient label of each specific Orgain product, consumers can make the best choice for their personal health and dietary preferences.
For more information on Orgain's ingredients and product details, you can visit their official website.
