Craving a protein hit that’s as clean as your macros? Ora Organic’s “So Lean & So Clean” chocolate blend crams 22 grams of complete USDA‑organic plant protein, 19 superfoods, and a full digestive‑enzyme lineup into a mere 130 calories—no gums, dairy, or erythritol in sight, and less than a gram of sugar thanks to stevia and monk fruit.
The pea‑rice‑sacha inchi combo checks every essential‑amino box, whips into a silky, bloat‑free shake, and even holds its own in baked recipes, making it a clutch daily driver for vegans, keto‑curious dieters, and anyone steering clear of whey. Sure, the flavor leans cocoa‑almond milk over milk‑shake, the 20‑serving pouch costs about two bucks a scoop, and leucine chasers may still pine for whey isolates—but if organic sourcing and gut comfort top your wish list, this 4.1/5‑rated powder deserves a spot in your shaker.
What is Ora Organics Protein?
Ora Organics vegan protein is a thoughtfully sourced, USDA‑organic plant blend that delivers 22 g of protein, 19 superfoods, and a full digestive‑enzyme panel in every scoop. The chocolate flavor lands closer to cocoa‑almond milk than a milkshake, but the bloat‑free formula and clean ingredient deck make it a go‑to for vegans, sensitive stomachs, and anyone dodging artificial sweeteners.
Why It Deserves a Spot on the Shelf
- Complete Amino Profile Without Soy – Pea, rice, and sacha inchi proteins combine to cover all nine essential aminos; 4.5 g BCAAs per scoop keeps recovery respectable for a plant powder.
- Gut‑Friendly Engineering – Added enzymes (protease, cellulase, lactase, and more) break down tough plant fibers, while the absence of erythritol, gums, and dairy minimizes bloating. Testers with IBS reported zero gastric flare‑ups over a 10‑day trial.
- Clean & Sustainable – USDA Organic, non‑GMO, and packaged in a recyclable pouch. Ora offsets production with carbon‑neutral shipping, earning it an extra sustainability nod.
- Kid‑ & Mom‑Approved Sweetening – Stevia leaf and monk‑fruit extracts keep sugar under 1 g with no sugar alcohols—pregnancy‑safe and easier on kids’ palates.
Label & Mixability
| Spec | Athletic Insight’s Measurement* |
|---|---|
| Serving size | 32 g |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Calories | 130 |
| Net Carbs | 3 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
*Average of three leveled scoops.
Mix Test
– 8 oz cold water: 15 shakes, light foam, faint earthy cocoa finish.
– 8 oz oat milk: thicker body, chocolate‑malt vibe, no grit.
– Smoothie (banana + almond butter): blends silky; enzymes prevent the “pea‑protein chalk” after sitting.
Real‑World Performance
- Recovery & Satiety
Athletes noticed steady energy and minimal DOMS when using two scoops post‑workout, though heavy lifters may still crave the higher leucine of whey. Hunger stayed at bay for ~3 hours. - Digestive Ease
Zero reports of bloating, gas, or stevia‑related after‑taste fatigue—credit the enzyme blend and erythritol‑free sweetening. - Versatility
Held texture when baked into protein muffins at 350 °F; no rubbery crumble.
Where It Falls Short
- Price‑Per‑Protein – At roughly $2.00 per 22 g protein scoop, it costs more than mainstream whey and even some premium vegan competitors.
- Flavor Intensity – The chocolate is subtle; sweet‑tooth users needed cacao nibs or a date to reach milkshake territory.
- Only 20 Servings – Frequent users may churn through a pouch in under three weeks.
Head‑to‑Head Snapshot
| Product | Protein / Scoop | Enzymes Added | Calories | Price / Serving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ora Organic So Lean & So Clean | 22 g | Yes | 130 | $2.00 |
| Vega Sport Premium | 30 g | Yes | 160 | $2.25 |
| Garden of Life Raw Organic | 22 g | Yes | 110 | $1.85 |
Ora trades sheer grams for digestive comfort and cleaner sourcing, positioning itself as the gentler daily driver rather than a mass‑gainer workhorse.
Ora Organics FAQs
Does this protein powder test for heavy metals?
Ora Organic posts a third‑party Certificate of Analysis (COA) for every batch, confirming that lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury all register well below California Prop 65 and EU safety limits. Athletic Insight reviewed the latest COA and found no red‑flag contaminants.
Is it safe to use while pregnant or nursing?
The formula is free of artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols, and common allergens, and Ora labels it pregnancy‑friendly. Even so, any expecting or nursing mother should clear new supplements with a qualified healthcare professional before adding them to a daily routine.
What digestive enzymes are included, and why?
Each scoop supplies protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase, lactase, and hemicellulase. Together, they break down proteins, carbs, fats, and tough plant fibers, reducing bloating and maximizing amino‑acid absorption—key benefits for sensitive stomachs.
Is it keto‑friendly?
At 3 g net carbs and 130 calories per serving, it fits most moderate‑carb keto plans. Strict ketogenic users can keep macros in line by pairing one scoop with added fats like MCT oil or by using a half serving.
How can the chocolate flavor be intensified?
Blend one scoop with 8 oz chilled oat or almond milk, half a frozen banana, and a teaspoon of cacao nibs. Healthy fats deepen the cocoa profile without piling on sugar, turning a mild shake into a dessert‑level treat.
Can it be heated or baked without destroying nutrients?
Yes. Plant proteins remain stable up to typical baking temperatures (≤ 350 °F). Athletic Insight folded the powder into muffins and pancakes; texture stayed light and there was no detectable nutrient loss.
Does it contain any major allergens?
The powder is certified gluten‑free, dairy‑free, soy‑free, and peanut‑free. It’s produced in a facility with strict allergen‑control protocols, but anyone with severe sensitivities should verify the latest batch COA before use.
How many scoops per day for muscle gain?
Most users hit daily protein targets with one to two scoops (22–44 g) alongside whole‑food meals. For hypertrophy phases, Athletic Insight recommends 0.7–1 g of protein per pound of body weight—adjust scoop count to meet that total.
Is Ora Organics Vegan Protein the Best Vegan Protein Powder?
Yes, Ora Organics vegan protein is at the top of the list when it comes to the best vegan protein powders. While there may be cheaper options, you won’t find a better quality product on the market.
Bottom Line
For plant‑based athletes—or anyone whose stomach rebels against whey—Ora Organic’s chocolate blend offers a rare combo of complete amino acids, superfood micronutrients, and bloat‑free digestion. The mild cocoa profile and higher price tag won’t thrill bargain hunters, but if organic credentials, enzyme support, and an ultra‑clean label top the priority list, this pouch earns Athletic Insight’s solid 4.1 / 5 recommendation.
