Ascent Native Fuel Whey Protein
Athletes who want Informed Sport-certified native whey with clean, natural ingredients
Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder
Budget-conscious organic shoppers (note: Consumer Reports heavy metal flag)
Score Comparison
Pricing & Features
Making Your Decision
When to Choose Ascent Native Fuel Whey Protein
Athletes who want Informed Sport-certified native whey with clean, natural ingredients
Ascent differentiates with its "native" whey process — extracting protein directly from fresh milk rather than cheese manufacturing. Informed Sport certified with zero artificial ingredients makes it a strong choice for clean-label athletes. The native whey distinction may not justify the premium over standard isolates.
Strengths
- Informed Sport certified and uses native whey isolate processed from fresh milk (not cheese byproduct)
- Zero artificial ingredients with only natural flavors and sweeteners
- 25g protein per serving with strong amino acid and BCAA profile
Limitations
- Native whey process marketing may overstate benefits vs standard isolate
- Limited flavor range compared to larger brands
- Pricing at $2.00/serving is mid-range but not budget-friendly
When to Choose Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder
Budget-conscious organic shoppers (note: Consumer Reports heavy metal flag)
Orgain offers affordable USDA Organic plant protein with good taste, but Consumer Reports found lead at 143% over CA Prop 65 limits. The organic certification and pleasant flavor make it appealing, but the heavy metal data is a significant concern that health-conscious buyers should weigh carefully.
Strengths
- USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified with 21g plant-based protein
- Good taste consistently praised in user reviews for a plant-based powder
- Affordable at $1.80/serving compared to premium plant-based competitors
Limitations
- Consumer Reports found 0.72μg lead/serving — 143% over CA Prop 65 limit
- Uses organic erythritol and stevia which some find has an aftertaste
- No NSF or Informed Sport certification for banned substance testing
