Garden of Life SPORT Organic Plant-Based Protein
Organic-focused consumers who prioritize NSF and USDA certifications (note heavy metal flag)
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 Garden of Life SPORT Organic Plant-Based Protein
Organic-focused consumers who prioritize NSF and USDA certifications (note heavy metal flag)
Garden of Life SPORT checks every certification box — NSF for Sport, USDA Organic, Non-GMO Verified. However, Consumer Reports flagged elevated lead levels at 4-6x their daily safety limit, which significantly impacts the heavy metal safety score. Buyers should weigh the strong certifications against the contamination data.
Strengths
- NSF Certified for Sport plus USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified triple certification
- Organic plant blend with probiotics and enzymes for digestive support
- 30g protein per serving from organic pea, navy bean, lentil, and garbanzo sources
Limitations
- Consumer Reports flagged lead at 4-6x daily safety concern level — significant safety concern
- Grittier texture than whey-based competitors due to plant protein blend
- Organic certification adds cost without directly addressing heavy metal contamination
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
